Astuvansalmi in Mikkeli's Ristiina has the largest rock painting site in the Nordic countries. More than 80 pictures of deer, human figures, boats and hands as well as colored surfaces have been painted on the rock of Astuvansalmi. The characters were painted with red ochre which is why the distinction of the patterns from the rock varies depending on the season and weather. The pattern visible in the fall may be hidden in the rock in the midsummer sunshine. The rock paintings of Astuvansalmi are dated with the help of Lake Saimaa's water history. The water was at its highest about 10-10.5 meters above the current water level. Before the birth of the Vuoksi river, only the point of the uppermost painting pattern may have been above the surface of the water. After about a thousand years, the water level had dropped and exposed the terrace in front of the paintings. The patterns therefore date back to the time after the birth of the Vuoksi, about 4000 - 2200 BC. The painting area is 16.5 meters long and about 5.5 meters high. To make getting around easier, footbridges have been built on the cliffs of Astuvansalmi, from where you can see the high-altitude paintings. During the summer season, guided boat trips are organized from the nearby restaurant Kallioniemi. A rowing noat or a motorboat is also available for rent. Read more on Visit Mikkeli's website.
