Round tour – Lakeland – Culinary and Culture

Itinerary

DAY 1 Lappeenranta
DAY 2 Lappeenranta – Pulsa – Lemi- Imatra 111 km
DAY 3 Imatra – Parikkala – Punkaharju 93 km
DAY 4 Punkaharju – Kerimäki – Savonlinna – Punkaharju 70 km
DAY 5 Punkaharju – Heinävesi – Joensuu 187 km
DAY 6 Joensuu – Ilomantsi – Nurmes (- Valtimo) 253 km
DAY 7 Nurmes – Koli – Nurmes 153 km
DAY 8 Nurmes – Kuhmo 81 km
DAY 9 Kuhmo – Kajaani – Kuopio 272 km
DAY 10 Kuopio
DAY 11 Kuopio – Varkaus – Mikkeli 182 km
DAY 12 Mikkeli – Puumala – Ruokolahti – Lappeenranta 172 km
DAY 13 Lappeenranta

DAY 1 Lappeenranta

Fly to Lappeenranta (LPP) or drive from Helsinki (HEL) 2,5 hours.

Rich in cultural history, with numerous museums and Finland’s oldest orthodox church located within the Fortress of Lappeenranta. Lappeenranta today is the administrative, cultural, and commercial centre of South Karelia with highlights of all-year-round events.

Bucket list today

Guided tour in Lappeenranta Fortress organised by Saimaa Travel. Surrounded by the ramparts, this historic district represents the original town which began as a medieval trading centre during the Swedish regime in 1649.
>> Lappeenranta Fortress

Accommodation options:

>> Hotel Rakuuna
>> Original Sokos Hotel Lappee
>> Salpalinjan Hovi

Restaurant options:

Ship restaurant Princess Armaada in the heart of Lappeenranta, in the harbour.
>> Prinsessa Armaada

Restaurant Upseerikerho – Every dish is handmade in the restaurant, exploiting local ingredients. The menu includes unforgettable tastes and special dishes that it’s hard to find anywhere else.
>> Restaurant Upseerikerho

DAY 2 Lappeenranta – Pulsa – Lemi – Imatra 111 km

Find yourself exploring also the surrounding areas of Lappeenranta, the idyllic municipalities full of culture and sites. Your holiday would not be complete without tasting “Särä” made in Lemi – it truly is one of Finland’s seven wonders.

Bucket list today

Visiting Pulsa Station boutique cafe is a hop to the rural culture. Pulsa station ages till 1867 and it is an idyllic old railway station, offering hospitality and relaxation only 20 kilometres from Lappeenranta.
>> Pulsa station

The first tourism destination of Finland and one of the biggest rapids in Europe is Imatrankoski. The main sight of Imatra is located in the city center. While watching the rapidshow, enjoy the music accompanied by the fresh steam.
>> Imatrankoski Rapids

The fascinating history and interesting periods get more interesting with a guide.
>> Guided tours in Imatra

Accommodation options:

>> Holiday Club Saimaa
>> Imatran Kylpylä Spa Resort

Restaurant option:

Lunch at Säräpirtti Kippurasarvi in Lemi is a must – Särä is a unique experience, prepared using a thousand-year-old recipe, this traditional lamb roast is cooked over 9 hours and there are no limits on portions – just enjoy.
>> Säräpirtti Kippurasarvi

DAY 3 Imatra – Parikkala – Punkaharju 93 km

The Punkaharju ridge area is one of the oldest nature reserves in the world and one of the most beautiful parts of Finland. The unique combination of impressive eskers and stunning lake views has for centuries inspired artists and attracted travellers.

Bucket list today

Parikkala Sculpture park is an outdoor museum, an art collective representing around 560 different sculptures known also as a paradise garden.
>> Parikkala sculpture park

Lusto – The Finnish Forest Museum is a museum with exhibitions on the significance of forests in the Finnish society and their role in the life of Finnish people in the past and present.
>> The Finnish Forest Museum Lusto – Sense of the Forest

Saimaa Art Cave Retretti is a unique art centre hosting national and international art exhibitions with most of its exhibition space in caves and underground galleries.
>> Saimaa Art Cave

Accommodation options:

>> Hotel Punkaharju
>> Kruunupuisto Punkaharju
>> Holiday Resort Harjun Portti

Restaurant options:

Try famous bison burgers and local delicacies for lunch in Parikkala.
>> Iloisen Pässin Maalaispuoti

Restaurant of Hotel Punkaharju offers high-quality food with many of the ingredients coming from local farms, nearby forests and Lake Saimaa. Mushroom dishes are prominent in the restaurant’s à la carte menu.
>> Hotel Punkaharju Restaurant

DAY 4 Punkaharju – Savonlinna – Punkaharju 70 km

Savonlinna region at the heart of Lake Saimaa is Finland’s oldest tourist destination. Its diverse and dazzling scenery has drawn in visitors since the 19th century. Finns have voted Savonlinna as the best summer city in the country.

