Day 01 & 02: Mikkeli Region and Rantasalmi

Drive from Helsinki to Mikkeli

Mikkeli (St.Michel), the heart of Lakeland Finland, is well-known especially for its beautiful manors, numerous destinations of nature, excellent local food, holiday activities, and its war history. Did you know that Mikkeli is also the holiday capital of Finland - there are over 10 400 cottages in the Mikkeli region!

Visit

Tertti Manor - Tertti Manor is a functioning farm, heaven for gastronomes, and a cozy farm hotel located only 7km from Mikkeli city center. The Manor Shop and the Dairy Café are open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. Lunch is served daily. The main building's restaurant, as well as our charming guest rooms, are available all year round by request. The restaurant stands out for its calm atmosphere and traditional Finnish cuisine which are provided by unique views from the window. The restaurant has appreciated Chaîne des Rôtisseurs shield. Interior which is kept from the 1890s gives a sense of being a special and important guest. Traditions, given from generation to generation and combined with new technologies and natural products which are grown in manor garden, guarantee high food and service quality

Kenkävero vicarage

Kenkävero is a magnificent tourist attraction and prides itself on having the biggest and most beautiful vicarage in all Finland, in an impressive milieu. It has something to interest everyone at all times of the year: finely restored buildings, exciting exhibitions, and events, exquisite handicrafts as gifts, souvenirs or simply to enjoy. In summer it is further enhanced by garden and handicraft workshops, and delicious food is served in the restaurant daily all year round.

Do

Admire the rare findings of Astuvansalmi rock paintings

Dating back to approximately 4000-2200 BCE, around 80 pictures have been found on Astuvansalmi’s rock. The motifs include human figures, moose, boats, fish, lines, as well as hand and paw prints. The curiosity of Astuvansalmi is the female figure holding a bow, often called Artemis of Astuvansalmi. Depictions of women with weapons in rock art have not been found anywhere else in Finland. The paintings are protected by the Antiquities Act.

Take a cable ferry to Niinisaari island and try baking traditional Finnish “Karelian pies” with Paula 

Niinisaari is a vibrant village in the southern archipelago of Puumala. Hostess of Okkola Farm, Paula, guides you to the secrets of baking Finnish berry pies or traditional salty Karelian pies in her own kitchen. Alongside baking pies, you will get acquainted with genuine Finnish country houses. As well as Paula, you will get familiar with rural entrepreneurship, local flavors, and the authentic Savo region’s hospitality.

Day 03 & 04:Savonlinna and Punkaharju

Drive from Rantasalmi to Savolinna

The varied nature of the area of Savonlinna shows the beauty and gracefulness of Finland’s Lakeland. From Savonlinna, a traveler can quickly get to the beautiful scenery of Punkaharju so characteristic of Finland, the rugged rocky shores of Kolovesi National Park, and the open waters and many islands of Linnansaari National Park. Savonlinna itself is built on islands, so Lake Saimaa is never far away.

Visit

Olavinlinna Castle - The building of Olavinlinna, the castle of St. Olaf, began in 1475. The Danish-born founder of the castle, knight Erik Axelsson Tott, decided that a powerful fortification should be build to protect the strategically important Savo region. 

On the way from Savonlinna to Punkaharju, visit Kerimäki wooden church

The church of Kerimäki is the world’s largest Christian wooden church and has the most spacious interior in Finland. It is 45 meters long, 42 meters wide and 27 meters high. The height of the dome is 37 meters. There are altogether 1670 meters of pews and a seating capacity for over 3000 people

Do

Try the local dish “Muikku”at Café & Hotel Saima

A must-try, these small white fish are caught from the nearby Lake Saimaa, fried with rye flour and butter, and served with fresh creamed potatoes.

Drive along the Road of the century

Punkaharjun Harjutie is a road along a very narrow ridge, reminiscent of a spit, that divides Lake Puruvesi from Lake Pihlajavesi, and is only a few kilometers long. The route, though short, is worth the trip, ideally done by bicycle, car, or motorbike, with beautiful open views of the lakes on either side, mere meters from the shorelines.

Rent a kayak or a small boat from Harjun portti resort to discover the crystal clear water of Puruvesi-lake.

Day 05 & 06: Imatra and Lappeenranta

Lappeenranta and Imatra are located in the region of South Karelia in southeastern Finland. The magnificent metropolis of St. Petersburg is just about 200 km away from Lappeenranta and Imatra. The region's cultural life is rich and varied, mixing both old and new. There are events galore, particularly during the summer months. The greatest natural wonders in Lappeenranta and Imatra region are the two parallel Salpauselkä ridges, dividing the whole province - a scenery that always has interesting stories to tell.

Visit

Strange attractions on the way 

Located in Parikkala, the Parikkala Statue Park with more than 550 strange concrete statues and a lush garden, forms a very special entity worth visiting.

The Ruokolahti forest hides a natural wonder which is definitely one of the most interesting sights in South Karelia. Kummakivi is a large glacier-carried boulder with a size of about 7 m x 4 m x 5 m and a weight of 500 tons.

Vuoksi Fishing Park

Vuoksi Fishing Park offers versatile services. There are fishing licenses and equipment available as well as possibility to prepare and smoke fish.

The famous Imatrankoski rapids and one of the most beautiful buildings in Finland, The Imatra State Hotel

The Fortress of Lappeenranta and the historic district

Do

Step on board – Have a cruise experience on Saimaa

There are numerous cruises available that take you around local routes or all the way to Vyborg.

Get active! Ukonniemi offers a variety of facilities for different sports.

Go shopping at Iso Kristiina shopping center

Enjoy the beautiful and pure Finnish nature and the magnificent Lakeland views, by taking a Nature trip with TaigaSaimaa guides

Experts in fishing, mushrooms, berries, and wild herbs, TaigaSaimaa operate on the lakes and in the forests of Lappeenranta and Imatra region. In the waters of Lake Saimaa, by far the greatest attraction is nature: the archipelago, over 14 000 islands, lake scenery, and the clear water. If you are lucky, you may even see a Saimaa ringed seal basking on a rock on a summer's day.

Pamper yourself with spa experiences

Go cycling along Saimaa Archipelago Route