How to get to Lake Paanajärvi in ​​Karelia.

Autumn National Park

Paanajärvi is one of the main natural attractions of Karelia. The relatively small park (104,473 hectares) contains an incredible concentration of real wildlife

: the purest rivers, the highest mountains, rare species of animals, the deepest lakes, as well as many plants listed in the Red Book.

1. The park is located in the very north of Karelia, on the border with the Murmansk region. Already from the end of August, you can observe the northern lights, incredible in their brightness and picturesqueness. The nature of the park is strictly protected. Getting into the park is not difficult, but more on that later. The park territory is divided into several zones:
2. Protected area. Visiting this area is possible only by special agreement with the park administration. Ordinary tourists are not allowed here.
3. Specially protected area. An area into which entry is strictly prohibited. Nature is especially protected here. Every bush is counted here.

Recreational area. This part of the park is organized for tourists. However, here too there are strict rules related to the life of park guests.

It is extremely difficult to single out any main attraction of the park, so it would be more correct to talk about each in order:

Mount Nourunen This is the most high mountain Karelia, and right up to the Ciscarpathian region it is not higher. The highest point of the mountain is 576 meters above sea level. The top of the mountain is quite flat and bare. Vegetation is mountain tundra, that is, all the plants that are present on the mountain are no higher than 30 centimeters in height. From the top of Mount Norunen there is a stunning view for tens of kilometers around. Visible ski resorts

Finland, lakes, clearings, rivers... Once you climb the mountain, you forget about everything, even fatigue disappears, although the path to the mountain is 21 kilometers along a narrow, swampy forest path. It's breathtaking. The most iconic place on the mountain is a huge seid.

The heaviest stone standing firmly on three supports of small stones. But most of all, this mountain attracts with its silence. For tens of kilometers around you will not meet a single person. After all, not everyone dares to come here. However, it's worth it.

This mountain is slightly lower than Nourunen (499 m), but much more popular. This is understandable, because the path to the mountain is much shorter and easier, only 5 kilometers. There are steps along the entire path, the path is laid with wide boards, halfway there is a resting place with benches and a table, and next to it flows a crystal clear mountain stream, which attracts travelers with its freshness and coolness. The mountain offers a stunning view of the Kum reservoir. It's nice and good to be here.

Lake Paanajärvi

Yes, undoubtedly, it has a special position in the park, because it was in honor of this lake that the park got its name. The lake is quite large and very elongated: about a kilometer wide and almost 25 kilometers long, but the most important thing is that it is the deepest among all the lakes in Karelia, Finland and Sweden - the deepest deep point– 128 meters. The water in it is crystal clear.

On the lake, having received a fishing permit, you can catch a lot of fish: perch, pike, grayling and others. Motor boat rentals are available on Lake Paanajärvi. By taking a boat, you can not only go fishing, but also visit two stunning waterfalls: Mantykoski and Selkakoski. These waterfalls are one of the highest and most picturesque waterfalls in Karelia, and you can even swim near Selkakoski, recharging yourself with the energy of a cool mountain river. Before reaching the waterfalls, travelers are presented with a grandiose spectacle of the tall (60 meters) Ruskealia rock, red with iron ore.

Kivakkakoski Falls

One of the largest and most powerful waterfalls in Karelia. This waterfall is much wider and louder than the famous one. It is located on the threshold main river park - Olanga. The splashes of water shimmer like a rainbow in the sun, the power of the stream and the noise emanating from it make it impossible to count time, bewitching and delighting everyone who approaches it.

Of course, these are not the only attractions national park Paanajärvi. The entire park is one big natural attraction of Karelia, and Russia as a whole.

In Paanajärvi, everything has been done not only to preserve the virginity of the wonderful Karelian nature, but also to ensure that tourists here truly take a break from the problems and bustle of the city. The paths are laid with comfortable boards, from which you must not leave, so as not to trample the unique mosses and lichens.

