Sightseeing and things to do

Anne
Sightseeing and things to do

Sightseeing

Known as the ”Saimaa Riviera”, this 1.5 km stretch of beautiful, curved sandy beach is one of Saimaa’s longest. The Huuhanranta beach and the ancient shorelines which rise step-like behind it are a fantastic natural site. In addition, at the east end of the shore there is an impressive rocky area into which the glacier has carved grooves.
Huuhanranta
257-365 Kietäväläntie
Known as the ”Saimaa Riviera”, this 1.5 km stretch of beautiful, curved sandy beach is one of Saimaa’s longest. The Huuhanranta beach and the ancient shorelines which rise step-like behind it are a fantastic natural site. In addition, at the east end of the shore there is an impressive rocky area into which the glacier has carved grooves.
A massive rock standing on its own pedestal. It is not even that common to come across to a rock this size not to talk about it balancing on another rock. It seems that you’ll be able to flip it over anytime, but not even 10 000 years have done it. There is about 1km walk in the nature to reach the rock from the nearest point where you can leave your car.
Kummakivi
A massive rock standing on its own pedestal. It is not even that common to come across to a rock this size not to talk about it balancing on another rock. It seems that you’ll be able to flip it over anytime, but not even 10 000 years have done it. There is about 1km walk in the nature to reach the rock from the nearest point where you can leave your car.
About 2.5 km from the cottage there is a lean-to shelter and a boat dock. It's a nice walk from the cottage, but you can also take the car and leave it at Karoniementie 699. It is about 400-500 meters walk to the lean-to.
Karoniementie 699
699 Karoniementie
About 2.5 km from the cottage there is a lean-to shelter and a boat dock. It's a nice walk from the cottage, but you can also take the car and leave it at Karoniementie 699. It is about 400-500 meters walk to the lean-to.
• The Trail of the Old ones is a 3 km long hiking trail built in the immediate vicinity of the church hill, which presents the history of the Ruokolahti church area and its peculiar and interesting geological formations. The route starts and ends at the Home Benefit Museum, and there are 18 guide boards along the way to provide information on the site in question. The route is mainly forest path and quite demanding in some places, and therefore not suitable for people with reduced mobility
The Eukko Trail
1 Rasilantie
• The Trail of the Old ones is a 3 km long hiking trail built in the immediate vicinity of the church hill, which presents the history of the Ruokolahti church area and its peculiar and interesting geological formations. The route starts and ends at the Home Benefit Museum, and there are 18 guide boards along the way to provide information on the site in question. The route is mainly forest path and quite demanding in some places, and therefore not suitable for people with reduced mobility
The Ruokolahti church was built on terrain deposited by the glacial river. The Ruokolahti church and surrounding buildings were built on terrain deposited by the glacial river and is dotted with kettles. The formation is bordered in the west by Ukonsalmi, a former glacial bay which was formed as the ice sheet deeply eroded the bedrock’s fault zone. The fault is one of the largest in the Geopark area. At Ukonsalmi it is 26 metres at its deepest. Geology is also visible in the church’s foundations, as its cornerstone contains a diverse range of stones in the area, which includes garnet-cordierite mica gneiss and granite boulders.
Ruokolahti Church
The Ruokolahti church was built on terrain deposited by the glacial river. The Ruokolahti church and surrounding buildings were built on terrain deposited by the glacial river and is dotted with kettles. The formation is bordered in the west by Ukonsalmi, a former glacial bay which was formed as the ice sheet deeply eroded the bedrock’s fault zone. The fault is one of the largest in the Geopark area. At Ukonsalmi it is 26 metres at its deepest. Geology is also visible in the church’s foundations, as its cornerstone contains a diverse range of stones in the area, which includes garnet-cordierite mica gneiss and granite boulders.
Kemppilän Myllykoski is a natural sight: the fifth highest waterfall in Finland, the drop being 17 m. Kemppilän Myllykoski, currently roaring untamed, is a magnificent waterfall between Lake Ihalanjärvi and Lake Jukajärvi. The altitude difference between the lakes is about 17 m and as the distance is short, the rapids are stunning in flood periods. Kemppilä Mill used to be located in the upper part of the rapids. In the early 20th century, it was a famous production plant and was taxed as an independent unit. Today, all that remains of the mill is a cast turbine wheel upstream. A ‘kota’ hut and a lean-to shelter are located by the rapids, where you can admire the power of the water.
Kemppilä Mill and Waterfall
114-116 Myllykoskentie
Kemppilän Myllykoski is a natural sight: the fifth highest waterfall in Finland, the drop being 17 m. Kemppilän Myllykoski, currently roaring untamed, is a magnificent waterfall between Lake Ihalanjärvi and Lake Jukajärvi. The altitude difference between the lakes is about 17 m and as the distance is short, the rapids are stunning in flood periods. Kemppilä Mill used to be located in the upper part of the rapids. In the early 20th century, it was a famous production plant and was taxed as an independent unit. Today, all that remains of the mill is a cast turbine wheel upstream. A ‘kota’ hut and a lean-to shelter are located by the rapids, where you can admire the power of the water.

