Saimaa calls – tourism, experiences and unique nature
Welcome to Saimaa
Saimaa is Finland’s largest lake and a breathtaking labyrinth of waterways shaped by the ice age over 10,000 years. Its approximately 15,000 kilometres of coastline and 15,000 islands make the area a unique tourist destination all year round.
The shores of Saimaa offer a peaceful blend of unspoilt nature, vibrant cultural heritage and local cuisine. In addition to refreshing nature tourism, the area also offers exciting city breaks, a wide range of activities and high-quality services. You may even see the endangered Saimaa ringed seal, which is found nowhere else in the world.
There are five unique cities on the shores of Lake Saimaa – Imatra, Lappeenranta, Mikkeli, Savonlinna and Varkaus – which invite you to enjoy and fall in love with the unique atmosphere of Lake Saimaa.
Five cities, one Saimaa
Cities in the Saimaa region
The beautiful and pure nature of Saimaa
In the Saimaa region, you can experience Finnish nature at its best. Surrounded by stunning lake scenery and lush forests, you can relax, hike and enjoy the peace and quiet just a short distance from the services of the cities. Every town in the area has easily accessible nature destinations, such as recreation areas, islands and hiking trails, which invite you to explore and relax.
Did you know that the water in Lake Saimaa is so clean that you can drink it straight from certain shores?
Meet the Saimaa ringed seal
In the heart of Lake Saimaa lives our Saimaa ringed seal, one of the world’s rarest seals. This unique and endangered species has lived in these waters for thousands of years. Seeing a seal is a rare and unforgettable experience, best achieved on responsible guided tours. The best time to observe the seals is in late spring and early summer, when they lounge on the rocks after the ice has melted. On the tours, you will also learn about nature conservation, which ensures the future of this symbol of Lake Saimaa’s purity.
Experience the history and heritage of Lake Saimaa
The shores of Lake Saimaa are rich in history and cultural heritage. The area has been a popular tourist destination since the 18th century, when Empress Catherine the Great arrived in Imatra to admire the rapids. Punkaharju has also attracted tourists for centuries thanks to its magnificent esker landscapes, and it is one of the oldest protected areas in the world.
There are historical sites in several towns: Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna is known for its 15th-century stone castle, opera festival and guided tours. Kärnäkoski Fortress in Savitaipale offers views of Lake Saimaa, and Lappeenranta Fortress charms visitors with its museums, cafés and cobbled streets.
Natural wonders and national landscapes
Nature is often the source of happiness for Finns, and the Saimaa region is a wonderful example of this. Finland has 27 official national landscapes, four of which are located in the Saimaa region: Olavinlinna and Pihlajavesi, Punkaharju, Imatrankoski and Heinävesi route. The region is also home to the Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark, which showcases a unique geological heritage from ancient rocks and eskers to landscapes shaped by the Ice Age.
There are several national parks around Lake Saimaa, the most famous of which are Linnansaari and Kolovesi National Parks, located in the heart of the lake in the Savonlinna region, and Repovesi National Park on the border between Kouvola and Mäntyharju. Hiking, canoeing or cycling in the area allows you to experience the uniqueness and tranquillity of nature in a way that has made Finland’s lake landscape world-famous.
Taste Saimaa: Pure, sustainable and authentic flavours
The clean water and nutrient-rich soil of Lake Saimaa create excellent conditions for high-quality food production. The lakes are teeming with fish, the most beloved of which is the local delicacy, the vendace – a small, delicious white fish that perfectly encapsulates the taste of Lake Saimaa. Depending on the season, the forests offer an abundance of mushrooms and berries.
The best way to experience Saimaa’s gastronomy is right here, where the connection between food and the environment is at its most authentic. The D.O. Saimaa designation of origin guarantees the origin, quality and traditional production methods of products in the Saimaa region. In 2024, Saimaa was also selected as a European region of gastronomy .
Experience Saimaa with all your senses
The towns and tourism companies of Saimaa adhere to the basic principles of sustainable development so that people can continue to enjoy the region’s clean nature in the future.
Getting to Saimaa
Whether you use your own car, motorbike or public transport, Saimaa is easily accessible. The southernmost tip of Saimaa is only a couple of hours’ drive from Helsinki.
There are good transport connections between the towns of Saimaa, making it easy to explore the area. Whether you are travelling by your own vehicle or by public transport, you are sure to reach your destination.