Historic monuments, Parks, Observation, and Birdwatching Towers

Parkumäki Monument
The Battle of Parkumäki, also known as the Battle of Parkuinmäki, was a battle of the Russo-Swedish War of 1788–90, fought on July 21, 1789, at Parkumäki, approximately 15 kilometers from the town center of Rantasalmi towards Savonlinna. A massive tower-like monument was erected at the site of the Battle of Parkumäki on July 21, 1929. The monument was designed by architect Martti Välikangas. The monument is located at Inkiläntie 58830 Parkumäki.

Haapaniemi Cadet School Memorial
The Haapaniemi Memorial, erected by the Cadet Corps Association in 1931, is located at the original site of the cadet school, approximately 10 kilometers from the center of Rantasalmi. Remnants of the building’s foundation can still be seen at the site.

Cadet Park
During the Finnish officer training’s 225th anniversary weekend in 2004, a part of the shoreline park along the Bypass Road in Rantasalmi was named Cadet Park. In the center of the park stands a stone brought from Haapaniemi, the original location of the Cadet School. A plaque with the park’s name is attached to the stone. Along the path leading to the stone, apple trees with Cadet insignias have been planted. The park is bordered by paths named after prominent figures from the Cadet School:

Yrjö Maunu Sprengtporten’s Path
(Left-hand side path bordering the park when viewed from the Bypass Road)

Yrjö Maunu Sprengtporten *1740 in Porvoo, +1819 in St. Petersburg. Colonel, commander of the Savo Brigade, later Major General and the first Governor-General of Autonomous Finland. Founder of the Finnish officer training.

Samuel Möller’s Path
(Path bordering the park along the shore)

Samuel Möller *1743 in Sauvo, +1815 in Joroinen. Lieutenant Colonel, clergyman, headmaster of Haapaniemi Cadet School from 1779-1808, and teacher at Haapaniemi Field Survey School from 1812-1814. The father of Finnish officer training and officer education.

Otto Carl von Fieandt’s Path
(Right-hand side path bordering the park when viewed from the Bypass Road)

Otto Varl von Fieandt *1758 in Kyyhkylä, Mikkeli, +1825 in Kyyhkylä, Mikkeli. Lieutenant Colonel, teacher at Haapaniemi Cadet School, and headmaster of Haapaniemi Field Survey School from 1812-1819.

Pekka Lipponen Statue
Pekka Lipponen is the pseudonym for a fictional character created by Outsider, whose real name is Aarne Haapakoski (later the pseudonym became a joint venture between Haapakoski and Seppo Tuisku). The character has appeared in radio plays and films. Haapakoski created Pekka Lipponen and his friend Kalle-Kustaa Korkki in 1945. These widely recognized characters gained popularity through radio plays.

Pekka Lipponen hails from Saparomäki, Rantasalmi, is a businessman, and a cosmopolitan. He still resides in Rantasalmi, appearing in various enterprises, roads, and place names, as well as in the Lipposmarket event held in August, named after him. Each year, Pekka and Manta are chosen to represent Rantasalmi globally. Pekka’s statue was unveiled on August 2, 2009, and stands in Rantasalmi’s marketplace, next to S-market.

Osikonmäki Observation Tower
The Osikonmäki Observation Tower was completed in the fall of 2000 through the cooperation of numerous parties in a culturally valuable landscape. The highest point in the village, Hyppinginmäki, stands at 80 meters above Lake Haukivesi and 155 meters above sea level. A fireplace-equipped lean-to has been built in the area for visitors’ use. The observation tower is located on Osikonmäki, approximately 2 kilometers from Rantasalmi’s central urban area along Papinmäentie.

Repomäki Observation Tower
The Repomäki Observation Tower was built through volunteer efforts in 2002. From the tower, visitors can admire the magnificent landscapes of Linnansaari National Park. The Repomäki Observation Tower is located about 14 kilometers from Rantasalmi’s town center towards Varkaus, along Repomäentie.

Kosulanlampi Birdwatching Tower
The Kosulanlampi Birdwatching Tower is located near Rantasalmi’s town center, with boardwalks leading from the end of Pappilantie to the tower.

Putkilahti Birdwatching Tower
The Putkilahti Birdwatching Tower is situated approximately 9 kilometers from Rantasalmi’s town center towards Savonlinna, along Parkumäentie 922.

Asikkala Birdwatching Tower
The Asikkala Birdwatching Tower is located about 10 kilometers from Rantasalmi’s town center towards Asikkala, along Asikkalantie 956.