Welcome to your final journey journey information for Lake Saimaa, Finland.
Should you’re planning your Fiinish journey and searching for a rare pure escape, someplace you’ll be able to bathe, swim and unwind beside clear contemporary waters, you’ve landed in the best place.
This journey information will reveal the whole lot it’s essential to find out about visiting Lake Saimaa, together with how you can get there, the most effective locations to remain, and the highest actions you’ll be able to’t miss.
I’ve simply returned from 4 days exploring this space of Japanese Finland and I really feel SO replenished and impressed by the individuals and landscapes of Lake Saimaa. It’s really a gem and I can not wait to share my ideas with you!
Finland is a rustic famend for its gorgeous lakes and unspoiled wilderness and Lake Saimaa is an ideal instance of this. Spanning over 4,400 sq. kilometers, with over 14,000km of shoreline (the worlds longest lake shoreline), Lake Saimaa is Finland’s largest lake and the fourth largest in Europe.
Lake Saimaa is ideal for nature lovers, journey seekers, and anybody seeking to unwind in a serene setting (suppose cabins on lakes and foraging within the woods for dinner vibes).
Whether or not you’ve heard of Lake Saimaa for its lakeside cabins, its unimaginable fishing or as a habitat for the uncommon Saimaa ringed seal, this information will be sure you have all of the juicy ideas and journey info to plan your good journey.
Are you able to discover the most effective issues to do in Lake Saimaa?
The Finest Solution to Get To Lake Saimaa
Attending to Lake Saimaa is an journey, however contemplating you are feeling such as you’re in the course of nowhere – it’s not that troublesome. It’s undoubtedly price it!
The closest main airport is Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, the place you’ll be able to take a commuter practice to Tikkurila (a couple of minutes) after which change to Mikkeli (round 2 hours).
Alternatively, you’ll be able to hire a automobile for the scenic 3-hour journey to the lake area. An alternative choice is to fly to Lappeenranta Airport, which is nearer and gives direct connections from a number of European cities.
The Finest Locations To Keep In Lake Saimaa
For lodging, the Lake Saimaa area boasts a variety of choices from cosy lakeside cottages and trendy inns to distinctive houseboats and tenting websites. There’s a lot alternative!
Staying in a lakeside cottage (regionally referred to as a ‘mökki’) is extremely advisable for an genuine Finnish expertise, providing the right mix of consolation and immersion in nature. Elsanranta Villas and Kanava Resort are two top-notch choices (that I stayed in) offering luxurious stays with gorgeous lake views and trendy facilities.
Browse Lake Saimaa lodging right here.
The very best time to go to Lake Saimaa
The very best time to go to Lake Saimaa is dependent upon what you wish to do and expertise right here.
Summer season (June to August) is good for water actions, mountaineering, and having fun with the midnight solar (yep a lot time for actions!). For winter sports activities lovers, the snowy months of December to February provide alternatives for ice fishing, cross-country snowboarding, and experiencing the Northern Lights.
I visited in June and we had a mix of climate however delicate temperatures good for having fun with the outside in.
Discover Linnansaari Nationwide Park and spot the Saimaa ringed seal!
Linnansaari Nationwide Park is a must-visit for outside lovers and among the finest issues to do in Lake Saimaa for those who love journey!
The park is a labyrinth of lots of of islands and gives glorious mountaineering trails, kayaking routes, and tenting spots. One factor you could do is take a ship tour to identify the elusive Saimaa ringed seal, an endangered species distinctive to this area. Many corporations are providing it, we did ours with Kanava Resort.
We noticed an impressive Ospray too, properly our information did. They’re wonderful at recognizing the wildlife!
Keep at Landhaus Kekkola
Landhaus Kekkola is a pastel yellow colored, historic manor simply outdoors town of Mikkeli (the right beginning location for those who get the practice to Mikkeli from Helsinki!).
The property has Finnish-German hosts, Janne and Manuela, and their kids are really a part of the expertise. You’re feeling such as you’re arriving to their residence (you kinda are) they usually make you are feeling at residence straight away.
Keep right here welcomes you to benefit from the traditional rural lakeside environment of their household environment, it’s a really zen expertise. There are additionally a collection of actions and horse stables on the grounds.