Staying overnight is only possible in designated parking areas. There are special tent sites and even houses for tourists. Each parking lot is equipped with a fireplace, a woodshed, an axe, a kettle, a kettle, a canopy over the tabletop, a toilet and other amenities. Caring, kind and open rangers who keep order in the park will light a sauna for you and kindly invite you to take a steam bath.

How to get to Paanajärvi National Park.

The nature of the park is very strictly protected, so tourist visits are strictly limited. To get into the park, it is advisable to declare your intention to come in advance. Parking will be reserved for you. Otherwise, you may not be allowed into the park.

Having ordered a ticket, you need to come to the park’s visitor center, located 1050 km from St. Petersburg and 110 kilometers from Loukhov in the village of Pyaozersky. If you are not going to the park by car, you can order transport from the park for a fairly large amount. There is also an option by minibus from Petrozavodsk. Just look carefully at the schedule, because the minibus runs extremely rarely. It’s understandable, it will take 11 hours to drive it.

If you are driving your own transport, then it is easier to drive along the Murmansk highway to the fork with Loukhi and turn left towards Pyaozerskoye. The road, of course, is in a catastrophic condition, but noticeably better than the road through Kalevala.

A museum is organized in the visitor center; here you can also find out information about a possible way home, pay for each day of stay in the park, order excursions, transport, get a fishing permit and buy souvenirs.

From the visitor center to the park itself it is another 75 kilometers to the north. If you don’t have a car, the park will kindly provide you with a driver with a UAZ, of course, for a certain amount of money. There are also known daredevils who walked this distance, hitched rides and did not spend a penny of money on the road. However, this type of travel requires great physical and psychological stability.

Free movement is allowed on the park's roads, whether you are in your own car or with a local driver.

In Paanajärvi, every time of the year is incredibly good in its own way. In the summer, here you can rent a motor boat, walk along the mountain peaks, and enjoy the tastes of berries and mushrooms, of which there are countless quantities. In winter, you can rent a snowmobile and visit all the same stunning places as in summer, only plunging under the heavy and cozy blanket of winter silence. It is extraordinary here at any time of the year.

The park is open to visitors all year round. Holidays in Paanajärvi in ​​summer and winter are two different fairy tales that you want to return to again and again. If you are choosing where to go on a trip, then Paanajärvi National Park is definitely the right choice. You will not remain indifferent to these places.

1. Description
2. Location on the map of Karelia
3. What to see
4. Advice from experienced people
5. Cost of visit
6. How to get there on your own

Paanayavi- one of the most beautiful national parks Russia. The value of this territory is exceptional. Here there are forests imbued with the spirit of the untamed wind, mountains and swamps, here there are rocks and valleys. In Paanajärvi you can still see nature in its true splendor. The way she was created. The air here is an air of purity and freedom. Every breath fills you with life. Every glance at Paanajärvi refreshes your thoughts.

On the map of Karelia the park looks like a large and very green spot. The park is located in one of the most “wild” and untouched areas of the republic - Loukhskoe. The western border of the park coincides with the Russian-Finnish border, which is adjacent to the Oulanka National Park from the neighboring state. Paanajärvi Square(whose name, by the way, is translated from Finnish as “Lake-path”) - 104,473 hectares. Three quarters of the entire area is covered with forest.

What to see?

You can only see in Paanajärvi nature. There is not a single populated area within the boundaries of the park. But there are, as we already said, forests. Not those familiar to the eyes of a city dweller, but carefully preserved. They are especially good in the fall. On the strict green of pines and spruces - the gold of birches and the crimson of aspens. Some pine trees in the park are 600 years old!

Due to the fact that the forest in Paanajärvi is preserved in its unchanged, true form, you can see all the inhabitants of taiga- brown bears and wolves, wolverines, soft-footed beauties, lynxes, fiery red foxes and white hares. And all kinds of forest “trifles” - martens, shrews, weasels, squirrels, stoats. Encounters with Canadian otters are very common. If you're lucky, you'll see a reindeer.

