A Peaceful Day Trip to Pulkkilanharju | Travel in Finland

Pulkkilanharju is a scenic ridge road that cuts through Lake Päijänne in southern Finland. It’s part of the Päijänne National Park and offers one of the most beautiful drives or bike rides in the country. Here’s what makes it special.

What to Expect

There is a narrow strip of land with water on both sides, you will get stunning lake views and small forest patches. There are plenty of quiet picnic spots, and a peaceful atmosphere. There are several places to stop and swim or take photos.

What to Do

1. Travel slowly and take in the views. As the road is not very long you will see many people cycling or walking along the road. At some spots you will have a pedestrian road available.

2. Bring snacks or a picnic and find a quiet place to eat. In summertime there is a place called Kansallispuiston Helmi usually open, it’s a small cafe with ice-cream and pastries. There is also a restaurant available – Rantaterassi Reimari.

3. Walk along the shore or just sit and listen to the sounds of nature. There is a lot of birdlife and if you are fond of fishing, check out your options. PS. You will need a fishing license.

4. Stop for a swim in clear waters. The water is quite cold even in summertime, but it will be a refreshing dip if you are up to it!

5. Check out the small Lighthouse next to the road.

6. Have a closer look at the bridges on Pulkkilanharju. Karisalmi Bridge is a real work of art – park the car nearby and walk across it. There is a pedestrian path on both sides of the bridge.

7. Take lots of photos and tag us on Instagram! Pulkkilanharju is known for its amazing drone shots. Even though it is most impressive with the drone shots, the drive on Pulkkilanharju is still magical – the green lush forest and endless lake views make it well worth it!

8. If you are interested in water activities, check out some spots to rent (or charter) a boat around Pulkkilanharju:

• Lehmonkärki Resort Marina, Asikkala (boat taxi, motor‑boat rental & marina services on Lake Päijänne)
• Jannen Kalastus ja Kayakki, Vääksy, Asikkala (rent canoes, kayaks, inflatable fishing boats near Karisalmi Bridge)
• Fenix Adventures (guided kayak tour), Pulkkilanharju/Asikkala (guided kayak trips starting from Pulkkilanharju)

9. If you have a bit more time on your hands, here are some nearby places to visit: Vääksy, Sysmä, Tainionkoski Waterfall, Kiikunlähde Spring, Devil’s Nest.

Tips for Your Visit

• Come during the week for fewer people. But to be honest, it does not really get overcrowded. We have been there many times and it is always a peaceful visit.
• Early summer or autumn gives you the best light and fewer bugs. If you have travelled to Finland, you know bug spray is your friend, those small biting flies (in Finnish mäkäräiset) are really annoying.
• Bring water and snacks.
• Bring swimwear and a towel if you dare to take a dip.
• Except for a couple of cafes there are no shops or services on the ridge, so plan ahead.
• There is a toilet available near Kansallispuiston Helmi.
• As for the parking, you can find small parkups next to the road and a couple of larger parking areas next to the cafes.

How to Get There

Pulkkilanharju is only a few kilometers long, but it’s packed with natural beauty. It connects Asikkala and Sysmä, and the road is part of route 314. The best bet would be renting a car and driving to Pulkkilanharju, but you can also use public transport and take a bus from Lahti. Make sure you check the bus times to get there and back.

About 35 minutes by car from Lahti, around 2 hours from Helsinki. You can drive, cycle, or even paddle around the area.

Pulkkilanharju is a short visit, but it stays with you. It’s calm, clean, and easy to reach. If you’re in southern Finland and want a quiet nature escape, this is it. Let us know if you would like to know more places like this in Finland. We have travelled in Finland extensively and there are so many cool nature spots to visit. Let us know in the comments or connect with us on Instagram @kaisartravels