Rantaraitti around Nurmes Kauppala

The Rantaraitti is suitable for the whole family due to its easy accessibility, and there is also a playground and a beach at the harbor along the way. The route is year-round and illuminated, so jogging or cycling is also possible in the evening and winter. Along the way, you will see views of Pielinen and Nurmesjärvi, esker terrain, and birch alleys. Information boards have been placed along the route that tell the history of the area. The Rantaraitti passes behind the Nurmes house, where you can explore the memorials of Kirkkoharju and Elias Lönnrot park. The route passes through protected Puu-Nurmes, where wooden houses and fireplaces enchant travelers. The distance is easy to modify as you like, as the route goes through the urban area along sidewalks and walking paths.  

Highlights of the route:

• Lake views of Pielinen and Nurmesjärvi
• The Puu-Nurmes wooden house area, inhabited since the late 19th century and one of the best-preserved wooden house areas in Finland
• Harbor

• In winter, the route may be slippery in some places.
• Watch out for other traffic.

• Coming from Kuopiontie, turn from the roundabout onto Pappilansuora, which becomes Raatihuoneenkatu. Continue along Kirkkokatu until turning right before the Mikonniemi bridge. Parking spaces for cars immediately after the turn. 
• Coming from Lieksantie, continue as Lieksantie becomes Kirkkokatu. Immediately after Mikonniemi bridge, turn left. Parking spaces for cars immediately after the turn.

• Bus traffic from Kuopio, Lieksa, Joensuu, and Kajaani directions usually daily. You can check traffic information on the Matkahuolto.fi website. About 500 meters from the bus station to the route. 
• Train service twice daily from Joensuu direction. You can check schedules at VR.fi. About 500 meters from the railway station to the route.

• You can park, for example, in the parking lots at Mikonniemi, the harbor, or Nurmes house.
• Free parking also along the streets. 

Walk from Mikonniemi along the shore of Pielinen to the harbor, from where you pass under the railway bridge onto the pedestrian path. Follow the pedestrian path until you reach the Kötsinmäki intersection and ascend the hill behind the Nurmes house. From there, paths lead to the Elias Lönnrot park and from there to Rajakatu. Rajakatu becomes Nurmeksenkatu, from which you turn via Työväenkatu to Koulukatu right on the shore of Nurmesjärvi. Soon the Rantaraitti continues as a pedestrian path along the shores back to the Mikonniemi bridge starting point. 

• The Rantaraitti can be traveled on foot or by bicycle. 
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Sufficient water and snacks.