Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights & Activities
The underground Retretti gallery, a fabulous attraction, was closed at the time of writing
through lack of funding. Its future was uncertain.
You can hire boats, kayaks and bikes from the
service station
( 044-755-0382;
www.harjunportti.fi
;Tuunaansaarentie 2;bike per day/24hr €10/15, kayak per day €30-45)
by
Retretti train station.
Punkaharju
NATURAL FEATURE
During the Ice Age, formations similar to this 7km-long sand ridge were created all over
the country. Because it crosses a large lake, it's always been an important travel route.
Short sections of the original unsealed road along the ridgetop remain - once part of a
route to Russia connecting the Olavinlinna and Vyborg (Viipuri) castles. To stroll on the
ridge, get off at Retretti train station and walk east towards Punkaharju village, either
shadowing the main road, or along the quieter byroad signposted 'Harjualue'. It is a spec-
tacular walk, particularly on a sunny day, with water on both sides. Other labelled trails
explore the forested areas from the Arboretum car park, between Lusto and Retretti.
Lusto
MUSEUM
(
www.lusto.fi
;adult/child €10/5; 10am-5pm Tue-Sun Oct-Apr, 10am-5pm daily May & Sep,
10am-7pm Jun-Aug)
Dedicated to Finnish forests and forestry, Lusto is a good visit, with plenty of English in-
formation. Displays cover hunting, cottage culture and global forest resources; another
section has a kid-pleasing range of machinery and chainsaws. More peaceable is the lakes-
cape from the Expo 2000 pavilion - a spot to relax for five minutes. The building itself is
an interesting timber structure with the main display hall designed to represent a tree's
trunk. The attractive cafe does a summer lunch buffet (€18).
Sleeping
Punkaharjun Lomakeskus
CAMPGROUND
