Repovesi National Park | (Official GANP Page)

About

Repovesi National Park is located in the far southeastern side of Finland just a few hours northeast of Helsinki. The park covers an area of 5.8 square miles (15 sq km) making it one of the smaller of the 40 national parks found in the country.

The park is renowned for the varied waterways and forests that blanket the terrain. The waterways are ponds, lakes, and streams, while the forest is comprised of pine and birch.

Although the park is fairly small, it is packed with terrains that invite and welcome exploration. The rolling hills are blanketed with beautiful thick forests creating serene settings for walking, boating, or hiking.

The forested and aquatic habitats sustain a variety of wildlife. Some of the most common and hopeful sightings include the moose, bear, deer, and lynx. There are a variety of birds to enjoy with a particularly diverse collection of ground-feeding species.

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Things to See

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The park is a spectacular place to hike and explore the outdoors. For those who enjoy forested trails accented with ponds and streams, this is the place. Hiking is the highlight and most popular activity of the national park.

Many people find the observation towers that have been added in some areas as the highlight. These towers provide a bird’s eye view of the picturesque landscapes. A chance to look out over the forests, ponds, and lake is what some describe as the best views in the park.

Olhavanvuori

Olhavanvuori is a rock formation that rises nearly vertical out of the water. It is capped on top with some of the birch and pine forests the park is well-known for. From atop Olhavanvuori, visitors will have stunning views over Lake Olhavanlampi.

Olhavanvuori rises 164 feet (50 m) out of Lake Olhavanlampi. The extensive forest that surrounds the lake becomes quite apparent when hikers reach the top of the mountain.

Kultareitti Water Taxi

The Kultareitti Water Taxi is also known as the Kultareitti Golden Route Cruise. The pleasure trip travels from Vuohijarvi Lake to Repovesi. Views of the trip include panoramic views of the forested shoreline, the picturesque landscape, the Lapinsalmi suspension bridge, the Lopponen cave, and the Mustalammenvuori observation tower.

This is a relaxing and scenic trip that provides an excellent atmosphere for viewing the striking landscapes and hear stories of the history of the area.

Lapinsalmi Suspension Bridge

One of the highlights of the park is the Lapinsalmi Suspension Bridge. The bridge extends across a distance of 164 feet (50 meters) while reaching a height of 32.8 feet (10 m). The bridge provides excellent panoramic views of the lake and area below.

Repovesi National Park Trails

The national park features over 31 miles (50 km) of trails, which may be accompanied by observation towers that enhance the views of the landscape with panoramic views overhead.

Ketunlenkki Trail

This is a 3-mile (5 km) loop trail, affectionately known as Fox Trail, that provides a solid glimpse into most of the features of the national park. It is rated as easy and family-friendly.

Olhavanvuori Rock Trail

This trail begins in the Saarijarvi parking area and ascends over a distance of 1.86 miles (3 km) out to Olhavanvuori Rock where you will also find a lookout tower atop Mustalamminvuori Hill.

Koppelonkierros Trail

This is a loop trail circling 5.15 miles (8.3 km) that traverses through the forest, along Tervajarvi Lake, and under striking cliff faces. The clifftops and lookout points that deliver panoramic views of the lake and surrounding area are the highlight of the trek.

Korpinkierros Trail

This is a loop trail that travels around Olhavanlampi Pond. The loop trail covers a distance of 2.80 miles (4.5 km) while providing spectacular views of the pond and rock faces rising out of the water.

Kaakkurin Kierros Trail

This is a loop trail that experiences an accumulative elevation gain of 2,627 feet (800.71 m) while covering a distance of 16.5 miles (26.55 km). The trail meanders through the forest, along a river, and past a lake. There are chances to see wildlife along the journey with a series of spectacular panoramic views of the forest and waterways that make this such a unique place.

Ketunlenkki Loop

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 3 miles round trip, elevation gain of about 160 feet (49 meters)

Description: This scenic loop trail takes hikers through diverse terrains, including dense forests and along rocky ridges.

Highlights include the famous suspension bridge and great views of the park’s lakes. Suitable for families and beginners seeking a taste of Repovesi’s natural beauty.

Korpinkierros Trail

Rating: Moderate to Challenging

Distance and Elevation Gain: 17 miles loop, elevation gain varies with terrain

Description: This longer loop offers an immersive experience of Repovesi, crossing ancient forests, rocky outcrops, and serene lakeshores.

