What can one do in Punkaharju Esker Nature Reserve?
Walk on Marked Trails
Punkaharju Esker Nature Reserve has an abundant network of trails. Some of these trails are wide
sand-based trails and roads which are in good condition and can therefore be
travelled by wheelchair.
Go Canoeing and Rowing
It is worthwhile to observe Punkaharju’s landscape from the water. The area
has canoe and rowing routes also suitable for beginners. Local entrepreneurs offer
equipment rental and other services.
Go Sailing or Motor Boating
Visitors can admire the national landscape from boats. On the west side of
the esker ridge a ship lane traverses the area between Vaahersalo Island and the
ridge. There are services for boaters in
the area.
Go Bird Watching
Bird enthusiasts can view typical species found in pine forests in the area.
Visitors may have the chance to see the Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis),
the Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata), the Common Redstart
(Phoenicurus phoenicurus), the Common Cuckoo (Cuculus
canorus), the Nubian Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus), the Black
Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) and the Great Spotted Woodpecker
(Dendrocopos major) in the area. The Black-throated Diver (Gavia
arctica), the Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) and the Great
Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) thrive in the area’s shore waters.
The Spotted Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) can be spotted in the
Siberian pine forest in Laukansaari area.
See the
Sights and Scenery
The area’s scenery and unique nature should be experienced on foot along the
trails which zigzag on the esker ridge. From the ridge visitors can admire the
surrounding national landscape of Finland. The sights in the area are linked to
the area’s history
and nature.
Ski Cross-country on Maintained Trails
In wintertime there are numerous ski trails in the nature reserve and in its
surrounding area. They are maintained by the Länsi-Punkaharju village
association. The association’s website at www.harjureitit.net (in Finnish) has a map
of the area’s ski trails and updates on maintenance of trails.
Go Fishing
- Angling and ice fishing
- Angling and ice fishing are both permitted in the area as Everyman’s
Rights (www.environment.fi)
- Lure Fishing
- All 18 to 64 year-olds must pay the annual national fishing
management fee (www.mmm.fi). It can be purchased from the Wild North net
store (www.villipohjola.fi). As well as paying the management fee you
must also pay the Eastern
Finland provincial lure fishing fee (www.mmm.fi) to the Ministry of
Agriculture and Forestry or have the water owners permission if it is
privately owned area.
- Lure fishing is allowed in Punkaharju state-owned waters if you have
a
Metsähallitus lure fishing permit (www.villipohjola.fi, in Finnish,
permit 1401). Permits are sold by the Wild North net
store (www.villipohjola.fi). Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Eastern
Finland provincial lure fishing fee (www.mmm.fi) are sold by the Wild North net
store (www.villipohjola.fi).
- Net Fishing
- All 18 to 64 year-olds who wish to net fish must pay the annual national
fishing
management fee (www.mmm.fi). In addition you must also have the land or
water area owner’s permission.
- Net fishing in Punkaharju state-owned waters (permit area 7014) is
allowed if you purchase a Metsähallitus
net fishing permit (www.villipohjola.fi, in Finnish). Permits are sold
by Wild
North (www.villipohjola.fi) through their internet shop.
Go Cycling
The ridge landscape is easy to explore by bicycle. Cycling is allowed on the
area’s roads and on trails separately marked for this purpose. Local entrepreneurs
rent out bicycles.
Go Berry and Mushroom Picking
Picking berries and mushrooms is permitted in the area as Everyman’s Rights.
The area has an abundant crop of blueberries for example.
Go Swimming
There are excellent swimming spots at Cape Kuikonniemi and Cape Mustaniemi.
There are changing booths at Kuikonniemi.
Go Tour Skating
In Punkaharju area visitors can try out long-distance skating on maintained
natural ice in winter. You can set off on skating excursions from Tuunaansaari
village. The route is maintained and ice skates are rented out by local entrepreneurs.
