Rasuanniemi

In terms of landscape and cultural history, Rasuanniemi is an important peninsular area on Lake Kankarisvesi, close to Jämsänkoski. Rasuanniemi is an esker peninsula formed during the Ice Age by ice and water. The esker ranges between 5-15 metres in height. A special feature of the area is its numerous sandy beaches and beautiful, still pristine coves.

The esker contains several natural channels and kettle holes along with erosion banks. Between the peninsulas of Rasuanniemi and Mataranniemi you’ll find a lovely strait, which is also part of the namesake landscape, Wanha Witonen. As legend would have it, famous Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen once rowed his boat on the lake, which inspired his famous painting for the old five Finnish-mark bill in 1909.

Rasuanniemi has a Natura area, which contains several ancient ruins. The ruins reveal that there were human settlements in the area dating all the way to the Stone Age. There are also Stone Age deer trapping pits in the area. Vegetation in the area is primarily dry, peaty forest, along with old-growth pine, lingonberries and black crowberries. The beautiful pine forest is over 100 years old. Many of the trees have already developed a thick, rough bark and some are even standing deadwood. Rasuanniemi is an outstanding day hike destination that also has a campfire site.