Birds- about 150 species. From bluetails to whooper swans, gray cranes and sea eagles, golden eagles and feet. All these birds cannot stand being close to cities. Therefore, seeing them is a great success for a modern resident of a metropolis.

Lake Paanajärvi is considered the pearl of the park., which gave the name to the entire protected area. A river with the unpronounceable name Oulankajoki flows into the reservoir, as well as other rivers - Sovajoki, Mäntyjoki, Astervajoki and Malinajoki. Another significant waterway for the park is Olanga River. In the early 60s of the last century, after the construction of the Kumskaya hydroelectric power station dam, Olanga flooded the resettled village of Olangasuu. The trees that grew along the banks of the river were under water. And they are still visible - serene and dead. On Olanga the largest unregulated rapids in Karelia are located - Kivakkakoski.

Height - 12 meters, don’t miss it for sure - the sound of water rolling over stones can be heard for kilometers.

However, the Mäntykoski waterfall is also good; the mossy stones of this falls are caressed by white water jets that look like silk ribbons. Not rushed, not loud, but a very delicate waterfall (if a waterfall can be delicate at all). Be sure to visit if you get the chance.

There are a total of 13 rapids on the river, which alternate with such charming reaches that you want to stay and live near one of them.

There are about 120 lakes in the park. They are amazing. Deep, narrow, with rocky shores and pure water. Some reservoirs are even located on mountain tops. The lakes are fed by springs. Both streams and rivers are filled with spring water.

Another pride of Paanajärvi - mountain tundra. The southernmost ones in Fennoscandia, unusual for the eye - with pine trees and aspen bushes creeping over the moss. Such trees grow very difficult and take a long time. A Christmas tree, whose stem is only a couple of centimeters in diameter, can be over 50 years old.

This is due to the fact that trees grow at altitude, literally on the mountains. If you climb higher, the views are amazing. It seems that the whole world is boundless forests with blue strokes of lakes and threads of rivers.

Photo source - life-is-travel.ru

When you're in Paanajärvi, look around carefully. And especially - under your feet. Because on the land of the park you can find unique plants. For example, the lady's slipper orchid or bearded lichen, or blue Phellodoceum (which is not blue at all, but a pleasant lilac-pink shade).

For your own safety, you need to move around the park only along paved paths and routes; they are well thought out, safe and very interesting. Moreover, you can choose a route to suit every taste - by water, on foot, in winter - on a sleigh or skis.

A visit to Paanajärvi is a must. In terms of concentration of impressions, the trip is not inferior to a visit to the Vatican. But it is important to remember that the main task of the park is to preserve nature in its true form. Therefore, not only pleasant adventures are possible here. To avoid them, we advise you to listen to some recommendations from experienced travelers and advice from the park administration.

Cost of visiting Paanajärvi

The cost is not at all high for the pleasures you can get. For an excursion along the routes with accommodation in a forest house they ask only 600 rubles per Russian tourists(390 for residents of Karelia), an excursion with accommodation in a tent camp will generally cost 370 and 240 rubles, respectively. Water excursions vary in price depending on the power of the motor - from 90 rubles per hour for a rowing boat to 560 rubles per hour. You can take a daily boat excursion - 2650, 3100 rubles. Excursion to the Mäntykoski waterfall on the Olanga pleasure boat - 4,000 rubles. Snowmobile excursion along the park routes - 1 hour - 610 rubles, 6 hours - 2440 rubles. Excursion along equipped winter routes on a personal snowmobile, car under the control of a state park inspector per day - additional 150 rubles. You can rent skis (250 rubles), tents (100 rubles per day), smokehouses (50 rubles).

For free Children under 7 years old, veterans of the Great Patriotic War, disabled people of group 1 and some other categories of beneficiaries enter the park and use all the services. Half price - children under 18 years old, large families, pensioners, disabled people of groups 2-3, combatants.

