The sustainable Lake Saimaa, a labyrinthine lake with 15,000 km of shoreline and 15,000 islands, is unique. It is the jewel of the Finnish Lakeland with a  rich heritage and culture. Formed during ice age, its pure waters are inhabited by the endangered Saimaa Ringed Seal.. The Lake Saimaa’s stunning nature, exciting cuisine, cultural attractions, and great opportunities for outdoor activities in every season have heeded its rise to one of the best places in Europe to visit for a holiday. Lake Saimaa is the European Region of Gastronomy 2024.

Arrivals to Finland

Transfer to Lappeenranta 

The city of Lappeenranta is located in south-eastern Finland only a couple of hours away from the  Finnish capital Helsinki. From Helsinki you can easily get here by train, bus, or car within just a few hours. Lappeenranta offers its own special flavor to the region: Activities in nature, hotel and spa stay, sauna, cycling, cruises and beautiful Lakeland scenery are the key elements for your stay in the Lappeenranta region. Small boutique hotels and cottages are easily accessible all year round and create best experiences for all ages. Don’t miss Lappeenranta fortress.

Dinner at restaurant Prinsessa Armaanda

Overnight in Sokos Hotel Lappee

 

Breakfast

Departure to Punkaharju and Kruunupuisto via Imatrankoski rapids

The unique location in the Nature Reserve Area ensures natural peacefulness for everyone visiting Kruunupuisto for rehabilitation, well-being and holiday. Staying in an early 20th-century Art Noveau building or charming Villa Urhola, gives a historic touch of nostalgia while enjoying renovated rooms, ranging from standard to superior. The spa and gym facilities, pampering treatments and excellent opportunities for guided indoor and outdoor activities in the unique landscape all year around complement your stay.  A holiday in Kruunupuisto means a well-deserved rest, delicious meals, exercise and services for health and well-being – all tailored to your own wishes and needs.

The Imatrankoski rapids were formed 5,000 years ago and have been a famous tourist attraction for more than 300 years. Imatrankoski Rapids are a part of Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark.

Arrival to Kruunupuisto, relaxing biking trip in the picturesque scenery of Punkaharju ridge area and an outdoor relaxation moment in the hammocks

Lunch and check-in at Villa Urhola 

Departure to Lusto, the Finnish Forest Museum
The Finnish Forest Museum Lusto offers surprising insights and different perspectives of forests for all ages. The national museum responsible for forest culture is located in Punkaharju, in the midst of the most beautiful landscape of ridges and lakes in Eastern Finland.

Guided visit of Lusto

Transfer to Savonlinna and stop on the way to see the medieval Olavinlinna Castle
As a popular destination on the shores of Lake 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. Savonlinna is also committed to sustainable tourism and has received the STF destination certification. A walk around town, popping in some of the design shops and a
visit to the marketplace to experience the local life, will make a nice start to the day. 

The world’s northernmost medieval castle, Olavinlinna, 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. 

Visit to Original Sokos Hotel Savonlinnan Seurahuone
The hotel is located by Lake Saimaa, next to the market square and a stone’s throw away from Olavinlinna Castle. They have some newly refurbished hotel rooms or the suite-like spacious Seurahuone Apartments just a walking distance from the main hotel. Almost every room boasts an unforgettable view over Lake Saimaa.

Dinner cruise with Savonlinna Cruises
Savonlinna Cruises provide you sustainable cruises with excellent service, tailored charter cruises, a 1-hour scenic cruises to the Saimaa archipelago or a memorable cruise around the beautiful town of Savonlinna, by M/S Ieva, M/S Elviira and M/S Katrilli.

Transfer back to Kruunupuisto

Arrival to Kruunupuisto 

Breakfast and morning sauna

Departure to Puumala

Coffee break and Puumala presentation

In Puumala you are at the heart of Lake Saimaa. This small municipality has one thousand islands and three thousand kilometres of shoreline. It is also part of the Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark with very distinct geological features and sites. Puumala is committed to sustainable tourism and has received the STF destination certification.

Transfer to Okkola Holiday Cottages in Niinisaari

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. 

Metso well-being trail

Lunch at restaurant Niinipuu

Saimaa Seal Watching Tour

Company offering activities, tours and experiences based on sustainability and Lake Saimaa region’s unique nature. The mission of Lakeland GTE is to make the client see and experience nature with the company’s trademarks as personal service, tailor-made tours and safety. Your professional guide, Arto, will lead you to the wonders of the Lake Saimaa region.  

Transfer to Sahanlahti Resort

Sahanlahti is a small, family run resort with hotel and cottage 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 and has a story or two to tell you as you wander around the resort.  Food based on high-quality, fresh and local products and the dedication to ethical and responsible farming are the cornerstones of Sahanlahti dining. All of this and the skill of people growing and preparing your food can be clearly tasted on your plate when dining in the atmospheric restaurants at Sahanlahti. 

Check-in at Elsanranta villas at Sahanlahti resort

The villas of Elsanranta are pure luxury. The magnificent, pure nature of Lake Saimaa combined with high quality service, modern design and sustainable choices guarantee a truly unique Saimaa experience. Each Elsanranta villa offers an unobstructed view of Lake Saimaa allowing you to enjoy the nature while relaxing in the villa, pool or sauna. In the lounge area, there is a luxurious double bed and a seating group. The large deck has a seating group and a deluxe Drop-pool from which you can enjoy the starlit sky and, if you’re lucky, the northern lights.  

Sahanlahti presentation

Dinner

Traditional smoke sauna and dip in Lake Saimaa

8:00     Breakfast

9:15     Check-out

9:30     Transfer to Helsinki Airport

             Lunch to go

13:00    Arriving at Helsinki Airport