Saimaa holidays

Why should I visit?
Finland is often referred to as ‘a land of thousands of lakes’, and it has received its name for the infinite number of lakes and rivers. Saimaa Holiday is located in the middle of the Saimaa Lake system, which is in close proximity to Savonlinna and Rantasalmi. The Lake of Saimaa was formed by glacier which melted at the end of the Ice Age. With the size of approximately 4.400 square kilometers, Saimaa Lake is the largest lake in Finland and the fourth largest in Europe. Saimaa Lake has about 14,000 islands and therefore has more shoreline than anywhere else in the world with a staggering 15,000 kilometers all waiting to be explored.

What can you do here?
As Saimaa is situated in the wilderness of the Finnish Lake District, it offers a vast range of possibilities for active holidays, such as rowing, canoeing, ice-skating, ice-fishing, horse-back riding, whilst also offering a relaxing and peaceful break with the idle waters of the lakes, perfect for meditation and complete rest. Indeed, there is something for everyone.

For example, The Saimaa Lake District is home to the rare Saimaa Ringed Seal, which has a population of only 260 species. A guided tour is offered so nature lovers can observe the seals from a distance and witness them in their natural habitat. To fully take in the beauty of the nature and fauna, you can take a canoe trip around the mystic lakes of Saimaa in the summer or go ice-skating in winter on the longest ice-skating track in Finland.

What makes Saimaa special?
Whilst the beauty and purity of the lake system is a clear asset to this destination, it is also the strong local tradition and cuisine that makes the area special. The local cuisine is praised for its freshness and exquisite taste, based on regional delicacies and tradition; most of them are prepared according to the recipes that are centuries-old. Among the most popular specialties is sweet water fish and vendace (local fish) baked in rye bread.

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