Hetejärvi

Hetejärvi is a peaceful, wilderness‑like and high‑quality bird conservation site located about six kilometres from the centre of Keitele.

At the beginning of May, the lake hosts the full range of waterfowl, including geese, colonies of black‑headed and little gulls, waders, cranes and birds of prey. Among the breeding species, the most interesting are the horned grebe and cranes. Common birds of prey include the western marsh harrier and, in August, the Eurasian hobby.

There are two birdwatching towers at the lake, both accessible via boardwalks.
The starting point for the eastern Saunaniemi tower is at Koutajärventie 300. The distance to the tower is just over one kilometre. The western Kallioniemi tower can be reached from Suvannontie, and the distance to this tower is also about one kilometre.

Unlike many typical bird lakes, Hetejärvi has no reed beds. By midsummer, the lake becomes covered by a floating mat of lake horsetail. Open water remains in a maze‑like area in the centre of the lake, in separate pools in the southern and southeastern parts, and in the northwestern inlet of Harjaslahti.

Hetejärvi can also be conveniently reached by bicycle through rural scenery and partly along a road that practically runs over marshland.

Address: Koutajärventie 300, Keitele