A Journey Through History
The shores of Lake Saimaa are home to several historic castles and fortresses. Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna, a 15th-century stone fortress, is famous for its opera festival and guided tours. Kärnäkoski Fortress in Savitaipale built as early as 1793 as part of a defence line and its walls offer a nice view of Lake Saimaa. Lappeenranta’s Fortress, the city’s oldest district, offers a glimpse into history with its cobblestone streets, museums, and cafés housed in beautiful old buildings. Nearby, a unique attraction draws visitors each summer: Finnlands largest sandcastle.
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Nature sights and wonders
It is well known around the world that Finns are the happiest people on earth, and one significant reason for that is undoubtedly our surrounding nature. There are 27 official national landscapes in Finland and 4 of them are in the Lake Saimaa region. Olavinlinna and Pihlajavesi, Punkaharju, Imatrankoski and Heinävesi route. Adding to the region’s natural wonders is the Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark, which showcases the area’s unique geological heritage, including ancient rock formations and glacial landscapes. Overall, Finland has 41 National Parks, including the unique water National Parks of Linnansaari and Kolovesi in Savonlinna region, and Repovesi National Park on a border of Kouvola and Mäntyharju.
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Saimaa Geopark and Saimaa Ringed Seal
The Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark brings together nature attractions, such as ridge terrains, the most amazing sandy beaches, rock formations and paintings, fortresses, hill forts and other historically significant sites of Saimaa. Discover these natural formations by hiking, cycling, by boat or canoe. Through these destinations and landscapes, the story of Saimaa’s formation as told by the Saimaa Geopark unfolds in a whole new way. Lake Saimaa is also home to the Saimaa ringed seal which is one of the most endangered and rarest seals in the world and it can only be found in Lake Saimaa.
Sulosaari Island – A Peaceful Nature Destination in the Center of Savonlinna | Lake Saimaa Region
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Taste Saimaa – A delicious union of Eastern Finnish food, culture and traditions
In 2024, the Saima region was selected as one of the European regions of Gastronomy. With its pure waters and fertile soil, our region produces exceptionally high-quality food. The lakes teem with fish, and the forests offer a rich variety of herbs, mushrooms and berries depending on the season. D.O. Saimaa is a Regional destination of origin label, ensuring the origin, quality, and traditional production methods of products from the Saimaa region. This designation guarantees that products are made in a specific area and according to specific methods, covering food products such as fish or other local delicacies.
Imatra – The City of Rapids
Imatra is famous for the Imatrankoski rapids, one of Finland’s oldest tourist attractions. The surrounding Crown Park Kruununpuisto and the The Scandic Imatran Valtionhotelli are the city’s most well-known landmarks. The Vuoksi waterway offers various activities year-round, and the city boasts excellent outdoor and sports facilities.
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Lappeenranta – A Lively Harbor City
Lappeenranta is a vibrant university and harbor city located on the southern shore of Lake Saimaa. It is known for the historical Lappeenranta Fort- ress, which offers stunning views of the city and the lake. Karelian culture is strongly present here, and the city boasts excellent shopping opportunities, cultural events, and delicious local treats.
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Savonlinna – Home of the Opera Festival
Savonlinna is known for its 550 years old medieval Olavinlinna Castle, which hosts the annual Savonlinna Opera Festival. The city offers stunning scene- ry and boating opportunities. Nearby, you can find the world’s largest wooden church in Kerimäki, the national landscape of Punkaharju ridge, and the canal village of Oravi with its various possibilities for outdoor experiences.
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Varkaus – Heart of Industry
Varkaus is an industrial city known for its history in the wood industry and its beautiful lake scenery. The city features several museums and cultural sites, such as the Konsti Museum. Varkaus also boasts significant archi- tecture by Alvar Aalto, like Kinkamon Aalto, which is open to the public with its general sauna shifts all year round.
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Mikkeli – Cradle of History and Culture
Mikkeli is a bustling city on the northwest shore of Saimaa, known for historical sites. Mikkeli’s diverse cultural heritage includes memories of military history. The Muisti Centre of War and Peace, the Headquarters Museum, and the Infantry Museum together form a unique ensemble. The city hosts various events, including the Mikkeli Music Festival. The Mikkeli region features beautiful manor houses, great local cuisine, and stunning natural sites like the Astuvansalmi rock paintings and the scenic Neitvuori hill.
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