Due to its location on the eastern border of Finland, Punkaharju used to be in turmoil, in turns being a part of Sweden or Russia. During the Interim Peace, a bunker line exceeding 1000 km was built on the eastern border to defend Finland against a possible Soviet invasion. The bunker line, which extended all the way from the Gulf of Finland to Salla, in Lapland, was officially named “Salpa” (bolt).

In 1940 – 1944 approximately 800 dugouts, 1250 machine gun nests, 130 km of dugout obstructions and more than 350 km of battle and support trenches as well as 225 km of stone anti-tank obstacles. Salpa Line constructions at the Punkaharju nature reserve are located at Kuikonniemi and Mustaniemi. Most of the constructions were filled up and cleared away after the war. The trench and dugout at Kuikonniemi were refurbished in 2001 – 2003 and are open to the public. A key to the dugout is available at the Harjutie kiosk.

The Punkaharju arboretum entails over 150 hectares of research forest, consisting of more than 50 species of trees, mostly conifers. Since the 1990’s, the arboretum has been thoroughly renewed and developed, aiming to collect all the conifer and hardwood species that could possibly thrive in the local conditions.

A total of 134 different species and special varieties of trees are represented in the arboretum. You can read all about the different tree families and species of as well as the special Finnish varieties from the signs.

Valtionhotelli, located on the Punkaharju ridge, represents the oldest architecture in the area and is closely linked to the development of the Punkaharju nature reserve area, established in 1840. The wooden main building of the hotel is high on the peak of the ridge. Intendant E.B. Lohrmann designed the building as living quarters for the foresters and lodging for travellers. Valtionhotelli opened in 1845.

The separate czarina’s villa was completed in 1898. Valtionhotelli also entails separate building from 1896 with living and storage quarters and wine cellar, a log sauna by the lake as well as a pavilion by the pier.

The main building was constructed in four different parts that join the different shaped verandas and balconies together. Decorative window frames, brackets and troughs break up the horizontal boarding.