SPAs

Nice SPA
11 personas locales recomiendan
Imatran Kylpylä
2 Purjekuja
11 personas locales recomiendan
Nice SPA
Nice spa
12 personas locales recomiendan
Holiday Club Saimaa
1 Rauhanrinne
12 personas locales recomiendan
Nice spa

Activities

Ski center where you can do cross country skiing as well as down hill skiing. During summer time you can also rent fat bikes or canoes.
Ruokolahden Freeski Ky
16 Lomatie
Ski center where you can do cross country skiing as well as down hill skiing. During summer time you can also rent fat bikes or canoes.
Frisbeegolf
Ruokolahti disc golf park
11 Nällisuontie
Frisbeegolf

Restaurants, cafes etc.

Delicious food, it is about 1 hour drive from the cottage but it is worth for it.
19 personas locales recomiendan
Sahanlahti Resort Ltd
830 Lietvedentie
19 personas locales recomiendan
Delicious food, it is about 1 hour drive from the cottage but it is worth for it.
Nice cafe
Maatilamatkailu ja pitopalvelu Hertta
263 Äitsaarentie
Nice cafe
You can pre-order delicious cakes or bread and pick them up on your way to the cottage. There is also a cafe during the summer time.
Kontion leivintupa
137 Kontionpääntie
You can pre-order delicious cakes or bread and pick them up on your way to the cottage. There is also a cafe during the summer time.
Delicious smoked salmon which you can buy and take with you to the cottage.
Kiinteistö Oy Lohela
372 Karjalantie
Delicious smoked salmon which you can buy and take with you to the cottage.

