A Lakeside Lean-to and Accessible Hiking in Punkaharju, Savonlinna

In Punkaharju, one of Finland’s official national landscapes, there is a spot where smooth rock slopes gently and evenly into the clear waters of Lake Puruvesi. Higher up on the wooded bank stands a lean-to shelter, accessible also by wheelchair or with a stroller. This place is called Karjalankallio, “The Rock of Karelia,” a beautiful little excursion site that, being mostly accessible, warmly welcomes all kinds of visitors—even those whose steps may no longer carry them quite so high.

• Parking area on the map
• Accessible trail: 200 m each way to the lean-to; additional accessible loop trails of 1.4 km and 1.2 km
• Campfire site: yes, at the lean-to
• Arrival by car: Karjalankallio parking area, Puistometsäntie road, Savonlinna
• Arrival by public transport: From Lusto railway station, walking distance 2.1 km. Nearest bus stop “Harjutie” (2.4 km), buses from Savonlinna.

The Karjalankallio lean-to is one of Punkaharju’s accessible destinations. Located on a wooded bank by Lake Puruvesi, the lean-to is a wonderful spot to enjoy snacks by the fire. From here, two separate but demanding accessible loop trails branch out, measuring 1.2 km and 1.4 km. Together they form a figure eight, with the lean-to, woodshed, and accessible toilet situated at the crossing point.

We arrived at the parking area on a weekday morning in late August. The two disabled parking spaces were unoccupied, and there were only a few cars in the larger lot. The narrow road leading to the parking area passed through various tree plantations, at times with an almost eerie atmosphere. It was a relief to think that soon we would reach the lake shore and the refreshing breezes of Lake Puruvesi.

From the parking area, the accessible trail led through a pine forest towards the lean-to and the lakeshore.

Our first stop was the junction of the loop trails and a small building with a woodshed at one end and a composting toilet at the other. Through the lakeside forest, Lake Puruvesi was already visible.

We assumed most people were out picking berries and mushrooms, as there was only one hiker at the lean-to. By the lakeside in front of the lean-to, a couple of tables offered a place to enjoy snacks.

We had just filled ourselves with vegan burger meals at Hotel Kruunupuisto – although a healthy and hearty lunch buffet would also have been available, fast food won us over this time! – so we did not plan to have a snack at this point.

Instead of eating, we followed the path leading to the rocky lakeshore, which is not accessible.

The broad rock by the great lake was a new experience for me, having grown up by the Baltic Sea and being accustomed to seeing such rocky shores there. It felt strange to walk across smooth bedrock beside wide open water without the scent of the sea!

Unfortunately, there were spots where illegal campfires had been made. Heat and flames had scarred the rock surface with ugly, irreversible marks. By making fires only at the maintained fireplace by the lean-to, every visitor can help ensure they are not contributing to the destruction of these ancient rocky surfaces. In Finland, campfires are only allowed at designated fire sites.

The island of Muuraissaari rising from the lake brought to mind an episode of Moomin called “Pyöreä saari” (“The Round Island”), where the group walks to an island during low tide, only to be stranded overnight when the tide and storm return. Might a fountain of water and red-glowing amethysts spring from the heart of the island in the dark hours of the night?

Beyond Muuraissaari we saw rain drifting across the horizon. It painted the air into a misty pale shade and gave the landscape a fine three-dimensional depth.

I can warmly recommend Karjalankallio even for groups ranging from babies to grandparents. The accessible trail to the lean-to makes getting there much easier and works well with strollers and rollators, too. From the lean-to to the shore, a bit more agility is required, but the distance is short – everyone can decide for themselves whether they can manage it.

From Punkaharju, we continued our journey first to Kitee and from there spent the night in Uukuniemi. I will later write more about the historic deserted village of Uukuniemi.

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