Background: Pertunmaa was an independent municipality founded in 1926, gaining autonomy after separating from Mäntyharju. It officially merged back into Mäntyharju as of January 1, 2025
Origins: The story goes that it was named after a legendary figure called Perttu—literally "the land of Perttu." Its coat of arms, featuring a golden flame and grain ear, reflects its roots in slash-and-burn farming
Notable Landmark: The Pertunmaa Church, dating from 1929, was constructed using parts from an older Hartola church and retains a charming wooden architecture
Traditional Food
Kisko: A local version of bloodstream dumpling (blodpalt).
Rieska: Rye-based bread made with cream and sour cream, baked under cabbage leaves for a rustic touch
Nature & Outdoor Activities
Lakes & Forests: Nestled in the Finnish Lakeland, Pertunmaa is dotted with forests and lakes like Peruvesi and Pienivesi—perfect for fishing, hiking, camping, berry-picking, and foraging
Fish & Fun Holiday Cottages: Located by Lake Kuhajärvi, this retreat offers cottages with traditional saunas, rowing boats, and access to forest trails in summer, plus winter options like skiing and snowmobiling
Year-Round Lodging: Lahdelma Cottages cater to all seasons with lakeside saunas, hot tubs, foraging-friendly woods, lit jogging paths in summer, and maintained ski trails in winter
Festivals & Markets
Pertun päivät: An annual summer event celebrated in the church village (kirkonkylä) with local cultural flair
Pertuntori Markets: Every Saturday during summer (excluding Midsummer), these lakeside markets in the parish village feature fresh local produce, handicrafts, flea-market finds, plus a café and ice-cream kiosk—great for sampling regional flavors
Shopping & Local Services
The parish village includes essential services such as two grocery stores, a bank, health center, school (grades 0–9), municipal office, and fire department—convenient for both residents and visitors
Seasonal Activities
Season Highlights
Summer Hiking, foraging, swimming, boating, traditional saunas, markets, festivals, lit jogging tracks
Winter Cross-country skiing on groomed trails, snowmobiling, sauna retreats, ice fishing, serene snowy forests
Summary
Pertunmaa is a charming, rural gem in Southern Savonia—an area where lakes, forests, and simple traditions blend beautifully. Whether you're drawn to its historic church, sampling local dishes like Kisko and Rieska, or embracing outdoor life in summer and winter, it offers a soul-soothing retreat deeply rooted in Finnish nature and heritage.