Valkmusa National Park, Kymenlaakso, Finland

4JariJK 5:00 PM Oct 22, 2017

Largest raised bogs in Southern Finland and very easy to visit
This small national park is situated in the municipalities of Pyhtää and Kotka. It is quite hard to get there by bus. There is a bus stop only 200 meters from the national park but there aren't very many bus lines. However, it is very easy to get there with one's own car or by taxi. There aren't any services (except an outhouse) there. The national park is always open and there isn't any admission fee. The best trail starts from Simonsaari parking place of the western part of the national park (address Vastilantie 886, Pyhtää), next to the asphalted road number 3562 between Siltakylä (Pyhtää) and Anjala (Kouvola). The circle trail is named "Läntisen keitaan lenkki" and it is 2.3 kilometers long. It is a flat duckboard trail. So it is very easy to walk there and the trail is suitable for small children, too, but the path isn't accessible with a pushchair or a wheelchair. You don't need rubber boots (wellies) if the weather isn't very rainy. There is an observation tower called Simonsaari by the path. It is a good place for bird watching and seeing the wonderful bog scenery. There are also a table and benches next to the observation tower. So this is a nice place for eating a picnic lunch. There isn't any campfire site there and it is forbidden to make a campfire. In winter you can ski from the parking place to Moronvuori Hill (3.5 kilometers). Bogs in Valkmusa National Park are the largest and most varied in coastal Southern Finland. The national park has several fine raised bogs, e.g. Kananiemensuo and Munasuo. Munasuo Mire is Finland's largest coastal hummocked raised bog. Valkmusa is known for many butterfly and bird species. You may also find tasty cranberries here. Another starting point is at the end of the road named Suolinnantie, in the eastern part of the national park. You get there from Heinlahti (road E18). From the parking place it is about 1.1 kilometers to Moronvuori Hill. There is a day trip hut there. This is a wonderful place to have a picnic. There are a campfire site (a cooking shelter) and an outhouse there. This is also Valkmusa's only place where you may camp. Our family loves this national park. It is suitable for a short visit without special equipment.

4BeachStone2C 5:00 PM May 16, 2021

Small, peaceful nature park
Valkmusa National Park is very close to the city of Kotka and the E18 highway. Yet it is difficult to reach by public transportation. A bike would be an excellent choice. The park itself is small, but not crowded. Fairly flat path, well maintained. No magnificent views but for as anyone seeking a good relaxing place this a good choice.