Getting to Paanajärvi is not easy

But it's worth it. It is not possible to reach the park by train. The nearest station is Loukhi. In principle, any car can get to the park (if you don’t mind it at all, or it’s a tank), the road that goes there is an ordinary beaten track, which in some places does not allow you to reach a speed of more than 40 km per hour.

If you go to the park by car, then it is better to go not from Loukhi station, but through the village of Kalevala (Kalevala district). The road to Kalevala is much better and it will be faster in terms of time, despite the slightly longer distance. There are gas stations along the M-18 highway, although after the turnoff to Kem there are no gas stations until Kalevala. Also, after Kalevala there are no gas stations to the park and back, and you shouldn’t count on gas stations in the village of Pyaozersky (the gas station is only open until 17:00). The distance from Kalevala to Paanajärvi and back is 340 km.

To the village of Pyaozersky can be reached from the east, south and west. A 59 km long dirt road leads to the park from the village.

From Moscow, St. Petersburg and Petrozavodsk you can get to the park along the St. Petersburg-Murmansk highway to the village of Loukhi, or by train to Loukhi station. From - by highway 110 km west to the village of Pyaozersky.

It is located in the north-west of Karelia, in the Loukhsky district. It got its name from a deep, clear lake located in rocky faults.

This park is located in the mountainous part of Karelia, called Fennoscandia, near the Maanselka ridge. It represents a protected natural area of all-Russian significance. And since the park is located near Finland itself, it is subject to the border zone regime. Next to it there is a similar conservation area neighboring country- “Oulanka”.

Paanajärvi National Park: how to get there and when to go

Rail transport in these places only goes to Loukhi station. Further on, the road to the park itself is quite broken. You will have to hitchhike or use your own transport. But in the latter case, tourists are advised to go through Kalevala. The road there is in better condition, and you will spend less time than from Louhi, since the condition of the road there is such that you cannot drive more than 40 kilometers per hour.

The distance between Kalevala and the environmental protection zone is about 160 km. You can visit the park all year round. But the weather here is very changeable. In summer it often rains and there are a lot of mosquitoes, so you need to take these nuances into account.

Story

"Paanajärvi" is a national park in Karelia, the territory of which was inhabited seven thousand years ago. Sites of ancient people from the Stone Age to the Iron Age were discovered here, as well as their tools and pottery. In the Middle Ages, these lands belonged to Veliky Novgorod. After the latter was captured by Ivan III, they went to Sweden.

In the eighteenth century, Finns began to settle in this territory. But few people lived here. And since the 19th century, the lands around Lake Paanajärvi alternately passed to Russia and Finland. Since the 90s of the century before last, industrial logging and rafting of timber began to be practiced here, but then the beauty of these places prompted the local government to open a tourist center.

After Finland gained independence, the territory first passed to it, and after World War II it returned to Russian borders (as part of the USSR). The national park was established here in May 1992. Since then, it has been used not only for the protection of landscapes, flora and fauna, but also for tourism, recreational and educational purposes.

Description

Paanajärvi National Park has an area of ​​one hundred thousand hectares. There is not a single settlement on these lands. 20 thousand hectares are allocated for the reserve, and 6 thousand hectares for tourist use.

The warmest time here is July, when the average temperature rises to +15 degrees. And the coldest time is in February, when it drops to -13°C. As a rule, there is enough snow here, often more than a meter in height. In addition, beautiful northern lights are observed here in winter, and in summer the sun does not shine for only two to three hours a day.

The park has an exceptionally picturesque landscape. It has everything - gorges, lakes, mountains, rivers and waterfalls. The forests are very dense and almost virgin. There are about 120 lakes in the park. But not everywhere is open to tourists.

Attractions

Paanajärvi National Park boasts the highest mountains in Karelia. These are Lunas, Kivakka, Mäntytunturi and Nuorunen. They are about half a kilometer high. Their slopes are very steep, and they contain such an interesting phenomenon as “hanging swamps”.

