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Photo: Ohto Kokko, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
One of the biggest rock painting sites in the Nordic countries. The paintings on a cliff next to a lake are thought to be 4,500–5,000 years old and they depict elk, human, hands, animal tracks, and boats.
The Astuvansalmi rock paintings are located in Ristiina, Mikkeli, Southern Savonia, Finland at the shores of the lake Yövesi, which is a part of the large lake Saimaa. The paintings are 7.7 to 11.8 metres above the water-level of lake Saimaa. The lake level was much higher at the time the rock paintings were made. There are about 70 paintings in the area.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Astuvansalmi is one of the biggest rock painting sites in the Nordic countries. The paintings on a cliff next to a lake are thought to be 4500-5000 years old and they depict elk, human, hands, animal tracks, boats etc. The site can be reached by a 3-km walking path. You can arrive to the trail head from Ristiina (21 km south of Mikkeli on Highway 15) by car. In Ristiina turn to "Suurlahdentie", road 4323. Drive 19 km and find a small parking place with the Astuvansalmi sign. In winter the paintings can be viewed from the ice on the frozen lake. In summer boats trips are possible.
Canoe and kayak rental, introduction, guided canoe tours. Equipment suitable for novices. Guided tours and suggested routes for novices and families as well as more advanced paddlers. Overnighting before/after the trip possible at their base. Use own sleeping bags, compass, hat, rainwear, eating utensils, mosquito repellent, sunscreen etc.
Dance pavilion from 1950. Cloakroom, café. Nice people.
Dance pavilion surrounded by forest with view to the lake, although 100 m to the highway behind a ridge. Audience from the young to pensioners. Simple café during dances, with grill. Outhouse dry toilet, running cold water. Beach.
Mikkeli Park
Summer garden by the lake, formed by several exhibitors.
Nature centre of Urpola
A nature conservation zone next to the town centre, popular for small treks.