Finland’s Saimaa lake district offers not only beautiful nature and scenic views, but also a variety of cultural attractions and experiences. There’s the Finnish tango, the world-class opera festival in the globe’s northernmost medieval castle, the famous Finnish sauna culture, and much, much more.
Lake Saimaa – The harmony of nature and culture
Imagine; you are walking among the old wooden buildings in the rural town of Mikkeli, the unique countryside and unblemished nature of Lake Saimaa always within reach. In the old vicarage garden, “Kenkävero,” the most beautiful in Finland, you’re met by the wonderful fresh scent of flowers while your eyes take in the myriad of colours; the kaleidoscope of blossoms, the green of the trees, the blue skies and shimmering lakes. All the while, the birds chirp their greeting and flit from branch to branch around you.
Now you find yourself in a medieval castle six hundred years old, massive stone walls reaching towards the sky on all sides. You’re in an audience of hundreds, waiting for the curtain to rise. The world famous opera festival of Savonlinna is about to begin…