Repovesi National Park and Aarnikotka Forest Nature Reserve (14 sq. km), which is connected to the National Park, are rugged backwoods dotted by tens of lakes. Repovesi has a long tradition of being one of Southern Finland’s most popular hiking destinations. The National Park allow visitors to indulge in their favourite hobbies, from picking berries to walking in snow-shoes or learn about the area’s geology or the history of log floating. Some sights of the area are many high spots, such as Olhavanvuori Rock and the hills of Mustalamminvuori, Katajavuori and Haukilamminvuori. The hanging bridge over Lapinsalmi Sound and log floating structures in Kuutinlahti Bay are other places of interest in Repovesi.
The National Park’s landscape is made up of vast uninhabited forests, bold steep-faced cliffs and tens of clear lakes and ponds. The Kymenlaakso region’s highest summits are in Repovesi and great differences in altitude mean that hikers are in for a challenge. The reward for climbing to the top of these hills is a magnificent view.
The quiet of the hills and forests may occasionally be disturbed by the wailing gabble of the Red-throated Diver (Gavia stellata) as it crosses the lake on its way to its nesting pond. In winter visitors may see tracks left by a lynx (Lynx lynx), a pine marten (Martes martes), a moose (Alces alces) or an otter (Lutra lutra) or snow forms left behind by tetraonids. The Siberian Flying Squirrel (Pteromys volans) and owls thrive in the shade of old-growth forests.
The forests of Repovesi National Park are unique in Finland and therefore protected. The Aarnikotka Forest Nature Reserve is a private protected area owned by UPM (www.upm.com), one of the world's leading forest products companies. The Nature Reserve is managed by Metsähallitus.
This is the web page www.outdoors.fi/repovesi