We highly recommend
FOREST MUSEUM LUSTO
Lusto is a national museum and a versatile exhibition and culture centre at the heart of the Saimaa lake district and right next to the Punkaharju Conservation Area. Lusto’s exhibitions and events provide a diverse and illustrative insight into the significance of forests in the life of Finns. Lusto is sure to appeal to visitors of all ages! Lusto is easy to visit by car, bus or train. The train’s Lusto stop is only about 100 meters from Lusto’s entrance. Punkaharju tourist information serves you in Lusto. Open all year round. Check exceptions in opening hours www.lusto.fi
the old railway station lusto
The railroad track through Punkaharju was completed in 1906 and Bruno Granholm designed the station building. At the time, the station was known as the Punkaharju station, but nowadays it is called Lusto, after the Finnish Forest museum and information centre Lusto, which was established in 1994. This station house stands out from others built in the same era because of its grandeur. A picturesque wooden gazebo also stands by the station building.
During the summer months, various exhibitions are displayed at the old station.
JOHANNA ORAS MANOR GALLERY
Johanna and Reijo Oras purchased the Tuunaankartano Manor, situated in the heart of the Retretti area in Punkaharju. The manor-house, built in the 1910´s, is the permanent location for Johanna Oras´s summer exhibition. A side building will be renovated into the artist´s summer atelier, offering something exceptional in Finland; the public will have the chance to follow the artist at work and see some of the mysterious birth process of a work of art from inspiration to the final brush touch.
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Olavinlinna Castle
The origin of a thousand stories and the site of numerous battles, Olavinlinna Castle is one of the best-known sights in Finland. The building of Olavinlinna Castle began in 1475. The history of Olavinlinna is a mixture of medieval arms clashing, cannons roaring and people doing everyday chores inside the security of the castle’s thick walls.
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Kerimäki Church
The church of Kerimäki is the world’s largest Christian wooden church and has the most spacious interior in Finland. It is 45 meters long, 42 meters wide and 27 meters high. The height of the dome is 37 meters. There are altogether 1670 metres of pews and a seating capacity for over 3000 people.
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Riihisaari – Lake Saimaa Nature and Museum Centre
Lake Saimaa Nature and Museum Centre Riihisaari presents the nature and the cultural history of Southern Savo and specialises in the history of sailing on Lake Saimaa. Several visiting exhibitions on the second floor. In the summertime you can tour the museum´s historic steamships.
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Punkaharju Arboretum
The Punkaharju arboretum entails over 150 hectares of research forest, consisting of more than 50 species of trees, mostly conifers. Since the 1990’s, the arboretum has been thoroughly renewed and developed, aiming to collect all the conifer and hardwood species that could possibly thrive in the local conditions. A total of 134 different species and special varieties of trees are represented in the arboretum. You can read all about the different tree families and species of as well as the special Finnish varieties from the signs.
The Salpa Line
Salpa Line is a bunker line on the eastern border of Finland built after the Winter war as a defence line against a possible Soviet invasion. Salpa Line constructions at the Punkaharju nature reserve are located at Kuikonniemi and Mustaniemi. Most of the constructions were filled up and cleared away after the war. The trench and dugout at Kuikonniemi were refurbished in 2001 – 2003 and are open to the public. A key to the dugout is available at the Harjutie kiosk.
Local crafts and artists
Craft & Design Savonlinna business network gathers local handicraft professionals, products and shops together to an easily approached collective. Network’s core purpose is to promote local craftsmanship both to the locals as well as travelers.
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