10 Things to do in Saimaa
OUR SAIMAA RECOMMENDATIONS
Saimaa is a sprawling lake district filled with untouched, natural beauty in the picturesque region of Eastern Finland. Known for its pristine charm, Saimaa boasts an extensive network of lakes and waterways that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Dotted with over 13,000 islands surrounded by clear, fresh water, Saimaa is undoubtedly a destination that captivates the hearts of nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether kayaking through the labyrinth of waterways, hiking the rugged trails, or simply relaxing amidst the breathtaking scenery, Saimaa promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking solace and adventure.
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So here is a list of things to do in the Saimaa region. From outdoor activities to luxury resorts, we’ve got you covered.
see the rarest seal in the world
The Saimaa ringed seal is one of the world's most endangered and rare seals, with around 400 remaining today. Exclusively found in Lake Saimaa, these seals are only one of two species that live in freshwater (the other being in Russia). Renowned for their distinctive appearance, their dark gray coat is scattered with curvy shapes that are as unique as a fingerprint.
Due to their restricted range and small population, the Saimaa ringed seals have become a symbol of conservation efforts in Finland, with numerous initiatives in place to protect and preserve their fragile habitat. Due to these efforts, the Saimaa ringed seal’s population is slowly growing.
Linnansaari National Park | We did a sunset seal safari while camping on the island. This 3-hour tour on the lakes was hosted by a wilderness guide specializing in lake nature. On an open-boat safari, we spotted 4 Saimaa ringed seals, beavers, and multiple ospreys that flew right above us.
You can find more boat trips to see these seals here.
When is the best time to spot a Saimaa ringed seal? The optimal month is May as this is when the ice has melted and the seals begin to molt on the rocks throughout the day. After the molting season, the best time to see them during the day is at sunset.
2. HAVE A SAUNA
You can’t experience true Finnish culture and not visit a sauna.
Saunas offer a serene escape that transports you into a world of tranquillity. Saimaa's saunas are more than just spaces to unwind; they are a deeply rooted tradition embraced by the locals. So immerse yourself in the Finnish culture where silence and relaxation reign supreme.
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Here’s a list of some of our favourite saunas in Saimaa.
Sahanlahti Resort | This resort offers a unique experience with a sauna made from large blocks of ice! A very refreshing way to start the day.
Kuru Resort | With a huge glass wall and nothing but a lake and forest in front of us, this was by far the best view we’ve had from a sauna. And it was private, inside our own villa, what more do you need?!
Urkua Floating Raft | This floating accommodation and separate sauna can only be accessed by a rowing boat making the whole experience unique.
Pihlas Resort | With a sauna, jacuzzi, and spot for wild swimming, this is the perfect place to wind down. With a wide one-way glass wall, you can watch the sunset over the lake and watch the water light up in oranges and yellows.
Järvisydän Resort | With 6 different styled saunas, the spa at the Järvisydän Resort is a must-visit. Known as “the most ecological lake spa in Finland”, it’s built in the middle of the natural rocks overlooking the water.
➜ Booking.com Links: Sahanlahti Resort, Kuru Resort & Järvisydän Resort
➜ Here are more hotel options in Saimaa
3. VISIT IN DIFFERENT SEASONS
Visit in different seasons to receive a different experience. I realise that this suggestion can go for most destinations around the world.
But with the Saimaa region, when visiting in opposite seasons, you see the dramatic contrast that the various seasons show, bringing completely separate experiences to the table.
Saimaa really is a 2-in-1 deal. We’ve visited in February when the whole region transforms into a winter wonderland. We’ve skated over the frozen lakes, cooked sausages over the open fire, and warmed up in a sauna made from ice. In summer we’ve gone on a seal-watching boat trip, sunbathed while camping, and cooled off with a wild swim.
Below we’ve listed a few activities to do in summer and winter to show the contrast of what’s available at different times of year.
