Journey

Holiday like the Finns do in Lakeland

Credits: Harri Tarvainen

Starting Point: Savonlinna

3-5 days

Journey: Holiday like the Finns do in Lakeland

How do the world’s happiest people spend their holidays? They head to Lakeland, a gorgeous area that’s full of pristine forests, crystal-clear lakes, charming cottages, and enchanting cities. This journey will take you to the heart of Lakeland, the Savonlinna region in eastern Finland, which is known for Lake Saimaa, Olavinlinna Castle, and some of the most beautiful ridges and natural scenery in Lakeland.

Oravi

Guided kayaking trips in Linnansaari and Kolovesi National Parks

Finland is the country of a thousand lakes and there’s no better way of getting to know Lake Saimaa than to be out on the water. Kayaking with an experienced guide will teach you about the area in a fun and safe way.

1 day

3-hour mushroom excursion with a guide in Punkaharju Forest Foraging for mushrooms is a favorite past-time of many Finns during the summer and autumn. This excursion will guide you through the world of mushrooms in the Punkaharju forests.

m/s Ieva route behind Olavinlinna castle

Savonlinna

Sightseeing Cruise around Savonlinna | Lake Saimaa

Relaxing and seeing the sights is what it’s all about. Is there a better way to do it than a cruise around the islands of Savonlinna? We think not.

1 hour

Travel tip

From Savonlinna, the journey continues to Jyväskylä. You can rent a car – the drive is about 3 hours – or take a bus. Find schedules and tickets at Matkahuolto and Onnibus sites.

A chat about the meaning and history of the sauna while waiting for the sauna to warm up.

Jyväskylä

Travel tip

From Jyväskylä, head west towards the city of Tampere. Make sure to stop at Mänttä along the way – it’s a real cultural hub. The drive to Mänttä from Jyväskylä takes about 2 hours, or you can take the bus to both Mänttä and Tampere.

Serlachius in Tampere region, forest and lake.

Mänttä-Vilppula

Serlachius in Tampere Region

Immerse yourself in art, design and nature at Serlachius, where you'll find national treasures, contemporary exhibitions, renowned architecture, exciting history and excellent cuisine, all in the midst of beautiful Finnish nature.

To understand Lakeland in-depth, we recommend getting to know a local. In Mänttä, you can even rent one to get to know this artistic town.

Travel tip

From Mänttä, head to Tampere, the sauna capital of the world. The drive takes a little over an hour.

Tampere

Sauna-Restaurant Kuuma

Tampere is the official sauna capital of the world, so visiting one of its many public saunas is highly recommended.

Tampere

Amazing Walks

Setting out on foot is the best way to get to know a city and its hidden gems. This is equally true of Tampere!

2 hours

Accommodation in the Savonlinna region

Explore accommodation in the Savonlinna region

Lake Saimaa, the most famous lake in Finland and one of the most popular with Finns vacationing, is a great place to start a holiday in Lakeland. Stay in a cottage, villa or hotel – there are plenty to choose from in the Savonlinna region.

Savonranta

Cottage Ankkuri

Karhunpesä is a luxery log cabin directly on Lake Saimaa

Kiviapaja

Lomalehto Cottages: Five amazing cottages by Lake Saimaa

Oravi

Villas in Oravi by Lake Saimaa

Savonlinna

Spahotel Casino

Savonlinna

Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone | Lake Saimaa

Accommodation in the Jyväskylä region

Explore accommodation in the Jyväskylä region

Whether you choose to stay in a countryside cottage or book an urban hotel, here are some accommodations in the Jyväskylä region.

Jyväskylä

Urban Hotel Verso

Jyväskylä

Solo Sokos Hotel Paviljonki

Jyväskylä

Original Sokos Hotel Alexandra

Accommodation in the Tampere region

Explore accommodation in the Tampere region

Tampere is one of the biggest cities in Finland and offers many places to stay. Choose the place that suits your needs, from glamping and cottages to chic hotels.