Paanayarvi National Park

The State National Park Paanayarvi is situated in the north-west of Karelia, on the territory of the Louhsky District. The National nature preserve Paanayarvi was established in 1992. Lake Paanayarvi and the mountain Nuorunen enjoy the most popularity.

Northern nature is truly unique and enchanting. Severe climate and lack of sun have left their imprint on it. Turmoil, haste, bustle are just impossible in this land — otherwise you will get no forgiveness. Here you need to be calm, strong and sensible as everybody around you.

You can surrender yourself to the time flow completely admiring the taiga nature with the typical representatives of its plant and animal life and the beauty of local landscapes. You will probably see the old overgrown pine-trees of more than 400 year-old or will encounter a reindeer. And if your trip happens to be at the end of July you will surely eat the tastiest cloudberry. The deepest ponds will quench your thirst with the clearest water from the springs.

In the Middle Ages the territory of Lake Paanayarvi and Lake Pyaozero were inhabited by the Lapp tribes. The monuments belonging to this epoch are spiritual complexes on the mountains Nuorunen and Kivakka. These ingenious stones and rocks of natural origin or artificial boulder piles of enormous proportions used to be the sanctuaries of Lapps and still preserve their extraordinary power.

You must get a special permit to visit the national park.