Punkaharju – Lake Landscapes, Forest and Cultural History

Punkaharju brings together a striking ridge landscape, lakes, forest and a rich cultural history. Marked trails offer views of Puruvesi and Pihlajavesi; in summer, the lake labyrinth invites you to paddle, go boating and swim. This gives you the chance to decide whether you would like to focus your trip more on outdoor activities, time on the water or culture.

A ridge with a long history

The forests of the Punkaharju ridge were protected by decree of Emperor Alexander I in 1803. In 1843, Punkaharju was declared a crown park by Tsar Nicholas I. Today, the area is one of Finland’s official national landscapes. This history is also reflected in its buildings: completed in 1908, Punkaharju station on the Savonlinna–Elisenvaara line is a National Romantic railway building. Its history is closely linked to Punkaharju as a crown park and travel destination. The grounds of the old station are also home to a tsasouna (chapel) dedicated to Saint Herman of Alaska.

Those who wish to explore the landscape on foot will find hiking trails in the ridge’s nature reserve. Marked routes and paths lead to views of the two lakes, Puruvesi and Pihlajavesi. One specific option is the illuminated Topelius Nature Trail: it is about 2.2 kilometres long and runs between Hotelli Punkaharju and Kruunupuisto, along the shores of Valkialampi and Kaarnalahti, west of the ridge road. The original unpaved road along the ridge can be visited on foot south of Hotelli Punkaharju.

Water, winter trails and active days

In summer, the lake labyrinth offers different ways to spend time by the water: you can paddle, go boating or swim. In Tuunaansaari, on the opposite side of the ridge area near Retretti railway platform, Harjun Portti rents 9 SUP boards and almost 20 kayaks to experienced paddlers and beginners. This gives you a concrete option to consider if you would like to include a paddling trip in your holiday.

Winter brings its own routes across the lake ice. Maintained winter trails offer opportunities for natural-ice skating and snowshoeing. The natural ice track in Punkaharju can reach a maximum length of up to 17 kilometres. The nature reserve also has ski trails and opportunities for cross-country skiing. This range of options lets you choose what suits you: a hike, a lap on the ice or cross-country skiing on the trails.

Forest culture and discoveries with children

The Finnish Forest Museum Lusto explores the forest and its importance in Finnish life. Exhibitions, collections, events, work demonstrations and themed days offer different ways to engage with the subject. One exhibition tells the story of the age-old relationship between forest and people from six perspectives. In summer, Lusto offers weekly guided tours of its exhibitions; children can visit an exhibition featuring a bear’s den.

Another cultural highlight is the Retretti Art Cave, an exhibition space carved into rock. After opening in 1985, it quickly became known for its international art exhibitions and unusual underground setting. Families can also visit Hepokatti Animal Farm, where visitors can meet farm animals and spend time playing and taking part in activities, or Kesämaa water and amusement park, which is presented as a family-friendly attraction for children. The climbing park next to Kesämaa has four courses with obstacles of varying difficulty; the routes are more than one kilometre long in total.

Getting here and nearby places

Punkaharju can be reached by train. Lusto railway stop is about 100 metres from the entrance to the Forest Museum; the nearest bus stop is about 400 metres away. Punkaharju Research Park is open year-round and free to enter. If you would also like to explore other places while planning your trip, you can find Savonranta, Piojärvi, Enonkoski, Kumpuranta, Oravi, Vuoriniemi, Hiukkajoki and Sulkava here.

For the main travel overview: Savonlinna.