Waterways and travelling by steam boats have benefitted the biggest towns Savonlinna, Kuopio, Lappeenranta and Joensuu through centuries and they still do. Imatrankoski rapids, Punkaharju ridge, Koli hills, Puijo viewing tower, Olavinlinna castle &, Lappeenranta fortress are acknowledged as some of the first touristic sights in Finland. A visit to see the ancient rock paintings in Hossa national park completes the experience. Welcome to feel the spirit of cultural crossroads.
Fly to Savonlinna (SVL) or drive from Helsinki about four hours.
The Punkaharju ridge area is one of the oldest nature reserves in the world and one of the most beautiful parts of Finland. The unique combination of impressive eskers and stunning lake views has for centuries inspired artists and attracted travellers.
Bucket list today
The Finnish Forest Museum Lusto is a museum with exhibitions on the significance of forests in the Finnish society and their role in the life of Finnish people in the past and present. From Lusto, it is also easy to walk to get to know tree species in the Punkaharju arboretum.
Accommodation options:
Kruunupuisto Punkaharju
Holiday Resort Harjun Portti
Restaurant options:
Imatra is situated in the southeast of Finland where it rubs shoulders with the Russian border. Imatrankoski has been a famous tourist attraction already 300 hundred years ago, and it was considered as one of Europe's most known attractions.
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Parikkala Sculpture park is an outdoor museum, an art collective representing around 560 different sculptures known also as a paradise garden.
Parikkala Sculpture Park
Visiting the first tourism destination of Finland and one of Europe's biggest rapids - Imatrankoski. Also a guided tour is possible.
Imatrankoski Rapids
Take a cruise to Saimaa from Imatra Harbour with the sauna boat m/s Emma.
M/S Emma
Accommodation options:
Holiday Club Saimaa
Imatran Kylpylä Spa Resort
Scandic Imatran Valtionhotelli
Restaurant option:
Karelian Gourmet
Lappeenranta, starting point for the historical Saimaa canal waterway from Lake Saimaa to the Gulf of Finland, hosts Finland’s oldest orthodox church located within the Fortress of Lappeenranta, a lively meeting point of three cultures dating back to history.
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Guided tour in Lappeenranta Fortress. Surrounded by the ramparts, this historic district represents the original town which began as a medieval trading centre during the Swedish regime in 1649.
Take a few hour cruise to Lake Saimaa or to the first lock of the Saimaa Canal.
Karelia Lines
Accommodation options:
Hotel Rakuuna
Original Sokos Hotel Lappee
Salpalinjan Hovi
Scandic Patria
Hotel Lähde
Restaurant options:
In South-Karelia distances are not long - two cities, seven municipalities, all with rich history and their own special features. The biggest lake, Lake Saimaa, has cousins, as Finland is the land of thousand lakes.
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Throwback to history and hear enchanting stories. Visit Salpaline underground bunkers with a guide. The Salpalinja defense line was built in the 1940s to protect Finland from the Soviet Union. Salpalinja History and Bunkers
Visit Kotkaniemi - the home museum of the former Finnish President P. E. Svinhufvud. Wonder around in the garden and zip a cup of tea while admiring the waves at Lake Kivijärvi.
Kotkaniemi – the home museum of President PE Svinhufvud
Särä from Lemi is one of Finland’s seven wonders. Prepared from a thousand-year-old recipe, this traditional lamb roast is delicious beyond comparison. In line with local custom, Särä should be savoured slowly, so feel free to eat your fill. Säräpirtti Kippurasarvi
Accommodation options:
Kyyhkylä Manor & Hotel , Mikkeli
Tertti Manor , Mikkeli
Restaurant options:
(if you are still hungry after Särä)
Mikkeli, the city of headquarters, is well-known especially for its military history, beautiful manors and gardens as well as numerous destinations of nature. The city is also the holiday capital of Finland – there are over 29 000 cottages in Mikkeli region.
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Muisti, the Centre of War and Peace and the Headquarters Museum offer a new perspective to war in Mikkeli. In Muisti exhibitions you can live through war-time events and spend a moment with those who experienced war.
An important Saimaa Geopark Geosite and a national shrine, Astuvansalmi in Ristiina, is one of the biggest rock painting sites in the Nordic countries. The paintings can now be reached without a car or boat of your own - just Hop on aboard!
Astuvansami rock paintings
Hop On Hop Off
Route 62 from Mikkeli to Puumala, an amazing sightseeing route with several unique sites worth visiting and a popular lookout point at Lietvesi.
