In a country of 188,000 lakes, Lake Saimaa is Finland’s largest, with 14,500 kilometres of shoreline and 13,710 islands scattered across its pristine waters. Beyond its vast swathes of natural beauty, Lake Saimaa has emerged as a flourishing culinary hotspot, recently earning the prestigious accolade of European Region of Gastronomy from the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism. Join us as we take a look at the natural and cultural riches on offer across the Lake Saimaa region in the southeastern corner of Finland.
European Region of Gastronomy 2024
Crispy fried vendace, a Lake Saimaa speciality
Food has long been integral to Lake Saimaa’s cultural heritage, and as of 2024 it’s officially recognised as a European Region of Gastronomy, becoming the 16th region to hold this coveted status. The award recognises destinations that demonstrate gastronomic innovation, support for communities and a commitment to sustainable tourism through the prism of local food practices and traditions. These principles run deep throughout the Lake Saimaa region, where collaboration between local businesses has been at the core of its thriving gastronomic scene and burgeoning reputation as one of Finland’s most compelling tourism destinations.
As such, experiencing Saimaa’s bounty of culinary delights is among the highlights of exploring the region, from wild mushrooms and berries foraged from the forests to an abundance of fish from the lake, including vendace, zander, perch and pike. Delicious pastries can also be found in several varieties across the region, such as lörtsy (a Savonlinna speciality) and Karelian pies, while Finnish berry wineries and artisan tea rooms are more recent additions to Lake Saimaa’s diverse gastronomic landscape.
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Outdoor adventures
Canoeing on Lake Saimaa
Lake Saimaa lends itself to a whole host of outdoor pursuits, from wild swimming, kayaking and fishing in the lake itself to hiking, cycling and camping in the forests that surround it. Pleasant temperatures and endless daylight characterise the summer months, while in winter, the region becomes blanketed in snow and ice, as skating, cross-country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobiling become the pastimes of choice. Hardy Finns also enjoy ice swimming, typically with a warm sauna to retreat to nearby – a combination said to offer a myriad of health benefits. Although not quite as frequent as in the northern parts of the country, the Northern Lights can also be seen around Lake Saimaa between late August and early April, with minimal levels of light pollution creating ideal viewing conditions when the aurora is active.
Abundant wildlife
Saimaa Ringed Seal
The vast waterways and woodlands of Lake Saimaa are home to an enormous variety of wildlife, including the Saimaa Ringed Seal, one of the world’s rarest seal species, with an estimated population of around 400 left in the wild. These seals have been living in isolation from other seals since the end of the last Ice Age, when the melting of the ice separated Lake Saimaa from what is now the Baltic Sea. Linnansaari National Park is known as a particularly good place to see them, along with Ospreys, one of Finland’s largest birds of prey. Finland’s ‘Big Five’ (bears, wolves, elk, lynx and wolverines) can also be spotted, although elk aside, sightings are rare as these predators tend to stay well away from humans.
Historic towns and cities
Olavinlinna Castle, Savonlinna
Nature may be Lake Saimaa’s most powerful draw, but the region’s towns and cities also offer plenty of attractions in the way of historical landmarks, fascinating museums and excellent restaurants, as well as a plentiful choice of accommodation. Savonlinna, home to the majestic 15th-century Olavinlinna Castle, is one of Finland’s most charming towns, while Mikkeli’s bustling marketplace, elegant mansions and gorgeous parks make it an superb base for exploring the region. Further south, Lappeenranta, with its historic fortress and pretty waterfront promenade, is well worth visiting, as is Imatra, renowned for its thundering rapids on the Vuoksi River.
