Astuvansalmi Rock Paintings

On a cliff face above a narrow strait on Lake Saimaa near Ristiina are around sixty-five red ochre figures painted between roughly five and three thousand years ago: elk, human figures, boats, handprints and shapes that have been read as shamanic. It is the largest known rock painting site in the Nordic countries. The cliff itself has been eroded into a profile that resembles a human face when seen from the water, which is thought to be part of why it was chosen. Amber ornaments and arrowheads have been found in the water below, suggesting offerings. The paintings are reached by boat or by a forest trail and viewing platform.

What you actually see

• Around sixty-five ochre figures - elk, boats, people and handprints.
• The face-shaped cliff - the rock profile seen from the water.
• Finds from the lake below - amber and arrowheads read as offerings.
• A viewing platform at the base - the approach along the shore.

When to go

June to August; boat trips run in summer only and the trail is best in dry weather. Half a day. Low light in the evening brings out the ochre.

Honest expectations

The paintings are faint and weathered, and many visitors expect more than they see; binoculars help. The forest trail is rough and can be wet. Boat trips are seasonal and weather dependent. Touching the rock is prohibited and damaging.

Nearby

Ristiina is west; Mikkeli lies north.