«  Back to listing
Hiking Trail Hiking Trail |Joensuu

Kuhasalo accessible route

The maritime atmosphere surprises someone visiting Kuhasalo near the center of Joensuu for the first time. All the official routes in the area as well as six campfire places are accessible. 

Description

In the Kuhasalo area, smooth maritime cliffs and open lake expanses combine with dark magical forests and fascinating history. 

All renovated routes of this unique destination are accessible, although classified as demanding accessible routes and therefore, for example, wheelchair users are recommended to travel with an assistant. Clear markings and guide signs direct along the 3.5 km route network. In addition to the official routes, there are numerous unmaintained paths in the area, offering opportunities for small exploration trips. 

From all six campfire sites, there are great views over Pyhäselkä. The structures of the campfire sites are normally higher and thus promote accessible hiking in part. All campfire sites have firewood supply. There are also two rentable grill huts in Kuhasalo.

As the crow flies, Kuhasalo is only 2.5 km from Joensuu Market Square. Although the destination is popular among city residents, walking in the 50-hectare area allows experiencing being in private peace. The sounds of the waves of Pyhäselkä near the shores calm down.

A small Orthodox monastery operated in Kuhasalo in the 1500s.

In winter, Kuhasalo routes are not maintained. However, frequent visitors keep the paths open, and the place can be recommended also in the winter season, although accessible travel is not possible then. In the best winters, you can reach there via a maintained track to Pyhäselkä.

Safety

  • Wheelchair users are recommended to have an assistant with them.
  • In winter, there are current spots near the mouth of the Pielisjoki River next to Kuhasalo. Do not walk on the ice near the current spots.
  • Download the 112 emergency app on your smartphone

Location & Parking

Along Kuhasalontie road towards Kuhasalo. The road continues then as Luostarintie, from which it branches left with the sign Kukkosensaari, from where you will find the Kuhasalo parking area and starting point.

From the nearest bus stop Penttilä, it is about a 1.7 km walk to Kuhasalo.

Starting point address: Kukkosensaari 5, Joensuu.

Directions

  • There are good signs in Kuhasalo. You can choose your route according to the guidance.

Tools and equipment

  • Hiking equipment
  • Firewood supply (bring your own matches and fire starters)

Additional information

Very easy - can be done by anyone without prior training.
GPX
Starting point
Kukkosensaari 5, Joensuu
Destination
Kukkosensaari 5, Joensuu
Difficulty level
Easy
Length
3.4km
Estimated time
01:00h
Ascent meters
5m
Descent meters
4m
Highest point
86m
Lowest point
77m
Author tips:
  • In the 1500s, there was a small Orthodox monastery in Kuhasalo, which became deserted according to conclusions from land registers already by the end of the same millennium. In the 1600s, the name changed from Kuhasalo to Kukkosensaari when the wealthy Kukkonen family moved to the area. The current peninsula was an island until the early 1900s.
  • The shores of Kalmonniemi are adorned with pines growing on rocks, on the Kukkosensaari side charming old spruces and numerous decaying trees. The area also grows planted poplars, hybrid aspens, and lodgepole pines. The most observant hiker may find some of the over 50 species of cone-bearing trees.

  • The nature of Kuhasalo surprises with both its abundance and diversity. All species of woodpeckers of Finland have been observed in the Kuhasalo recreational area. 

Author:
Joensuun kaupunki
Updated: 19.03.2026