Kostomuksha Nature Reserve

Kostomuksha Nature Reserve is an expansive forest protected area in northern taiga, characterized by dense spruce and pine forests. The centerpiece is Lake Kamennoe, which contains roughly 99 islands scattered across its waters.

The reserve was established in 1983 and later became a cross-border protected area when it joined the Russian-Finnish Friendship Nature Reserve in 1990. In 2017, it gained UNESCO biosphere reserve status, strengthening its international standing.

The territory connects to ancient rune singers whose creative works later shaped the Karelian-Finnish epic Kalevala. This historical presence remains visible in the landscape and links the region to a rich oral storytelling tradition.

The main office in Kostomuksha city provides exhibits and information about trails available to visitors. The reserve features both hiking and water-based routes that allow people to explore the area in different ways.

The islands of Lake Kamennoe serve as breeding grounds for forest reindeer, a rare occurrence in this ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Kamennaya River provides spawning habitat for an isolated population of salmon that never reach the sea.

Location: Muyezersky District

GPS coordinates: 64.45859,30.37382

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:47