Route

Summer highlights of Finnish Lakeland

Experience the best of summer in the Finnish Lakeland, a perfect journey designed for nature lovers eager to explore its stunning lakeside landscapes. Savour local culinary delights and enjoy a seamless blend of exhilarating adventures and peaceful relaxation, all in one unforgettable experience.

Tranquil retreat by the Finnish lakeside

The Finnish Lakeland, Europe’s largest lake district, presents endless opportunities for an active summer holiday in Finland. This itinerary explores three unique regions – South Karelia, South Savo, and North Savo – each offering captivating charm through local tales of nature, culture, and history. You'll visit charming destinations like Lappeenranta, Imatra, Savonlinna, and Kuopio, along with the resort area of Tahko, where the warm hospitality of the locals is sure to be a highlight of your visit!

Route overview

Starting Point: Lappeenranta
Length of route: 400 kilometres
Duration: 4 days
Summer
By car: 6 hours
By bike: 24 hours

Travel tip

The ideal way to explore this scenic route is by electric car, with Finland offering convenient rental services for easy travel. For a more adventurous experience, the route can also be done by bike. Start your cycling journey by taking a train from Helsinki to Lappeenranta, then explore favoured cycling routes for an unforgettable ride through Finland’s stunning lakeside landscapes.

Route highlights

The rushing waters of Imatrankoski rapids. - Go Saimaa

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Uncover the charm of Lappeenranta and Imatra

Begin your visit in Lappeenranta, a charming lakeside city known for its historic fortress and the stunning shores of Lake Saimaa, Finland’s largest lake. Stroll along the waterfront promenade, stop by cosy cafés, and admire the seasonal sand sculptures. Just a short drive away, Imatra features the Imatrankoski rapids, where you can marvel at this natural wonder and relax in the surrounding parks.

Medieval Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna, Finland. - Jaakko Posti

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Explore the enchanting waters of Lake Saimaa in Savonlinna

Continue to explore Lake Saimaa in Savonlinna, home to the medieval Olavinlinna Castle, known as the northernmost medieval castle in the world, and the renowned Savonlinna Opera Festival. The 15th-century castle, set on an island, provides a stunning backdrop for performances. Lake Saimaa is also home to the rare Saimaa Ringed Seal, which you might spot on a guided excursion in early summer.

Saimaa Ringed Seal swimming in Lake Saimaa. - Visit Saimaa

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Wild beauty of Linnansaari National Park

Linnansaari National Park, nestled in the heart of the Finnish Lakeland, boasts a maze-like archipelago with lush green islands and rocky islets. It is home to the rare Saimaa ringed seal and the majestic osprey. Accessible by regular ferry and charter boats, the park is perfect for canoeing adventures, and with your own tent, it's ideal for extended stays amidst nature’s tranquility.

Relaxing summer day at a lakeside cottage in Finnish Lakeland. - Visit Finland

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Rent a summer cottage in Finnish Lakeland

Experience life like a Finn by staying in a summer cottage, or "mökki," as it's known in Finnish. Enjoy the tradition of a smoke sauna, take a dip in the lake, pick wild berries, and soak in the midnight sun, surrounded by nature. Saunas offer proven health benefits, from boosting circulation to activating the body’s sympathetic nervous system, leaving you relaxed as the heat melts away stress.

Try out the local delicacy "kalakukko" when visiting Kuopio. - Julia Kivelä, aitojamakuja.fi

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Charming Kuopio and adventurous Tahko

The route concludes in Kuopio, where culture meets lush forests. Visit the iconic Puijo Tower for panoramic views of the city and its lakes or stroll through the lively market square to sample the local delicacy, "kalakukko". Just a short drive away, Tahko offers year-round adventure, with skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking and mountain biking in summer – perfect for thrill-seekers.

Places to eat

Enjoy the local gastronomy of Finnish Lakeland, where fresh fish, wild berries, and organic ingredients take centre stage at lakeside restaurants. Celebrate the area’s rich culinary heritage, especially as the Saimaa region was recognised as the 2024 European Region of Gastronomy.

Tahko Distillery Hophaus

Tahko Distillery Hophaus

Dinner at restaurant Pajapirtti.

Restaurant Pajapirtti

Restaurant Est.1969 dining area

Restaurant Est.1969

Perlina di Castello

Restaurant Perlina di Castello | Lake Saimaa

Kruunupuisto restaurant

Kruunupuisto restaurant & Inkeritalo | Lake Saimaa

Restaurant Wolkoff and Wine & Beer Cellar

Restaurant Solitary | Lake Saimaa

Cafeteria Satamatie 6

Satamatie 6 – Awarded Roastery Cafeteria

Olavinlinna Castle

Olavinlinna restaurant Linnantupa | Lake Saimaa

Guided factory tour

Lignell & Piispanen Distillery Tour & Tasting

Kahvila Majurska

Places to stay

Choose from a variety of historical or family-friendly hotels or embrace the Finnish summer by staying in one of the many lakeside cottages, most of which come with a private sauna for a truly authentic experience.

