Provinces of Southern Finland
and Eastern Finland,
Kymenlaakso and South Savo Regions
Municipalities of
Kouvola (www.kouvola.fi) and
Mäntyharju (www.mantyharju.fi, in
Finnish)
Area: 15 sq. km. Established in 2003.
The area is managed by
Metsähallitus.
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 peaceful surroundings
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-Kymmene Oy
(w3.upm-kymmene.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/repovesinp
Take a look at Repovesi National Park related products at the Outdoors.fi
online shop (kauppa.luontoon.fi).
