Suunavi

Suunavi is a small municipality located in the South Karelia region of Finland. It lies to the east of the city of Lappeenranta and borders the Russian border to the south. The municipality covers an area of approximately 210 square kilometres, with more than half of that surface covered by forestland and several lakes.

The settlement was originally founded in the 17th century as a trading post along the Saimaa River. The modern administrative unit of Suunavi was established in 2009 through the consolidation of the former villages of Suuno, Nävijärvi, and Varkkila. Since the merger, the local government has focused on improving infrastructure and integrating services across the former communities.

Suunavi has a population of roughly 3,200 residents, according to the most recent census. The local economy is primarily based on forestry, small-scale agriculture, and cross‑border trade with Russia. Several community organizations support cultural activities, including a folk music ensemble that performs traditional Karelian tunes, and an annual summer festival that attracts visitors from the neighbouring provinces.

Notable landmarks in Suunavi include the 19th‑century St. Mary's Church, the historic riverbank arch bridge completed in 1928, and a nature reserve on the shores of Lake Kuolankoski. The municipality also provides a network of hiking trails that connect to the broader Saimaa Wilderness area, making it a destination for outdoor recreation.