recommended route
Hiitolanjoki Scenic Trail, Rautjärvi
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Ritakoski power plantPhoto: Arto Apila
Hiitolanjoki is a 53-km-long river, of which 9 km flows in Finland’s territory, in Rautjärvi, and 44 km in Russia’s territory in Hiitola. The river area is a versatile fishing, birdwatching and hiking destination and a sight of cultural and industrial history. You may see swarming dragonflies and otters splashing in the water, and you can observe a large number of bird species. The power plants at the Ritakoski, Lahnasenkoski and Kangaskoski Rapids were used in energy production for 100 years. Hiitolanjoki is a breeding river of the threatened Ladoga salmon. The access blocks for salmon at the power plant dams will soon be removed, first at Lahnasenkoski.
The Hiitolanjoki recreational areas are located in two separate parts. The Hiitolanjoki Scenic Trail (Hiitolanjoen maisemapolku) runs between the Ritakoski and Lahnasenkoski Rapids. The distance to the Kangaskoski Rapids, closest to the Finnish–Russian border, is 3–4 km. The canoeing distance is 4 km.
Author’s recommendation
Track types
Safety information
It is safest to move in a group if you do not know the terrain.
Before setting off, read about the destination and check the weather forecast.
Wear sturdy footwear and clothes that suit the weather. It is recommended that you take first aid equipment, rainwear, a spare set of clothes, as well as enough food and drinks with you. In wet weather and in winter, duckboards, rocks and quays may be slippery. During the snowy season, the trails and routes are not maintained.
In an emergency, dial 112. Inform the operator of your location and what has happened and listen to their instructions.
Duration approx: 1 h
Trail markings: There is an information board at the start of the trail. The trail is marked with signposts.
Suitability: An excellent trail for admiring nature, birdlife and scenery.
Difficulty level: The trail features a narrow path, duckboards and some steep steps equipped with railings.
Tips and hints
Photogallery of Hiitolanjoki scenic trail
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Trail description
The scenic trail starts at the small power plant in Ritakoski. It travels along the beautiful River Hiihtolanjoki towards the Lahnasenkoski power plant. There is a vantage point by the river where you can rest a moment and admire the view. The river is known for its rich birdlife, which you can spot even as you follow the trail. There is a birdwatching shelter at the south of the trail. The trail also features a barbecue shelter where you can enjoy some food and have some campfire coffee. The return from the birdwatching shelter back to the start of the trail is along the other side of the river. The high rock reaches toward the sky, and it is worth climbing to the top to admire the view.
Good to know
In dry weather, the trail is also suitable for training shoes. The side of the trail is steep at times, but the steepest places are edged by safety ropes. The Ruokolahti-Rautjärvi-Parikkala hiking trail goes through Simpele. Parikkala has the 1.8 km-long Siikalahti Birdwatching Trail. The Great Saimaa Circuit cycling trail and the Eurovelo 13 Iron Curtain Trail, which is part of a Europe-wide cycling train network, also go past Simpele. Fishing spots along the trail include Silamusjoki, Torsanjoki and Kangaskoski.
Note
Public transport
You can start on the Hiitolanjoki Scenic Trail from the Ritakoski power plant (Ritakoskentie 21, 56800 Rautjärvi) or the Lahnasenkoski power plant (Lahnasentie, 56800 Simpele).
The train takes you to Simpele train station, which is located about 1 km from the Ritakoski power plant.
You can check train (VR) schedules here.
Getting there
The starting point of the route at Ritakoski power plant (Ritakoskentie 21, 56800 Rautjärvi) can be reached by car and / or bicycle.
Alternatively, the hiker can also arrive at Lahnasenkoski (Lahnasentie, 56800 Simpele), which can also be reached by car and / or bicycle. NOTE! Lahnasentie road is uneven.
Parking
Cars can be parked in the parking area next to the Ritakoski power plant.
There is also parking space at the Lahnasenkoski power plant.
Both parking areas are free of charge.
Coordinates
Equipment
You'll need clothing that fits the prevailing weather, sturdy shoes and enough drinking water.Statistics
- 5 Waypoints
- 5 Waypoints
Questions and answers
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