1000 Lakes Workshop is an international sales event that takes place in heart of the Lakeland Finland, Savonlinna. Savonlinna, as a historical town, built up on the islands, surrounded by the unique lake scenery, provides the inspirational atmosphere for the networking and creating successful business. The event brings together international buyers and Finnish suppliers from the Lakeland region. The event week starts with pre tours for buyers and continues with 1000 Lakes Workshop on May 21th. 

Lake Saimaa, a labyrinthine lake with its 15,000 km of shoreline and 15,000 islands is unique. It is the jewel of Finnish Lakeland with rich heritage and culture. Created by ice age, its pure waters are inhabited by the endangered Saimaa Ringed Seal, and its shores by people culturally at the intersection of Eastern and Western Europe. The Lake Saimaa’s stunning nature, exciting cuisine, cultural attractions, and great opportunities for outdoor activities in every season have led to it emerging as one of the best places in Europe to visit for a holiday.

Afternoon arrivals to HEL

16.20 Flight HEL-KUO

17.20 arriving in Kuopio

Bus transportation to Sokos Hotel Puijonsarvi (overnight)

18.30 Dinner in  Puijo Tower 
Welcome to Puijo Peak, where forest, fun, and locally-grown food come together to create unforgettable experiences for families and friends. Enjoy exciting, year-round activities, including winter and extreme sports, nature and digital adventures, plus world-class cuisine and stunning panoramic Lakeland views atop the 75-metre-tall Puijo Tower; over 200 metres above the Lake Kallavesi – all situated in the heart of the culturally rich city of Kuopio.

8.00-9.00 Breakfast

9.00-10.00 Bus transfer to Tahko
Ancient forests full of wonder, resort where snow is just a bonus, and sun-filled days (and occasional nights) that you’ll never want to end.
Tahko provides an unforgettable combination of adventure, sports and leisure activities, with something fun for everyone all year round.

10.30-11.30 Guided E-bike / Hike tour (1 hour)

12.00-13.30 Lunch in Havu Kitchen & Bar

13.45-15.45 Presentation of Break Sokos Hotel Tahko (coffee) and Tahko Spa Green Suites 

15.45-16.45 Bus transfer back to Kuopio

17.00-20.00 Sauna and dinner in Luoto, Kuopio

20.15 Presentation of Saana 
Kuopion Saana combines Finnish sauna experience, excellent restaurant services as well as numerous events and activities in one location. These services together with the exceptional architecture and unique location right by the Lake Kallavesi make the Saana one of the most interesting places to visit in Lakeland area. You can relax in our spa that has a 30-seat mixed-gender sauna, an indoor hot tub, an experience shower and heated loungers. The outdoor area of the spa has a smoke sauna and two heated pools.

Presentation and overnight in Bella Lake Resort
At Bella Lake Resort, high-quality accommodation and a picturesque urban lake landscape are accompanied by Bellanranta’s inexhaustible services.
With us, you can enjoy our own art park, our neighbor Saana’s wonderful SPA experiences, and an à la carte restaurant offering local food or food from award-winning microbreweries.
The personal environment and great opportunities together create emotional experiences that must be experienced for yourself.

 

8:30 Transfer to Joroinen

9:45 Arrival in Pihlas Resort 
Brand new, private eco-luxury resort nestled in nature by the lake Pihlas. Tea tasting and a site inspection. Relaxation session with soothing sound bowls.

11:30 Departure for Mikkeli and Tertti Manor

12:15 Arrival at Tertti Manor, lunch and guided tour.
Tertti Manor’s cuisine is nationally and internationally renowned and derives inspiration from tradition and local ingredients. The authentic family manor, surrounded by four hectares of gardens, has been owned and operated by the same family for four generations.

13:45 14:45 Departure for Sahanlahti Resort in Puumala

14:45 Arrival at Sahanlahti Resort and check-in at Elsanranta Villas
This small, family run resort has hotel, cottage and villa accommodation and three restaurants serving the best of local food made from seasonal ingredients. All restaurants offer the most amazing lakeside views and the small guest harbour hosts visitors from near and far in the summertime. Built around an old sawmill, Sahanlahti is steeped in history.

16:30 Site inspection and an early dinner at Restaurant Koskivahti

18:30 Departure to Okkola Holiday Cottages, site inspection of Okkola.
Okkola Holiday Cottages is a family run business located on the island of Niinisaari in the idyllic Puumala archipelago. Paula, along with her family and dogs, welcome you to their home to experience local Saimaa life.

19:30 A seal safari by ecoboat with guide Arto 
One man band offering activities, tours and experiences based on Lake Saimaa region’s unique nature. Mission of Lakeland GTE is to make the client see and feel nature while providing personal service, tailor-made tours and safety. Professional guide, Arto, will lead you to the wonders of Lake Saimaa region.

21:15 Departure to Sahanlahti

22:00 Back in the Elsanranta villas for sweet dreams, goodnight!

Alternative program is dinner & the saunas in Sahanlahti, if there are no other opportunities for sauna during the pre tour.

 

8.00 Breakfast at Restaurant Koskivahti

8:45 Departure for Kuru Resort

10:00 Arrival in Kuru Resort
Refreshing drinks and the site inspection of the resort, in where you unwind, rejuvenate from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and enjoy a sense of well-being in magnificent surroundings.

11:15 Departure for Kotona Manor

11:45 Arrival at Kotona Manor
An architecturally modern sanctuary built within the tranquil surrounds of Finnish nature. The perfect hideaway. Where guests immediately feel at home. Opens in late summer 2025.

Lunch

13:20 Departure for Savonlinna

14:10 Arrival in Savonlinna, check-in to Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone

15.00 Cruise on Lake Saimaa by M/S Elviira
Spring is the best time to spot an endangered Saimaa ringed seal and our ship will cruise us to the direction of Linnansaari National Park, which is one of the best areas to see this cute creature. We’ll even end up to the secret nature harbor, in where the seals have been seen several times.

17.30 Arrival in the nature harbor of Illikka, in where the “Metsänpirkko” welcomes us to be her guest. She will lead you to the secrets of the forest and you will leave this beautiful place with happy memories!

19.00 Departure by bus for Putkisalo Manor, which is also a lovely sheep farm 
                  
19:30 Arrival in historical Putkisalo Manor, in where you can admire the charming landscapes, meet the cute sheeps, horses and dogs, and especially enjoy the delicacies made by DO Saimaa chef Ilkka Arvola. Ilkka uses only the local ingredients in his cooking and is one of the most respected chefs in the area. 

ca. 22:00 Departure for Savonlinna, ca. 40 min drive
 

9:00–16:00 Workshop in the ”Happy Islands”, at Wanha Kasino (Old Kasino)

12:00 Lunch at Spahotel Casino

13:00 Workshop continue

14:30 Coffee break 

16:00 Workshop ends

FREE TIME 

18:00 Guided tour in 550 years old medieval Olavinlinna Castle 
During this tour you will have a chance to see some of the hidden places of the castle, in where you can’t get to on a normal guided tour. (Walking time from Spahotel Casino ca. 15 min and from Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone ca. 10 min.)

19:30 Dinner in Olavinlinna Castle
 

Day to travel back to home.

Thank you for visiting Finland!

 

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