Kallislahti: Fortification History and the Green Gold Cultural Road

Kallislahti brings together two specific landmarks for a trip: the fortification line from the First World War and the Green Gold Cultural Road, which reaches the area. When choosing the region, you can consider whether the historical focus or the tourist route is the deciding factor. The fortified landscape can be understood through its extent and the different structures; the road represents a longer route that reaches Kallislahti.

First World War Fortification Line

The Kallislahti–Pihlajalahti fortification chain dates from the First World War. The entire seven-kilometre-wide isthmus between Kallislahti and Pihlajalahti is equipped with field fortifications. The defensive line includes several dozen individual fighting and communication trenches, as well as bunkers; they were built near the old road to Imatra. The terms convey the variety of structures: fighting trenches and communication trenches refer to different elements, while bunkers are another type of structure. Those interested in military history can distinguish between two scales: the fortifications across the isthmus and the specific hill with its measurements.

On a hill south of State Road 14 in Kallislahti, where a landfill used to be, there are about 670 metres of excavated fighting and communication trenches, 130 metres of blasted trenches, and twelve bunker pits. Some features were damaged by construction work. The measurements distinguish between excavated and blasted trenches; the twelve bunker pits are a separate count.

The Green Gold Cultural Road

The Green Gold Cultural Road is an official tourist route 250 kilometres long. It runs from Mäntyharju via Ristiina, Puumala, Sulkava and Savonlinna to Punkaharju, and reaches Kallislahti. From Sulkava to Kallislahti, the route follows State Road 14. Beyond Kallislahti, it continues mostly along this road to its end; only a few detours are planned. The 250 kilometres refers to the entire route, while the reference to the state road describes the route beyond Kallislahti.

An audio story about the cultural road is available in the free Glopas app. It can be listened to while travelling by car or bicycle. Check whether the audio story is available in the app before your trip.

Holiday cottages as a separate type of accommodation

If you are considering a holiday cottage as a type of accommodation in addition to hotels, the Loikansaari holiday cottages are a separate option. They are located at Loikansaarentie 430, 58810 Kallislahti. Loikansaari has a shallow sandy shore with a jetty and rowing boat. The holiday cottage has a separate wood-heated lakeside sauna with a changing room; the outdoor areas include a fire pit in the private yard. The Loikansaari holiday cottages offer guided nature excursions as a service. Confirm their availability before booking. Motorboats are available to rent, and equipment rental is also offered. Motorboat rental terms may change.

Discover more destinations: Kumpuranta, Hiukkajoki, Putikko, Punkaharju, Vuoriniemi, Lötjölä, Enonkoski, Kerimäki

For the broader travel overview: Savonlinna.