Chill Like a Finn at Lake Saimaa

Savonlinna and Varkaus region

No rush. No schedule. Just summer as Finns live it. The Chill Like a Finn 7 Day Challenge is now open — apply via Visit Finland.

Applications are handled on Visit Finland’s website.

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STAY THE FINNISH WAY BY THE LAKE

Finnish summer begins by the lake. It is built around simple rituals: a morning swim from the pier, the warmth of a sauna in the evening and long, unhurried hours in between. At Lake Saimaa, you might even spot the rare Saimaa ringed seal from your own shoreline. Even if it stays hidden, the bright nights, glowing sunsets and misty mornings over the water are unforgettable and make you wish you could stay a little longer. Stay in a private lakeside cottage, choose the comfort of a resort, or embrace camping close to nature. Each offers its own way to live the Finnish summer rhythm.

Summer Cottages

Private sauna, your own shoreline and slow days by the lake. This is the classic Finnish way to spend summer.

Oravi Village • Punkaharju Resort • Ruoke Holiday Village • Kanava Resort • Putkisalo Manor • Holiday Resort Harjun Portti • Lomamokkila • Resort Naaranlahti • Tiittala Manor • Loikansaari Holiday Cottages and Villas • Norppa-Majat • Lomalehto Cottages • Pajuranta Holiday Homes

Resorts

Lakeside comfort with sauna, swimming and ready made services. An easy way to enjoy the Finnish summer rhythm.

Kotona Manor • PihlasResort • Nature & Holiday Resort Järvisydän • Kuru Resort • Oravi Village • Punkaharju Resort • Ruoke Holiday Resort • Holiday Resort Harjun Portti 

Camping & Caravan Life

Wake up close to nature, cook outdoors and let the lake set the pace. A simple and much loved way to spend summer in Finland.

Oravi Village • Nature Hotel & Resort Järvisydän • Punkaharju Resort • Ruoke Holiday Village • Tanhuvaara Sport Resort • Tiittala Camping

Did you know?

The Saimaa ringed seal “Norppa” lives only here in Lake Saimaa. With only around 500 individuals, it is one of the rarest seals in the world. The best chances to spot one are around the islands of Linnansaari National Park.

MOVE BY NATURE

Life around Lake Saimaa naturally moves outdoors, but never in a rush. There is space on the water, space on the shore and space in your day. Paddle and row between quiet islands, step on a yoga mat and sence the silent energy, cycle scenic ridge roads and step into forests filled with wild herbs, berries and mushrooms. Some days bring bright nights and glowing sunsets. Even rainy days feel right here. You can slow down, listen to the rain and, after sauna, step outside into the fresh air. Nature sets the rhythm, and the lake is always close.

On the Water

Paddle between islands, swim from smooth rocks and spend slow days exploring the Saimaa lake labyrinth.

Activities
Kayaking • SUP Yoga •  Rowing • Fishing • Lake cruises 

Oravi Village • PihlasResort • Ruoke Holiday Village • Holiday Resort Harjun Portti • Resort Naaranlahti • Nature Hotel & Resort Järvisydän • Luonnon Kutsu • Freefinns • Yoga Saimaa • Norppa-Majat • Pajuranta Holiday Homes

Saimaan Laivamatkat • Savonlinna Cruises • Blue Lake Cruises

In the Forest

Step into soft moss forests and quiet trails. Walk, forage for berries, mushrooms and wild herbs, learn about tree species, slow down on a yoga mat, or experience the woods with alpacas, horses, campfire meals and playful outdoor challenges.

Experiences
Forest walks • Berry and mushroom foraging • Wild herbs • Arboretum • Alpaca walks • Horse riding • Viking challenge • Campfire meals • Nature retreats

Oravi Village • Punkaharju Resort • PihlasResort • Forest Cafe • Freefinns • Lusto • Resort Naaranlahti • Nature Resort & Hotel Järvisydän

Scenic Rides

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore Saimaa, but the same scenic routes can also be enjoyed by campervan, car or train. Quiet roads, fresh forest air and lake views make the journey itself part of the experience.

