Punkaharju Nature Reserve Trails

Hiking Trails

Punkaharju’s naturally gorgeous landscape offers excellent opportunities for hikes of different lengths. There are three marked trails in Laukansaari Research Park and the Kokonharju Esker area. Additionally there are numerous unmarked but clearly visible trails through the terrain.

Starting Points for Trails

• The Luontoreitti Nature Trail, Montell Trail and Puulajireitti Tree Species Trail all have their starting point in Laukansaari Research Park’s parking area at the place called the old school at Punkaharju, on the north side of main road 14. To get to the starting point turn off main road 14 in the direction indicated by the signpost for “Tutkimuspuisto” (Research Park). There is a parking area as well as an information boards at the starting point on the grounds of the old school building.
• The Kulttuurireitti Culture Trail has two possible starting points; the old railroad station (Lusto station) or the rest spot at the north end of the esker top road.
• Visitors can set off on the esker area’s unmarked trails from either the Lusto railroad station or the rest spot on the ridge.

Marked Trails

Luontoreitti Nature Trail is 3 km long and leads through the Kokonharju Esker old-growth forest. Some of Finland’s tallest trees grow along this trail. The trail leads across varying terrain and the ascents on the ridge and descents from there can be steep. Wet spots have duckboards laid across them. The trail is marked with yellow paint symbols.
Montell Trail is 3,2 km long and features the area’s oldest forest, Montelli larch forest, which was planted already in 1877. Along the trail there are other planted tree species as well. The trail is easy to travel and it follows the gravel roads which zigzag through the area.
Puulajireitti Tree Species Trail is 3,3 km long and features 30 different tree species. The trail is easy to travel and follows the gravel roads which zigzag through the arboretum area. The trail is marked with signposts.
• Kulttuurireitti Culture Trail, 3,5 km, features the area’s history and building heritage. The trail leads across varying terrain and some of the area’s most important culturally historic buildings are along it. The trail is marked on the maps on the area’s information boards as well as on the nature reserves service map, which visitors can get from the area’s entrepreneurs and from Nestori Customer Service Point in Savonlinna.

Other Trails

• On the actual Punkaharju esker trails visitors can become acquainted with esker nature and the best views. These trails have not been marked in the terrain, but they are clearly visible and easy to follow. The trails lead across varying terrain and can at points be demanding. Visitors can for example circle around Lake Valkialampi along the shoreline trail or admire the Cape Kuikonniemi forest trail on the way to Salpa-line dugout.

Cross-country Skiing Trails

The Länsi-Punkaharju village association maintains a 7,5-km-long circular ski trail known as Metlan lenkki Trail in Laukansaari area as well as several other ski trails in the Punkaharju area. Karjalankallio lean-to shelter, where visitors can enjoy a packed meal beside a campfire, is situated on Metlan lenkki ski trail. The trail is suited for either classical or free-style cross-country skiing. The association’s website (www.harjureitit.net, in Finnish) has a map of the area’s ski trails and updates on maintenance of trails.

Biking Trails

Cycling is permitted on the area’s roads and trails separately marked with bike symbols.