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Nature Attractions
South Karelia's national landscape of thousands of islands and blue lakes has enchanted nature lovers throughout history. Here you can experience pure and authentic nature experiences without rushing, amidst a unique Eastern Finnish landscape that is popular with adventurous families with children and more experienced wilderness visitors alike.
In addition to the waves of Lake Saimaa, you can explore the region's hidden gems: conquer the historic Haukkavuori, enjoy the roar of the Hiitolanjoki River, which is popular with fishermen, or experience the mysticism of Parikkala Statue Park. Browse South Karelia's nature destinations and choose your own adventure!
Photos: Markku "Marsa" Anttonen
Hiitolanjoki
Siikalahti bird trail
Aate-Pekka's path
Hawk Mountain
The path of the troll
The fabric of the Äpätinkangas
Kumma stone
Kemppila Mill Rapids
Ridges' trails
Hiitolanjoki
Siikalahti bird trail
Aate-Pekka's path
Hawk Mountain
The path of the troll
The fabric of the Äpätinkangas
Kumma stone
Kemppila Mill Rapids
Ridges' trails
Hiitolanjoki
Siikalahti bird trail
Aate-Pekka's path
Hawk Mountain
The path of the troll
The fabric of the Äpätinkangas
Kumma stone
Kemppila Mill Rapids
Ridges' trails
Hiitolanjoki
Rautjärvi
Hiitolanjoki, located in Rautjärvi, is especially known for its lake salmon stock, which is Finland's last original and completely wild. The Hiitolanjoki river flows into Laatokka and there are several rapids along it, of which Ritakoski, Kangaskoski and Lahnasenkoski are worth visiting.
Picture: Markku "Marsa" Anttonen
Siikalahti bird trail
Parikkala
Siikalahti is one of the most magnificent bird wetlands in Finland. As Siikalahti is a nature reserve, several very rare bird and plant species have been found in the wetland. If you are interested in bird watching, you should definitely head to Siikalahti! In addition to birds, Siikalahti is also well suited as a family nature trip, for example, thanks to duckboards.
Picture: Markku "Marsa" Anttonen
Aate-Pekka's trail
Parikkala
The Aate-Pekka trail starting from Oronmylly is a hiking trail of varying terrain. The route leads its passers-by across both streams and ridges. The Aate-Pekka trail is only a bit over 3 kilometers long, so it is well suited for families with children for a day trip, for example.
Picture: Katariina Roiha
Haukkavuori
Simpele
Haukkavuori is the highest point in South Karelia, with the Haukkavuori nature trail in the terrain. From the highest point in the province, breathtaking scenery of forests and waterways opens up. Haukkavuori also has a campfire site and a shed where you can enjoy snacks or grill sausages, for example.
Picture: Markku "Marsa" Anttonen
The Trail of Pöröpeikko
Parikkala
Although the Pöröpeikko trail is only about three kilometers long, it is relatively demanding due to its hilly terrain. Along the path you will find the strangest traces of the ice age, for example in the form of various boulders. Along the route you will also find a shed to enjoy snacks.
Picture: Etelä-Karjalan virkistysaluesäätiö
Äpätinkangas
Rautjärvi
Did you know that Äpätinkangas received the status of a nature reserve in late 2019? This is due to the area’s unique barren nature, caused by storm damage. Although the area is full of rotting wood, it is a place worth visiting!
Picture: Kekäleniemen kyläyhdistys ry
Kummakivi
Ruokolahti
Kummakivi is one of the most incomprehensible wonders of Finnish nature. Namely, this seven-meter-wide boulder balances on top of the rock and looks like it could fall off at any moment. Kummakivi is located in Hauklapi, Ruokolahti.
Picture: Kaisa-Maria Remes / SGP
Kemppilä's Myllykoski
Ruokolahti
Kemppilä's Myllykoski is a free-flowing waterfall between Ihalanjärvi and Jukajärvi, with a drop of up to 17 meters. Myllykoski is at its most spectacular during floods. In the vicinity of the rapids you will also find a shed and a village house where you can rest and enjoy this magnificent landscape.
Picture: Etelä-Karjalan virkistysaluesäätiö
Kissankierros
Ruokolahti
Kissankierros in Ruokolahti is a 7 km long nature trail that follows terrain trails. There are also sections of elongated trees on the route. Along the route you can stop to breathe or enjoy a snack in the Vaaranmäki shed or get to know the story of the Haisevanlampi cave.
Picture: Mari Matikainen / Etelä-Karjalan virkistysaluesäätiö
Trails of Harju
Parikkala
If you like to go for a short or a little longer outdoor activities, the Harju route is a good choice. On the route, for example, you will find the Likolampi nature trail, which is about 2.5 kilometers long.
Picture: Jari Venhovaara