Rokansaari island esker terrain

The Rokansaari ridge island is part of a 150 km long, discontinuous ridge section that starts at Pieksämäki and ends at the tip of Kyläniemi, near Niittylahti-Härkkimyksenhiekka. In the Rokansaari area, the land was released from the glacier 11 500-11 400 years ago, when the waters of the Saimaa ice lakes splashed over the area. Today, the landscape of Rokansaari is dominated by funnel lakes and various shore formations, such as the shore boulders and rills that formed during the different phases of the Saimaa. Historical traces of human activity on the island include battle trenches dug in the sandy soil and a Stone Age settlement.

The Rokansaari recreation area is owned by the Saimaa Recreation Area Association. Cottage renters have access to rowing boats for rowing to the island. Others are not allowed to take rowing boats even for a short visit to Rokansaari. There is a Saimaa Geopark signpost on the shore of the hiking harbour explaining the geology of the area and the island's services, as well as hiker etiquette.

NOTE: The path marked on the map, which runs along the western shore of the island to the southern tip, MUST NOT BE USED! The path runs through private gardens and is strictly off-limits. There are also other private yards on the island where you must respect the privacy of your home, i.e. no trespassing is allowed

Image: Sanna Poutamo/ Saimaan virkistysalueyhdistys ry