Parikkala: Lakeside Trail, Bird Migration and Cultural History

By Lake Simpelejärvi, the Rantaraitti trail takes you through different sides of Parikkala: it connects the centre with views of the lake and the Sikoharju Nature Reserve. In spring and autumn, the lakeside trail lies along a bird migration route. Other cultural sites include the Hauta-Ollis Cottage and the present-day church of Parikkala. When planning your trip, you can choose between nature experiences, hiking trails and insights into the area’s history.

Exploring Lake Simpelejärvi

The Rantaraitti runs along the shore of Lake Simpelejärvi, is 1.5 km long and is accessible to people with disabilities. The trail is known for its good birdwatching opportunities. If you are planning a stay in Parikkala, you can make it a specific part of your trip focused on nature and the lake. The route also provides a link between the centre, lake views and Sikoharju—bringing together nature and hiking interests.

A bird migration route passes through here in spring and autumn. On the busiest migration days, tens of thousands of Arctic geese can be seen over Parikkala. This offers a seasonal highlight for those especially interested in birds; the figure refers to these peak migration days. The Rantaraitti complements this view of bird migration with its lakeside setting and good birdwatching opportunities.

Hiking trails in Sikoharju

The Sikoharju Nature Reserve is part of an extensive ridge and offers several hiking trails. One hiking route in the area is approximately 2 km long. Two access points are given for the route: you can reach it via the Rantaraitti from the direction of Parikkala centre, or from the grounds of the municipal hall. The Rantaraitti–Sikoharju route is described as easy and accessible. These details provide different points of reference for planning your day: the Rantaraitti is a 1.5 km lakeside route, while a route within Sikoharju is approximately 2 km long.

When choosing a holiday apartment, consider what you would like to shape your stay: birdwatching by Lake Simpelejärvi, the trails on the ridge or a stronger focus on cultural history. The routes and access points described here offer practical guidance, without requiring you to focus all your outings on the same theme.

Church, local history museum and the area’s past

The present-day church of Parikkala was built between 1813 and 1817, based on plans by Italian-born architect Carlo Bassi and under the direction of master builder Matti Salonen. It stands on a site where two churches had previously stood. The current church building is therefore connected to the longer history of the same site. Another historic landmark is the monument to the Defenders of Ladoga on a ridge near the Parikkala municipal hall.

Hauta-Ollis Cottage, a local history museum in Parikkala, explores rural life and the history of the area. It houses a collection of farming objects from the early 20th century. The main room is furnished as a farmhouse from that period, with a dining table and dishes. The chamber contains an exhibition on the history of Parikkala. For travellers who would like to include regional history alongside nature and outdoor activities, the museum offers a distinctive cultural and historical highlight.

Discover more places

You can also include Rautjärvi, Imatra, Rauha, Saimaanharju, Lappeenranta, Lemi, Säimen and Taipalsaari in your wider travel plans.

For the overview of the wider region: South Karelia.