Experiences
Cycling routes • Gravel and e-bike rental • Scenic drives • Train and bike combinations • Cruise and bike combination

 Holiday Resort Harjun Portti  • Nature Hotel & Resort Järvisydän • Saimaan Laivamatkat

TASTE SAIMAA

Summer around Lake Saimaa tastes wonderfully simple. Crispy fried vendace, new Finnish potatoes, early summer wild herbs and ingredients gathered close to home define the season. Savonian favourites such as sweet and savoury lörtsy pastries, pancakes, waffles, cinnamon buns and traditional Karelian pies are easy to find in cafés and markets. Around Saimaa, food traditions are strong and local ingredients are something people are truly proud of.

Restaurant Solitary

A nature led fine dining experience built on local ingredients and wild flavours. Voted Finland’s 9th best restaurant in 2025 in the Finland’s 50 Best Restaurants poll.

Fine dining, Local ingredients

Restaurant Siimes

An intimate restaurant in the heart of the forest, serving French inspired flavours in a peaceful setting. A perfect choice for a slow and relaxing day.

Fine dining, Intimate restaurant

TeaHouse of Wehmais

A charming countryside tea house where the pace slows down naturally. Enjoy homemade treats and a thoughtfully curated tea selection in peaceful surroundings.

 Tea and pastries, Countryside stop

Tiittala Manor

A manor setting in Sulkava that adds a sense of occasion to your meal. Expect local ingredients and a peaceful countryside atmosphere.

Manor dining, Local flavours

Restaurant Ruukinranta

A scenic lakeside restaurant near Saimaa’s island nature and routes on the water. Ideal before or after a day of paddling, cruising or seal safaris.

Lakeside stop, Nature gateway

Restaurant Metsä

Forest inspired flavours and seasonal ingredients served with an easy, down to earth vibe. A strong pick when you want Saimaa on a plate.

Fine dining, Seasonal menu

Harjun Portti

A warm, welcoming stop that fits naturally into an active Saimaa day. Good for casual dining and a relaxed break between nature experiences.


Casual dining, Along the route

Punkaharju Resort

Dining surrounded by iconic ridge landscapes where nature is part of the atmosphere. A perfect match for a day outdoors in Punkaharju.

Scenic setting, casual dining

Osuuskauppa Suur-Savo

A collection of easy summer favourites from lakeside terraces to city dining. Perfect for simple seasonal bites, including classic Saimaa vendace moments.

Majakka, Perlina di Castello, Olavinlinna Ravintolat, Muikkuterassi
Summer terraces, Vendace favourites

SpaHotel Casino

Classic lakeside hospitality in the heart of Savonlinna with a long history by the water. A great choice for relaxed dining with a view.

Lakeside setting, In town

Hotel Oscar

Comfortable dining that works well for groups and travellers looking for an easy option. A reliable stop for a relaxed meal without fuss in Varkaus.


Easy choice, Group friendly

Harri's Food Factory

A local favourite for Savonian flavours and relaxed food moments with personality. Great for a casual stop that still feels genuinely local.

Savonian classics, Casual dining

PLAN YOUR STAY WITH LOCAL EXPERTS

If you would like to combine experiences, accommodation and activities into a seamless journey, local destination management companies can help design the perfect Saimaa itinerary.

Finland DMC

Finland DMC specialises in tailor-made travel experiences across the Finnish Lakeland region. Their team helps international travellers and tour operators create smooth itineraries combining nature, culture and authentic local experiences.

Saimaa Travel Finland

A regional destination management company focusing on Lake Saimaa. They help travellers plan and book accommodation, activities and experiences in one place, creating complete Saimaa holidays with ease.

Savonlinna Tours

A local expert in guided experiences, transport and customised programmes around the Savonlinna region. From cultural highlights to nature excursions, Savonlinna Tours helps visitors discover the area effortlessly.

Project Funding and Partners

This page and the experiences presented here have been developed through regional tourism cooperation in the Lake Saimaa area.

The work is connected to Visit Finland’s Eastern Finland Tourism Growth Program, funded by the Finnish AKKE funding with South Savo Regional Council.

Our regional development is supported by the Saimaa Horizon – Invest and Grow 2030 project, co-funded by the European Union, with funding granted by Regional Council of South Savo.