Punkaharju research forest

The Punkaharju research forests (750 ha) are mainly located in Punkaharju, Savonlinna. The core area of the research forest is the Research Park (336 ha) in Laukansaari. This is where most of the experimental research activities take place, along with the area's hiking trails. The diverse research conducted in these forests focuses on topics such as forest tree breeding, the genetic diversity of forest trees, the cultivation of foreign tree species, tree adaptation and the impact of climate change on forests, as well as forest management methods.

The Punkaharju Research Park is located in Punkaharju, Savonlinna. It is part of the Natural Resources Institute Finland’s (Luke) research forests and serves as a hub for intensive experimental research. Thanks to its rich natural environment, over a century of research activity, and accessibility, the park showcases Luke’s forest research.

Visitors can explore current forest-related themes through guided observation points on-site or virtually via Luke’s Virtual Park.

The Research Park is a very popular destination thanks to the area's tourism infrastructure and accessibility. Among the most visited sites are Finland’s tallest tree, the arboretum (an 8-hectare tree species park), the Karjalankallio rest area, and the trail network.

In recent years, forest-themed observation points have also become popular destinations for guided tours. Guided visits can be arranged through the Lusto Forest Museum, located right next to the Research Park. The park is open year-round and free of charge for visitors.

The tree species park (arboretum) was established in the 1930s as a five-hectare demonstration area where those interested in cultivating foreign tree species could observe their characteristics and how well they thrive in Finnish conditions. By 1938, a total of 72 tree species had been planted in the park, most of them conifers. Different species within the same genus were planted side by side to allow easy comparison. Many of the species originally planted in the arboretum are also grown in larger forest plantations elsewhere in the research park.

Renovation and renewal of the arboretum began in the early 1990s. At that time, 48 of the originally planted species remained. Since then, 16 new conifer species and 33 broadleaf species have been added. The park also features many special forms of native Finnish tree species, such as golden, witches’ broom, and serpentine spruces, as well as cut-leaved birches and alders, and curly birch. Today, the arboretum contains over 100 tree species, along with subspecies, varieties, forms, and interspecies hybrids. After renovations and expansions, the arboretum now covers seven hectares.

The Kokonharju Trail runs along the scenic ridge of Kokonharju, where many of Finland’s largest trees of various species grow. Along the trail, you’ll find a larch stand planted 140 years ago, where the average tree height is greater than in any other forest stand in Finland. The nature trail starts from the parking area of the old school and is three kilometers long.

The Tree Species Trail introduces visitors to over 30 tree species. One of the highlights along the route is the Montell larch stand, planted in 1877. The trail is just over five kilometers long.

On the Nutcracker Trail, lucky visitors may spot the trail’s namesake bird, the spotted nutcracker. This trail is just under eight kilometers long.

You can explore the trails on the Metsäbiotalous.fi website.

Professional groups in the forestry sector can ask Luke's Savonlinna office about guided visits to Punkaharju (see the contact information for Luke offices).