Hiking & outdoor recreationLength1,7 km
Duration(1 h)
Degree of difficultyEasy
On this short nature trail, you have a chance to familiarise yourself with the lush vegetation and the wide variety of fungus species characterising the rich ecosystem of the Kielosaari Island and enjoy a quiet walk in a beautiful scenery. The trail is easy, runs on wide wooden duckboards and is suited for nature lovers of all ages, both newcomers and more seasoned enthusiasts. You are guided on the trail by signposts and illustrated information boards. There are no campfire sites on Kielosaari but the Könkäänsaari and Karhukumpu lean-to shelters are only a short distance away. In spring and early summer, the trail may be temporarily inaccessible due to flooding.
Circle trailThe trail can be hiked in both directions.
Campfire siteThe nearby campfire sites at Könkäänsaari and Karhukumpu have lean-to shelters.
Camping permittedCamp in the immediate vicinity of the marked campfire sites.
Dry toiletIn the parking area.
Remember to bring a trash bagThere are no trash bins along the trail. Bring a trash bag and take your rubbish away with you to the trash collection point in the parking area.
No water point
No winter maintenance
Contact information
Starting pointVaattunki parking area, Vaattunkikönkääntie 219, 96900 Vikajärvi
You can reach the Kielosaari Plant and Fungus Trail from the Vaattunkiköngäs parking area by using first the Könkäänsaari Accessible Nature Trail. The distance from the parking area to the Plant and Fungus Trail starting point is 650 metres.
There is a wooden bridge between Könkäänsaari and Kielosaari islands, from which you can admire the swirling river and the lush riverbanks. From the bridge, you descend down wooden stairs to Kielosaari. Kielosaari Plant and Fungus Trail is a circular trail (approx. 350 m long) that can be walked in both directions. The route description is clockwise.
The plant and fungus trail starts immediately after the bridge and the stairs, continuing to the left of the stairs.
The trail runs on 70 cm wide wooden cross-planked duckboards all the way. There are information boards along the trail, describing typical plants and fungi of the area.
After 200 metres is a junction where a trail branches to the left towards the Karhukumpu lean-to shelter about 250 metres away. You can have a break at the lean-to shelter and take the same route back to the Kielosaari Plant and Fungus Trail. There is also a dry toilet at the Karhukumpu lean-to shelter. The path to the Karhukumpu lean-to shelter runs on cross-planked duckboards.
The Kielosaari Plant and Fungus Trail continues towards Könkäänsaari. From the Karhukumpu junction, it only takes about 150 metres until you are at the familiar point at the foot of the bridge between Könkäänsaari and Kielosaari islands.
After crossing the bridge, on the way back to the Vaattunkiköngäs parking area, you can take a break at the Könkäänsaari accessible lean-to shelter yard. At the yard, there are two lean-to shelters, a campfire site, an accessible dry toilet and a scenic pier.
End pointVaattunki parking area, Vaattunkikönkääntie 219, 96900 Vikajärvi