Tohmajärvi is a modern rural region with a history going way back. Well tended farms and fields framed by rolling hills are Tohmajärvi´s trademark. The land is arable, and the flora is affected by the Ladoga belt of wood coppices; rare plants such as the aconitum and the wild orchid cypripedium are a feature of the woodscape. You can see them on the signposted aconitum nature trail and you can also stop off at the birdlife observation tower at Peijonniemi. The Lutheran Church in Tohmajärvi is the oldest wooden sanctuary still standing in North Karelia.
In Tohmajärvi Centre in Kemie there´s the museum and the Nyman Apothecary´s House. Close by is an arboretum and a nature path with information boards, leading to the "hill walk".
The Karelian king Gabriel Wallenius was the power man of Karelia at the end of the 18th century. His main domicile was Jouhkola Court, nowadays a farm and farm accomondation on the shore of Lake Tohmajärvi.
Saario Power Station Museum is an interesting place to make a stop. Built at the beginning of this century, and now a museum.
Värtsilä - a gate to the east
Lake Sääperi in Värtsilä is a paradise for birdspotters, with its large population of nesting birds. From the bird observation tower you might be lucky enough to see a sea eagle, a marsh harrier, or an osprey. There are marvellous views of Värtsilä from Patsolanmäki, which has a signposted nature trail. And the village of Värtsilä has a Mill Museum and Church. The Inn and Restaurant Sinilintu in the centre of Värtsilä is a good place for stopping off to get your bearings. You can go on to Sortavala via the Niirala border crossing point, or follow the Jänisjoki on its Russian side even as far as Lake Ladoga.
Takaisin
Tulosta