Nature Destinations

The Hiitolanjoki river, located in Rautjärvi, is known among fishing enthusiasts for its lake salmon stock. Did you know, by the way, that it is Finland's last original and completely wild lake salmon stock? The Hiitolanjoki river flows into Lake Ladoga, and along its banks, there are several rapids worth exploring, including Ritakoski, Kangaskoski, and Lahnasenkoski.

Photo: Markku "Marsa" Anttonen

Siikalahti is one of Finland's most magnificent bird wetlands. As Siikalahti is a nature reserve, several extremely rare bird and plant species have been observed in the wetland. So, if birdwatching interests you, you should definitely head to Siikalahti! In addition to birds, Siikalahti is also well-suited as a nature excursion destination for families, thanks to its duckboards, among other things.

Photo: Markku "Marsa" Anttonen

Starting from Oronmylly, the Aate-Pekan polku is a hiking trail with varied terrain for experienced and even inexperienced outdoor enthusiasts! The trail leads hikers over streams and ridges. The Aate-Pekan polku is just over 3 kilometers long, making it well-suited, for example, for families with children as a day trip.

Photo: Katariina Roiha

Haukkavuori is the highest point in South Karelia, with the Haukkavuori Nature Trail running through its terrain. From the highest point of the Borderlands, breathtaking views of forests and waterways open up before you. Haukkavuori also has a campfire site and a lean-to where you can enjoy snacks or grill sausages, for example.

Photo: Markku "Marsa" Anttonen

Although the Pöröpeikon polku is only about three kilometers long, it is relatively demanding due to its hilly terrain. Along the trail, you will find the most peculiar traces from the Ice Age, for example, in the form of various erratic boulders. There is also a lean-to shelter along the route where you can enjoy snacks.

Photo: South Karelia Recreation Area Foundation

Did you know that Äpätinkangas gained nature reserve status at the end of 2019? This is due to the area's uniquely rugged nature, caused by storm damage. Although the area is full of decaying wood, it is a place worth visiting!

Photo: Kekäleniemi Village Association

Kummakivi (Strange Rock) is one of Finland's most incomprehensible natural wonders, and as its name suggests, it certainly makes you wonder! This seven-meter-wide erratic boulder balances on top of a rock and looks like it could fall off at any moment. Kummakivi is located in Hauklappi, Ruokolahti.

Photo: Kaisa-Maria Remes / SGP

Kemppilän Myllykoski is a free-flowing waterfall with a drop of up to 17 meters. If you wish to visit Myllykoski, it is at its most spectacular during floodwaters. Near the rapids, you will also find a lean-to shelter and a village house where you can rest and enjoy this magnificent landscape.

Photo: South Karelia Recreation Area Foundation

Kissankierros, located in Ruokolahti, is an approximately 7-kilometer long nature trail that follows unpaved trails. Along the route, you can also enjoy sections with duckboards. Along the way, you can stop to catch your breath or enjoy snacks at the Vaaranmäki lean-to shelter or explore the mysterious story of the Haisevanlampi cave.

Photo: Mari Matikainen / South Karelia Recreation Area Foundation

If you wish to go for a short or a slightly longer outdoor excursion, the Harjujen reitistö is a good choice. The trail network includes, for example, the approximately 2.5-kilometer long Likolammen luontopolku, along which you can stop in the summer to swim at the Likolampi swimming area, which is one of the best swimming spots in the area.

Photo: Jari Venhovaara