The Legend and History of Piruntupa – By the Waters of Saimaa
The Mystery Behind “Devil’s Cottage”
Was it a flare or something supernatural? No one knows for sure. For centuries, locals and travelers in Savonranta have reported seeing strange lights hovering over the lake. Sometimes far away, sometimes close – but never on the Pyyvesi side. The lights are said to favor Paasvesi, perhaps where “the devil” resides. Some believe this phenomenon marks an ancient border between Savo and Karelia, giving Piruntupa (Devil’s Cottage) its name.
Explore more: Mystery Tour of the Devil’s Light (Visit Savonlinna)
A Century of History at Orivirt
Piruntupa has stood beside the Orivirta strait for over 100 years. From the early 1900s until 1968, it served as a ferry station connecting Savonranta and Savonlinna. Long before bridges were built, travelers would disembark at the current beach area and continue toward Savonlinna on horseback – a journey that could take several days. Waterways like Orivirta were the main travel routes of the region.
In the early 20th century, Orivirta was a key crossing point along the new road from Kerimäki to Savonranta. Ferries operated via a stone bridge and wooden docks, with boats up to 13 meters long transporting people and goods across the wide channel. In winter, thick ice made the crossing hazardous or impossible.
Over time, various ferries were introduced – from manual barges to a 12-ton motorboat in 1937. During WWII, boats were even borrowed by the state. The ferry station included living quarters, a stone barn, sauna, outhouse, and dockyard – all part of Piruntupa’s historic charm.
For decades, Savonranta tried to secure funding for bridges. Finally, in 1961, work began, and in 1967 the temporary bridges opened. In 1968, the permanent bridges were completed, and the need for the ferry ceased.
That same year, the new Saimaa Canal system was completed, and the Vihtakanta Canal – just south of Orivirta – was dug to enable deep-water navigation. After the ferry era ended, Piruntupa was used for many years by the local sports fishing association before becoming privately owned.
Source: history of Savonranta, 2001, Painolinna Oy. Authors Pia Puntanen, Anu Talka, Sanna Kekkonen, Virpi Mäkinen, ISBN 951-98705-0-4
Text author Jari Silvennoinen Puruvesi magazine
A New Chapter – Fishing Tourism and Sustainable Travel
Piruntupa’s 2024 renovation focuses on fishing tourism, combining comfort with heritage. With support from the EU (approx. €100,000), the project includes restoration of the historic boathouse and purchase of a fishing boat. Visitors can now enjoy authentic experiences in the heart of the Lake Saimaa archipelago – with a focus on sustainability, cultural preservation, and local economic support.