Punkaharju, Protected esker in Savonlinna, Finland.
Punkaharju is a natural ridge of sand and stone that stretches through a large lake, connecting numerous small islands together. The formation is covered with pine forests and surrounded by water on both sides.
In 1843, the Russian Tsar Nicholas I declared this place a protected area, making it one of Finland's earliest conservation efforts. This decision set an important precedent for safeguarding natural spaces in the region.
The forests here have shaped how Finnish people lived and worked for generations. Visitors can learn at the Lusto Museum how these woods influenced local traditions and the way communities used natural resources.
The area can be explored using marked hiking trails that wind through forests and across the ridge. There is good access to the museum and several routes available for walking through the nature reserve.
The ridge rises roughly 64 meters above water level, creating rare viewing points where you can see across the lake from both sides. This height makes it an unusual feature in a region otherwise dominated by flat terrain and water.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
