Lammassaari is a beautiful ridge island in the Ukonniemi outdoor recreation area in Imatra. Lammassaari tells the history of the landscape in three time levels.
The Lammassaari is an estuary belonging to the first Salpausselkä marginal estuary, which began to stratify 12 300 years ago. Lammassaari tells a geological story in three time scales: the cliffs are 1.9 billion years old, the island itself was deposited more than 12 000 years ago and the third time scale is the ancient beaches around the island. The oldest is formed by examples of ancient rock formations found on the island's trails. The island itself was formed on top of this by sand and gravel deposited by a glacial river. The third level is formed by the ancient beaches around the island.
Only a small part of the original height of the estuary (around 101-102 m above sea level) remains at the southern end of the island - elsewhere, waves from the different phases of Lake Saimaa have washed away the sediments and formed distinct ancient beaches. Two Stone Age sites have been found on the shores of the Suursaimaa phase (c. 80 m mpy). Several funnelholes, the most impressive of which is a large, steep-edged funnel pond, are evidence of the Ice Age. At the northern end of the island, along the path, there are representative and beautiful boulders of vein gneiss, and at the very northern end of the island there is an attractive, sheltered rocky area.
There is a varied nature trail in Lammassaari. The nature trail starts at the end of the embankment leading to Lammassaari. The trail goes around the southern parts of the island to the western shore (kota) and returns from there via the inner parts to the starting point. The trail is 3.7 km long. There are 31 checkpoints along the trail. It is also possible to choose a shorter return route from checkpoint 18 to the marina and from there to the spa.
Visitor's checklist
Everyman’s Right apply in this area
Make campfires only in designated sitesAlways check the current wildfire warning before making a fire. During a wildfire warning, fires are only allowed in cooking shelters with a chimney.
Remember to bring a trash bagThere are no waste bins in the area. Bring a trash bag and take the trash with you.
Always keep pets on a leashDog waste should be cleaned away from the paths.- Make campfires only in designated sitesDuring a wildfire warning, making fires is prohibited.
Temporary camping in the area is allowedTemporary camping with Everyman’s Right is allowed, except for parking areas. You can stay overnight in motorhomes in the parking area.
ArrivalDriving directions:
From VT 6 it is about 3 km to Lammassaare, follow the signs to Imatran Kylpylän. Drive along Lammassaarentie past Imatra Spa, towards the harbour, the road ends at Lammassaare. From Imatrankoski it is about 5 km to Lammassaare.
Parking:
Imatra Harbour is located in Lammassaari, where there are good parking facilities for motorists. For boaters, there is a guest boat dock on the north side of the main dock in Lammassaari harbour.
