Putikko: Sawmill history on Utrasselkä

On the shore of Utrasselkä, a lake that is part of the Saimaa lake system, Putikko combines a sawmill history of national significance with a distinctive railway station complex. The Pihlajaveden Polkasu circular route also passes through the area and through rural, lake-filled landscapes. If you are considering a trip to Putikko, you can choose to focus on either cultural heritage or cycling.

Putikko at a glance

• Putikko lies on the shore of Utrasselkä, which is part of the Saimaa lake system.
• The old sawmill community has cultural-historical, historical and scenic value, and is of national significance.
• The railway station building and goods shed are protected by a detailed plan.
• The station includes a small park with deciduous trees and preserved original outbuildings.
• The Pihlajaveden Polkasu circular route passes through Putikko and can be cycled in either direction.
• A twin-frame saw still stands on the site of the former steam sawmill; operations have ceased, and the privately owned site is not open to the public.

Shoreline scenery and sawmill history

Putikko’s location on Utrasselkä gives the area a clear connection to its landscape: the shore is part of the Saimaa lake system. The history of the old sawmill community also shapes the character of the area. Together, these offer different starting points for planning a trip: taking in a landscape shaped by water and learning about a historic industrial site.

The Putikko sawmill is a complex of buildings with a rich history. It includes brick-built engine houses and a sawmill building with board cladding. In its appearance, building materials and construction methods, the preserved complex continues to represent traditional sawmill architecture. The sawmill’s office building and its outbuildings are part of the nationally significant cultural landscape of Putikko’s old districts.

One important distinction to keep in mind when visiting: a twin-frame saw still stands on the site of the former steam sawmill, but sawmill operations have ceased. The site is privately owned and is not open to the public. Sawmill history is therefore a defining part of the area, but visitors cannot tour an operating sawmill.

The railway station as a chapter in its own right

Putikko railway station also has considerable architectural and historical significance. Its station building is characterised by Art Nouveau architecture and was built to plans for a Class V, Type C station on the Savonlinna–Elisenvaara line. This makes the complex an architectural attraction in its own right, alongside the sawmill history.

The station yard retains original outbuildings and a rare public toilet. The station building also has a small park planted with deciduous trees. Together with the goods shed, the station is a place of architectural, historical and scenic value; the buildings and goods shed are protected by a detailed plan. Architecture enthusiasts will find several specific details here that help put the complex in context, from the building type to its preserved surroundings.

A cycling route through Putikko and the lake district

The Pihlajaveden Polkasu circular route passes through Putikko and offers another way to explore the region. It runs through Punkaharju and a changing mix of rural and lake-filled landscapes. The cycling section is about 65 kilometres long and also includes a crossing over the waters of Lake Saimaa, home to the Saimaa ringed seal. The route can be cycled in either direction.

For the Putikko village loop, you can park your car in the yard of the old railway station. Parking guidance may change, so treat this as a starting point to orient yourself. The village loop and the longer cycling section of the circular route offer different ways to plan your trip: one starts from the station yard, while the other provides the setting for a longer excursion through the landscape.

Putikko as a travel destination and finding accommodation

These themes come together in Putikko, but they do not describe the same travel experience. If you are interested in more than one, keeping them distinct can help organise your trip and choose the right focus for your stay.

The historic buildings appeal to those interested in culture, while Pihlajaveden Polkasu offers an active option with an approximate route length. When choosing from a selection of hotels, it is therefore helpful to first consider whether you want to include Putikko in your trip for its local history, the route, or both. The features described here offer guidance without making claims about individual accommodation providers.

Discover more destinations: Enonkoski, Oravi, Kallislahti, Sulkava, Hiukkajoki, Savonranta, Vuoriniemi and Kumpuranta.

Frequently asked questions about Putikko

Where is Putikko?

Putikko lies on the shore of Utrasselkä, which is part of the Saimaa lake system. The area is also an old sawmill community of national significance.

What is special about Putikko railway station?

The station building is characterised by Art Nouveau architecture and was built to plans for a Class V, Type C station on the Savonlinna–Elisenvaara line. Original outbuildings are preserved in the station yard, and the station also has a small park with deciduous trees.

Can you visit the site of the former steam sawmill?

No. The site is privately owned and is not open to the public. Sawmill operations have ceased, but a twin-frame saw still stands on the site.

What is the Pihlajaveden Polkasu route like near Putikko?

The circular route passes through Putikko and Punkaharju, through changing rural and lake-filled landscapes. Its cycling section is about 65 kilometres long, and the route can be cycled in either direction.

Where can you park for the Putikko village loop?

For the village loop, you can park your car in the yard of the old railway station. Parking guidance may change, so treat this as a starting point to orient yourself.

Back to the main travel overview: Savonlinna.