PAID CONTENT FOR VISIT LAKE SAIMAA
Visit Lake Saimaa MIKKELI REGION, FINLAND
Situated in Lakeland Finland, the Mikkeli region stretches across the shores and islands of Lake Saimaa, Europe’s fourth-largest natural lake. Formed as glaciers retreated at the end of the Ice Age, the landscape is shaped by long ridges, emerald forests and labyrinthine waterways that extend across 14,000 islands. Nature is easily accessible, inviting visitors to explore it by cycling, boating, canoeing or hiking. With around 50,000 cottages and saunas, the
Mikkeli region is widely known as one of Finland’s most iconic cottage landscapes. It’s a place where slow living comes naturally, through time spent close to nature. A complete Saimaa experience includes the tradition of lakeside sauna bathing, followed by a refreshing swim in the lake. Other accommodation options range from camping areas to boutique hotels, restored manor houses and modern resorts — many of which are positioned directly on the shoreline. The lake is also home to one of the world’s rarest
species, the Saimaa ringed seal. Isolated from the sea thousands of years ago, it adapted to the unique
freshwater conditions of Lake Saimaa and today survives only in this region. Guided seal safaris operate during summertime, when travellers may glimpse the animals resting on shoreline rocks or surfacing briefly in quiet coves. Food traditions in the region remain closely
tied to the surrounding nature. In late summer and autumn, foraging trips introduce visitors to wild mushrooms, berries and herbs that have long shaped the local cuisine. Restaurants throughout the area serve seasonal dishes built around local ingredients — lake fish such as vendace, alongside wild herbs and forest harvests. Many local restaurants are entitled to use the Designation of Origin (DO) Saimaa label, one of Finland’s most globally recognised marks of origin, reflecting the quality, authenticity and purity of local food. Culture also plays an important role in the
Mikkeli region. Each summer, the Mikkeli Music Festival brings international musicians and orchestras to the area, while local markets, manor houses and small galleries reflect rural traditions and craftsmanship.
DON’T MISS Take a ringed seal safari with local tour operator Lakeland GTE, which combines excursions with inspiring stories of Lake Saimaa
90 Need to know
KEY FEATURES • Modern villas on the shores of Lake Saimaa: Saimaanranta Resort
• Villas with unobstructed lake views: Sahanlahti Resort, Elsanranta Villas
• Authentic Finnish cottage life: Okkola Holiday Cottages
• Private luxurious escape: Rauhalinna
KEY ACTIVITIES • Enjoy a DO Saimaa dinner at Tertti Manor
• Boat tour to Astuvansalmi Rock Paintings with RIB Saimaa
• Foraging, nature & food experiences in the wilds with Uhkua
• Try a local vendace dish at the Mikkeli Market place
GET IN TOUCH •
visitsaimaa.fi • +358 44 7945669 •
matkailu@mikkeli.fi •
instagram.com/visitsaimaa_official
SAIMAA HORIZON 2030 PROJECT, CO-FUNDED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION
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