Travel Guide Nature trails in Finland Nature trails in South Karelia

Nature trails in South Karelia

Finland

Ellare Oy
Author of this page

For those who enjoy an active vacation, we have lots of suggestions in South Karelia. Use our Travel Guide as a source of inspiration for planning your next adventure and browse through descriptions and route details of the most beautiful nature trails.

Nature trails in Finland Hiking in Etelä-Karjala

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The 10 Most Beautiful nature trails in South Karelia

Nature Trail · Saimaa Geopark

A geological guide to southern Lake Saimaa

recommended route Difficulty moderate

117.5 km

28:02 h

14 m

Saimaa is known for sunny lakes, esker ridges rustling with pines and fortress-like rocky islets.

Saimaa Geopark

Nature Trail · Ruokolahti

Geological trail Kolmiköytinen rock painting

recommended route Difficulty easy

0.4 km

0:06 h

2 m

21 m

Enjoy the tranquility of Lake Saimaa and admire the art from the ancestors in the Kolmiköytisienvuori rock wall.

Saimaa Geopark

Nature Trail · Rautjärvi

Hiitolanjoki Scenic Trail, Rautjärvi

recommended route Difficulty moderate

5.9 km

2:30 h

26 m

41 m

The scenery along the banks of River Hiitolanjoki ranges from rocks and coniferous forests to herb-rich forests. The trail runs across the river via the old power plant dams.

Etelä-Karjalan virkistysaluesäätiö

Orrainpolku trail, Luotolahdenvuori hill

Nature Trail · Savitaipale

Orrainpolku geological trail

recommended route Difficulty difficult

7.3 km

1:52 h

34 m

The Orrainpolku is a demanding hiking trail that walks through the rugged landscape. There are two lean-to shelters along the trail.

Saimaa Geopark

Landscape to Lake Saimaa from the Lammassaari island

Nature Trail · Imatra

The geological trail of Imatra Lammassaari island

recommended route Difficulty moderate

3.4 km

0:48 h

1 m

Lammassaari Island has well-functioning harbour services and an extensive network of trails, with campfire sites and beaches.

Saimaa Geopark

Vuoksenniska forest trail and geological sites

Nature Trail · Imatra

The geological trail of Imatra Vuoksenniska

recommended route Difficulty easy

2.9 km

0:44 h

19 m

Learn more about the geology of the First Salpausselkä ice-marginal formation and about the local forest flora and fauna on the Vuoksenniska forest trail.

Saimaa Geopark

Nature Trail · Taipalsaari

Geological trail on a Ilkonsaari island

recommended route Difficulty moderate

1.2 km

0:18 h

13 m

11 m

Ilkonsaari is a wonderful hiking destination in beautiful Saimaa. Several orthodox tsasounas built on the island add cultural value.

Saimaa Geopark

Nature Trail · Rautjärvi

Haukkavuori Nature Trail, Rautjärvi

recommended route Difficulty moderate

4.4 km

2:30 h

165 m

The Haukkavuori Nature Trail (Haukkavuoren luontopolku) runs to a forest behind Haukkavuori Hill. Lake and forest views open out from the hill.

Etelä-Karjalan virkistysaluesäätiö

Nature Trail · Parikkala

Siikalahti Bird watching Trail, Parikkala

recommended route Difficulty easy

1 km

1:00 h

0 m

6 m

Siikalahti is the most valuable bird wetland in Inland Finland, boasting the Siikalahti Birdwatching Trail (Siikalahden lintupolku) with towers and bird hides.

Etelä-Karjalan virkistysaluesäätiö

Nature Trail · Lappeenranta

Lakeside Route, Lappeenranta

recommended route Difficulty easy

14.8 km

4:30 h

33 m

25 m

The Lakeside Route (Rantaraitti) along the shores of Lake Saimaa is a gorgeous outdoor recreational route in Lappeenranta. It is accessible to all and some sections are lit.

Etelä-Karjalan virkistysaluesäätiö