There are over sixty here natural monuments, which are attractions, including those of world significance. These are the Päinur mountains, the Ruskeakallio rock, the Olanga River basin and Lake Paanajärvi itself along with the fault of the same name.

The depth of this reservoir is 128 meters. It is surrounded by mountains and therefore has a specific microclimate. The lake is one of the deepest reservoirs of its kind. It is also unique in its purity. And its water is very saturated with oxygen. Tall waterfalls with numerous steps, bizarre red rocks, ancient Sami sanctuaries - all this can be seen by visitors to the park.

The sixty-meter-high Ruskeakallio rock, as well as the cascading Kivakkakoski waterfall, 12 m high and 100 m long, are especially beautiful. It remained unconquered by people - no one was able to raft or raft along it. Tourists are also attracted by the sacred stones of the Sami - the so-called seids. Ancient peoples considered them “places of power.” In their opinion, spirits lived there, the owners of lakes, rivers and mountains.

Excursions

If you want to tour the local attractions, first register at the Paanajärvi Visitor Center. The national park is often busy with travelers, so it's best to make reservations in advance.

The visitor center is located in the neighboring village of Pyaozerskoye. It was built in 2002 with funds from the European Union. This center is very beautiful, comfortable, practical and functional. It runs a good hotel with a sauna included in your stay. To register and obtain a fishing license, you must present your passport.

Excursions around the park are available in summer and winter. During the cold season, snowmobile tours are very popular. The park has specially designated roads for cars and equipped pedestrian paths with walkways and railings in dangerous places. Tourists most often make forays along the Olanga River, to the Kivakkakoski and Mäntykoski waterfalls, to the Kivakkatunturi and Nuorunen mountains.

Among the animals you can find here are moose, swans, squirrels and hares. By the way, there are also specially equipped “ nature trails", where there are information signs about the local flora and fauna.

Mount Kivakka is very popular among travelers because it is separate, which is not typical for Karelia, and it offers views of the entire park. Some tourists even associate it with Fuji. At its top there was a temple, but an Orthodox cross is now installed on top of it.

Entertainment

You can fish in the park, but not in all places, but only in designated areas of the Olanga River. The catch is usually good. On the shores of Lake Paanajärvi there is sandy beaches, where, thanks to the special microclimate, you can even swim from the second half of July. But if you want to come to Paanajärvi National Park with a dog, then, unfortunately, this is not possible. It is prohibited to bring domestic animals into this protected area, as this can be dangerous both for them and for wild forest inhabitants.

There is a pleasure boat “Onanga” sailing around the lake, which takes tourists for rides. The park also often hosts various environmental festivals, cultural days of the Sami people, and educational seminars.

Where to live

Paanajärvi National Park offers overnight accommodation for tourists who want to spend a few days here. These are wooden houses and camping. The cost of housing depends on whether you sleep in a tent and pay only for the space, or stay in a cottage. The houses “Float”, “Paanajärvi” and “Skazka” are located near the lake itself. There are several more cottages near the Olanga River. Some of them are on the road to the lake. Near the cottages there are places for tents.

Houses without amenities are just wooden log houses with bunks, mattresses, pillows and stoves. Clean linen is provided at the visitor center. Near the buildings there is a place for a fire, there is firewood for kindling, boilers, and some cottages even have a sauna. The campsites have toilets, water, wooden tables, and trash bins.

Paanajärvi National Park: reviews

Tourists call travel to this protected area fabulous. After all, the beauty of nature here is unusual even for Karelia. Besides this perfect place for relaxation with both family and company.

As travelers note, the campsites and cabins are very well maintained, albeit simple. There is no electricity, but you can rent a generator. Having a sauna is a great bonus during the hike. This is a great route for those who love nature and fishing.

