Natural sights

Sikoharju Nature Reserve

Sikoharju Nature Reserve is situated just to the south of the centre of Parikkala. Many paths cross the area, which is part of a more extensive area of ridges.

Pikku-Punkaharju Ridge

Pikku-Punkaharju (Little Punkaharju) is a smaller version of its namesake, located between two small lakes. A path runs along the top of this beautiful ridge.

Lake Simpele

Lake Simpele was shaped by the latest Ice Age. Moraine, ground from the bedrock by the ice and transported by meltwater, created ridges and fields of sand. As a consequence of the land uplift, the connection which Lake Simpele once had with the waters to the west (as a part of the huge Baltic Ice Lake) was severed, and the basin of the lake became a self-contained body of water.

In the past 200 years, the outline of Lake Simpele has changed, as the surface of the lake has been lowered several times. Today the surface area of the lake is 97 square kilometres.

Pörö-Peikko Trail

This nature trail that cuts through the borderlands of Parikkala and Punkaharju passes some very variable terrain. The route is bordered by some exceptionally fine erratic boulders that defy gravity.

Akankivi Stones

Massive boulders in the middle of Lake Simpele that are the source of many local legends.

Akankivi Stone (akka = old woman, harridan; kivi = stone). This is where, so the story goes, a man left his shrewish wife to calm down, while he himself continued on his way to the church service.

Mykki Stones

Exceptionally large erratic boulders

Huttumalja (bowl of porridge)

Very large round 'suppa' pits left over from the Ice Age.