When you live in the heart of the city, it is sometimes easy to forget that Joensuu has vast areas of relative wilderness perfect for outdoor activities such as berry or mushroom picking or simply taking in a deep breath in the calm and fresh air of nature.

In Kiihtelysvaara, there are magnificent landscapes, lakes, rivers and hiking and kayaking trails. Oskolankoski is located in the village of Oskola, about 20 km from the Joensuu city centre. There is an accessible campfire and a lean-to, a jetty for fishing and a stage. The area has access for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Road signs lead hikers on a 3.5 km nature trail to see the oldest pine trees in Kiihtelysvaara, and a monument commemorating the 1742 battle during Pikkuviha, a period of Russian occupation of Finland during the Russo-Swedish War. The area has parking for cars and it is also accessible by boat.

You can purchase a guide with information about local plants and history from the service point of Kiihtelysvaara at the address Aprakkatie 2. The Oskolankoski lean-to is located at the address Oskolantie 371, Kiihtelysvaara. More information can be found on the City of Joensuu website (in Finnish): www.joensuu.fi/luontopolut