Kammiovuori trail, Sysmä

The sturdy wooden gate, which is visible from the car park, leads to the Kammiovuori trail and conservation area. The route is marked on trees with white colour. There are information boards along the way with information about the local area.

After the gate, the trail ascends through a lush mixed forest of mainly spruce trees towards the top of Kammiovuori. The turning to the lean-to comes fairly soon after departure, and you may prefer to hike to the top and take in the scenery first, and have a break at the lean-to on your descent. The view from the top of Kammiovuori is certainly worth the effort!

After the turning to the lean-to, the trail forks into a circular route that takes in the Cave of Hiskias, the Linta boulder and the top of Kammiovuori. The cave is said to have been the home of a hermit who lived here in the early 1900s. Soon after the Cave of Hiskias, you will have the opportunity to take a detour to a small marsh. Marshes are usually found on low ground; the marsh at Kammiovuori is an interesting one as it sits 205 metres above sea level. The area has dozens of large anthills which can be up to two metres high. Stop for a break and watch the ants at work as well as other wonders of wildlife!

Before you reach the top of Kammiovuori, there is a small iron cage on the side of the rock: this is one of the triangulation points of the Struve Geodetic Arc. The Struve Geodetic Arc is a chain of triangulation points built in the early 19th century; it extends from the Arctic Sea to the Black Sea. It was built in order to determine the length of a single meridian across the greatest possible distance and as far north as possible. The measurement was to be used to calculate the exact shape and size of the Earth. The chain was named after F.G.W. Struve, who came up with the idea and helped implement it. With the exception of the northernmost part, the chain was built in what was then Russia and partly in the old Sweden-Norway. Today, the chain extends across ten different countries. It is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The top of Kammiovuori offers magnificent views. Standing at 221 metres, the mountain is the second highest point in Southern Finland. The boulders on the slopes broke off the bedrock when the ice melted some 9,000 years ago. Have a break at the rest stop to take in the views and enjoy a picnic, and don't forget to leave a message in the visitors' book.  

The route continues down a fairly steep path that is covered in tree roots towards a lush valley. There are wooden stairs along the way. The trail is surrounded by mossy rocks and beautiful pristine nature. After the valley, the trail continues up the hill towards the Linta boulder.

The ice age left behind huge boulders at Kammiovuori; the largest - at seven metres high - is the Linta of Sysmä. The boulder was named after a beautiful Gypsy woman who lived in Sysmä once upon a time. Linta entertained visitors at the Sysmä boat harbour. As part of a local tradition which was first started in 1982 by the Lions Club of Sysmä, the title "Sysmän Linta" is awarded in summer every year. The recipient is usually a local woman whose work or other activity has significantly contributed to local life or the reputation of Sysmä.

After stopping to admire Linta, you will pass through an atmospheric spruce forest before reaching the laavu with a campfire facility. The laavu provides a delightful place to stop and rest amongst the moorland scenery. It is a great spot for a picnic and relaxation.

Upon departing the laavu, you will soon return to the path where you started. Go left to descend towards the car park and take in the last of the beautiful scenery, fresh air and tranquillity.

Hikers are advised to bring fire-making equipment and a woodcarving knife. Firewood and an earth closet are available at the laavu. You should also bring water and snacks, as the nearest shops are in Sysmä 27 kilometres away.

The route is demanding and very hilly and rocky in places, and sturdy footwear is recommended. Waterproof footwear is recommended in wet weather, as there can be puddles. The route is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

The route has some difficult terrain and steep rises and falls. It is also rocky and covered in tree roots in places. Hikers should take extra care in wet weather, as tree roots, stones and leaves can make the path slippery.

Take care when walking along the cliff edge, as there is a risk of falling. Rocks, tree roots and steep slopes make for slow progress, but the views are definitely worth the effort! Despite its challenging terrain, Kammiovuori is also a popular day trip destination for families. The route is accessible during the non-snowy months.

The starting point can be reached by car. From Sysmä, take road no. 612 and drive for 24 km towards Luhanka, take a right onto Vintturintie and drive a further 2 km. Take a left onto Nutturintie and drive for another kilometre to the Kammiovuori car park.

Kammiovuori has always been considered a mystical place. In July 1916, a local newspaper ran an article on a study of the mountain carried out by a doctoral candidate called Ticcander from Åbo Akademi. According to Ticcander, Kammiovuori has at least twelve large caves, and if you throw a stone inside some of the caves, you can hear it falling down a set of steps. Some of the caves appear to have water in the bottom, since they release steam in summer. In winter, the hot steam keeps the vicinity of the caves clear of snow. In February 1786, there were reports of a mild earthquake felt in Sysmä and Hartola with suggestions of volcanic activity at Kammiovuori.

Three kilometres from Kammiovuori, the village of Vintturi has a summer restaurant called Yhden lehmän navetan pubi - "the Single-Cow Shed Pub" - which enjoys cult status and is said to be "in the middle of nowhere". The curious name is matched by the curious size of the pub. The pub is located in an old stone-walled cow shed which used to have space for a single cow. On the terrace, the only noise comes from birds singing in the trees. The cow shed used to belong to the teacher of the adjacent school whose employment benefits included a single dairy cow. The school was eventually closed and the building became a boarding house, and in 1995 someone had the idea to turn the cow shed into a pub.   

The village of Vintturi has a guest pier for visitors arriving by boat. Jazz fans who visit in early August are in for a treat with the VintturiJazz festival, which is held at the Nuorisoseurantalo village hall.

Hikers can walk from Kammiovuori to Purnuvuori in Hartola, but please note that the route is not signposted. A cycle route from Helsinki to Jyväskylä takes in Sysmä - if you're passing, why not make a trip to Kammiovuori?

The Kirjakyläpäivät event in July sees the Sysmä market square turn into a trading place for old books. Also in July, the local manors, cowsheds, churches and concert halls host the Sysmän Suvisoitto festival of classical and popular music.

On the last Saturday of July each year, the Uotinpäivä market brings some 300 traders to Sysmä from around the country. Uotinpäivä - Uoti's Day - is a celebration of Norwegian Viking king Olaf after whom the beautiful St Olaf's Church (Pyhän Olavin kirkko) in Sysmä has been named. Uoti is a local dialect version of the name Olaf.  

Further information: Sysmä, VisitPäijänne

In addition to its manors, Sysmä is known as a book village - uniquely in the whole of Finland. Named after the Finnish author Kaarlo Sarkia, the early 20th century Villa Sarkia hosts artists including young authors and poets.

There will be a dry toilet in the beginning of the trail at the Kammiovuori parking lot in the spring of 2023.