And what opportunities for wonderful photographs does Paanajärvi National Park provide! You will keep photos of amazing rocks, waterfalls and beautiful views from the mountains for a long time. It’s not for nothing that these places are called Karelian Switzerland. The park attracts many tourists not only from Russia, but also from European countries.

"Paanajärvi" is a national park that was formed by decree of the Russian Government on May 20, 1992 in order to preserve the unique natural complexes basin of the Olangi River and Lake Paanajärvi, which made it possible to use it for reactionary, environmental, scientific and educational purposes. The park is subordinate to the special Committee of the Karelian Republic for forest protection.

The national park is located near the Arctic Circle, namely in the northwestern part of Karelia, in the Loukhsky district. The western borders of the park coincide with the border of the Russian Federation and Finland. On the territory where the border with Finland is located, the national park is adjacent to “Oulyanka” - a national park of Finland.

The national park has an area of ​​103.3 thousand hectares, of which forests occupy 78 thousand hectares, non-forested areas occupy 25.3 hectares, water occupies 10.9 thousand hectares, swamps - 13 thousand hectares, and roads occupy an area of ​​0.2 thousand ha. Settlements completely absent.

The first people appeared in Paanajärvi 5 or 6 thousand years BC. The ancient population of these places was engaged in hunting, gathering and fishing, as evidenced by various kinds of stone tools and stone utensils that were discovered on the shores of Päozero and Lake Paanajärvi. The post-war period was marked by the discovery of a dozen and a half historical sites on Pyaozero, belonging to different eras.

As for the climate, winter time The prevailing wind in the park is southwest, and in summer – northeast. The basin of Lake Paanajärvi is related to the Maansel agroclimatic subregion, characterized by a short period without severe frosts and cold and long winters. The average air temperature is approximately 0 °C, and the average precipitation is 500-520 mm. The warmest time of the year is July with a temperature of +15 °C, the coldest is January and February with a temperature of -13 °C. The height of the snow cover reaches 70-80 mm.

The park area has several mountains, which are among the ten highest in the Karelian Republic. For example, Mount Lunas with a height of 495.4 m, Mount Mäntytunturi with a height of 550.1 m. A special attraction of the park is a mountain called Nuorunen Fjeld, reaching 576.7 m, which is considered the highest in Karelia. Another unique feature of this area is the presence of “hanging” swamps found on mountain slopes.

There are 54 monuments and 15 major geological objects in Paanajärvi, which are of particular value. There are also objects of world significance, for example, the layered intrusions of Tsipringa and Kivakka, the Paanajarki fault with Mount Ruskeakalio, the Nuorenen granite massif, a small part of the Paanajärvi-Kandalaksha deep fault, as well as the ancient system of unique hydroglacial deltas of Olangi-Tsipringa.

Unique natural object Lake Paanajärvi is considered. The length of this lake is 24 km and its width reaches 1.4 km. The depth of the lake is 128 m. Lake Paanajärvi is one of the deepest small lakes. The bowl of the lake contains about 1 sq. km of uniquely pure water, because oxygen saturation at a depth of 60 to 80 m is the highest in the world among all lakes around the world. The lake valley is surrounded by low mountains, which contributes to the creation of a unique and special microclimate. In winter, air masses descend from the mountains into the lake valley; in severe frosty weather, differences between temperatures can reach 20°C. Temperatures were also recorded here that reached temperatures close in value to the temperatures of the poles of the northern hemisphere. During the months of April to September, the area becomes quite warm compared to nearby surroundings. It is this kind of feature of the extreme temperatures of the Olangi-Paanajärvi river basin that allows us to classify this area of ​​the park as the most continental place in Fennoscandia.

In winter, the light part of the day is very short, and then especially frequent “northern lights” are observed here, and in summer, the sun hides behind the horizon for only 2-3 hours.

Paanajavi Park is not accessible to everyone. This is our country - big. But Paanajavi is one of the most beautiful national parks in Russia. Arriving at Paanajärvi Park you can still see nature in its true splendor. Therefore, the value of this territory is exceptional. There are forests imbued with the spirit of the untamed wind, mountains and swamps, cliffs and valleys. Nature here is the way it was created.

