Lake Saimaa’s stunning nature, exciting cuisine, cultural attractions, and great opportunities for outdoor activities in every season have led to it emerge as one of the best places in Europe to visit for a holiday.
On this 3-day holiday, discover the very best of Lake Saimaa and the Mikkeli region through its stunning nature, local flavours, cultural heritage and authentic Finnish way of life. From peaceful lake landscapes and ancient rock paintings to traditional saunas, locally sourced cuisine and warm encounters with passionate local hosts, the journey offers an intimate introduction to one of Finland’s most distinctive destinations. Lake Saimaa’s combination of nature, gastronomy, culture and year-round outdoor experiences makes it a truly memorable place to visit.
Along the way, you will cruise through the Saimaa archipelago, discover the ancient Astuvansalmi Rock Paintings, hear stories of the endangered Saimaa ringed seal, stay in beautiful lakeside accommodation and experience the region’s strong food traditions. The programme also includes a hands-on workshop making traditional mustikkakukko, a Finnish blueberry rye pie, as well as a relaxing sauna experience and dinners showcasing fresh, local ingredients.
Arrive in Mikkeli, a lakeside city where history and everyday life meet. Once known as Finland’s wartime headquarters, today Mikkeli offers green parks, local food and an easy-going atmosphere.
In the city centre, explore the lively Mikkeli Market Square, where locals gather over coffee, fresh produce and small finds. For a deeper understanding of Finland’s past, visit Muisti – Centre of War and Peace, an award-winning museum focusing on the human experience of war.
In the evening, enjoy dinner in the Gastropub Eino located in the heart of Mikkeli city. Gastropub Eino serves honest Finnish food made with locally sourced ingredients. As part of the D.O. Saimaa restaurant network, Gastropub Eino works closely with local producers to bring the flavors of the region straight to your plate. For a true taste of Mikkeli region, try the ultimate local classic: crispy vendace served with mashed potatoes.
Stay overnight in Saimaanranta Resort by Anttolanhovi located only 25 minutes drive from Mikkeli city center. Saimaanranta Resort is the perfect destination for a relaxed holiday. Stay in modern private Hillside or Lakeside villa surrounded by forest and lovely view of Lake Saimaa.
Modern lakeside villas on the shores of Lake Saimaa: Saimaanranta Resort by Anttolanhovi
Saimaanranta Resort by Anttolanhovi offers a peaceful retreat on the shores of Lake Saimaa.
Product pageHillside villas at Saimaanranta Resort by Anttolanhovi
Enjoy stylish hillside villas overlooking Lake Saimaa, where modern Scandinavian design meets peaceful nature and flexible, comfortable living in the heart of Finnish Lakeland.
Product pageMuisti Centre of War and Peace
Muisti Centre of War and Peace is a modern museum which examines the effects of war from the perspective of human experience.
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After breakfast delivered to your villa (extra fee), or enjoyed at Saimaanranta Resort’s restaurant, head to Kallioniemi, where you can leave your car while exploring the fascinating Astuvansalmi Rock Paintings from the water. At Kallioniemi harbour, step aboard a RIB Saimaa boat for an exciting ride across Lake Saimaa. The journey to Astuvansalmi takes only about 15 minutes, giving you a quick and scenic route to one of the region’s most remarkable cultural treasures.
Exploring Astuvansalmi Rock Paintings
An important Saimaa Geopark Geosite and a national shrine, Astuvansalmi, is one of the biggest rock painting sites in the Nordic countries. The paintings are on steep bedrocks approximately 10 metres above the current water level. The paintings are estimated to be painted from 4500 to 6000 years ago.
Mystic figures, elks, human figures and handprints are displayed on the rock. This impressive site is watched over by a "rock god", a rock that resembles a human head. The paintings can be reached by boat in the summertime – regular cruises are available from different locations around the region.
After your visit to the Astuvansalmi Rock Paintings, return by boat to Kallioniemi harbour and continue your journey to Sahanlahti Resort, approximately a one-hour drive away.
Situated in Puumala, in the heart of the Lake Saimaa region, Sahanlahti is a charming, family-run resort offering everything from traditional cottages and hotel rooms to modern lakeside villas. Its three restaurants celebrate the flavours of Saimaa with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by beautiful views over the lake.
