[2] Punkaharju is an iconic Finnish national landscape (kansallismaisema), which has inspired artists and writers, and drawn both domestic and international visitors since at least the early 1800s.

[2] Today, it is a designated nature reserve,[3] and is included in the EU's Natura 2000 programme.

[1] The area has also been protected by the Finnish Heritage Agency as a nationally important cultural environment.

[5] The ridge can be traversed by car, either along the National Road 14 (between Savonlinna and Särkisalmi), or the older scenic route 4792.

In 2017, to mark the 100th anniversary of Finland's independence, the 'Road of the Century' was chosen by popular poll, with the scenic route ('Harjutie') winning by a clear margin, with 42% of the votes.