My favorite half? The lakeside sauna and personal lake for swimming. Ebook right here.
Go to Olavinlinna Fortress
Olavinlinna Fortress is positioned within the city of Savonlinna and is one in all Finland’s most iconic landmarks. This medieval fortress, constructed within the fifteenth century, sits majestically on a rocky islet in Lake Saimaa. An excellent lovely location certainly and an opportunity to cube into some historical past.
I like to recommend you are taking a guided tour to study its fascinating historical past and luxuriate in views from the towers.
Go on a canoeing or kayaking Journey
Canoeing on Lake Saimaa to benefit from the crystal-clear waters and numerous islands is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Lake Saimaa.
There are quite a few rental companies and guided excursions obtainable, catering to all ability ranges. You received’t be caught for alternative!
Paddle by slim straits, alongside forests and uncover hidden seashores. Getting on the water is the right benefit from the peace of the Finnish wilderness.
Strive the fish caught within the lake!
In the course of the winter months, many will drink from the lake due to how clear the water is.
This makes for a wholesome ecosystem and among the freshest catches on the market. Two of the most well-liked (and plentiful) fish within the lake are Vendace and Pike.
A lot of the eating places we ate at in Lake Saimaa featured these locally-caught fish on their menu!
Probably the greatest issues to do in Lake Saimaa is to strive the native delicacies!
Calm down in a Conventional Finnish Sauna
No journey to Finland is full with out experiencing a standard Finnish sauna. Significantly.
Many lodging round Lake Saimaa provide non-public saunas so alternatives are positive to come up in your journey. Alternatively you’ll be able to go to public saunas just like the distinctive floating sauna in Savonlinna.
After heating up, I at all times go for a refreshing dip within the lake – an invigorating custom beloved by locals and guests alike.
Hike the Punkaharju Ridge
The Punkaharju Ridge is a pure surprise and one in all Finland’s nationwide landscapes positioned slightly below 4 hours northeast of Helsinki. Punkaharju is a tranquil land of birch and spruce timber, pristine waters and clear, crisp air – all the great issues in stay (is it a surprise Finland have been voted the happiest nation on this planet 7 years in a row?).
This slim strip of land lies between two lakes and gives scenic trails for mountaineering, strolling and biking. The views are stated to be outrageous!
The Harjureitti Path is a path you are able to do right here that’s 4 km lengthy and simply accessible for almost all of the route. The path will sometimes elevate and provide gorgeous views of the Punkaharju nationwide panorama with the intention to get completely different views on this surprise!
Expertise Ice Fishing in Winter
Should you’re visiting throughout winter, ice fishing on Lake Saimaa is an expertise to not be missed. Native guides will give you all the obligatory gear and experience that will help you catch fish by the thick ice. Fishing lover desires!
Ice fishing a singular and serene technique to join with Finnish tradition and the pure fantastic thing about this frozen lake.
Ebook a spa day at Järvisydän
On the shores of Lake Saimaa, adjoining to Linnansaari Nationwide Park, you’ll discover a wellness lovers paradise within the type of Järvisydän.
We took a ship taxi from Kanava Resort (30 minute boat or 1.5 hour drive) and spent the day bathing within the outdoors swimming pools, a number of saunas, rainforest bathe and steam rooms. I’ve to say, architecturally, its ones of essentially the most lovely spas I’ve ever been to.
They’ve weaved nature into each component with nearly all of the spa and restaurant composed of wooden, stone and pure components.
Apart from the spa facilities, the resort additionally supplies comfy distinctive lodging in villas, Surroundings Suites, and houseboats so it is a nice possibility for lodging!
The historical past of the resort dates again to 1658 and has been handed down by the generations so the workers have many a narrative to inform!
Journey tip:
The lunch right here is buffet model and is WELL price staying for after your spa day.
Attend the Savonlinna Opera Competition
Held yearly in July, the Savonlinna Opera Competition is a cultural spotlight within the Lake Saimaa area so for those who’re planning your journey in the summertime – it is perhaps price including this to your itinerary!
The competition takes place within the historic Olavinlinna Fortress (the one on the island i discussed beforehand), providing a magical setting for world-class opera performances.
Kayaking at Pistohiekka Resort
Pistohiekka is definitely a part of the Saimaa UNESCO International Geopark and is without doubt one of the best seashore resorts on the shores of Lake Saimaa.
