recommended route
Pisan kierto - hiking trail in a nature reserve
Savonia University of Applied Sciences Verified partner Explorers Choice
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Pisa's observation tower allows you to see far awayPhoto: Jaakko Laukkanen, Savonia University of Applied Sciences
The ring route from the Lastukoski car park runs through the protected area to the hill of Pisa. The recommended direction of hiking is clockwise. The high forested hill of Pisa is located in Nilsiä, Kuopio, at the southern end of Lake Syväri. The forests are mostly natural, but there are also areas where forest management has been done, especially at the beginning of the route. The rocky paths of the route are partly demanding, but climbing the hill has been facilitated by stairs, railings and picnic platforms.
Along the route there is a small cave called Pirunkellari (the devil's cellar). After climbing the Pisa hill, you can admire the scenery that opens up everywhere from the top of the stunningly tall observation tower. Near the tower you can find the boundary stone of Treaty of Teusina, to which the representatives of Sweden and Russia scratched their own marks in 1595. There is a table and benches next to the observation tower where you can enjoy your snacks. The highest peak of the hill rises about 270 meters above sea level and about 170 meters above the surface of the adjacent lakes. The slopes of the forested hill are steep around the hill.
Author’s recommendation
Track types
Safety information
In wet weather, stairs and cliffs can be slippery. The route has several stairs and steep parts. Making a fire in the nature reserve is not allowed.Tips and hints
There are no outhouses or water sources along the route. Also, there are no waste bins along the route so remember to take all the waste back with you. Overnight stays in the nature reserve are not allowed. The nearest shops, gas stations and other services are located in Nilsiä.Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
The route initially follows an old road, from which after about 1.5 km you turn left onto a path. The route is marked with finnish signs. The wet parts of the path are covered with duckboards. When you reach the road after the covered section, turn right following the road you deviate from, following the signs again to the path.
Soon the most challenging part of the route begins, getting up to Pisa hill. On the way there is a small cave called Pirunkellari (about 4 km from the starting point). After a short hike, you will reach the top of the Pisa hill from where you can admire the scenery by climbing the lookout tower. Also nearby is the landmark stone of the Treaty of Teusina. There is a table and benches next to the observation tower where you can enjoy your snacks. The highest peak of the hill rises about 270 meters above sea level and about 170 meters above the surface of the adjacent lakes. The slopes of the hill are very steep. The heights of the individual cliffs vary from 5 to 15 meters. There is a signboard on the top of the hill. The route continues towards the starting point on the marked route for about 3 km. The steepest parts of the path have stairs.
Public transport
No public transportationBy road
The Pisa Nature Reserve is located east of main road no. 75 (Siilinjärvi - Nurmes). It is 62 km from Kuopio to Pisa and 70 km from Nurmes, 13 km from Nilsiä and 27 km from Tahko. There are signs for Pisa from the Siilinjärvi - Nurmes road (no. 75) at the car park called Lastukosken pysäköintialue and from the Lastukoski - Venäjänahontie (no. 5701).Parking
There is a free parking area called Lastukosken pysäkointialue, in address Lastukoskentie 108.Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Further reading:
Pisa has been a popular destination since the 19th century and is mentioned in the Kalevala. Elias Lönnrot climbed to Pisa in the summer of 1832. Of the heads of state, at least King Oskar II of Sweden visited Pisa during his reign (1872 - 1907) to see the border of Treaty of Teusina.
Equipment
In dry weather, sneakers are sufficient. There are a few damp places on the route where wet weather resistant footwear may be necessary.Statistics
- 5 Waypoints
- 5 Waypoints
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