The calm river Kulismayoki flows in the south of Karelia, its banks, made of moraine rocks, are not high.
But ten kilometers from the city of Leppäsilta, the Kulismayoki current, which cannot be attributed even to middle rivers, is blocked by basalt rocks and it falls down a steep (19 meters high) wall downward, forming the White Bridges waterfall, which is also called Yukanokoski. It is recognized as the highest cascade of water in these places.
The forest plunges into a fabulous atmosphere: spiky spruces, spreading their dark green paws, step up a steep slope and only snow-white trunks of tall birches dilute this green sea. The waterfall is very beautiful, it has something fascinating, reminiscent of ancient legends that the Karelian people cherish. Especially old legends come to mind when you are at the bottom of the canyon and you can clearly see the foamy, bubbling cauldron at the foot of the White Bridges.
The waterfall got its name from the bridges that the Finnish builders threw in this place where the river breaks down. Although the bridges have long ceased to exist and only fragments remained of them, the name for this picturesque cascade of water stuck.
The beautiful streams of water falling over the dark stones are interesting because the view of the White Bridges waterfall changes depending on the season. During spring floods, when the river is filled with melt water, Yukanokoski gains power, with a wide, foaming water bed, it rustles among dense forests. Due to the admixture of peat, the water turns yellow in spring. In low water periods, White bridges break into blue crystal clear streams, individually washing the stone ledges. At this time, you can safely stand under the streams of falling water and get great pleasure from swimming in the cool streams. Autumn returns Yukanokoski strength, he again takes on a majestic appearance, which with the first frosts will freeze under a snow-white crust of ice. In cold winters, the White Bridges waterfall freezes completely, the ice rises freeze in their desire to fall down, and water continues to flow under them.
Rest by the waterfall
The area around for many kilometers does not have any traces of the presence of a person, only a ruined Finnish farm stands along the path leading to the White Bridges. The local places are visited by loggers, hunters, as many wild animals are found in the local forests, among which there are bears and wolf packs. A wooden staircase leads to the waterfall, which has a railing and this structure makes it possible to inspect the Yukanokoski from any point, regardless of height. Tourists have chosen a beautiful meadow located at the descent to the canyon for setting up their tent camps. In the summer, tall grass grows in the clearing. The clearing has a fireplace, a table, benches and a wooden shed. Near the clearing you can see stone structures, unfortunately already completely destroyed, but they make it possible to appreciate the interesting structures of these buildings and get an idea of the life of the ancient inhabitants of these regions.
It is worth noting that next to the natural landmark is very clean, there is no garbage left by tourists here.
There are no organized excursions to the White Bridges waterfall yet, but individual groups of tourists use the opportunity to take a car trip to White Bridges and back, which is provided by private drivers. Sightseeing is also part of the touring routes guided by jeeps and ATVs.
How to get to the White Bridges waterfall
Russia, Republic of Karelia, Pitkyaranta region.
You can get to the attraction only by off-road vehicles, as a dirt road leads to interesting and beautiful cascades of water, which is very old.
You need to move to the waterfall along the Sortavala highway, which is laid twenty kilometers from the town of Pitkyaranta. Immediately behind the railway bridge, under which a highway is laid, there is a dirt road, along which you need to go to the village of Leppäsürja. From the village to White Bridges, drive 10 kilometers on a dirt road.
