Vast expanses of blue-water lakes, lush green forests, and the tranquility of nature make the Mikkeli, Savonlinna, and Varkaus region an ideal place to relax and escape the everyday hustle. Immerse yourself in a variety of activities such as kayaking, cycling, hiking, or paddleboarding. Experience something truly unique, like spotting the rare Saimaa ringed seal on a guided seal-watching tour or unwinding in the soothing warmth of a traditional Finnish sauna.
The region also offers fantastic cultural experiences – enjoy the Mikkeli Music Festival, the Savonlinna Opera Festival, fascinating historical sites, or the captivating atmosphere of local museums. Local restaurants and farmers’ markets serve delicious culinary delights, showcasing the pure and fresh ingredients of Saimaa.
A holiday in Saimaa is a perfect blend of peaceful nature, unforgettable experiences, and exquisite food. Warmly welcome!
Whether you’re looking for breathtaking nature, exciting outdoor activities, relaxing sauna experiences, or vibrant cultural events, Lake Saimaa region has it all. Explore the charming towns of Mikkeli, Savonlinna, and Varkaus, indulge in delicious local cuisine—including the famous vendace—and immerse yourself in the region’s rich history and traditions.
Plan your dream holiday in Lake Saimaa region
Are you dreaming of a Finnish lakeside escape? Picture yourself in a cozy summer cabin by the water, enjoying a private sauna and soaking in the peaceful beauty of untouched nature. Find all the information you need about how to get to Saimaa, top things to do, and the best accommodation options, whether you prefer a luxury resort, a traditional lakeside cottage, or a scenic camping site.
Outdoor adventures in the Lake Saimaa Region
Lake Saimaa region is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers! Enjoy canoeing, cycling, hiking, and swimming in the summer, or embrace the winter wonderland with skiing, ice-swimming, and snowshoeing. Try forest walks, jetty yoga, or berry picking, and experience the magic of every season in Finland’s most picturesque lake district.
A getaway that’s closer than you think
Finland and the Saimaa region are surprisingly near. You can reach Finland’s capital city, Helsinki, from Central Europe in just a couple of hours by plane, and it only takes a couple of hours more to drive from Helsinki to the Saimaa region, in Eastern Finland. Additionally, there are direct flights from Rotterdam and Frankfurt to Savonlinna, making your holiday in Finland closer than you think.
How to get here
Lake Saimaa is in the province of Eastern Finland, in what many call the Finnish lake district. In this area, the towns of Mikkeli, Savonlinna, Lappeenranta, Imatra, Joensuu, and Kuopio are all only a short drive from each other.
The distance from the capital, Helsinki, to Mikkeli is 230 km (the travel time is about 2.5 hours) and to Savonlinna is 332 km (with a travel time of about 4 hours). You can easily travel to Savonlinna or Mikkeli by car, train, or coach, or you can travel to Savonlinna by plane from Helsinki.
The best restaurants in the region
The Lake Saimaa region is well known for its food culture, where pure nature and local ingredients create unforgettable flavors.
Sauna experiences
Whether you prefer a traditional lakeside Finnish sauna or are looking for a unique sauna experience, Lake Saimaa region is the place to be.
ACCOMMODATION AT LAKE SAIMAA REGION
In the Finnish lake district of Saimaa, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, from traditionally styled inns full of ambience and atmosphere to modern hotels and luxurious design villas. Maybe you’d prefer an apartment hotel with all the space and conveniences of an apartment but with all the services of a hotel? In the hotels of Mikkeli, Savonlinna and Varkaus, you’re treated as a guest, and not as just another tourist.