Accommodation options:
Sahanlahti Resort
Okkola Holiday Cottages
Restaurant options:
Sahanlahti Resort restaurants
Okkola Holiday Cottages/Restaurant Niinipuu
The village of Rantasalmi is located in the shores of Lake Saimaa and Linnansaari National Park, the home of Saimaa Ringed Seal. Besides of the lake nature, you can relax and pamper yourself in the Spa Hotel Järvisydän or private Kuru Resort.
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The Unique Lake Spa of Järvisydän is built in the middle of the natural rocks and the large windows overlook Lake Saimaa. Lake Spa - Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän
Linnansaari National Park’s magnificent landscape alternates between a labyrinth of sheltered islands and broader open waters. The park includes more than 130 islands and hundreds of smaller islets and protruding rocks. Daily trips from Järvisydän. Trip to the National Park
Saimaa Ringed Seal watching safari in Linnansaari National Park.
Accommodation options:
Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän
Kuru Private Resort
Restaurant options:
Restaurants of Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän and Kuru Private Resort
Lake Saimaa waterways extend to the city centre of town Varkaus. The region offers holidaymakers great opportunities including the city’s own caviar and sturgeon delicacies, as well as the home of amazing instruments, the Museum of Mechanical Music.
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In the Museum of Mechanical Music you will experience how music has been played before the mp3-player, compact discs, mini-discs or hifi-systems.
Art Centre Väinölä is an idyllic wooden house in the shadow of birch trees in the centre of Varkaus with changing art exhibits throughout the year.
Make a visit to the world´s one and only Moomin Ice Cave 30 meters underground! Enjoy a variety of winter activities, such as snow slides, snow tubes and the sleigh-go-round.
Moomin IceCave
Accommodation options:
Lapland Hotels Kuopio - Hotel Kuopio
Original Sokos Hotel Puijonsarvi | Hotels Kuopio - sokoshotels.fi
Scandic Kuopio | Hotel in Kuopio
Restaurant options:
Kuopio, the capital of Northern Savo is the right place for those who are interested in culture, history and wellbeing. Here you can enjoy a 3-course tasteful menu during a sightseeing tour and at the end of day relax in the gentle steam of the sauna.
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Discover the magnificent Puijo Tower: The peak of Puijo Tower pierces the sky at 224 meters above Lake. Come and try out nature activity park Puijo Peak; exciting activities in different seasons, world-class cuisine and stunning panoramic Lakeland views extending as far as the eye can see. Puijo Peak
Kuopion Saana - Finnish Sauna Paradise: Kuopion Saana combines a Finnish sauna experience, excellent restaurant services and a multitude of events and activities in one location. The spa’s outdoor area has a smoke sauna and two heated pools. Enjoy also an indoor hot tub, an experience shower and heated loungers. Kuopion Saana
Visiting and tasting Distillery Company; Lignell & Piispanen is an alcohol producer founded in 1852. Visitor Center offers customers Factory Tours, Tastings, and factory store Kauppahuone and Arctic Bar, where you can enjoy our products and signature cocktails. Lignell & Piispanen
The landscape of Hossa National Park was already enjoyed during the Stone Age. The popular hiking area was appointed a national park in honour of the centenary of Finland. On the way to Hossa, experience a paradise island Ärjä with sandy beaches and nature trails.
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Island Ärjä in Lake Oulujärvi, called the pearl of Oulujärvi and an island of paradise. You can reach an island either by steamboat or by local entrepreneur boat transportation. Island Ärjä (Ärjänsaari)
The almost one thousand strong band that makes up the Silent People (art installation) suddenly emerges before the passing motorist like some great stroke of magic. Remember to keep your eyes open at road 5 between Suomussalmi and Hossa! The Silent People and Cafe
Hossa Visitor Centre and its special exhibitions provide introductions to the area’s unique nature with good tips about the destinations in the national park and for choosing paths. Hossa Visitor Centre
Accommodation options:
Hossa’s versatile range of accommodation
Wild Eco Camp Seipiniemi
Restaurant options:
Restaurant Ranch, Kajaani
Restaurant Kultainen Kukko, Suomussalmi
Hossa Reindeer park and restaurant, Suomussalmi (Hossa)
Hossa National park offers visitors a wide range of activities and different places to explore from easily managed guided trails to much more challenging eskers. After Hossa day, this is your unique chance to see the most famous inhabitants of the region, like Wild Brown Bear.