4. SUMMER ACTIVITIES ON SAIMAA
Summer in Saimaa offers a multitude of activities to satisfy any adventurer's desires. Nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes of lush forests and glistening lakes, Saimaa is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Embark on thrilling hiking expeditions through the pristine national parks and immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of the region. The expansive Saimaa lake system provides ample opportunities for boating, canoeing, and fishing. For those seeking tranquillity, the sandy shores of Saimaa's beaches invite sun-soaked afternoons of relaxation and swimming.
Each resort we’ve stayed in offers its own outdoor activities with facilities. These include biking, hiking, foraging, fishing, canoeing, swimming and more.
Here is an example of a few specific summer adventures we’d recommend (other than the ones mentioned throughout this article already).
Rock boat trip | Head to the Astuvansalmi Rock Paintings to witness the largest rock art site in Northern Europe. Discovered in 1968, there are around 60 individual paintings on the rock face depicting humans and animals. The unique Geopark site can be reached by boat via Uhkua, with a handmade, seasonal meal using local ingredients.
Gorge Hiking | Take a hike through the mysterious rocky gorge, Loketon Onkalo while staying at the Sahanlahti Resort.
Castle boat trip | While in the city of Savonlinna (more info on number 9), take a sightseeing cruise around the impressive medieval castle and Savonlinna archipelago. While on the boat trip spot the rare Saimaa Ringed Seals and learn about the history of the city and castle with the running commentary.
Jet ski safari | While at the luxury Kuru Resort, embark on a jet ski and tour the Saimaa archipelago with a knowledgeable guide. The 5-hour safari can be during the day or at sunset at golden hour.
Forest foraging & cooking experience |Explore the forest and find edible treasures while learning about the Finn’s relationship with nature. Then cook your foraged finds along with local, seasonal ingredients over fire with a local chef.
5. WINTER ACTIVITIES ON SAIMAA
Saimaa in the wintertime is breathtaking. Being a true winter wonderland, there is plenty to do during this snowy season.
As we said above, each resort we’ve stayed in offers its own winter activities and facilities. These include ice skating, snowshoeing, ice swimming and ice fishing.
Here are some examples of a few specific winter adventures we’d recommend.
Sleigh ride over the frozen lake | While at the Järvisydän Resort, we embarked on a sleigh ride over the frozen water to one of the islands across from the resort. With our guide, we had lunch in the wild, cooked sausages over the open fire and glided on ice.
Snowshoeing | While at Hotel Punkaharju we went snowshoeing through the fluffy snow from Kruunupuisto. There's something so peaceful about walking through the snow surrounded by pine trees, with nothing but the sound of your shoes crunching through the snow.
Snow Safari | Kuru offered a guided snowmobile safari through the snowy scenic routes of Porosalmi.
Fish your lunch |While at Järvisydän Resort partake in the unique experience of fishing for your lunch. Catch a rainbow trout through the icy holes and enjoy a delicious, traditional fish soup, cooked over the fire.
6. CAMP ON AN ISLAND
Hop on a boat to reach a car-free island, better known as Linnansaari National Park. The park is a breathtaking natural treasure, at 40 km long and 5–10 km wide in the middle of Lake Haukivesi. The park is renowned for its picturesque lake scenery, dense forests, and an archipelago that mesmerizes with its countless islands.
The national park offers a diverse ecosystem and is home to the rare Saimaa ringed seals. Exploring the park offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature, whether by wandering along one of the forest trails, kayaking through serene waterways, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet from your wooden hut or tent.
The national park can only be reached by boat in the summer and an ice track in the winter. Making your stay on the island feel extra remote and surrounded by nothing but nature.
Camping options include eco hotels (basic wooden cabins) and tree tents. Along with campfire facilities, a cafeteria, a sauna, cooking shelters, toilets, and a well.
Tip: The national park is a hub for wildlife. It’s the ideal place to spot the rare Saimaa Ringed Seals and majestic ospreys. While on a hike around the island we even saw a moose!
7. sleep on water
Sleeping in unique and wonderful places makes the experience of a destination even more exciting. And we’ve certainly slept in some varied places in the Saimaa region!
Here are a few suggestions for floating accommodation.
