By water
- Access to Pihlajavesi is by water.
- Boaters can arrive from the directions of Savonlinna, Punkaharju, or Puumala.
- It is easy to start a trip from Savonlinna, where the nearest excursion harbours are located less than 10 km away.
- The northern parts of the area can be reached from Haukivesi via Savonlinna.
- The eastern parts can be accessed from Puruvesi via Punkasalmi.
- The western parts can be reached via Vekarasalmi.