Puijonsarvi

Puijo is one of Kuopio's most popular natural attractions, known for its old spruce forests, rich deciduous vegetation, and magnificent landscapes. The area features several recreational trails, which are ski tracks in winter, as well as smaller, heavily used forest paths. Due to its size, Puijo is an excellent place for outdoor exercise and forest hiking. One marked mountain biking trail runs through the area; mountain biking is forbidden on other paths and off-trail. The unique natural values make Puijo a great environmental education site, also suitable for group instruction. The recreational forests of Puijonsarvi are mainly mature spruce-mixed forest, with young pine forest in the northernmost part. Near the Puijonnokka lean-to, there are large planted larches. The lean-to at Puijonnokka offers splendid views of northern Kallavesi. The lean-to is most easily accessed from the Puijonsarvi end, by following the recreational trail uphill from Aaro Jalkanen's statue. The distance to the lean-to this way is just under a kilometre. Visitors with disabilities can drive an accessible taxi along the recreational trail to the lean-to, which also has an accessible dry toilet. Puijo forest can be accessed on foot and by bicycle from nearby residential areas. Several bus lines run around the ridge, and many stops are right at the edge of the forest. The elevation differences make Puijo's terrain challenging: generally, Puijo is not accessible.