Uhkua Floating Raft | This is the first time we’ve ever had to row to get to the place we’re staying! Made from recycled materials, this raft has no electricity or running water and is fully surrounded by nature - leaving you switching off from everyday life. The friendly couple who own Uhkua offers guided nature tours on water and land. From spring to autumn you can explore the lake by boat and forage for berries and mushrooms on a guided forest walk, and in winter you can snowshoe over the frozen lake.
Järvisydän Resort | Järvisydän, sitting at the entrance of the Linnasaari National Park, is a resort that’s been run by the same Heiskanen family since 1658. We stayed on one of the luxurious houseboats that float on the water. These houseboats are docked at the lake, surrounded by frozen water in winter and driveable in the summer. The resort “offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for each day of the year” and provide an abundance of outdoor activities and other unconventional accommodations.
➜ Booking.com Links: Järvisydän Resort
➜ Here are more hotel options in Saimaa
8. stay in a luxury, eco-resort
During our time around Saimaa, we’ve stayed in some incredible resorts. While focusing on sustainability, offering locally sourced food and wonderful activities in nature.
Here are a couple of our favourites.
PihlasResort | Recently opened in 2023, this 5-star luxury eco-resort focuses on sustainability, combining “the vitality of nature with luxurious design and first-class service”. The resort only has 10 villas that look out onto the lake and a variety of facilities for guests. You can travel around the resort by electric buggy, get picked up from public transport via electric car and tour the local gardens by the owner. The villas are made with ecological building materials, using solar energy, and geothermal heating, minimizing waste, all while supporting local businesses and employing staff from the surrounding area.
Kuru Resort | Kuru is one of the most beautiful accommodations we’ve ever stayed in. Villas overlooking the lake and national park can be truly appreciated with a wide glass wall running the length of the villa. Kuru is “designed to be a place where the most important thing to do is nothing” and this can easily be done. By relaxing in the bath overlooking the lake, drinking coffee in your egg-shaped hanging chair or having a lay-in while watching the birds in the trees. The resort is adult-only and has its own restaurant and facilities. Then a short walk or drive to the Järvisydän resort next door and you can use their facilities, activity center, spa, and restaurants too.
➜ Booking.com Links: Kuru Resort
➜ Here are more hotel options in Saimaa
For more luxury resorts around Saimaa head to our article WINTER GETAWAYS ON LAKE SAIMAA
9. explore a castle & city
In the heart of the Saimaa region, you’ll find the city of Savonlinna. Known as the pearl of Lake Saimaa, this historical city is most famous for Olavinlinna Castle.
Being the northernmost medieval castle in the world, this settlement dates back to the 15th century. Sitting on a rocky islet, the castle is famous for the annual Olavinlinna Opera Festival and other cultural events.
Take a guided tour of the historical building and visit the exhibition. Learn about Finnish history and what everyday life was like at the castle. Or as mentioned in number 4, take a sightseeing boat trip around the impressive structure.
10. INDULGE IN FINNISH CUISINE
Each time we visit Finland we fall in love with the food.
The region is proud of its farm-to-table approach, offering organic vegetables, berries, and mushrooms, which are often foraged from the bountiful surroundings. Whether it's enjoying a locally caught pike from the freshwater lake or mushrooms foraged from right outside your doorstep, food in the Saimaa region is a tantalizing showcase of authentic Finnish cuisine influenced by the pristine beauty of the surrounding nature.
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Saimaa Gastronomy is a network of companies in the Saimaa Lake region that are passionate about local food. They offer authentic flavours using fresh, high-quality, local produce while being dedicated to ethical and responsible farming. On the menus, you’ll see fresh fish caught from the lake, seasonal fruit and veg, and locally sourced meat.
Our Saimaa winter article includes three from this organisation - Sahanlahti Resort, Hotel Punkaharju, and Tertti Manor.
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit the beautiful Lake Saimaa region!
If you have any recommendations or have any questions please let us know in the comments below.
Our trip to Saimaa was in partnership with Visit Saimaa. Find out more about Saimaa at www.visitsaimaa.fi or visit @visitsaimaa_official.
