Discover year-round outdoor activities in the Mikkeli region – from hiking and kayaking to cycling, fishing and winter experiences.
From quiet forest trails to open lake horizons, Lake Saimaa is best experienced outdoors. In the Mikkeli region, every season brings new ways to move in nature – on foot, by bike, on water or across snow.
Saimaa offers endless hiking opportunities through forests, along lakeshores and across landscapes shaped by the Ice Age. Trails lead you past exposed bedrock, sandy eskers and ancient shoreline formations that reveal the region’s geological story.
Well-marked routes make exploring easy, with clear signage, maps and local guidance available at visitor centres across the region. Highlights include panoramic views from Neitvuori Hill, the vast wilderness of Repovesi National Park, the atmospheric forest paths of Hiiden polut nature trails, the dramatic rock formations of Rakokallio Bedrock Crack, and the scenic ridgeline walks at Kaihunharju Ridge near Mikkeli city centre.
Along the way, lean-to shelters ("laavus") and campfire sites offer peaceful places to pause and experience Finnish nature at its most authentic and unhurried.
Canoeing and kayaking are some of the best ways to experience Saimaa’s vast lake landscape up close. On the water, you move quietly through a labyrinth of forested islands, sheltered bays and open stretches, feeling fully immersed in nature as the scenery unfolds at water level.
The region offers an exceptional variety of paddling environments. From the rugged wilderness of Repovesi National Park and the island-rich waters of Linnansaari National Park to the tranquil expanses of Lake Luonteri and Lake Yövesi, each route reveals a different side of Saimaa’s character – from sheltered inner waters to open lake horizons.
Paddle at your own pace or join a guided kayaking experience, for example in the home waters of the endangered Saimaa ringed seal, and discover places that can only be reached from the water.
Paddling the Saimaa Ringed Seal Route
A 3-day guided self-paddling adventure in the Saimaa archipelago with overnight stays on private islands, combining wilderness camping, sauna and the chance to explore the habitat of the endangered Saimaa ringed seal.
Product pageSummer night paddling on Lake Saimaa
Experience the magic of a summer night on Lake Saimaa on a relaxed guided canoe trip through the archipelago, with a peaceful shoreline break and no previous paddling experience required.
Product pageA place awaiting discovery, Saimaa region has wide, well maintained cycling routes for casually taking in the views with interesting destinations and plenty of rest places.
Among the most scenic routes are the Lietvesi Scenic Road, offering classic Lakeland views, and the iconic crossing over the Puumalansalmi Bridge, where sweeping panoramas open across the lake and archipelago below. The Puumala Archipelago Route takes cyclists deep into island landscapes connected by bridges and ferry crossings, while the Green Gold Cultural Route combines nature, culture and local heritage into a varied cycling experience through forests, villages and historical sites.
Along the way, cycling is naturally interwoven with breaks by the water. The shoreline is never far, making it easy to pause for a swim, a picnic or simply to take in the view. Small cafés, local restaurants and scenic rest spots are part of the experience, ensuring the journey is as enjoyable as the destinations.
The region is also known for its welcoming places to pause and stay overnight or enjoy a meal. Highlights include lakeside relaxation at Pistohiekka Resort, scenic dining and accommodation at Sahanlahti Resort, and vineyard visits and local flavours at Ollinmäki Winery.
These stops make cycling in Saimaa not just a route between places, but a journey shaped by landscapes, flavours and time spent by the water.
Lake Saimaa offers one of the most diverse and authentic freshwater experiences in Europe. In the heart of the country’s largest lake district, Saimaa unfolds into a vast labyrinth of sheltered bays, clear waterways, and pine-framed islands – a true haven for both fish and anglers. The lake is home to an impressive variety of species, from powerful pike to delicate whitefish and vendace, all thriving in its exceptionally clean waters.
For beginners, simple rod-and-line fishing is free under Finland’s public fishing rights, making it easy to enjoy the moment from a pier or lakeshore anywhere around the region. Light angling and lure fishing are also ideal for relaxed days by the water, especially for families and first-time visitors.
To truly make the most of your time on the lake, a guided fishing trip with a local expert is highly recommended. It’s the easiest way to discover the best fishing spots, learn local techniques, and experience the lake’s pristine nature from a completely new perspective.
For many visitors, Saimaa offers a softer and more approachable Nordic winter experience: beautiful, authentic and tranquil without extreme crowds or harsh Arctic conditions. Lake Saimaa becomes a true winter playground, offering both peaceful moments and exciting outdoor adventures. Go ice fishing, followed by a traditional Finnish sauna, or explore the frozen archipelago by snowmobile, skis or snowshoes through silent, snow-covered landscapes.
For unforgettable experiences, try the refreshing thrill of ice swimming, or float in icy waters in a safe dry suit – a surreal and peaceful way to experience winter from the lake itself.
Winter adventure by electric snow scooters
A peaceful and enjoyable winter adventure in Puumala on a silent, eco-friendly electric snow scooter with a local guide.
Product page