Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Several places hire bikes in summer, including InterSport ( GOOGLE MAP ;Olavinkatu 52;
per day/week €20/50; 9.30am-6pm Mon-Fri, 9.30am-3pm Sat) .
WORTH A TRIP
KERIMÄKI'S GIANT CHURCH
Finland has many notable churches, but few impose like Kerimäki's - the largest wooden
church (Kerimäki Church; www.kerimaenseurakunta.fi ; admission free; 10am-6pm Jun & early
Aug, to 7pm Jul, to 4pm late Aug) in the world. Built in 1847, it was designed to accommodate
5000.
The oversized church was no mistake, but deliberately inflated from plans by overex-
cited locals. At the time, the population of Kerimäki parish was around 12,000, and the
reverend felt that half should be attending church on any given Sunday. Worshippers ar-
rived by water, crossing the lakes in akirkkovene(church longboat).
As stunning as the yellow-and-white church appears from outside (dominating the tiny
township), the scale isn't apparent until you survey the massive interior - the height of
the nave is 27m. Eight stoves couldn't heat it, so a smaller winter chapel was built at the
rear. The main church is still used for services in summer. It's largely unadorned apart
from an altarpiece by Aleksandra Såltin.
A cafe and shop occupy the separate bell tower (proceeds go to maintenance, an oner-
ous burden for this small parish). For a small donation you can climb the steep wooden
steps for a different perspective.
Hourly buses run Monday to Friday between Savonlinna and Kerimäki (€6.10, 30
minutes). Don't catch a train: Kerimäki train station is miles away from the village.
Punkaharju
015
Punkaharju, the famous pine-covered esker (sand or gravel ridge) east of Savonlinna, is
touted as 'Finland's national landscape'. The region was first declared a protected area by
Tsar Alexander in 1803 and became a favoured summering spot for St Petersburg gentry.
The area is very picturesque and great for walking or cycling. It's an easy day trip from
Savonlinna on the train but also an appealing place to stay. Punkaharju village has services
including a guesthouse and a large supermarket.
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