Lake Höytiäinen

In the eastern region of Karelia in Finland is the stunning Lake Höytiäinen. One of the 20 largest lakes in the country, Höytiäinen has countless sights and activities to offer. As such, it is popular with tourists for relaxing vacations and counts as a favorite among fishermen and birdwatchers. But the history behind the body of water is also interesting, because until the end of the 19th century, the lake was much larger than it is today.

Lake Höytiäinen is located between the two lakes Pielinen and Saimaa and in the municipalities Polvijärvi and Kontiolahti. An area of 282.64 km² and the maximum depth of 59m put the lake on the 15th place of the largest lakes in Finland. However, until 1859 the surface of the lake was around 400km² and the water level was almost 10m higher than today. At that time, it was intended to reduce the area of the lake by controlled draining of water, thus gaining new agricultural land. However, this project got out of control and incredible amounts of water flowed uncontrolled through the Höytiäisen channel into the neighboring Lake Pyhäselkä and other small bodies of water, causing some flooding. In the following weeks, Lake Höytiäinen sank by about 7m and later even more water was drained, so that today the area of the lake is about a third smaller and the amount of water is only half as much as it was then. The farmer A. Th. Europaeus described the eruption of the lake in 1859 as follows:

"The tall pines swayed, somersaulted one after another, and plunged into the stream with a fearful crash; the numerous snakes of the area fled in fear from this uncertain land, while the earth shook, the water boiled, and the crash of the falling trees was heard again and again."

This reduction also created most of the numerous islands in Lake Höytiäien. The existing islands have gained new land due to the lowered water level all around and so even today the old water level is partly visible in the form of a bare land ring. The largest of the islands, Teerisaari, is about 7km long and inhabited all year round.

The lake itself and the region around the Höytiäinen convince by the untouched nature and so it is a popular location for fishermen and birdwatchers. The biodiversity is particularly large and so even rather rare animals can be observed. The local Ornithological station was even named after the lake. Other popular activities include boating, canoeing and swimming. Since the lake completely freezes over in winter, ice fishing or skating are also possible. Thus, Lake Höytiäinen is a perfect destination no matter whether it is an active fishing trip or rather a leisurely break from everyday life. The lake is easy to reach and accommodation is well represented, especially in the towns around the lake. In addition, as with many of the most beautiful lakes in Finland, the possibility of renting cottages on the lake shore.