Pre-tour to Saimaa and Midnight Sun Workshop 06.-12.06.2026

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 arrival in Helsinki airport

15.15  Meet your Saimaa Host Heli Mende at Helsinki Airport arrival hall 

ca. 16:00 Transfer from Helsinki – Vantaa Airport to Lake Saimaa Region

19:00 Check in to Hillside Villas at Saimaanranta Resort 

Saimaanranta Hillside Villas offer a perfect blend of Lake Saimaa’s pristine nature and timeless Scandinavian design. Set in a private and peaceful hillside location, these two-story wooden villas are designed by renowned architect Timo Leiviskä and blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Just 70 meters from the shoreline, each villa boasts stunning views over Lake Saimaa.
@saimaanrantaresort ig_n

19:15 D.O.Saimaa dinner in the Villa  

20:30 Departure for a sunset cruise from Saimaanranta Resort

Join RIB Saimaa on an unforgettable RIB boat journey across the breathtaking archipelagos of Lake Saimaa to the sacred Astuvansalmi rock paintings. Travel the same ancient waterway once used by our ancestors and discover why this dramatic cliffside location was chosen for prehistoric artworks depicting humans, animals, and handprints. From the water, spot the face in the cliff and hear the remarkable echo before disembarking to view the paintings up close, with an optional climb to the top for panoramic views. 
@ribsaimaa

22:30 Return to Saimaanranta Resort 

8:30 Breakfast in the villa with Saimanranta Resort representative

10:15 Check out and transfer to Okkola Holiday Cottages in Puumala 

11:30 Paulas  Blueberry Rye Pie Workshop and lunch 
In this workshop, participants prepare traditional Finnish blueberry rye pie (mustikkakukko)  with the hostess Paula, from start to finish. The workshop takes place in a historic 1700s house Paula´s home. Participants make the rye dough, shape the base and lid, fill it with blueberries, bake the pie together and enjoy it with tea or coffee, served with vanilla sauce or ice cream. 
@okkolanlomamokit

14:00 Ecoboat cruise with Arto Keinänen/ LakelandGte
Saimaa Ecoboat cruises offer quiet and environmentally friendly safaris on Lake Saimaa, led by local skipper Arto from LakelandGte. The cruises are operated with an electri boat, providing a smooth, silent experience with zero emissions.
During the cruise, the skipper shares local knowledge and stories about the surrounding lake and forest landscape. The experience emphasizes nature, sustainability, and unhurried exploration, allowing participants to enjoy Lake Saimaa in a peaceful and respectful way.
@lakelandgteguidearto

15:45 Transfer to Sahanlahti Resort 
Sahanlahti Resort, a well-established holiday destination on the shores of Lake Saimaa, is  known for its scenic lakeside setting and historic sawmill environment. The resort offers a range of accommodation options including a lakeside hotel, modern villas, traditional cottages, and camping/caravan facilities, all with views of Saimaa.
Guests can enjoy several on-site restaurants serving artisan and locally sourced food, outdoor activities, saunas, and events throughout the year. Sahanlahti also features a guest marina for boaters and has a warm, welcoming atmosphere rooted in local hospitality and Saimaa’s natural beauty.
@sahanlahti

16:15 Check in at Elsanranta Villas 

Possibility for saunas and private drop pools in the villas

17.30 Tour of the premises with Sahanlahti Resort representative

18:30 Dinner at Restaurant Koskivahti 

Overnight in Elsanranta 

08:00 Breakfast at Restaurant Koskivahti

09:15 Transfer to Ruokolahti.

10:00 Forest trip to Kummakivi, ‘the odd stone’, with Creative Kaiku nature guides, coffee break in the nature, introduction to Finnish forest herbs and the stories and mythology of nature. Kummakivi is one of Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark sites. 
@creativekaiku

11:30 Transfer to Imatrankoski Rapids. 

