Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From Lapinsalmi car park follow the trail north and cross the Lapinsalmi suspension bridge, high above Kapiavesi. Climb the Kuutinraput steps to the Katajavuori lookout, then drop to the west shore of Katajajärvi and follow it north-east. Go on through the forest to Kuutinkanava, where wooden troughs recall the days of floating timber down the lakes. Cross the channel, follow the trail round to the north-west to the Olhava junction, and climb the short rocky path onto Olhavanvuori for the view over Olhavanlampi. Return the same way to Kuutinkanava, then come back along the east shore of Katajajärvi straight to the bridge, without the Katajavuori detour.
It is 12 km round with 383 m of ascent; allow about 4 hours. The grade is Hard: steep, rocky climbs, long flights of steps and unfenced cliff tops.
About 200 steps lead up to Katajavuori. Keep well back from the edges there and on Olhavanvuori. Rock and roots are slippery when wet, and the trails are not kept clear in winter. The Lapinsalmi bridge, shut for long spells for repairs, has been open again since June 2026.
Lapinsalmi car park is free. The train stop at Hillosensalmi closed for the season on 28 September. All year a shared taxi runs from Kouvola Travel Centre to Lapinsalmi, and buses from Kouvola go to Orilampi, about 9 km away.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- The Lapinsalmi suspension bridge hangs about 12 m above the water and is the park's busiest entrance
- Olhava's cliff is Finland's best-known rock-climbing crag, and ravens nest on its faces
- At Kuutinkanava wooden troughs recall the days of floating timber down these lakes
- Repovesi is a mosaic of small lakes, cliffs and pine forest on the edge of the Salpausselkä ridge
Summits on the way
- Katajavuori · passed close by
Getting there
Start: Lapinsalmi car park. 61.15980, 26.83683
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Southern Finland: Booking.com → Expedia →
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Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.