Lake Saimaa Finland Lappeenranta and Imatra region NORWAY LAPPEENRANTA AND IMATRA REGION – LAKE SAIMAA FINLAND 2017 RUSSIA South SWEDEN Rovaniemi Karelia Parikkala FINLAND Rautjärvi Ruokolahti Savitaipale LAPPEENRANNAN Taipalsaari Rauha / IMATRA Oulu Joutseno Imatra border crossing Lemi LAPPEENRANTA Luumäki Nuijamaa Nuijamaa border crossing Vainikkala Kajaani Ylämaa Vainikkala border crossing (Allegro train) SEUTU IMATRAN JA Saimaa canal VYBORG Vaalimaa LAKE SAIMAA Vaalimaa border crossing Kuopio Travel visa-free from Vaasa our region to Russia 2017 SUOMI Joensuu Jyväskylä Savonlinna Fascinating Mikkeli Pori Tampere IMATRA LAPPEENRANTA Lahti adventures Vyborg Turku Vantaa Моscow Espoo & PEACEFUL NATURE IN THE LAKE SAIMAA REGION HELSINKI St. Petersburg Stockholm Tallinn THE BEST HOLIDAY TIPS – EVENTS, SIGHTS, CRUISES, SPAS, HIKING AND GOLFING The 4 seasons of Lake Saimaa – 4 distinctly different travel experiences. DEC – JAN – FEB MAR – APR – MAY Winter –35°C...10°C Spring –20°C...20°C Contrary to the popular belief, the temperature isn’t always Alright, don’t think that us Finns treat Spring like an after- freezing here in Finland. But it does get quite cold in here dur- thought, just some empty space between the icy winter and ing winter – which is great! During winter the snow and frost steamy summer. No, no, no my friend, Spring is the season we create amazing opportunities for skating, cross country skiing, appreciate the most. Why? – well the retreating ice, sparkling downhill skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and winter fish- waves and budding nature are all reasons to be extra cheer- ing. Also, remember to listen to the silence of the wintertime ful. Also while we’re being boastful, Lake Saimaa is at it’s best nature, gaze at the pure white snow, build a snowman – or if during this time of the year, especially if you’re looking to do you’re feeling especially courageous, try ice swimming. some hiking, camping or fishing trips. JUN – JUL – AUG SEP – OCT – NOV Summer 17°C...35°C Autumn –15°C...20°C What you first may notice is that the quoted temperatures Oh Autumn, the season which many claim to love, but only like might be slightly exaggerated. While we certainly some - it because the spectacular colors make for an awesome back- times may have even 35°C, it is a safe bet that on most days ground for selfies. it’s closer to the lower end of aforementioned scale… or even Well we’re about to tell you that Autumn in Finland is so lower. But who cares right? Summertime in Saimaa is full of much more than just finding the perfect spot to snap a new steamy activities to keep you warm enough: golfing, fishing picture on your Instagram. While the Fall colours, or Ruska as expeditions, canoeing, hiking, horse riding and tennis, just we say in here, are truly a delight, why not try berry and mush- to name a few. room picking while also taking in the beautiful nature? 2 CONTENTS The 4 seasons of Lake Saimaa The summer of adventures 02 4 distinctly different travel experiences. 28 The Lake Saimaa area is known for its sunny summers Welcome to the Lake Saimaa area Rounds on four courses 05 Lappeenranta and Imatra are waiting for you 33 Magnificent greens invite you to take a golfing holiday Answer the call of the South Karelian wild Board on boat 06 Finland has lots to offer 34 Scenic lake cruises from different harbours to Lake Saimaa and River Vuoksi Local delicacies 09 Local specialities will melt in your mouth Travel visa-free to Russia 36 Combine Finland and Russia on a visa-free cruise One of the seven wonders of Finland 10 The Lemi särä is Finland’s oldest dish Head out on a nature hike 38 Explore the region on foot, by bicycle or in a canoe Tour Lake Saimaa area by car 12 Rent a car and make the best out of your holiday on a Lake Saimaa is a perfect place for cycling unique, self-made adventure 42 Gravel grinding is the latest trend in cycling Enjoy the tranquility of Nature Excitement in three activity parks 14 Spend time in a holiday home on the shores of Lake Saimaa 44 Adventures all year round Cottage life Imatra sights and the Old Town 16 Finnish holidaymaking at its best 46 of Lappeenranta Explore by yourself or with guided tours Finnish Sauna 18 There is nothing more Finnish than sauna A relaxing spa holiday 50 The region's four spas add pleasure to your holiday Superfood from the forest 19 A free lunch with fresh berries and mushrooms A region packed with events 52 Pick your favourite from the calendar Get inspired by Finland 20 Specialties like no other Good to know 58 Important information for your smooth holiday Activities and sports for every season 22 Spoilt for choice on different sports and activities Service directory 60 Contact details of local tourism service providers Fun in the snow 24 Choose from a range of winter activities PUBLISHED BY goSaimaa Ltd LAYOUT Paula Laitinen, Pohjolan Mylly PHOTOGRAPHS goSaimaa, Wirma Lappeenranta, City of SIZE OF PRINT RUN 12 500 