Hikers can explore the park’s wilderness, with opportunities for camping and birdwatching. It’s perfect for adventurous hikers looking for a full-day or multi-day trek.

Fox Trail (Ketunreitti)

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 5 miles round trip, elevation gain of about 200 feet (61 meters)

Description: The Fox Trail is known for its beautiful lake views and the iconic Olhavanvuori climbing area.

It’s a moderately challenging route that offers a mix of easy walks and steep climbs, ideal for hikers wanting to explore the park’s varied landscapes and enjoy tranquil lakeside spots.

Mäntyharju-Repovesi Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 26 miles one way, elevation gain varies

Description: Connecting the town of Mäntyharju to Repovesi National Park, this trail offers an extended trek through changing landscapes, including forests, lakes, and wetlands.

It’s well-marked and features several rest stops, making it a great option for those seeking a long-distance hike with scenic natural beauty.

Mustavuori Trail

Rating: Easy to Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 2 miles round trip, elevation gain of about 100 feet (30 meters)

Description: This short trail is perfect for a quick hike to experience the park’s natural beauty without committing to a long trek.

It leads to the top of Mustavuori, offering stunning views over the forest and lakes. Suitable for all ages and skill levels, including families with children.

Ketunlenkki Loop

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 3 miles round trip, elevation gain of about 160 feet (49 meters)

Description: This scenic loop trail takes hikers through diverse terrains, including dense forests and along rocky ridges.

Highlights include the famous suspension bridge and great views of the park’s lakes. Suitable for families and beginners seeking a taste of Repovesi’s natural beauty.

Korpinkierros Trail

Rating: Moderate to Challenging

Distance and Elevation Gain: 17 miles loop, elevation gain varies with terrain

Description: This longer loop offers an immersive experience of Repovesi, crossing ancient forests, rocky outcrops, and serene lakeshores.

Hikers can explore the park’s wilderness, with opportunities for camping and birdwatching. It’s perfect for adventurous hikers looking for a full-day or multi-day trek.

Fox Trail (Ketunreitti)

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 5 miles round trip, elevation gain of about 200 feet (61 meters)

Description: The Fox Trail is known for its beautiful lake views and the iconic Olhavanvuori climbing area.

It’s a moderately challenging route that offers a mix of easy walks and steep climbs, ideal for hikers wanting to explore the park’s varied landscapes and enjoy tranquil lakeside spots.

Mäntyharju-Repovesi Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 26 miles one way, elevation gain varies

Description: Connecting the town of Mäntyharju to Repovesi National Park, this trail offers an extended trek through changing landscapes, including forests, lakes, and wetlands.

It’s well-marked and features several rest stops, making it a great option for those seeking a long-distance hike with scenic natural beauty.

Mustavuori Trail

Rating: Easy to Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 2 miles round trip, elevation gain of about 100 feet (30 meters)

Description: This short trail is perfect for a quick hike to experience the park’s natural beauty without committing to a long trek.

It leads to the top of Mustavuori, offering stunning views over the forest and lakes. Suitable for all ages and skill levels, including families with children.

Park Protection

Repovesi National Park was created to protect this pristine habitat and ecosystem that supports the wildlife in the area as well as the astounding picturesque landscapes for future generations to enjoy.

This is one of the favorite wilderness areas within the country. It is imperative to invest in the protection of this remarkable landscape.

Sources

All Trails, Best Trails In Repovesi National Park, https://www.alltrails.com/parks/finland/kymenlaakso/repovesi-national-park, retrieved September 2020.
Finland Naturally, Repovesi National Park, https://finlandnaturally.com/repovesi-national-park/, retrieved September 2020.
Her Finland, A Beginner’s Guide for Repovesi National Park, https://herfinland.com/repovesi-national-park/, retrieved September 2020.
Kouvola, Repovesi National Park, https://visitkouvola.fi/en/c/165/repovesi-national-park, retrieved September 2020.
National Parks Finland, Repovesi National Park, https://www.nationalparks.fi/en/repovesinp, retrieved September 2020.
Visit Finland, Repovesi National Park, https://www.visitfinland.com/mystay/product/repovesi-national-park/11598/, retrieved September 2020.