Hirvensalmi basic information

Hirvensalmi is a small municipality of 2100 inhabitants in Finland´s lake district. Hirvensalmi lies in Southern Savonia, approximately 200 kilometers Northeast from Helsinki and only 30 kilometers from regional capital Mikkeli.

Municipality is well known for it's lakes, nature and exceptional beauty. Magnificent views, clear waters and tranquility, that it is not so easily found elsewhere this close to Helsinki, have attracted thousands of Finns to build their holiday cabins in Hirvensalmi.

Lakes Puula and Suontee are enjoyed by paddlers and fishing tourists. Large forest areas are great for hiking and berry picking. During winter town center is sleepy, but in summertime main street is full of visitors and life.

You can reach Hirvensalmi easiest by car. If you prefer public transportation you must travel via Mikkeli and continue to Hirvensalmi by bus or taxi. You can reach Mikkeli by train or bus.  There are numerous routes from Helsinki to Mikkeli every day.

Hirvensalmi

• Founded 1868
• 2109 inhabitants
• 3100 summer cabins
• 1360 km shoreline (lakes)
• 127 lakes
• 327 islands
• Area 745 km²

Hirvensalmi tourist information

Summertime Cafe Rantamakasiini

Hirvensalmentie 10

52550 Hirvensalmi

+358 50 3624334

TO DO

The Sports Field Area

The area features a full-size 18-basket disc golf course. You can also borrow disc golf equipment from the library or the municipal office.
On some days, casually throwing discs at the baskets may feel just right; on others, you can get a proper strength workout on the outdoor fitness equipment or the fitness stairs.

Hirvensalmi Sports Field, Kisatie 1
Hirvensalmi Municipal Office, Keskustie 2
Hirvensalmi Library, Koulutie 7

Elomaa School Area

The surroundings of Elomaa School offer great opportunities for relaxed physical activity.
All you need on the artificial turf is a ball and a friend, and the game can begin! All play and game areas in the yard are freely available outside school hours. A ball can be borrowed from the library. Toddlers will also enjoy themselves in the play area.

Play Tennis

Two sand-filled artificial turf tennis courts are located near the school campus. Playing times are booked by writing your name on the paper list at the courts. It is very likely that you can also start playing simply by walking onto the court. You don’t even need your own rackets, as equipment for this sport can also be borrowed from the library right next to the courts. In winter, an ice-skating rink is set up in place of the courts.

Elomaa School, Koulutie 4

Kalkkero Hiking Trail

The Kalkkero hiking trail runs through the village areas of Tuukkala, Hämeenmäki and Hurrila, in a varied Southern Savolax landscape of forests, shores, and rural scenery.

The trail was established and is maintained by the sports and village association Tuukkalan Tempaus ry. The highlight of the trail is Kalkkerovuori viewpoint (151m above sea level), from which there is a magnificent view of Lake Suontee.

Mountain BikeTrail

The 12.3 km route consists of the outdoor trails of Hirvensalmi village, idyllic gravel roads, and the Pöyrynmäki mountain biking trail. The route is easy and suitable also for beginners.

At the summit of Pöyrynmäki along the route, there is a rest area. Route connects also to the Mäknistö rest and campfire site. There is an outhouse at the site.

The route is marked with blue mountain biking symbols. In the Pöyry area, part of the route is one-way. In other sections, the direction of travel is unrestricted.

Kissakoski Nature Trail

Admire Nature and Culture on the Kissakoski Nature and Culture Trail, you can explore both the nature of South Savo and the old industrial environment.
You can take the shorter route (2.5 km) at a leisurely pace while spotting wildlife,or hike a longer distance (6 km) for a more extended adventure.

Fishing

Uistelumatkat Fishing Trips is a fishing tourism company founded in 2001.

It specializes in salmon trolling and scenic cruises. Aboard the steel vessel Pedro Levanto, you can cruise the waves of Lake Puula in stability and style. Customers have access to what is likely Finland’s largest luxury-class trolling boat. The fishing equipment provided is of the highest quality. Catch species include lake salmon, lake trout, Arctic char, zander, pike, and perch.

Fishing Trips also rents a cottage on the island and assists customers in choosing suitable accommodation.

Uistelumatkat, +358 50 564 5767
mika.pihlaja@uistelumatkat.com

Puukonsaari Ferry

You can explore the Puula archipelago even without your own boat by taking the Puukonsaari ferry.

Price list for tourists:

• Tourist trip / car to Puukonsaari, return on the same day, round trip: €20
• Cyclists and pedestrians, round trip: €5

Payment is made in cash to the ferry operator before the trip.

Welcome aboard the Puukonsaari cruise!

Ferry Schedule

Sunday–Friday:

• Puukonsaari → Vintinniemi: 6:00, 8:00, 11:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00, 20:30
• Vintinniemi → Puukonsaari: 7:00, 10:00, 12:00, 16:00, 18:00, 19:45, 21:30

Saturday:

• Puukonsaari → Vintinniemi: 6:00, 8:00, 11:00, 15:00, 17:00, 20:30
• Vintinniemi → Puukonsaari: 7:00, 10:00, 12:00, 16:00, 18:00, 21:30

ACCOMMODATION

Luntan mökit (Luntta Cottages)

Holiday cottages for rent on the shore of the clean, clear-watered and gently sloping Lake Suontee in Tuukkala.

