What to do
Enjoy views with never-ending horizons
What to see
With a depth of 128 metres, the crystal clear Lake Paanajärvi is the deepest lake in the region and an excellent place for swimming. Lake Paanajärvi lies in a deep canyon, which was formed over 1.5 billion years ago as a result of earthquakes. Later, glaciers rounded the summits of the surrounding mountains.
On the Northern shore of Lake Paanajärvi the Ruskeakallio (Red Rock) Cliffs rise 60 metres in the sky, forming an important habitat for many rare species.
Paanajärvi’s highest waterfall, the Kivakkakoski Rapids, has a drop of 12 metres and falls in two streams. The beautiful five step Mäntykoski Rapids in the West of Lake Paanajärvi is also worth a visit.
Karelia’s three highest mountains - Mount Nuorunen (576 m), Mount Mäntytunturi (542 m) and Mount Kivakkatunturi (499m) lie in Paanajärvi National Park. On top of Mount Nuorunen and Mount Kivakkatunturi are the religious sites of the ancient Saami people.
Traces of the ancient Saami tribes can be found on top of Mount Kivakkatunturi and Mount Nuorunen. The stone compositions, so - called “Seids,” were ancient sacred sites.
In the old Karelian settlement there is a centre for restoring Karelian culture. The cultural events arranged by the national park (in the courtyard of old Karelian style buildings with wooden decorations) bring this ancient culture to life.
The traditional Arola Farm is an old Finnish settlement, located near Lake Paanajärvi’s Eastern side next to the former Russian border. Buildings such as a sauna and a silo, as well as the posts, reveal what living here was like more than 50 years ago.
What to do
Watch the whooper swan, the golden eye and the black throated diver play on Paanajärvi’s lakes. There are almost 150 species of birds in the park, many of them water birds.
Hike to the ancient sites of the Saami people or walk to the park’s beautiful cascades. There are four treks of varying length and difficulty that take you to the main attractions.
Catch a brown trout for dinner! The heaviest trophies caught in the park weighed between 10 and 12 kg. Fishing in the national park is only allowed during the fishing season.
Pick a lake and go paddling! From a canoe excellent photos of the rich birdlife on the lakes can be taken.
Take a dip in Lake Paanajärvi, Karelia’s deepest lake! Swimming is also possible in the river Olanga.
Adventure tips
PAN Parks offer a wide variety of wilderness experiences. We collected those adventures that help you best experience PAN Parks wilderness in Paanajärvi.
Boating on the lake is a great way to explore the surrounding wilderness of Paanajärvi. The lake is 60-70-km long and 128-meter deep with crystal clear water. On its northern shore the stunning Ruskeakallio (Red Rock) Cliffs rise 60 metres in the sky forming an important habitat for many rare species. Small motor boats are offered by the national park with guides.
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