Splendid views open out to the horizon from the top of Haukkavuori Hill. The handsome landscape, the blue lakes, the deep green forests and the crooked pines on rocks represent the mental landscape of Finns. Haukkavuori Hill is the highest point in South Karelia. The steep drop down to the glittering Lake Sarajärvi is nearly 80 m. Haukkavuori is also a historical boundary marker: the borderlines of the Treaties of Nöteborg, Teusina and Nystad ran via it in the past. On the top of the hill, a boundary marker for the Treaty of Nystad is still visible, carved into the rock. Can you find it? The Rajojen reitti Hiking Trail (E10), which is a long-distance trail via Ruokolahti, Rautjärvi and Parikkala, runs via Haukkavuori Hill. You will find a campfire site and a lean-to shelter in the Haukkavuori parking area. The walking distance to the lookout point is about 1 km.
Good to Know
The long Ruokolahti-Rautjärvi-Parikkala (E10) hiking trail overlaps the Haukkavuori trail for a short distance. In dry weather, the trail is also suitable for training shoes. In rainy weather, waterproof trousers and shoes are necessary due to the overgrown vegetation on the forest road. There are no safety rails in Haukkavuori.
Photo gallery of Haukkavuori nature trail
Author’s recommendation
Sights
Stunning views from Haukkavuori rock
Historical boundary marker
Safety information
It is safest to move in a group if you do not know the terrain or the water area. Before the excursion, it is advisable to acquire the necessary maps and guides and check the weather forecast, particularly when going boating. Wear sturdy footwear and clothes that suit the weather. It is recommended that you take first aid equipment, rainwear, a spare set of clothes, as well as enough drinks with you, particularly in the summer. Remember to wear a floating vest when boating.
In wet weather and in winter, duckboards, rocks and piers can be slippery.
During the snowy season, the trails and routes are not maintained.
In an emergency, dial the number 112. Report your location, what has happened and listen to the instructions.
Difficulty level
Narrow at times, the trail winds through woods and over rocks that can be slippery in the rain, and a lot of trees have fallen across the trail. The trail features steep climbs and much elevation change. Some steep spots have stairs, which are in slightly rough condition. The trail requires good physical condition and agility.
Duration
Approx. 3 hours
Trail markings
The start of the trail has an information board on the trail. The trail is marked with signposts and orange and blue markings on trees. 1.9 km from the start of the trail is an unclear crossing, where the second trail is the correct one.
Suitability
Suitable for persons in good physical condition seeking for a challenging trail
Tips and hints
Links
Regional travel portal of Saimaa region
Lappeentie 12
55100 Imatra
Tel. +358 (0)5-235 2330
Start
Turn-by-turn directions
Trail description
The trail travels around Haukkavuori through a varied forest with occasional groves. The start point of the trail has a lean-to and a shelter. From the lean-to, there is a long rise to Haukkavuori, whose top is 80 m above the level of Lake Sarajärvi. There are magnificent views from the top. Haukkavuori is one of the Natura areas of Southeast Finland due to its valuable flora and fauna. A winding nature trail travels down from Haukkavuori through wooded terrain and finally climbs back to the top.
Note
Getting there
To start the trail
Haukkavuori parking area
Haukkavuorentie 235
N61 29.041 E29 13.746
Coordinates
Statistics
- 2 Waypoints
- 2 Waypoints
Questions and answers
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