Discover Oravikoski

Oravikoski brings together a particularly tangible chapter of Finnish mining history, older mill traces, the Isokivi erratic boulder and a swimming spot in Oravilahti. When looking for a hotel, this mix can help you decide whether you want your stay to focus more on industrial heritage, local history or individual outdoor activities.

Kotalahti and mining history

The Kotalahti mining area covers approximately 200 hectares. Märta Blomstedt and Matti Lampén designed the mining buildings and residential areas, which were mostly completed between 1956 and 1970. The settlement is a nationally significant built cultural environment protected by the Finnish Heritage Agency. As a large, cohesive mining environment, Kotalahti represents the boom in the Finnish mining industry in the 1960s.

Outokumpu’s Kotalahti nickel mine operated in Leppävirta-Oravikoski from 1959 to 1987. At its peak, it employed more than 300 people. The construction period for the mining buildings and residential areas partially overlapped with the mine’s operating period. This helps place the development of the settlement and the history of mining in context without conflating the two periods.

The Oravikosken hovi estate is also part of local history: it was located on the industrial site. Its main building, dating from the 19th century, and its outbuildings have been preserved. The history of mills and sawmills goes back further. There were milling and sawmill operations at the small Mertakoski rapids in the village of Oravikoski in the 19th and 20th centuries. A mill used by the residents of Kotalahti is said to have already stood there in the 17th century.

In the late 18th century, the Oravikoski rapids served as a source of power for a sawmill. The presence of two Härkin mills there is documented for 1786. Traces of old mill buildings can be seen in the riverbed east of the canal; their remains may be difficult to interpret on site. These different dates offer a glimpse into the long history of using the waterways without attributing the individual mills to a single construction period.

Isokivi and outdoor activities

The glacial erratic boulder in Oravikoski is more than six metres high and about ten metres wide. It is one of the largest erratic boulders in Pohjois-Savo and is known locally as Isokivi. Its shape and profile make it well suited to climbing. Its size and local name make it a destination in its own right alongside the mining history.

The Oravikoski swimming spot is in Oravilahti, on Lätkätie. There is a diving tower with a 1.7-metre diving height. The shore is considered shallow, safe and suitable for children. Check the latest local information about the facilities and conditions before visiting, as these may change.

During the cold season, Oravikoski has an outdoor ice rink; whether it can be used depends on the winter conditions. Oravikosken Pallo ry is listed in the municipal directory under both beach volleyball and tennis. If you plan to take part in either activity, check current opportunities to do so, as the information may change.

For orientation, Leppävirta’s tourist maps mark services in the settlements of Oravikoski and Sorsakoski, as well as in the village of Leppävirta. Map materials may be updated, so it is worth checking the latest edition when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Kosula, Heinävesi, Anttola, Ruokolahti, Leppävirta, Kuhmo.

Back to the main travel overview: Saimaa Lakes.