Attractions
Rantaraitti
Address: Asematie 12, 44800 Pihtipudas, Finland .The scenic lakeside route of Rantaraitti runs close to the centre of Pihtipudas and offers beautiful views across the water. Along the route you can stop to admire the lake, relax on benches or simply enjoy a peaceful walk in every season. The easy route is also perfect for a short evening stroll after a long drive.
Koto’s tip: On summer evenings, the calm lake and evening light make Rantaraitti one of the most beautiful spots in Pihtipudas.
Sports park
Address: Tahkonpolku 9, Pihtipudas, Finland .Sports park including a fully equipped sports field, sand field, beach volleyball court, 3 tennis courts, parkour track and skateboarding area.
Pyhä-Häkin kansallispuisto
Address: Pyhä-Häkki National Park, parking lot, Viitasaarentie, Saarijärvi, Finland .Pyhä-Häkki National Park is known for its ancient forests, peaceful atmosphere and centuries-old pine trees. Easy walking trails and wooden boardwalks lead visitors deep into one of the oldest forests in Central Finland, where it is easy to slow down and enjoy the silence of nature. The park is perfect for both relaxed day trips and longer outdoor adventures.
Koto’s tip: Early mornings in the forest are often almost completely silent — a perfect moment to pause and enjoy nature.
Salamajärven kansallispuisto
Address: Salamajärven kansallispuisto, Koirasalmentie, Kivijärvi, Finland .Salamajärvi National Park offers true wilderness scenery with forests, open mires and peaceful hiking trails. The national park is also known as one of the best places in Finland to spot the wild forest reindeer in its natural habitat. The area is ideal for hiking, birdwatching and enjoying the calm beauty of Finnish nature.
Koto’s tip: Bring comfortable shoes and a camera — the scenery changes beautifully from forests to open wetlands and lakeside views.
Heinäjoen museosilta
Address: Heinäjoen silta, Pihtipudas, Finland .Heinäjoki Museum Bridge is one of the best-known historical landmarks in Pihtipudas. Built in 1924, the stone bridge once served the traffic of Highway 4 and reflects the area’s long travel and transportation history. The surrounding riverside scenery makes it a pleasant stop for photography and a short walk.
Koto’s tip: The area around the bridge is especially beautiful during the colourful autumn season.
Ritovuoren ulkoilualue
Address: Ritovuori Outdoor Recreation Area, Pihtipudas, Finland .Ritovuori Outdoor Recreation Area offers peaceful nature, outdoor trails and beautiful forest scenery just a short distance from Koto Hotel. The area is ideal for walking, jogging and relaxed outdoor activities throughout the year. During winter, visitors can also enjoy cross-country skiing and snowy forest landscapes.
Koto’s tip: Ritovuori is a perfect place for a refreshing outdoor break after a workday or a long journey.
Pihtiputaan kirkko
Address: Pihtipudas Church, Sallilantie, Pihtipudas, Finland .Completed in 1783, Pihtipudas Church is one of the best-known landmarks in the area and an important part of local history. The peaceful atmosphere of the beautiful wooden church and its traditional Finnish surroundings invite visitors to pause for a quiet moment, even during a longer journey. The area around the church is also ideal for a relaxing walk and photography.
Koto’s tip: In summer, the church surroundings are especially beautiful in the greenery and soft evening light.
Keihäsmuseo
Address: Keihäsmuseo, Putaanportintie, Pihtipudas, Finland .Javelin Museum presents the history of Finnish javelin throwing and the area’s strong athletics tradition. The museum offers an interesting look into Finnish sports achievements and legendary javelin throwers. It is a fascinating destination for sports fans as well as travellers interested in local culture and history.
Koto’s tip: The museum is surprisingly interesting even for visitors who do not usually follow athletics.
Suurijärven retkeilyreitistö
Address: Suurijärvi, Pihtipudas, Finland .Suurijärvi Nature Trail takes visitors through peaceful forest and lakeside scenery, offering a relaxing outdoor destination close to nature. Along the trail, visitors can enjoy the silence of Finnish forests, changing landscapes and clean natural surroundings. The easy route is also ideal for a relaxed day tri
Koto’s tip: By Lake Suurijärvi, visitors will find a cosy wilderness cabin area with both a reservable cabin and a free open wilderness hut for hikers and outdoor travellers. The area also includes a sauna, campfire site, pier and rowing boat — a perfect place to slow down and experience the peaceful atmosphere of Finnish nature.
Keihäänheittäjä-patsas
Address: Keihäänheittäjä, Pihtipudas, Finland .Designed by Finnish sculptor Ensio Seppänen, the Javelin Thrower Statue celebrates Pihtipudas’ strong athletics tradition and the area’s well-known connection to Finnish javelin throwing. The statue is a popular photo spot and an interesting stop for visitors interested in sports culture and local history.
Koto’s tip: While visiting the statue, it is also worth exploring the nearby Javelin Museum and the history of Finnish javelin throwing.
Kotiseutumuseo
Address: Pihtiputaan Kotiseutumuseo, Sallilantie, Pihtipudas, Finland .Pihtipudas Local Heritage Museum offers visitors an interesting glimpse into local history, rural life and Finnish traditions. The museum buildings and historical items reflect a time when everyday life was closely connected to nature, craftsmanship and the changing seasons.
Koto’s tip: The museum is a lovely summer destination for visitors interested in peaceful surroundings and local history.
Hiekan uimaranta
Address: Hiekan uimaranta, Pihtipudas, Pihtipudas, Finland .Hiekan Beach is a lovely place to spend a relaxing summer day by the lake. The sandy beach, peaceful surroundings and clean water invite visitors to swim, unwind and enjoy the beauty of the Finnish summer in nature.
Koto’s tip: On summer evenings, the beach is a beautiful place to watch the sunset reflected on the calm lake.
Hiekan Hippos -ravirata
Address: Hiekan Hippos - Pihtiputaan ravirata, Tarhantie, Pihtipudas, Finland .Hiekan Hippos Racetrack is a traditional harness racing track and event area where visitors can experience the atmosphere of Finnish trotting races in a countryside setting. During summer, the area hosts races and local events that bring together both locals and travellers.
Koto’s tip: A summer race event is a fun way to experience Finnish countryside culture and local traditions.
Western Training Sanna Onkamo
Address: Western Training Sanna Onkamo, Tarhantie, Pihtipudas, Finland .Western Training Sanna Onkamo stable offers visitors a chance to experience horses, riding and a western-style atmosphere surrounded by peaceful countryside scenery. The stable area is a pleasant destination both for horse enthusiasts and travellers looking for a different kind of rural Finnish experience.
Koto’s tip: Take a moment to enjoy the calm countryside atmosphere and the relaxed pace of life around the stables.
Löytänän kesäteatteri
Address: Löytänän kesäteatteri, Rinteentie, Löytänä, Finland .Löytänä Summer Theatre offers atmospheric outdoor theatre performances surrounded by beautiful Finnish countryside scenery. In summer 2026, the theatre presents the classic comedy Jeppe of the Hill (Jeppe Niilonpoika), adapted by Juha Varis and Helena Vierikko based on Ludvig Holberg’s well-known story. The open-air theatre combines Finnish summer, culture and rural charm in a unique way.
Koto’s tip: An evening at the summer theatre is a wonderful way to experience Finnish summer culture and the peaceful countryside atmosphere.
