The Kummakivi erratic boulder
The Kummakivi erratic is one of Saimaa Geopark sites in Ruokolahti. Kummakivi erratic is a boulder that is about seven meters long and rests on a narrow rock bed, touching it in such a small area that it looks like a rock would almost move. The Kummakivi erratic was given protected status in 1962.
The Sammalsilta bridge, "the moss bridge"
The Sammalsilta bridge was originally built by the Kaukas Company in the 1930s. Its purpose was to facilitate the passage of forest workers across Lake Pitkäjärvi. Today, the bridge serves Kumakivi erratic passers-by and other nature enthusiasts.
The path through the Kummakivi and the moss bridge crosses varying terrain. There is a Saimaa Geopark sign at Kummakivenmäki parking area. Another sign is next to Kummakivi.
Saimaa Geopark sign at the Kummakivi parking area (pdf)
Saimaa Geopark sign next to Kummakivi erratic boulder (pdf)
Kummakivi erratic boulder on Saimaa Gepark website
Author’s recommendation
Safety information
Safety information for hikersTips and hints
In 1962, Kummakivi was named a protected natural monument as outlined in the Nature Conservation Act. It is prohibited to damage or deface a protected natural monument.Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
The path to the Kummakivi erratic boulder begins at the car park of Kummakivenmäki. The length of the path to the erratic boulder is about 0.5 km and it runs alongside a damp spruce forest. However, it is advisable to wear waterproof shoes in the rainy weather and when the terrain is wet. The path has been restored and re-aligned as shown on the map by the Hauklappi Village Committee in 2018.
From the Kummakivi the path continues to the Sammalsilta “moss bridge” crossing Lake Pitkäjärvi, the distance between Kummakivi and Sammalsilta is about 200 meters. At the narrowest point of Lake Pitkäjärvi is the “moss bridge” built by the Kaukas company in the 1930s. The bridge is made up of floating moss hummocks on the surface of the water and its original purpose was to shorten the distance of forest workers traveling from one side of Lake Pitkäjärvi to another. Today, the bridge serves Kummakivi erratic passers-by and other nature enthusiasts. The Hauklappi Village Committee has renovated the bridge in 2019. From Sammalsilta the trail continues along the shore of Lake Pitkäjärvi to another car park.
If you wish, the Kummakivi path can also be a ring path. In fact, from the car park of Lake Pitkäjärvi, you can continue along the road past a crushed rock quarry and return to the starting point of the Kummakivenmäki car park. In this case, the distance of the route will be about 2.5 km.
Note
Public transport
Public transport does not operate to Kummakivi.Getting there
The road number 62 between Ruokolahti and Puumala turns to Hauklapintie. The crossing is about 27 kilometers from the center of Ruokolahti.
Drive to Hauklapintie road. After a few kilometers the road changes to Mäntylahdentie. After 10 kilometers of road number 62 turn left to Kummakiventie road. Drive about 500 meters on Kummakiventie until the narrow dirt road turns right. At its end, about 200 meters away, there is a turning point for cars.
The path starts at the end of the turning point. Follow the path just over 500 meters, so you end up on the Kummakivi erratic and the Sammalsilta bridge.
Parking
The parking and turnig point area is at the Kummakivenmäki. Another parking space can be found on the shore of Pitkäjärvi.Coordinates
Equipment
It is advisable to wear sturdy and waterproof shoes. Dress according to the weather and take enough drinks with you.Statistics
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