Pulkkilanharju

From Vääksy, you can access Finland’s most beautiful scenic route, leading to the breathtaking Pulkkilanharju. This nearly nine-kilometer-long Pulkkilanharju, spanning across Lake Päijänne, is comprised of ridge islands and submerged ridges, making it a part of a nationally valuable scenic area, Salpaussselkä UNESCO Geopark.

Connected by three bridges, this ice age-formed narrow and elongated ridge features its unique charm: the embanked section of Pulkkilansalmi, the suspension bridge of Karisalmi, and the beautiful arch bridge of Käkisalmi.

Part of Pulkkilanharju belongs to the Päijänne National Park. You can park your car next to the Karisalmi bridge and follow the signs to the nature trail. The two-kilometer route is mostly easy to walk. . From the trail, you can also access a longer, approximately 4.5-kilometer route that mainly follows well-maintained forest paths, offering beautiful ridge and lake views.

Starting from the Pulkkilanharju on Asikkalanselkä, the 120-kilometer long Päijänne tunnel originates, serving as the conduit for over a million Finns’ drinking water supply to the capital region. This tunnel is the world’s longest continuous rock tunnel. You can explore the recently updated exhibition about the Päijänne Tunnel at the Päijännetalo exhibition.