Kokkovuori (Bonfire Mountain), Kymenlaakso, Finland
5.0 (2 reviews) Spent Ranking #4 in Siltakyla Mountains
Even for an old boy like me , well worth the climb
Why did I forget to write a review? I climbed the mountain with a local resident last year on the first nice day in June. It had been cold and blustery up till then, but the last day before I was going back to Helsinki dawned sunny and we decided to risk the walk. I wished within 10 minutes that I hadn't put my jacket on. It turned out to be a warm day for a lovely walk to the part where you cut in and walk through to start the "climb". No equipment is needed, even though a couple of parts are virtually sheer. We spent a couple of hours there, as the place holds memories of someone dear to both of us and who has passed on, just drinking in the view and thinking. Even without the associations, this is so worth a climb. I'm unfit, but I can manage it. Try and go with someone who knows the area as they can point out places of interest. There's even a spring there that an enterprising cafe owner in Kotka used to fill up from to give her customers pure spring water. Of course, health and safety prevents that now. However, even without a "guide" it's well worth the effort. That view is to die for.
Address
Vanhakuppksentie Broby/Siltakylä, Siltakyla 49220 Finland
Website
http://www.ymparisto.fi/fi-FI/Luonto/Suojelualueet/Natura
Current local date and time now
Friday, May 10, 2024, 1:38
User Ratings
5.0 based on (2 reviews)
Reviews
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5John W 5:00 PM Aug 15, 2013
Even for an old boy like me , well worth the climb
Let's make one thing clear, the "mountain" is in Broby/Siltakylä not Pyhtää church village itself. The confusion is that the whole area is known as Pyhtää, as in the name of the closed-down Pyhtään Motelli, which is actually in Siltakylä. It's not worth describing how to get there as there's the map. It's a bit of a trek from the village or any of its accommodation. However, if you're not up to the walk, then you won't make it up the mountain. But the walk itself is worth it, along fields and huge stones of rapakivi. If you're with a true local, they can point out which of the springs are drinkable water and which are not. Unfortunately there has been a small exclusive housing development built in the lee of the mountain, but it is invisible once you take the climb up. And of course, if you have a car, you can drive down the road and park before your climb. So, once you get virtually past the houses, turn right into the wood cover and up you go. You'll know where to go on in; the mountain becomes "smoother", fewer outcrops of sharp stones and more moss. Again, if you're with a local, it'll be easier as they'll know the best way up. None of it is impossible, but there are easy and hard ways to get to the top. You'll have to stop sometimes. It's really steep. Don't try this without some sturdy non-slip boots if there's rain, snow or frost. I've been up in all weathers, although at my present age, I would only now tackle this in summer on a dry day. Remember that there will be trees growing out of the mountain itself. It's quite an incredible sight - and they make handy grab holds if you slip. There are several false places that look like the summit as you're coming up. Most of these are good places to stop and have a rest. However, you'll know when you've made it to the top! Once you're there, you have a 360 degree view of trees and sea. The only intrusive bit of civilisation to be seen is a radio mast. On a fine day, you can see some Russian islands in the distance. It's a wonderfully beautiful and peaceful sight. It's worth staying for a couple of hours. I've actually never done it, but you can carry on down the other side and trek down to the sea. However, I think this might need at least some expert equipment as the sides are steeper here and you'll be away from any chance of help if you're alone. I have heard of people doing this, so again, maybe a local might know a way down the other side. This is such a great place! One year I came up in the night (well, twilight as it was summer) with a friend and we waited for the dawn. I have some photos from last year and three years ago and will try to dig them up and post them later. I forgot my phone this year, so no photos!
