On the shores of Lake Simpelejärvi, the lakeside trail and seasonal birdwatching take center stage; the church and local history museum offer insights into Parikkala’s past. If you’re looking for a hotel in Parikkala, you can first decide whether nature watching and hiking or local history will shape your stay. Rantaraitti and Sikoharju offer different trail experiences, while the cultural sites provide a focus of their own.

Rantaraitti and bird migration at Lake Simpelejärvi

Rantaraitti runs along the shore of Lake Simpelejärvi, is 1.5 km long and accessible to people with disabilities. It offers good birdwatching opportunities and lies along a bird migration route in spring and autumn. On peak migration days, tens of thousands of Arctic geese can be seen over Parikkala. If you’re interested in bird migration, this route has a clear seasonal connection: it is relevant to the topic in both spring and autumn.

The Rantaraitti route connects the center of Parikkala with views of Lake Simpelejärvi and the Sikoharju Nature Reserve. The hiking route can be accessed either via Rantaraitti from the direction of Parikkala center or from the grounds of the municipal hall. This means the described access points include both the route from the center and the lakeside path.

Hiking trails in the Sikoharju Nature Reserve

The Sikoharju Nature Reserve is part of an extensive esker and includes several hiking trails. One hiking route in the area is approximately 2 km long. The Rantaraitti–Sikoharju route is considered easy and accessible. Rantaraitti itself is 1.5 km long and accessible to people with disabilities; this information applies to that trail. The different distances and trail descriptions help you choose between the lakeside path and a hike in the Sikoharju area.

Parikkala’s church and history

Parikkala’s present-day church was built between 1813 and 1817 to plans by the Italian-born architect Carlo Bassi, under the direction of master builder Matti Salonen. Two churches had previously stood on the same site. The history of the church site can therefore be viewed through several building phases: the succession of earlier churches is part of its story, along with the current building.

The Hauta-Olli cottage, a local history museum in Parikkala, houses a collection of rural household items from the early 20th century. The living room is furnished as a farmhouse from that period, with a dining table and dishes. The chamber contains an exhibition on Parikkala’s history. The museum therefore focuses both on items from rural everyday life and on the history of the area. Another historical feature is the monument to the defenders of Ladoga, on an esker near Parikkala’s municipal hall.

Discover more destinations: Säimen, Luumäki, Saimaanharju, Lappeenranta, Tainionkoski, Imatra, Rautjärvi, Kannuskoski

Go to the regional travel overview: South Karelia.