Finland The stone bridge of Punkaharju Ridge Road

The historic stone bridge along Punkaharju Ridge Road is one of the most picturesque sections of this famous scenic route in southeastern Finland. Surrounded by the beautiful waters of Lake Saimaa, the narrow road follows a forest-covered ridge formed during the Ice Age.

The small stone bridge blends beautifully into the landscape, connecting sections of the ridge while letting water flow beneath. From above, the winding road, green trees, dark water, and reflections combine to create a fantastic composition for aerial photography.

A drone is the perfect choice to capture this section of Punkaharju Ridge Road. For this shot, I used a slightly angled top-down perspective to emphasize the narrow road and the small stone bridge crossing the water.

What makes this composition particularly interesting is the dramatic cloud reflections on one side of the road, contrasting with the darker water on the other. Including a vehicle adds scale and creates a beautiful road trip atmosphere.

Early morning or late afternoon offers the best lighting. Experiment with different flying heights and angles to highlight the bridge, surrounding trees, and reflections on the lake.

The stone bridge is located along the historic Punkaharju Ridge Road near Savonlinna in southeastern Finland. The road runs through the Punkaharju Nature Reserve, approximately 30 kilometers east of Savonlinna, and is easily accessible by car or campervan.

Several designated parking areas along the scenic route allow visitors to explore the surrounding forests and lakes. The bridge itself is part of the road, so avoid stopping directly on it or obstructing traffic.

The best time to visit is between late spring and autumn, with September offering particularly beautiful conditions. For drone photography, check current airspace restrictions and any additional rules within the nature reserve before flying.