The encompassing nature is uniquely lovely, providing a mess of actions to take pleasure in for days and even weeks. You’ll be able to bask in mountaineering, kayaking, biking, fishing, or crusing. Nevertheless, there’s additionally nothing unsuitable with merely enjoyable on the seashore and taking within the gorgeous surroundings.
The resort includes two fundamental buildings (see image under taken from the restaurant) and ten cottages for lodging. The seashore restaurant, boasting a unbelievable lake view, is famend for its Finnish wooden structure and is a well-liked attraction in its personal proper. Opened in June 2022, the resort has already been featured in main worldwide structure and design magazines – it’s not arduous to see why!!!
Be aware: strive one in all their Finnish cardamom buns!
Ebook your keep right here.
Keep at Elsanranta Villas
For an opulent keep and a retreat from the sounds of town, think about Elsanranta Villas. These weren’t low cost however they had been INCREDIBLE. The eye to element was insane and I can think about coming right here for per week to only completely change off in luxurious.
Every Elsanranta villa gives an unobstructed view of Lake Saimaa, permitting you to immerse your self in nature whereas enjoyable within the villa, pool, or sauna.
The lounge space includes a luxurious double mattress a settee and all the small print to nourish your thoughts physique and soul. Theres a personal sauna within the rest room, a espresso machine with some unimaginable beans and… even a soda stream!!!
There was a B&O speaker to animate your keep and likewise a pair of binoculars on the desk if you arrive so you’ll be able to maintain a watch out for the uncommon Saimaa Ringed Seal.
The expansive deck is furnished with a seating space and a deluxe drop pool (pictured under), the place you’ll be able to admire the starlit sky and, if lucky, witness the northern lights.
It was a real pleasure to remain right here – the form of place you don’t wish to depart.
Have dinner or lunch at Koskivahti Restaurant
Only a 5-minute stroll from the villas talked about within the earlier spotlight is that this attractive little lakeside restaurant. Sahanlahti Resort eating is based on high-quality, contemporary, native merchandise and a dedication to moral and accountable farming and it was evident in each mouthful we loved.
The ability and dedication of these rising and making ready your meals are evident in each dish served up. The restaurant is a five-star D.O. Saimaa ‘We Help’ institution, and Koskivahti has been voted as having essentially the most lovely terrace view in Finland.
Under you’ll see the contemporary fish dish of the day, the INSANE tomato salad and the view from the surface deck.
Ebook a foraging expertise with Uhkua
While you ebook a foraging expertise, Asta and Ilkka warmly welcome you to their charming lakeside farm Uhkua, the place you’ll be able to expertise the agricultural lifetime of the Lake Saimaa area. They stay right here off the grid with no water and have created a easy however nourishing life utilising the forests and soils that encompass them.
Throughout a guided wild meals expertise, you get to style the best delicacies the area has to supply and we cooked ours up on the outside fireplace.
Chef Ilkka Arvola, a pioneer of native delicacies, is a patron of Finland’s first designation of origin label, D.O. Saimaa and guides the expertise seamlessly, sharing knowledge generously that will help you join with the land round you.
This was among the finest issues to do in Lake Saimaa – 100%.
Calm down at Kanava Resort
Kanava Resort gives an ideal mix of consolation and nature. Situated proper by the water, the resort options cosy cabins, a restaurant with native delicacies, and varied outside actions that you would be able to have interaction in. Time right here for visitors is spent mountaineering, fishing, or just enjoyable by the lake, and your evenings? Unwinding within the sauna after all.
We stayed in one of many lake entrance cabins right here and the non-public saunas had been insane. Assume floor-to-ceiling glass home windows with views throughout the lake.
My favorite half although, the best way the beds are designed to face out to the forest and you’ll get up to the lake each morning. One in all my favorite locations I’ve ever woken up, see under!
This resort is the place we booked our Ringed seal boat journey and the place we took the boat over to the spa!
The restaurant, although quaint and quiet – served surprisingly fantastic meals!
Have you ever been to Lake Saimaa in Finland?
What are the most effective issues to do in Lake Saimaa? Something you’d add to this Lake Saimaa bucket record?
Love as at all times and pleased adventuring…