Lake SPA
Enjoy unique Lake SPA
and Linnansaari national park
Linnansaari, in the heart of the Finnish Lake District, is an ideal place to spot rare lake seals and majestic ospreys. The waters of the park are dotted with lush green islands and rocky islets. At Linnansaari Croft traditional slash-and-burn farming practices are preserved. The lakeland scenery is a delight all year round.
Looking for unique accommodation with possibilities for active holiday? Come to visit Järvisydän resort and stunning Linnansaari national park with it’s world-famous Saimaa ringed seal
Since the year 1685 the Heiskanen family has provided travelers visiting Porosalmi in the northern part of beautiful Lake Saimaa with exceptional hospitality and services. In the beginning, a strong incentive for establishing the resort was an agreement between the Czar of Russia and the King of Sweden to build and maintain a road (an ice road during winter) through Finland. At the time, it was stipulated that a location for feeding horses and to accommodate travelers would need to be established at 30 km intervals along the way. Porosalmi just happened to be located in one of these places.
Arriving to Saimaa region, accommodation in Järvisydän resort and relaxing in eco-friendly Lake Spa
Järvisydän resort is located close to the city of Savonlinna, and its famous Olavinlinna castle. You can reach Järvisydän by flying to Helsinki and taking a rental car, or taking a flight from Helsinki to Savonlinna. Järvisydän organizes transfers between Savonlinna airport and Järvisydän (pre-booking required).
Lake Spa will give you a new kind of Finnish lake wellness experience. The spa is built in the middle of the natural rocks and the large windows are overlooking Lake Saimaa. Natural materials are used for Lake Spa’s genuine and exciting experience. The building itself will be hidden under the forest terrain, which amplifies Järvisydän’s original atmosphere.
You can find suitable accommodation at Järvisydän whether you’re staying for only a short time or having a longer holiday with us. All the hotel rooms are located close by the restaurant and Lake Spa.
Take a Saimaa ringed seal sightseeing cruise to Linnansaari national park
Saimaa Ringed Seal is an endangered species, living only in Lake Saimaa, and Linnansaari is probably one of the best places to spot this rare seal. Saimaa Ringed Seal Safari’s wooden boat moves slowly and smoothly through the waters of Linnansaari National Park, seeking out the secret hiding places of Saimaa seal. Along the way you can observe Osprey nests and other birds as well.
The National Park is a 40 km long and 5 – 10 km wide area in the middle of Lake Haukivesi, a part of Lake Saimaa. The 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. The purchase of the core areas of the national park was justified with their natural beauty. Preserving Finland’s original lakeland nature for future generations and research was mentioned as the justification for the establishment of the national park.
Gliding over the open waters of Lake Saimaa, the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a majestic sight. The Osprey is one of the biggest birds of prey in Finland, and Linnansaari has one of the densest osprey populations in the country. Ospreys nest in the staunch tops of the shoreline pines. In the large twig nests they usually have 1 – 3 young birds. The osprey is very skilful in search of prey. Shallow lakes with clear water are ideal places for them to be able to see the fish. It is amazing to watch how they dive on their prey and take off again with fish in their talons.
Visit Savonlinna and Olavinlinna castle
As a popular destination on the shores of Saimaa, Savonlinna offers culture and small town magic for locals and visitors alike. With the world’s northernmost medieval castle and the world famous opera festival, and the historical old town with it’s wooden houses and quaint shops and cafes, Savonlinna is a must for any visitor to the Saimaa region.
Lake cruises are a big part of summer of Savonlinna and its surrounding areas. A cruise along Lake Saimaa on a nostalgic steamboat or a handy motorboat is a relaxing way to spend a sunny summer day while enjoying the scenery around Savonlinna
See and eat:
Olavinlinna castle is the crown jewel of Savonlinna. Majestic and steeped in history, the walls of the castle have plenty of fascinating stories to tell – including the story of the maiden buried in the castle wall for treason. Nearby Riihisaari Museum brings the story of Saimaa and it’s inhabitants to life.
Discover the Finnish summer by shoreline cruise traveling through the gorgeous Saimaa Lakeland labyrinth. Sightseeing cruises by original Finnish handmade steamships S/S Paul Wahl, S/S Punkaharju and S/S Savonlinna offer you an insight into the history of a Finnish inland lake. The fascinating Finnish national scenery combined with a traditional steamship is an unforgettable experience.
As soon as you walk in through the front door of Cafe Saima, you are surrounded by the very welcoming atmosphere and the smell of freshly ground coffee and baked hot pastries. Small, but varied café-restaurant style menu offers something for everyone. Café is located just close by to the castle.
