Cafés and Bars

In the Lake Saimaa region, summer is a time to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy good company. Whether strolling through the lively harbours, take a coffee break at a cozy lakeside café or a refreshing local beer or drinks at a charming bar is the perfect way to experience the local atmosphere.

The region’s cafés serve up more than just great coffee—they offer a taste of Lake Saimaa’s food culture, with delicious local pastries and savoury snacks that showcase traditional Finnish flavours. Try Lörtsy, sweet or savory, have a traditional Karjalanpiirakka with eggbutter or with salmon or enjoy sweet treats from local makers. Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful morning by the water or an evening with friends, Lake Saimaa’s cafés and bars invite you to slow down and savour the moment.

In Saimaa, Finland, the Finns enjoy the summer, they enjoy coffee and they enjoy beer. Everyone wants to get out and enjoy the sunshine while it’s there, and the perfect accompaniment to any stroll in the harbours of Mikkeli or Savonlinna is a coffee break in one of the local cafés or a cool pint of beer at one of the local bars. Cafés in Savonlinna and Mikkeli will also have a range of local delicacies like pastries and other snacks that you’ll want to try during your stay.

There’s a constant relaxed holiday atmosphere here. With the frequent festivals and events on in the area, there’s a lot of characteristically welcoming Finnish cafés, bars, pubs, restaurants and street food to accommodate them so you’ll not feel rushed out the door as you might be in other countries.

Bars and cafés in Mikkeli

Cafés in Mikkeli include the café Nanda which is great for when you fancy a light snack or a drink. They have a variety of Finnish pastries and other snacks on offer and, of course, tea, coffee and other beverages. Rich and cheesy pastries with smoked reindeer for example are a real delight to the taste buds.

Cafés in Mikkeli marketplace, are local’s favourites during summer time. Just as in Savonlinna’s marketplace, here you can try the traditional Finnish lörtsy (pronounced lert-sue), a folded pastry very specific to the local area of Saimaa. It’s generally deep fried but can be sweet or savoury with a range of fillings such as meats, fish, creamy salads or jams.

Bars in Mikkeli include the Wilhelm Public House where each visitor will find his favourite brand of beer and a peaceful, friendly atmosphere. If the calm doesn’t quite suit you, you can go from the beer hall to check out the karaoke bar Venlo. Also recommended is the popular Päämaja pub where the selection of beer is very large, as is the TV for sports.

Bars and cafés in Savonlinna

When looking for cafés in Savonlinna, Saimaa’s historical centre, you can find the wonderful Kahvila Saima just in front of the bridges to the castle, Olavinlinna. One of the best cafés in Savonlinna, they serve excellent pastries and coffee as well as a traditional Finnish lunch and a full menu of steaks and meat dishes. They also have artwork by contemporary Finnish artists which you can buy as gifts or souvenirs.

In Savonlinna, there are so many good bars and pubs worth paying attention to you’ll find one wherever you are. If a huge variety of beers and whiskeys is important to you though, and sports on TV, head over to Olutravintola Sillansuu.

Whatever your beverage of choice, enjoy the bars and cafés of Savonlinna and Mikkeli!