12:30 Imatrankoski Rapids. One of the oldest tourism attractions in Finland, the Imatrankoski Rapids & the castle-like hotel Imatran Valtionhotelli ‘the state hotel’ on the riverbanks gather visitors from all around the globe to admire the historical view.
@imatranvaltionhotelli

13:45 Transfer to the harbour of Imatra. 

14:00 Cruise to Lake Saimaa with sauna boat m/s Emma, sauna onboard & swim, island lunch. 
@saunalaiva_emma

18:00 Transfer to Lappeenranta.

18:45  Check in Hotel Lähde. The atmospheric rooms at Boutique Hotel Lähde are steeped in history and offer a unique accommodation experience. Built on the premises of a more than 100-year-old Lappeenranta Spa, the unique rooms combine the atmosphere of the past with modern comforts. In hotel spa premises there is a natural cold dwell. 
@hotellilahde   

19:45 Transfer to the restaurant. 

20:00 Dinner in Wolkoff restaurant. Fine dining in Lappeenranta
@ravintolawolkoff

8:00 Breakfast

Check out

10:00 Walk to the historical Fortress of Lappeenranta. Visit to Café Majurska and handicrafts shop Galleria Kääntöpoiju. Walk through the old city area to Lappeenranta Harbor and the famous Sandcastle. Quick peak to Fazer shop for a sweet treat. Within the Fortress, you'll also find Finland’s oldest Orthodox Church, along with other charming and historically significant buildings. 

11:00 Coffee break at the charming Satamatie 6 café / Lehmus Roastery. Located in the heart of Lappeenranta, a former horse stable transformed to a chic café and roastery serves fresh coffee that is second to none. A must visit during your stay in the area. 
@satamatie6 | @lehmusroastery

12:15 Transfer to Pulsa

12:45 Pulsa station (Pulsan asema) & light lunch on site. Pulsa Station won the title of 'Domestic Visitor Destination/Attraction of the Year' 2025 in Finland. Pulsa Station is located just 20 km from Lappeenranta, in the middle of the countryside. Operated as a former railway station, nowadays Pulsa Station consists of a café, shops and unique accommodation. 
@pulsanasema

14:00 Transfer to Lappeenranta train station

14:36 Train from Lappeenranta to Helsinki

16:44 Arriving in Helsinki

Check in to hotels

Free time in Helsinki 

Dinner start time at your hotel, hosted by the hotel, depending on your arrival time in Helsinki:

Hotel Grand Hansa: 19:00
Lapland Hotels Bulevardi: 19:00
Hotel Mestari: 18:00
Hotel Torni: 20:30 

 

Breakfast

08.00 -17:00 Helsinki – Espoo Destination Day 
Details sent via email by Helsinki Partners and Visit Espoo (sent on 2nd of June)

Program organized by Visit Espoo and Helsinki Partners

17:00-20:00 Get-together event in Temppeliaukio Church (Lutherinkatu 3, Helsinki)
and dinner at Restaurant Töölö (Runeberginkatu 14–16, Helsinki)

Evening hosted by Visit Finland, Finnair, Visit Espoo, and Helsinki Partners

Breakfast

9:00-17:00 Workshop day - see program here

18:30-00:30 Party Like a Finn - see program here

Breakfast

Optional Helsinki Day

Helsinki Day is an annual celebration in Finland, held on 12 June, to celebrate the city of Helsinki. 

Helsinki Partners offers the opportunity to participate in various events held in Helsinki: Explore and unwind the day after. This optional day offers a light, flexible program with a focus on summer vibes and memorable city experience during the birthday of Helsinki. Dip into depths of local sauna culture and enjoy a dinner experience under the open sky.

Expect:
• Slow morning & free time with tickets to Allas Sea Pool
• Casual lunch with Helsinki hosts and fellow guests
• Recreation and city experience in laid-back setting
• Relaxed dinner (under the sky if weather permits) to close the week

Flights back to home.

Thank you for visiting Finland!