Paanajarvi National Park

Paanajarvi National Park is a protected wilderness area in the northeastern Republic of Karelia, on the border with Finland. Established in 1982, the park covers approximately 1,045 km² of rugged Karelian landscape. The park is named after Lake Paanajärvi, a large lake straddling the Russian-Finnish border, and is centred on the dramatic Kiimaaigora (Kiimavaara) cliff, a steep granite escarpment rising above the lake.

The park preserves a pristine example of Karelian boreal forest and rocky tundra-like landscapes. The Kiimaaigora cliff, rising about 80 metres above Lake Paanajärvi, offers spectacular panoramic views. The area is home to brown bears, lynx, wolverines, and golden eagles. The park is named after the Kalevala epic — Paanajarvi is mentioned in the Finnish national epic as a mythical landscape. The climate is continental with cold winters (temperatures to −35°C) and mild summers (15–20°C).

By Plane

By Train

By Car / Road

Paanajarvi National Park is located in the remote northeastern corner of Karelia, near the Finnish border. Access is by road from Kostomuksha or from further afield. The roads are generally unpaved and conditions can be challenging, especially during spring thaw and autumn rains. Advance planning and a 4x4 vehicle are recommended.

The park is best explored on foot or by boat on Lake Paanajärvi. There are marked hiking trails of varying difficulty. Guided tours can be arranged through the park administration. Boats and canoes can be rented for lake exploration.

• Kiimaaigora cliff — A dramatic granite escarpment rising approximately 80 metres above Lake Paanajärvi, offering stunning panoramic views of the lake and surrounding wilderness.

• Lake Paanajärvi — A large, deep lake straddling the Russian-Finnish border with crystal-clear waters.

• Primeval forests — Old-growth taiga forest with century-old pines, spruces, and birches.

• Waterfalls and rapids — Several waterfalls and rapids along the rivers feeding into Lake Paanajärvi.

• Hiking — Marked trails of varying difficulty through the park, including trails to the top of Kiimaaigora cliff.

• Canoeing and kayaking — Explore Lake Paanajärvi and connected waterways by boat.

• Wildlife watching — The park is home to brown bears, lynx, wolverines, wolves, and numerous bird species including golden eagles.

• Fishing — Fishing in Lake Paanajärvi and park rivers (permit required).

The park has basic facilities. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and supplies. Picnicking is allowed at designated areas.

Bring your own water or treat water from natural sources. Park streams and lakes contain clean water but treatment is recommended.

The park offers basic accommodation in the form of campgrounds and simple shelters. Visitors can camp at designated sites along the trails.

The park has a small visitor centre where maps, guides, and basic supplies can be purchased. The nearby village of Kalevala has small shops selling local crafts and provisions. Visitors should bring most supplies from larger towns as the park area is remote.

• Kostomuksha (nearest major town, ~100 km) — A border town with a nature reserve and chamber music festival.
• Kalevala (nearby) — A village named after the Kalevala epic, centre of Karelian folklore.
• Petrozavodsk (500 km southwest) — The Karelian capital.
• Finland (border crossing nearby) — Access to Finnish Lapland and eastern Finland.