The lake is located in Kerimäki, Kesälahti and Punkaharju municipalities.

As is the case of other lakes of Saimaa, it has numerous islands and consists of numerous open lake areas, of which largest are Hummonselkä, Pajuselkä, Sammalselkä, Mustanselkä, and Ruosteselkä.

[2] The lake is known for its pure water and has uniquely good underwater visibility for a Finnish lake, easily extending to 6–10 metres (20–33 ft) from the surface on calm and sunny days.

[2] Recently, the Saimaa Ringed Seal, a rare freshwater seal species, has returned to Puruvesi.

This Eastern Finland location article is a stub.