Punkaharju Ridge
Punkaharju
A 7-kilometre-long narrow ridge of sand left by glaciers, with pines between two lakes, known as one of Finland's National Landscapes.
Punkaharju is a serpentine esker, a glacial sediment ridge formed about 10,000 years ago as the ice sheet retreated. It stretches about 7 kilometres, is only a few metres wide at its narrowest, and has Lake Puruvesi and Lake Pihlajavesi on either side. Tall pines cover the ridge, which is one of Finland's 'National Landscapes' and has drawn painters and tourists since the 19th century. You can cycle along the old road or hike the ridge trail, with viewpoints and lakeshore beaches along the way. It lies about 30 kilometres southeast of Savonlinna. Reach it by train to Punkaharju station or Lusto station, or drive along Highway 14. Admission is free.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Lusto Finnish Forest Museum
- Hotel Punkaharju
- Kerimäki Church
- Olavinlinna Castle
- Riihisaari Lake Saimaa Nature Centre
- Linnankatu Old Town
- Sulosaari
- Lake Saimaa Cruise