Puumalansalmi Bridge
Etelä-Savo
Puumalansalmi Bridge, originally known as Saimaan silta, is a significant cantilever bridge located in the center of Puumala village in Etelä-Savo, Finland. Spanning the deep Saimaa waterway at Puumalansalmi, it replaced the last ferry in Finland's main road network upon its completion. The bridge carries highway 62 and stretches 781 meters with 16 spans, the longest being 140 meters. A unique feature of the bridge is its panoramic elevator that transports visitors from the shore to the bridge level, also accommodating bicycles. At the top of the elevator tower, there is a summer café offering scenic views. The bridge's illumination is a special attraction, with lighting that changes color based on atmospheric pressure, inspired by the endangered Saimaa ringed seal and vendace fish. The bridge offers spectacular views northward towards Savonlinna and southward to Lappeenranta, with vibrant summer water traffic including traditional log rafts. The bridge is both a vital transport link and a tourist attraction, blending engineering with natural beauty and cultural symbolism.
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Tip: Visit Puumalansalmi Bridge during summer to enjoy the open café and vibrant water traffic. Use the scenic elevator, which is free and bike-friendly, to access panoramic views. Check local weather for atmospheric lighting effects in the evening. Consider combining the visit with cycling the Puumala archipelago route or hiking the Norppa Trail. No ticket purchase is needed for the elevator or bridge access.
Interesting facts
- •Puumalansalmi Bridge is one of Finland's largest road bridges with a total length of 781 meters.
- •The bridge features a unique scenic elevator that can carry bicycles from the shore to the bridge deck.
- •Its lighting installation changes colors based on air pressure, inspired by the endangered Saimaa ringed seal and vendace fish.
- •The bridge replaced the last ferry crossing in Finland's main road network when it opened in 1995.
- •The longest span of the bridge measures 140 meters, supported by 17 concrete piers.
History
Construction of Puumalansalmi Bridge began in September 1993 and it opened to traffic on October 6, 1995, replacing the last ferry in Finland’s main road network.
The bridge was officially inaugurated on October 31, 1995.
It was built by the main contractor YIT and named Saimaan silta following a public vote.
Over the decades, it has become a key transport artery and a local symbol of modern engineering and design.
Place Guide
Scenic Elevator and Observation Tower1995
A panoramic elevator transports visitors from the shore up to the bridge deck, offering spectacular bird's-eye views of Lake Saimaa and the Puumala archipelago. The elevator also accommodates bicycles, enabling easy access to cycling routes.
Bridge Structure and Design1995
The 781-meter-long cantilever bridge consists of 16 spans, with the longest span measuring 140 meters. It crosses the deep Saimaa waterway with a clearance height of 25 meters to allow water traffic below.
Atmospheric Lighting Installation2017
A unique lighting system on the bridge tower changes colors according to atmospheric pressure, inspired by the Saimaa ringed seal and vendace fish, symbolizing local nature and heritage. The installation was designed by lighting designer Heini Myllyoja and implemented by C2 Smartlight Oy.