The cottages are basic electrified cabins with outhouses. Cottages are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. If there is something you can’t find, don’t hesitate to ask us — we’ll be happy to help and find a solution together.

+358 40 822 4675, luntanpike@gmail.com
Joutsantie 1244, 52610 Tuukkala

Verkkoranta Organic Cottage and Organic B&B

Verkkoranta offers organic B&B accommodation as well as organic cottage stays, all at their best on the island! In addition, Verkkoranta hosts various wellness weekend courses: eco-team activities, eco-yoga, raw food courses, and peat treatments.

The waters of Lake Suontee are incredibly clear, rich in fish, and peaceful. Verkkoranta is the perfect place for those seeking an atmospheric organic holiday, where you can enjoy candlelight and the glow of a real fire both indoors and outdoors.

+358 40 501 9116, info@verkkoranta.fi
https://verkkoranta.fi/verkkoranta-enjoy-organicholidays-in-finland/

RESTAURANTS, BARS AND CAFES

Café Rantamakasiini

Café Rantamakasiini is an idyllic art café by the shores of Lake Puula, offering an authentic old-fashioned atmosphere. At the Makasiini, you can treat your taste buds to pastries and light snacks, and fresh coffee is always available. During the summer, you can enjoy cultural experiences at art exhibitions held at the Makasiini. We are also happy to assist visitors at our tourist information desk.

Hirvensalmentie 10, 52550 Hirvensalmi, +358 44 705 9565
www.satamanherkku.fi/en/rantamakasiini/

Ravintola Sataman Herkku

Sataman Herkku is a charming restaurant in the Hirvensalmi guest harbor. During the summer season, you can enjoy the delights of our kitchen, refreshing drinks, and the picture-perfect scenery of Lake Puula on our large
terrace. Our kitchen offers delicious à la carte dishes from a seasonally changing menu, mouth-watering pizzas, and daily specials.

Hirvensalmentie 22 A, +358 44 705 9565
satamanherkku@satamanherkku.fi
www.satamanherkku.fi/en/contact/

Ravintola Kissakoski

Local food for small and big appetites, as well as for various celebrations and events. Restaurant Kissakoski serves its guests in an old redbrick production building of a paper mill built in the 1920s. The restaurant offers tasty local food made from pure, locally sourced ingredients. Every day, our restaurant serves fresh pastries, freshly baked bread, and delicious Kissakoski pies for both indulgence and light bites. On weekdays, we offer generous servings of flavorful local food in a delicious buffet, and on weekends, we set the table with the Mill owner’s festive banquet.

Open 12.6. – 23.8.2026
Vahvamäentie 42, 52550 Hirvensalmi
tuija.koponen@ravintolakissakoski.fi, +358 50 5914487

Ravintola Puulanaitta

Restaurant serves home-style lunch and invites you and your friends to enjoy a meal.

Come for lunch, coffee, or to enjoy a glass of wine or beer at Puulanaitta in the center of Hirvensalmi, with the beautiful view of the lake.

We serve coffee and guaranteed fresh pastries from early in the morning. If you prefer to eat easily at home or at your cottage, you can pick up lunch from us daily. Our menu also includes gluten-free, lactose-free, and dairy-free options.

Hirvensalmentie 21, pitopalvelu@pitoaitta.fi
+358 50 321 9551

Pub Leppä

A relaxed Pub in the heart of Hirvensalmi. In addition to refreshing drinks, we offer pub-style food, karaoke, and a laid-back atmosphere. Come and enjoy yourself!
Keskustie 2, +358 40 484 2281
www.satamanherkku.fi/en/restaurant-leppa/

Sejon baari

Coffee, fresh pastries, and savory snacks are available every day.

A relaxed village bar/café open to everyone. Come and enjoy yourself with billiards and board games, and socialize in good company.

Hirvensalmentie 39, +358 15 652 750
sejonbaari@hotmail.com

Municipality contact information

Information desk +358 15 727 111
hirvensalmi (at) hirvensalmi.fi

Mayor Vesa Ellonen
vesa.ellonen (at) hirvensalmi.fi

Trade ombudsman
Heikki Isokääntä  +358 50 300 8608
heikki.isokaanta (at) hirvensalmi.fi
(business development, building sites, )

Administration manager
Mirkka Ronkanen +358 504483095
mirkka.ronkanen (at) hirvensalmi.fi

Principal Petteri Lahdelma +358 50 595 9295
petteri.lahdelma (at) hirvensalmi.fi

Technical manager Asko Viljanen
asko.viljanen (at) hirvensalmi.fi

Building inspector Petri Luukkonen +358 50 380 6889
petri.luukkonen (at) hirvensalmi.fi