Vekaransalmi bridge

Vekaransalmi bridge is a modern road bridge in Sulkava that spans across a water strait connecting the mainland to islands in the area. The structure serves as the main crossing for vehicles and pedestrians traveling through this part of the lake region.

The waterway was difficult to cross by ship during the 1800s and was served by a ferry before a modern bridge was built in recent years. This new connection transformed how the region was accessed by vehicle.

The bridge stands at a location that marked the border between Sweden and Russia from 1743 to 1809, controlling trade routes to Savonlinna and Lappeenranta.

The bridge is freely accessible and carries traffic along Regional Road 438 with no restrictions for vehicles or pedestrians. Visitors should be aware that weather conditions such as wind or fog can affect crossing conditions on this longer span.

The structure passes over a shipping route that connects deep lakes to the Gulf of Finland, allowing large vessels to navigate beneath it. This design was essential because blocking the passage would have disrupted regional water traffic.

Location: Sulkava

Inception: 2019

Official opening: October 16, 2019

Length: 639 m

Width: 9.5 m

GPS coordinates: 61.73885,28.50141

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:28