The park's area is relatively small - 104,473 hectares. But the concentration of truly wild nature is very high, so to speak: clean rivers, mountains, rare species of animals, deep lakes, as well as many Red Book plants.

Paanajärvi Park is located in the very north of Karelia. The Arctic Circle is just a stone's throw away. Near the border with Finland and Murmansk region. The northern lights, incredible in their brightness and picturesqueness, are observed here. To look at northern lights It's better to come at the end of August or later.

Getting into the park is not difficult, but the nature of the park is strictly protected. Please note that to stay on the territory of Paanajärvi you must obtain permission from the administration. This must be done in advance at the visitor center of the village. Pyaozersky.

The park can also be visited as part of an organized group. For example, Alem-Tour, one of the most popular tour operators in Karelia, has programs that include Paanajärvi, the White Sea, and even fishing. They also have a list of ready-made routes around the park on their website, so it’s worth checking out their website in any case.

On the map of Karelia the park looks like a large and very green spot. The park is located in the Loukhsky district of the Republic of Karelia, which is one of the most untouched by civilization. The western border of the park coincides with the Russian-Finnish border. On the other side, the Oulanka National Park adjoins the border of the countries.

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The territory of Paanajärvi is divided into several zones:

1. Recreational area. This part of the park is just for tourists. However, there are strict rules regarding guests staying in the park.
2. Protected area. Visiting this area is possible only by special agreement with the park administration. Everyone is not allowed here.
3. Protected area. Visiting this area is possible only by special agreement with the park administration. Ordinary tourists are not allowed here.

It is extremely difficult to single out any main attraction of the park, so it would be more correct to talk about each in order.

What to see in Paanajärvi?

In Paanajärvi there is only nature, there is nothing else. There are no populated areas within the park's boundaries. But there are, as already written, forests. Unusual to the eye of a city dweller, carefully preserved. They are especially good in the fall. On the strict green of pines and spruces - the gold of birches and the crimson of aspens. Some pine trees in the park are six hundred years!

Due to the fact that the forest in Paanajärvi is preserved in its true form, in the park you can see all the traditional inhabitants of the taiga - wolves and brown bears, wolverines, lynxes, fiery red foxes and snowshoe hares. And all kinds of forest “trifles” - martens, weasels, shrews, squirrels, stoats. Encounters with Canadian otters are very common. You might see a reindeer, but not everyone is lucky.

Lake Paanajärvi

The lake that gave the park its name. Yes, without a doubt, that is why it has a special position in the park. The lake is quite large and very elongated: almost 25 kilometers long and about a kilometer wide. But the most important thing is that it is the deepest among all the lakes in Karelia, Finland and Sweden - maximum depth– 128 meters. The water in it is crystal clear.

On the lake you can obtain a fishing permit through the park administration and catch perch, pike, grayling and other fish. There are motor boats on Lake Paanajärvi. By boat you can not only go fishing, but also visit two stunning waterfalls: Mantykoski and Selkakoski.

These waterfalls are one of the highest and most picturesque waterfalls in Karelia. In Selkakoski you can even swim, recharging yourself with the energy of a cool mountain river. On the way to the waterfalls, travelers see a grandiose sight of the tall (60 meters) Ruskealia rock, red with iron ore.

Kivakkakoski Falls

One of the largest and most powerful waterfalls in Karelia. This waterfall is much wider and louder famous waterfall Kivach. It is located on the threshold of the big river park - Olanga. The splashes of water shimmer like a rainbow in the sun, the power of the stream and the noise emanating from it make it impossible to count time, bewitching and delighting everyone who approaches it.

