SIGHTS AND EVENTS

The VisitSaimaa region hosts several major events each year, including the world-famous Savonlinna Opera Festival. Held over the course of a month at the magnificent medieval Olavinlinna Castle, the festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors each summer. Another major annual music event is the Mikkeli Music Festival under the artistic direction of Valeri Gergiev. Also staged in Mikkeli, Jurassic Rock presents popular artists and bands. Major sporting events include the Sulkava Rowing Race, the St. Michel Trotting Races, the Vaakuna Rally and the Jukola Relay orienteering event. Less conventional but all the more entertaining events include the world championships in swamp volleyball and mobile phone throwing.

Popular attractions include the medieval Olavinlinna Castle, the world's largest wooden church in Kerimäki, the stunningly beautiful scenery in Punkaharju, the Retretti Art Centre, the Art Centre Salmela, the idyllic Kenkävero, the prehistoric rock paintings at Astuvansalmi, the Headquarters Museum and other historic military attractions in Mikkeli, and the serene Orthodox Monastery of New Valamo.

Details about events and attractions can be found online at:

Savonlinna » www.savonlinna.travel

Mikkeli » www.travel.mikkeli.fi