Kallislahti: Fortification History and Cultural Route

Kallislahti combines an unusual First World War history with a long tourist cultural route. Among field fortifications, regional traditions and the Green Gold Cultural Route, you’ll find different ways to shape your trip—from historical discoveries to nature activities near Loikansaari.

Field Fortifications and Historical Traces

The Kallislahti–Pihlajalahti fortification chain dates from the First World War. The entire seven-kilometre-wide isthmus between Kallislahti and Pihlajalahti is equipped with field fortifications. The defensive line includes several dozen separate combat and communication trenches, as well as bunkers built near the old road to Imatra. Their extent across the isthmus makes the fortifications a defining historical feature of the area.

On a hill south of State Road 14 in Kallislahti, where a landfill used to be, there are about 670 metres of dug combat and communication trenches, 130 metres of blasted trenches, and twelve bunker pits. The two length measurements distinguish the dug trenches from the blasted ones; the twelve pits are in addition to these. This makes it possible to understand the described site through specific forms and measurements without conflating the combat and communication trenches with the bunker pits.

There is also a distinctive historical trace at Kaislanmäki: a low, circular stone structure made of large stones, with a diameter of 4.3 metres. It could be a so-called Lapinraunio, although its location in a hollow is unusual for a Lapinraunio. Kaislanmäki lies by Lake Pihlajavesi, 150 metres north of the lake and north of Road 435, 60 metres from that road. According to local tradition, a border gate stood about 20 metres north of the stone structure at the end of the 18th century.

Travelling the Green Gold Cultural Route

The official Green Gold Cultural Route is a 250-kilometre tourist route. It runs from Mäntyharju via Ristiina, Puumala, Sulkava and Savonlinna to Punkaharju, reaching Kallislahti. From Sulkava, it continues to Kallislahti, where it joins State Road 14. After Kallislahti, the route runs mostly along this state road to the end, with only a few detours. If you’re planning a trip along the cultural route, Kallislahti offers a specific point of reference on a route connecting several places.

An audio story about the Green Gold Cultural Route is available in the free Glopas app. You can listen to it while travelling by car or bicycle. This lets you complement your journey along the cultural route with an audio feature. The route and its audio story appeal to travellers who want to plan their exploration around a set itinerary; the fortifications and the stone structure, by contrast, focus on individual historical traces.

Loikansaari and Choosing Your Accommodation

Loikansaari holiday cottages are located at Loikansaarentie 430, 58810 Kallislahti. Loikansaari’s listed features include a gently sloping sandy shore with a jetty and a rowboat. The Loikansaari holiday cottage also has a separate wood-heated lakeside sauna with a changing room. The private yard of the Loikansaari holiday cottages includes a fire pit among its outdoor facilities.

The services listed by Loikansaari holiday cottages include guided nature excursions, motorboat rentals and equipment hire. So, if you’re looking for a holiday rental or cottage in Kallislahti, you can consider which focus best suits your trip: the fortification history and tradition at Kaislanmäki, a journey along the Green Gold Cultural Route, or the nature and lakeside amenities listed at Loikansaari. The 250-kilometre route and the specific details of the historical sites offer different perspectives on Kallislahti.

Discover More Places

More places in the same wider area: Kerimäki, Ihamaniemi, Hiukkajoki, Enonkoski, Punkaharju, Vuoriniemi, Kumpuranta, Putikko.

For the wider travel overview: Savonlinna.