Mount Nourunen

This is the highest mountain in Karelia, and right up to the Ciscarpathian region there is no higher mountain than it. Highest point The mountain is 576 meters above sea level. The top of the mountain is quite flat and bare. Vegetation is mountain tundra, that is, all the plants that are present on the mountain are no higher than 30 centimeters in height. From the top of Mount Norunen there is a stunning view for tens of kilometers around. Finnish ski resorts, lakes, clearings, rivers are visible...

The path to the mountain is long - 21 kilometers along a narrow, swampy forest path. It's breathtaking. The most iconic place on the mountain is a huge seid - a heaviest stone firmly standing on three supports made of small stones.

But most of all, this mountain attracts with its silence. For tens of kilometers around you will not meet a single person. After all, not everyone dares to come here.

Mount Kivakka

This mountain is slightly lower than Nourunen (499 m), but there are more tourists here. This is due to the fact that the path to Norunen is much shorter and easier - only 5 kilometers. The path is equipped, there are steps, the path is laid with wide boards, halfway there is a resting place with benches and a table, and next to it flows a crystal clear mountain stream, which attracts travelers with its freshness and coolness. The mountain offers a stunning view of the Kum reservoir. It's nice and good to be here.

Mountain tundra

Another pride of Paanajärvi Park is the mountain tundra. The southernmost ones in Fennoscandia, unusual for the eye - with pine trees and aspen bushes creeping over the moss. Such trees grow very difficult and take a long time. A Christmas tree, whose stem is only a couple of centimeters in diameter, can be over 50 years old.

This is due to the fact that trees grow at altitude, literally on the mountains. If you climb higher, the views are amazing. It seems that the whole world is boundless forests with blue strokes of lakes and threads of rivers.

Of course, not all the attractions of Paanajärvi National Park are listed. The entire Paanajärvi park is one big natural attraction of Karelia, and in general.

Infrastructure

In Paanajärvi, they not only ensure the preservation of the pristine Karelian nature, but also create conditions for tourists to truly take a break from the bustle of the city. The paths are laid with comfortable boards, from which you must not leave, so as not to trample the unique mosses and lichens.

Overnight stays are only possible in designated parking areas. There are special tent sites and houses for tourists. Each parking lot is equipped with a fireplace, a woodshed, an axe, a kettle, a kettle, a canopy over the tabletop, a toilet and other amenities.

There are even bathhouses, but they are heated by the rangers themselves - if you want to go to the bathhouse, look for Yegor.

How to get to Paanajärvi

Visits to the park by tourists are strictly limited. To get to Paanajärvi Park, it is advisable to notify the administration in advance. Parking will be reserved for you. Otherwise, you may simply not be allowed into the park, and you will have to travel a long way.

The park has a visitor center, where you need to come with a voucher. The center is located in the village of Pyaozersky, 1050 km from St. Petersburg and 110 kilometers from Loukhov.

The path is long, but Paanajärvi Park is worth it.

It is not possible to get to the park by train. Nearest railway Loukhi station. In principle, any car can get to the park, but a brand new Mercedes, etc. Still not recommended. The path leading to the park is a regular, beaten-up dirt road, which in some places does not allow speeds exceeding 40 km per hour.

If you go by car, it is better to go not from Loukhi station, but through the village of Kalevala (Kalevala district). The road to Kalevala is much better and it will be faster in terms of time, although the distance is longer. There are gas stations along the M-18 highway, although after the road to Kem all the way to Kalevala there are no gas stations. There are also no gas stations to the park from Kalevala and back.

There is a gas station in the village of Pyaozersky, but it is only open until 17:00. The distance from Kalevala to Paanajärvi and back is 340 km.

The village of Pyaozersky can be reached from the east, south and west. A dirt road leads to the park territory from the village, along which you need to drive another 59 km. In short, you need a serious supply of fuel.

From Moscow, St. Petersburg and Petrozavodsk you can get to the park along the St. Petersburg–Murmansk highway to the village of Loukhi, or by train to Loukhi station. But from Loukhov you will have to rent a car to the village of Pyaozersky, then along the park and back.