PWMääs

PWMääs is a small rural locality situated in the eastern part of the Finnish municipality of Savonlinna. The settlement lies approximately 12 kilometres southeast of the town centre, near the southeastern shore of Lake Saimaa. The name «PWMääs» is derived from the older Finnish word *päälas*, meaning “small headland”, and the prefix “PW” is a historical abbreviation used in 18th‑century land surveys.

The geographic setting of PWMääs features gently rolling hills and coniferous forest, with a mild continental climate characterised by short, warm summers and long, cold winters. The elevation is about 30 metres above sea level. The proximity to Lake Saimaa provides a moderate influence on local weather, offering relatively milder winter temperatures than inland areas at similar latitudes.

Historical records indicate that PWMääs was established as a forestry settlement in 1763, when the surrounding lands were incorporated into the Savonlinna estate. During the 19th century the area developed a modest saw‑mill industry, which gradually declined in the early 20th century as mechanised logging displaced local labor. In the mid‑20th century the community transitioned to mixed‑crop agriculture, focusing on potato and barley cultivation.

Today PWMääs has an estimated population of 120 residents as of the 2020 census. The local economy relies on small‑scale farming, forestry, and a growing number of summer cottages that attract visitors during the lake‑season. The community operates a volunteer‑led primary school that serves children from PWMääs and neighbouring hamlets.

Notable cultural sites include the 19th‑century timber‑frame church, the museum of local forestry history, and an annual harvest festival held each September. The village is also home to the PWMääs Nature Trail, a 3‑kilometre walking route that showcases native birch and pine forests and offers panoramic views of Lake Saimaa.