The amazing Astuvansalmi rock paintings, located in Ristiina, Mikkeli in Southern Savonia Finland, are an incredible testament to prehistoric culture.They are among the largest and oldest rock paintings in Northern Europe, dating back to about 5,700 years ago. The paintings depict various animals, humans, boats, and symbols that may have religious or cultural significance. The rock where the paintings are located has a distinctive shape that resembles a human face, which may have been a sacred site for the people who made the paintings. The paintings were made with red ochre mixed with blood or fat, and they were either painted from a boat or on the ice of the lake. The paintings are located at different heights above the water level, which reflects the changes in the lake level over time. Also other items such as amber statuettes of old gods, animal jewelry, arrowheads, and other stone age artifacts have been found in the area. The Astuvansalmi rock paintings are a valuable source of information about the life and beliefs of the ancient people who lived in the area.

Adress for car park: Suurlahdentie 2039, 52360 Mikkeli

Path to the paintings: It is 2 km long forest path from the parking lot to the rock paintings. The path starts at the beginning of the private road from the parking lot to the left. You should reserve approx. 2 hours for the visit.

Obs! Please respect nature, rock and paintings and do not touch or harm them. <3