Hiking

Hukkavuori Natural trail. The trail running to Hukkavuori Hill and back down is fairly demanding but worthwhile taking, as the views are splendid and there are pleasant surprises along the trail. Hukkavuori Nature Trail (Huokkavuoren luontopolku) is a 5-km-long circle trail. You can also trek an additional 3 km to the shore of Kaunislampi Pond. The trail has been marked on trees with yellow paint signs. It takes 3–4 hours to complete the trail, including the breaks. Your footwear should be suitable for the terrain and the weather. There is no campfire site along the trail but you will find a rest spot on Hukkavuori Hill. You also need to be fit and agile to descend from the hill, either along Jaakopin portaat (“Jacob’s ladder”) or with the help of a rope. To get to the starting point, you have to drive about 55 min from the cottage.
Särkilahdentie 2999
2999 Särkilahdentie
Hukkavuori Natural trail. The trail running to Hukkavuori Hill and back down is fairly demanding but worthwhile taking, as the views are splendid and there are pleasant surprises along the trail. Hukkavuori Nature Trail (Huokkavuoren luontopolku) is a 5-km-long circle trail. You can also trek an additional 3 km to the shore of Kaunislampi Pond. The trail has been marked on trees with yellow paint signs. It takes 3–4 hours to complete the trail, including the breaks. Your footwear should be suitable for the terrain and the weather. There is no campfire site along the trail but you will find a rest spot on Hukkavuori Hill. You also need to be fit and agile to descend from the hill, either along Jaakopin portaat (“Jacob’s ladder”) or with the help of a rope. To get to the starting point, you have to drive about 55 min from the cottage.
The Haukkavuori Nature Trail (Haukkavuoren luontopolku) runs to a forest behind Haukkavuori Hill. Lake and forest views open out from the hill. Splendid views open out to the horizon from the top of Haukkavuori Hill. The handsome landscape, the blue lakes, the deep green forests and the crooked pines on rocks represent the mental landscape of Finns. Haukkavuori Hill is the highest point in South Karelia. The steep drop down to the glittering Lake Sarajärvi is nearly 80 m. Haukkavuori is also a historical boundary marker: the borderlines of the Treaties of Nöteborg, Teusina and Nystad ran via it in the past. On the top of the hill, a boundary marker for the Treaty of Nystad is still visible, carved into the rock. Can you find it? The Rajojen reitti Hiking Trail (E10), which is a long-distance trail via Ruokolahti, Rautjärvi and Parikkala, runs via Haukkavuori Hill. You will find a campfire site and a lean-to shelter in the Haukkavuori parking area. The walking distance to the lookout point is about 1 km.
Haukkavuori Nature Trail
235 Haukkavuorentie
The Haukkavuori Nature Trail (Haukkavuoren luontopolku) runs to a forest behind Haukkavuori Hill. Lake and forest views open out from the hill. Splendid views open out to the horizon from the top of Haukkavuori Hill. The handsome landscape, the blue lakes, the deep green forests and the crooked pines on rocks represent the mental landscape of Finns. Haukkavuori Hill is the highest point in South Karelia. The steep drop down to the glittering Lake Sarajärvi is nearly 80 m. Haukkavuori is also a historical boundary marker: the borderlines of the Treaties of Nöteborg, Teusina and Nystad ran via it in the past. On the top of the hill, a boundary marker for the Treaty of Nystad is still visible, carved into the rock. Can you find it? The Rajojen reitti Hiking Trail (E10), which is a long-distance trail via Ruokolahti, Rautjärvi and Parikkala, runs via Haukkavuori Hill. You will find a campfire site and a lean-to shelter in the Haukkavuori parking area. The walking distance to the lookout point is about 1 km.
Kissankierros Trail is 5.5 km trail that follows forest trails in a changing environment. Along the tour, a Vaaranmäki lean-to shelter and a cave. ”Kissankierros” trail along the route leaves forest and field landscapes as well as wooden paths of the route. The route also takes place in the shore scenery of Haisevanlampi. Right on the shore of the pond is also a fascinating cave, in other words a stone church. The route is marked on the terrain with yellow paint marks.
Puntalantie 331
331 Puntalantie
Kissankierros Trail is 5.5 km trail that follows forest trails in a changing environment. Along the tour, a Vaaranmäki lean-to shelter and a cave. ”Kissankierros” trail along the route leaves forest and field landscapes as well as wooden paths of the route. The route also takes place in the shore scenery of Haisevanlampi. Right on the shore of the pond is also a fascinating cave, in other words a stone church. The route is marked on the terrain with yellow paint marks.
A trail around the Torsanjärvi wetland. The signboards present the bird species in the area. Length of the trail 1km. The Torsanjoki nature trail is a nice day trip destination even for the whole family. During the trip you can even see golden-eye nest box and get to know the birds and plants of the area.
Torsanjoki Nature Trail and Bird Watching Tower
2275 Särkilahdentie
A trail around the Torsanjärvi wetland. The signboards present the bird species in the area. Length of the trail 1km. The Torsanjoki nature trail is a nice day trip destination even for the whole family. During the trip you can even see golden-eye nest box and get to know the birds and plants of the area.
Lake Syväjärvi Trail. Path’s starting point and return is at Ruokolahti sporst ground (Metsolantie 3). You can also find a path’s guide there. The trail follows mainly forest paths and some forest roads. Path may be some places quite rough and slopes can be steep. In the steepest slopes you can find rope which helps you to climb. The path is challenging and it’s not suitable for small children or unfit persons. Proper waterproofed hiking shoes are highly recommended. There is Myllykoski lean-to shelter in the Myllykoskirapids where you can find campfire site and outhouse toilet. The trail is marked along the way with orange paint and wooden guideposts. There is a paper map (Suunnistuskartta Lääväkorpi) available from the trail. You can find it from Ruokolahti tourisminfo (Nällikuja 1, 56100 Ruokolahti)
Syväjärvi
Lake Syväjärvi Trail. Path’s starting point and return is at Ruokolahti sporst ground (Metsolantie 3). You can also find a path’s guide there. The trail follows mainly forest paths and some forest roads. Path may be some places quite rough and slopes can be steep. In the steepest slopes you can find rope which helps you to climb. The path is challenging and it’s not suitable for small children or unfit persons. Proper waterproofed hiking shoes are highly recommended. There is Myllykoski lean-to shelter in the Myllykoskirapids where you can find campfire site and outhouse toilet. The trail is marked along the way with orange paint and wooden guideposts. There is a paper map (Suunnistuskartta Lääväkorpi) available from the trail. You can find it from Ruokolahti tourisminfo (Nällikuja 1, 56100 Ruokolahti)