Built around a historic sawmill, Sahanlahti is a place full of character and stories. Take some time to wander around the grounds, soak up the peaceful lakeside atmosphere and discover traces of the resort’s fascinating past.
Lunch in Restaurant Koskivahti at Sahanlahti 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 to Elsanranta Saimaa Villas, Sahanlahti Resort
Elsanranta Saimaa villas are the newest addition to the accommodation options in Sahanlahti Resort. The magnificent, pure nature of Lake Saimaa combined with high-qualityservice, 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, in the wintertime, if you're lucky, even the northern lights.
Villas with Lake Saimaa views: Sahanlahti Resort and Elsanranta Villas
At Elsanranta Villas, modern design meets the calm beauty of Lake Saimaa.
Product pageSavour the rich flavours of the Saimaa region at Sahanlahti Resort
Three high-quality restaurants invite you to enjoy unforgettable dining inspired by the surrounding lakes, forests, and fields. Each venue offers its own unique atmosphere, allowing you to discover your favourite way to experience local cuisine.
Product pageJoin a Saimaa Ringed Seal Watching Cruise with Lakeland GTE, departing from either Puumala village harbour or Sahanlahti Resort’s harbour. Set out onto the waters of Lake Saimaa with an experienced local guide and discover the unique nature and wildlife of the region. Keep your eyes open for the rare and endangered Saimaa ringed seal while enjoying the peaceful archipelago and hearing stories about life on the lake
Enjoy a D.O. Saimaa dinner in Restaurant Koskivahti or open-fire restaurant Pajapirtti at Sahanlahti Resort. Possibility for a late-night private sauna experience in the villa after enjoying the delicious dinner.
Saimaa Ringed Seal safaris by electric boat
On a Saimaa ringed seal safari, you may spot one of the world’s most endangered seals.
Product pageSavour the rich flavours of the Saimaa region at Sahanlahti Resort
Three high-quality restaurants invite you to enjoy unforgettable dining inspired by the surrounding lakes, forests, and fields. Each venue offers its own unique atmosphere, allowing you to discover your favourite way to experience local cuisine.
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Head towards Puumala and follow the stunning Lietvesi Scenic Road, one of the most iconic lake landscapes in Finland. The route winds through islands and across bridges, offering unforgettable views over Lake Saimaa.
Stop along the way at Pistohiekka Resort for lunch or dinner by the water, or take time to explore the surrounding nature through paddling or relaxing by the shore.
For those interested in wildlife, join a guided Saimaa ringed seal excursion with LakelandGTE, offering a chance to experience the unique nature of the lake.
In the evening, continue to Sahanlahti Resort, a well-known lakeside destination combining high-quality dining and accommodation. Stay overnight in the elegant Elsanranta Villas or the cosy hotel.
Villas with Lake Saimaa views: Sahanlahti Resort and Elsanranta Villas
At Elsanranta Villas, modern design meets the calm beauty of Lake Saimaa.
Product pageExciting sauna experiences at Sahanlahti Resort
Enjoy unique sauna experiences at Sahanlahti Resort, where traditional Finnish heat, lakeside views, and year-round relaxation come together in the stunning surroundings of Lake Saimaa.
Product pageSavour the rich flavours of the Saimaa region at Sahanlahti Resort
Three high-quality restaurants invite you to enjoy unforgettable dining inspired by the surrounding lakes, forests, and fields. Each venue offers its own unique atmosphere, allowing you to discover your favourite way to experience local cuisine.
Product pageAfter breakfast, it’s time to continue your journey.
Even in a few days, Saimaa leaves a lasting impression – through its landscapes, its silence and the moments you didn’t plan but ended up remembering the most.
Duration:
3 days
Best time to visit:
April–September
Location:
Mikkeli & Puumala, Lake Saimaa
Type:
Self-guided itinerary
Pace:
Flexible – travel at your own speed
Activities:
Culture • Boat excursions • Nature • Local food • Saimaa Ringed Seal cruise
Highlights:
Astuvansalmi Rock Paintings • Lake Saimaa landscapes • Archipelago scenery • Saimaa Ringed Seal
Accommodation:
Hotels, manor stays and lakeside cottages
Booking:
Individual services booked directly with providers
Contact the tourist information of the region for tips and advice.