Spahotel Casino | Lake Saimaa Region

Taipaleenniemi Mainbuilding

Taipaleenniemi B&B | Lake Saimaa

Scandic Imatran Valtionhotelli Facade in summer

Scandic Imatran Valtionhotelli

Spa Hotel Rauhalahti in Rauhalahti Resort

Spa Hotel Rauhalahti

Cottage Paulala

Rental cottages by Lake Saimaa

Swimming pool at sauna department is 14 meters long

Original Sokos Hotel Lappee

Imatra Spa Resort

Accommodation in the midst of lake Saimaa

Kruunupuisto surroundings

Hotel Kruunupuisto

Karhunpesä is a luxery log cabin directly on Lake Saimaa

Lomalehto Cottages: Five amazing cottages by Lake Saimaa

Lomamokkila Mainbuilding

Lomamokkila B&B | Lake Saimaa

Pulsan Asema Railwaystation

Pulsan Asema Boutique Bed&Breakfast

Eco Hostel and Tentsile Experience Camp on Linnansaari island | Lake Saimaa

Kuru Resort | Lake Saimaa

Boutique Hotel Lähde

Boutique Hotel & Day Spa Lähde

Kanava Resortin alue eli Puistoniemi ylhäältä päin kuvattuna. Kuvassa näkyvät kaikki yhdeksän lomamökkiä, Paviljonki, parkkialue sekä huoltorakennukset.

Kanava Resort | Lake Saimaa

Attractions to visit

Explore a diverse array of historical and cultural sites along this route, including medieval castles, fortresses, and stunning natural landmarks that showcase the region's rich heritage.

The Norppalaavu lean-to is accessible and spacious, made from local logs in a traditional way.

Saimaa Ringed Seal Nature Trail in Puumala | Lake Saimaa Region

Murheistenranta

Murheistenranta Stone Age Dwelling Site

Geopark Visitor Centre

Salpalinjan Bunkkeri

Salpa Line Bunker

Red brick building and orthodox church

Lappeenranta Fortress

Moomintroll visiting Moomin IceCave

Moomin IceCave

Puijo Tower at winter in Kuopio

Puijo Tower & Restaurant Kuopio

Kruununpuiston polkuja ja paviljonki keväällä

Kruununpuisto Park

Pikku Pietari Market Alley

Ilmasta otetun panoramakuvan keskellä ja ylälaidassa kulkee kapea harjusaari. On syksy. Osa saarella kasvavista puista on keltaisia. Kuva: Jussi Silvennoinen

Punkaharju Nature Reserve

Picture from the Sandcastle

Lapppeenranta Sandcastle

Neljä retkeilijää kivistä rakennetulla muistomerkillä. Taustalla on järvi. For hikers are beside a monument which is built of stones. In the background there is a lake.

Hytermä Nature Reserve

Forest machines exhibiton

Finnish Forest Museum Lusto | Lake Saimaa

Laavu, jolle johtaa puiset portaat laiturilta. Metsää kesällä

Karhusaari island

Pistohiekka is known for it's legendary natural fine sandy beaches.

Pistohiekka beach in Puumala, Lake Saimaa Region

sunset aerial image of big yellow wooden church in Kerimäki

Kerimäki Church - The World's Biggest Wooden Church | Lake Saimaa Region

Pitkospuut suolla, ruskapuita ja sininen taivas

Hämmäauteensuo mire nature trail

At the Rokansaari island you can enjoy some natural beaches and many-sided geological heritage of the island.

Rokansaari - a paradise island on the lake Saimaa

Kesäinen auringonlasku järvellä. Rannassa retkeilijä ja kajakki, taustalla järvimaisema. Kuva: Saara Lavi

Kolovesi National Park

Activities to explore

Discover the beauty of Finland’s Lakeland and its surroundings, with countless opportunities for adventure – from the serene shores of Lake Saimaa to the scenic hilltops of Tahko, offering something for every explorer.

Kesäyö Saimaalla.Summernight on Lake Saimaa

Summer Night Paddling on Lake Saimaa

Skipper playing accordeon on Saimaa story cruise Ecoboat lake Saimaa Puumala Lakelandgte

Saimaa Story Cruise

saimaa-ringed-seal-cruise-ringed-seal-lying-on-a-rock

Saimaa Ringed Seal Cruise on Pihlajavesi Arghipelago

Tahko Stairs

Tahko Mountain Bike Park

Smoke sauna's door

Smoke sauna in Sahanlahti Resort, Puumala at the Lake Saimaa

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