Punkaharju Nature Reserve

Punkaharju esker ridge has been an internationally known tourist destination for two hundred years already due to the natural beauty of its landscape. It is one of Finland’s national landscapes and the beautiful lake views which open from between its majestic pines are still the area’s biggest attraction.

The area’s natural features have been maintained with special emphasis on landscape values. The Kokonharju Old-growth Forest is the spot in the area, which is closest to its natural-state and no forestry or management is practiced there. Punkaharju Esker Nature Reserve is one of the world’s oldest reserves, as the area was named a crown-owned park already in 1843.