copies Lappeenranta, Kehy, Mikko Nikkinen/Storymakers, Saku Suutari, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION goSaimaa is not Antti Pullinen, Fazer, Thinstockphotos, Kimmo Metsälä, Imatra responsible for any changes to prices or timetables. Motorcycle Club, Outdoor Finland, Visit Finland, Lappeen Riento, SaiPa and the local tourism companies in the area See further information at gosaimaa.com, youtube.com/gosaimaa, facebook.com/LakelandFinland and instagram.com/gosaimaa HAVE AN ACTIVE HOLIDAY AT SAIMAA Holiday Club Saimaa o ers you wonderful opportunities for an active and relaxing holiday all year round. Immerse yourself in the Cirque de Saimaa Spa, relax in the Sauna World and Harmony Spa Wellness Section and choose your favourite of the restaurants. The whole family can enjoy their time at Angry Birds Activity Park or BowlCircus. In the winter, you may also try skiing, tour skating and safaris. A summer holiday includes golf, padel and tennis. Check the best o ers and reserve your holiday at holidayclubresorts.com or call +358 30 68 600 Rauhanrinne 1, 55320 Rauha goSaimaa ENG_2017.indd 1 8.11.2016 14.44 LAPPEENRANTA AND IMATRA REGION Welcome to the Lake Saimaa Area Lappeenranta and Imatra region is located near the Russian border only a couple of hours away from the Finnish capital Helsinki. By train from Helsinki From Helsinki you can easily get here by train, bus or car within just a few hours. If you take an express train from Helsinki, you will Public transport is easy and affordable way be in Lappeenranta or Imatra in a couple of hours. of travelling in Finland. The well-maintained railway network also enables travelling to other parts of Finland. Did you know HAVE AN ACTIVE HOLIDAY AT SAIMAA You can travel visa-free to Russia from that you can also whizz to St. Petersburg in 1.5 Lappeenranta and combine the beautiful hours? The fast Allegro train departs daily from lakeland nature with the cultural metropol Lappeenranta's Vainikkala railway station. With of St. Petersburg. the Tolstoi train you can also travel to Moscow. Distances (km) From Helsinki to Lappeenranta ................220 km From Helsinki to Imatra............................255 km By plane From St. Petersburg to Lappeenranta .......190 km You can reach Lappeenranta and Imatra region From St. Petersburg to Imatra ..................202 km in a couple of hours when flying to Helsinki. By train Lappeenranta International Airport is located only two kilometres from the city centre: check the latest From Helsinki to Lappeenranta ........... 2 h 2 mins flight connections on lppairport.fi. From Helsinki to Imatra..................... 2 h 33 mins Holiday Club Saimaa o ers you wonderful opportunities for an active and relaxing holiday all year round. Immerse yourself in the Cirque de Saimaa Spa, relax in the Sauna World and Harmony Spa Wellness Section and choose your favourite of the restaurants. Timetables online The whole family can enjoy their time at Angry Birds Activity Park or BowlCircus. In the winter, www.gosaimaa.com (general) By car you may also try skiing, tour skating and safaris. A summer holiday includes golf, padel www.vr.fi (trains, also Allegro to Russia) Main roads 6 and 13 will take you towards and tennis. www.matkahuolto.fi (buses) Lappeenranta and Imatra. From the Helsinki metropolitan area, the drive to the Saimaa region www.saimaatravel.fi takes only about 2.5 hours, so the distance is also Check the best o ers and reserve your holiday at holidayclubresorts.com (visa-free cruises from Lappeenranta to Russia) convenient for weekend trips. A car is also the best option for touring around in the Lakeland area. or call +358 30 68 600 www.lppairport.fi (Lappeenranta International Airport) Rauhanrinne 1, 55320 Rauha 5 goSaimaa ENG_2017.indd 1 8.11.2016 14.44 The nine Finland is awesome municipalities Lonely Planet selected Finland as the of South Karelia 3rd best destination in 2017. The region of South Karelia includes a total The safest country on Earth according to the World Economic Forum (2016). of nine municipalities: Imatra, Lappeenranta, Lemi, Luumäki, Parikkala, Rautjärvi, The Legatum Institute 2016 ranked Finland Ruokolahti, Savitaipale and Taipalsaari. rd Of these, Imatra and Lappeenranta are cities. 3 on global prosperity index. The most saunas per capita in the world: 5 million inhabitants, over 3 million saunas. Lake Saimaa Finland's largest lake Surface area ...................................4,460 km2 Maximum length ............................... 194 km Maximum width ................................ 138 km Shore length ..................................14,850 km Number of islands............................... 13,710 Lake Saimaa was listed to be in top 5 most beautiful lakes in the world (Wallstreet Journal 2014). Saimaa ringed seal The Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa hispida saimensis) is one of the world's rarest seals, appearing only in the Saimaa waterway in Finland.