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Traces of The Ice Age - Stone Age Man, Savitaipale
Etelä-Karjalan Verified partner Explorers Choice
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/ TRACES OF THE ICE AGE – STONE AGE MANPhoto: Outdoors Finland -
/ TRACES OF THE ICE AGE – STONE AGE MANPhoto: Outdoors Finland
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/ TRACES OF THE ICE AGE – STONE AGE MANPhoto: Outdoors Finland
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/ TRACES OF THE ICE AGE – STONE AGE MANPhoto: Outdoors Finland
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/ TRACES OF THE ICE AGE – STONE AGE MANPhoto: Outdoors Finland
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/ TRACES OF THE ICE AGE – STONE AGE MANPhoto: Outdoors Finland
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/ Traces of the Ice Age - Stone Age manPhoto: Outdoors Finland
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/ Rovastinoja peat hutPhoto: Etelä-Karjalan
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/ Lepänkanto recreation areaPhoto: Etelä-Karjalan
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/ Barbecue shelter in LepänkantoPhoto: Etelä-Karjalan
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/ Maastopyöräilyä Etelä-KarjalassaVideo: Etelä-Karjalan
It is easiest to set off for the Traces of the Ice Age – Stone Age Man Trail (Jääkauden jäljet – kivikauden ihminen) from the Lepänkanto recreational area by Lake Kuolimo. The trail travels through a terrain shaped by the Ice Age. Along the trail, you will see versatile forests although the heath forests and esker landscape dominate. The water in Lake Kuolimo is exceptionally clear and a path running along its shore is one of the most beautiful sections of the trail. In the forest, you may see busy squirrels and even a capercaillie. You will have options: after Rajalamminsuo Mire, you can choose whether to continue to the Pomperi Circuit (Pomperin kierros) or return along a shorter trail to Lepänkanto. A short section of the Pomperi Circuit travels along the busy Mikkelintie Road. Part of the trail can be cycled. The bicycle route runs from the Mansion Hotel Olkkolan Kartano to Lepänkanto. The Lepänkanto recreational area and Rovastinoja are the rest spots along the trail.
ATTENTION! You can't drive a car to Rovastinoja through Pyhä-Paulantie -road! The road is private.
Author’s recommendation
Safety information
It is safest to move in a group if you do not know the terrain or the water area. Before the excursion, it is advisable to acquire the necessary maps and guides and check the weather forecast, particularly when going boating. Wear sturdy footwear and clothes that suit the weather. It is recommended that you take first aid equipment, rainwear, a spare set of clothes, as well as enough drinks with you, particularly in the summer. Remember to wear a floating vest when boating.
In wet weather and in winter, duckboards, rocks and piers can be slippery.
During the snowy season, the trails and routes are not maintained.
In an emergency, dial the number 112. Report your location, what has happened and listen to the instructions.
Difficulty level
The first part of the trail is mainly narrow paths and forest roads until the Rovastinoja lean-to. From there, the trail features narrow dirt roads, occasional paths and duckboards. There are two short and steep 35–40% rises near the start of the trail, but mostly there is little elevation and the passage is easy.
Duration
1 day
Trail markings
The start of the trail and the lean-tos have information boards on the trail. There are signposts along the trail, and it is marked clearly with red markings.
Suitability
The trail is ideal for those looking for a long trail. You can also take an optional trail that is 11.3 km long.
Tips, hints and links
Visit Savitaipale: RecreationStart
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Trail description
The trail starts at the Lepänkanto recreational area by Lake Kuolimo. There is a beautiful sandy beach and a campfire site in Lepänkanto. Soon after Lepänkanto the trail leads into a forest and on top of a narrow and steep ridge. Along the trail there are information boards on the Ice Age and the life of the Stone Age man. The trail follows the lakeside of Lake Kuolimo on a narrow path and duckboards before arriving in Rovastinoja. Rovastinoja is a hut built in the Stone Age style out of peat, wood and animal skins. From Rovastinoja the trail continues along forest and dirt roads.
When you come to the sign for the Pomperi Circuit, you must decide whether to take the shortcut or walk the whole trail, including the Pomperi Circuit. The circuit adds about 4 km to the trail. The circuit travels along dirt roads and a narrow path around Pomperi fields. The circuit also features an old tar pit. The crossing of Lepänkannonpolku and Lepänkannontie brings you back to the main trail whether you decide to take the shortcut or walk the entire trail. From here, the trail travels through heath terrain, mainly along dirt roads, but you will also encounter a delicate grove.
Note
Public transport
There is no public transport to the starting point of Traces of the Ice Age - Stone Age man.Getting there
By car to the parking lot of the Lepänkanto recreational area or by bicycle along the Olkkola outdoor and mountain biking trail to the Lepänkanto recreational area.
ATTENTION! You can't drive a car to Rovastinoja through Pyhä-Paulantie -road! The road is private.