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In Hossa, the mystical rock paintings of Värikallio, the lichen forest, and Finland’s greatest canyon lake Julma-Ölkky, are unparalleled attractions for their uniqueness and beauty. Rock paintings and canyon lake Julma-Ölkky
Travelling down the road Raatteentie, you’ll be taking a walk through an impressive array of Finnish war history. This trip will no doubt leave the viewer with an unforgettable impression. Winter war museum Raatteen Portti and Raate road
Wildlife watching and photographing; large carnivores and other animals in Wild Taiga region. Choose overnight trip or evening hide excursion from variety of hides offered by multiple wildlife companies. Wildlife watching and photographing trips
Accommodation options:
Restaurant options:
Hossa Reindeer park and restaurant, Suomussalmi (Hossa)
Restaurant Kanteletar, Kuhmo
A tour around lake Pielinen offers a great chance to take a peek into Karelian culture and lifestyle. Try river rafting and visit Paateri church and Eva Ryynänen's atelier. And finally, dive into the Finnish national landscape at Koli hills at sunset.
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A tour around lake Pielinen offers a great chance to take a peek into Karelian culture and lifestyle. Try river rafting and visit Paateri church and Eva Ryynänen's atelier. And finally, dive into the Finnish national landscape at Koli hills at sunset.
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River rafting at Ruunaa rapids is suitable for all ages. Alternatively, you can shoot the rapids by a traditional wooden boat or an inflatable board. We also do rafting trips on a wooden boat with backrests.
In the scenic and beautiful landscape of Lieksa and on the shore of Vuonisjärvi Lake lies the sculptor Eva Ryynänen’s (1915 - 2001) Atelier, Paateri Church, her former house and a cafe. Paateri church & Eva Ryynäne’s ateljee
To enjoy the Finnish national landscape from Koli hills to lake Pielinen, either make a walk to the three tops of Koli hills at sunset or admire the view from Koli Relax Spa sitting in a hot tub, Koli Relax Spa
Accommodation options:
Break Sokos Hotel Koli, hotel rooms with a view on the top of Koli
Koli Freetime Oy, cosy apartments, cottages and rooms next to the Koli national park
Restaurant options:
Gastropub Kolin Ryynänen serves tasty food and brew their own beer in Koli Village.
Restaurant Kolin satamaravintola Small restaurant in Koli harbour serves fresh fish dishes from lake Pielinen. Also a nice terrace for the warm summer days and local beer is available.
Bustling Joensuu market place welcomes you with mouthwatering taste of warm hand-made Karelian pasties with melting butter. Visit the Taitokortteli Arts & Crafts quartier and then continue to New Valamo monastery, where east and west shake hands firmly.
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At Cafe Marttakahvio at Joensuu Market place anyone can watch local ladies baking the traditional pasties. Fresh warm pasties are incredibly delicious. Market is where the local meet each other to hear the news and gossip. Cafe Marttakahvio and Joensuu Market place
Taitokortteli Arts & Crafts quartier welcomes you to join skills workshops, visit little artisan boutiques and have a look at changing exhibitions. Lovely cafe serves snacks and pastries and refreshing drinks all day long.
The peaceful atmosphere of the monastery and close proximity to nature, offer the hurried people in the busy world of today a rare opportunity to relax − far from the bustle and noise of everyday life. Interesting history is told on guided tours. Valamo Monastery
Accommodation & restaurant option:
Valamo Monastery hotel and hostel , Heinävesi
Savonlinna region at the heart of Lake Saimaa is Finland’s oldest tourist destination. Its diverse and dazzling scenery has drawn in visitors since the 19th century. Finns have voted Savonlinna as the best summer city in the country.
Kerimäki Church “the Yellow Giant” is the biggest wooden church in the world. The church, whose spacious interior accommodates over 5,000 people, is located in the village of Kerimäki 23 km from the Savonlinna city centre.
Olavinlinna Castle, the world’s northernmost medieval castle in the world, is the crown jewel of Savonlinna. It is located in the city centre in the midst of beautiful lake scenery. It is best known as the stage of the world-famous Savonlinna Opera Festival.
A steamship cruise in the Savonlinna archipelago is a wonderful way to spend a summer’s day. Try also theamed cruises, e.g. yoga, dinner, mushroom picking, seal watching. Cruises on Lake Saimaa
Spa in the heart of town - Spa Hotel Casino
Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone
Boutique Hotel Willa Aria
Taste the local fish speciality, muikku, at Muikkuterassi, the roof-top terrace of Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone Savonlinna while enjoying the spectacular views over the city. Muikkuterassi Restaurant
Get a taste of the delicious regional cuisine and local handicraft beers from our breweries
Home journey
Fly from Savonlinna (SVL). Drive to Helsinki takes about four hours.
