Kärnäkoski Fortress
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There is a jetty for boaters next to the Fortress. Photo: Elias Lahtinen -
Sheep are one of the joys of summer at the Fortress. Photo: Elias Lahtinen
The Kärnäkoski Fortress is situated in a heritage landscape on a beautiful isthmus by Lake Saimaa. It was built by Russians at the end of the 1700s by order of Her Majesty the Empress in order to protect St. Petersburg, the capital city. It was an ideal base for keeping watch over travellers on the road and across the water. Enjoy the historical atmosphere on the Fortress ruins, climb the Mountain Fort and have a picnic in the barge harbour. Lookout post in Lake Saimaa landscape
Location: South Karelia, Savitaipale (www.savitaipale.fi).
Address: Partakoskentie 846, 54800 Savitaipale.
Visit: The Kärnäkoski Fortress and the adjoining Mountain Fort are open to visitors free of charge. Guided tours are available. More information about the location, directions and visit
Instructions and rules: The Kärnäkoski Fortress is a fixed relic site, which may not be excavated, covered or damage in any way under the Antiquities Act (www.nba.fi). Campfires are also prohibited.
Sights and activities: The Fortress and Mountain Fort, the Mill, the old barge harbour, heritage landscape and grazing sheep Read more about the sights
Services: Campfire site and lean-to-shelter, toilet for the disabled (dry toilet), information boards, a jetty. More information on the services
Suitability: As a destination, the Kärnäkoski Fortress is suitable for a family outing. It is partially accessible for prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs (when assisted).
The address of this page: www.nationalparks.fi/karnakoski
The site is managed by Metsähallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland.
Customer Service
Saimaa Nature Centre Riihisaari
Tel. +358 (0)206 39 5929,
Saimaa(at)metsa.fi
Cooperation partner: the Partakoski Village Association (www.partakoskenkylat.fi, in Finnish)
Tel. +358 400 505 212