Bucket list today

Taste the local treat, lörtsy pie, in the cafés of the marketplace and visit the many summer restaurants and cafés serving local delicacies along the boardwalk from the marketplace to Olavinlinna.
>> Eat and Shop in Savonlinna

Olavinlinna Castle, the world’s northern most medieval castle in the world, is the crown jewel of Savonlinna. It is located in the city centre in the midst of beautiful lake scenery. It is best known as the stage of the world-famous Savonlinna Opera Festival.
>> Olavinlinna Castle

A steamship cruise in the Savonlinna archipelago is a wonderful way to spend a summer’s day. Alternatively, you can take a mushroom cruise in the end of the summer and enjoy the disches made of mushrooms.
>> Savonlinna Cruises

Restaurant options:

Taste the local fish speciality, muikku, at Muikkuterassi, the roof terrace of Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone Savonlinna while enjoying the spectacular views over the city.
>> Muikkuterassi Savonlinna – Restaurant

Get a taste of the delicious regional cuisine and the award-winning beers of Waahto Brewery at Brewery Restaurant Huvila. Try also the beers of the other two local breweries Olaf Brewing and Karvila Brewery.
>> Waahto Brewhouse Savonlinna

During the Opera Festival in July, Hotel Hospitz serves a Dinner Buffet before the performance, and a light Night Buffet after the opera. Enjoy variety of local fishes, tasty meat and fresh salads served from the big wooden boat.
>> Restaurant – Hotel Hospitz

DAY 5 Punkaharju – Heinävesi – Joensuu 187 km

In Valamo monastery, the close proximity to nature, offers hurried people in the busy world of today, a rare opportunity to get away from the bustle and noise of everyday life. East and west shake hands firmly here helping to understand Karelian culture and traditions.

Bucket list today

Kerimäki Church is the biggest wooden church in the world. The church, whose spacious interior accommodates over 5,000 people, is located in the village of Kerimäki 23 km from the Savonlinna city centre.
>> Kerimaki church

Valamo monastery, Heinävesi; guided tours, orthodox culture, hiking, restaurant, accommodation, berry wine tastings for groups
>> Valamo Monastery

Taitokortteli handicrafts quartier, Joensuu: workshops, cafe, arts, exhibitions, hand made local souvenirs.
>> Taitokortteli

Accommodation options:

>> Boutique Hotel Lietsu
>> Original Sokos Hotel Kimmel

Restaurant options:

The sturdy log walls of Restaurant Filipof have witnessed many lively Karelian conversations. Their food is both delicious and down-to-earth, with roots in classic cooking. Enjoy colourful seasonal vegetables, fresh locally sourced fish, organically grown lamb and other delights.

Restaurant Kielo is the right choice for passionated culinarists. 360 Eat Guide featured Kielo as one of the Nordic restaurants working with sustainability. They serve only two menus at the time but mouthwatering portions are made from seasonal ingredients with care and love.

DAY 6 Joensuu – Ilomantsi – Nurmes 253 km

Karelians are known for their hospitality, joy of life and music. Even unexpected guests are warmly welcomed with serving the best possible food and drink. Poem-singing used to be away to retain and forward information for new generations. And the story goes on.

Bucket list today

Parppeinvaara Rune singer’s village in Ilomantsi is a cultural centre of Karelian culture. Get to know the tradition of poem-singing and kantele playing, taste Karelian cuisine in restaurant Parppeinpirtti and explore the war-time exhibitions.

Eva Ryynänen’s atelier in Paateri in Vuonislahti village has been one of the most visited sights in the region for decades. A small but at the same time stunning Paateri church is definitely worth a visit.
>> Guided tour at Paateri

In Bomba Karelian Village in Nurmes, a visitor finds the path of silence to a tiny orthodox chapel by the lake Pielinen, beautiful Bomba house with exhibitons, restaurant and a souvenir shop. Near by spa offers a great way to spend a rainy day with style.

Accommodation options:

>> Break Sokos Hotel Bomba
>> Bomba Karelian Village
>> Guesthouse Puukarin Pysäkki

Restaurant options:

Restaurant Parppeinpirtti in Ilomantsi and Marjo Niiranen, the owner of the restaurant will welcome you warmly to taste the Karelian delicacies while listening to beautiful kantele-music. On certain days you can watch the baking of karelian pasties there. In Valtimo village, only 30 minutes drive from Nurmes, you can join Karelian dinner at Guesthouse Puukarin Pysäkki. Handmade, home-cooked food using traditional recipes with modern twist are made from local seasonal ingredients. Authentic live like local experience!

DAY 7 Nurmes – Koli – Nurmes 153 km

Koli hill & national park are the most photographed scenes in North Karelia. From the top opens so-called Finnish national scenery over the lake Pielinen. It has inspired artists and painters for decades. The viewing point is easy to reach from the parking place on the top.

Bucket list today

Karelian pasty workshop in Nurmes in Guest house Männikkölän Pirtti is a great way to meet local people and get familiar with the Karelian lifestyle. The owner, Mrs Ritva Ryttyläinen, is known for her pasties around the world.

Picturesque Nurmes wooden old town “ Vanha Kauppala” is a lovely place for a guided walk or just to go for a walk by yourself. Pop in to a small cafe and sit down to enjoy your day.

Koli national park and Koli hills can be explored on your own or with a local guide. On guided tours around three tops of Koli, you hear the stories and find the best locations for photographing. On the top there is a restaurant, cafe, spa, hotel and nature center Ukko

Restaurant options:

Gastropub Kolin Ryynänen serves tasty food in Koli Village. They brew their own beer so give it a try too.

Restaurant Kolin satamaravintola Small restaurant in Koli harbour serves fresh fish dishes from lake Pielinen. Also nice terrasse for the warm summer days and local beer is available.

DAY 8 Koli – Kuhmo 153 km

Kuhmo, UNESCO City of Literature and one of the best places to see carnivores in their natural habitat, is located near the Russian border. The natural surroundings, magnificent fauna and cultural heritage are an essential part of the image of this wilderness town.

Bucket list today

Juminkeko, Information Centre for the national epicof Kalevala and Karelian Culture. This Cultural Centre is also an exquisite example of the Finnish wooden architecture.
>> Juminkeko Information Centre

Visitor Centre Petola, get to know the Finnish large carnivores: brown bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine. Learn how they look and sound like, what their tracks look like and how they move.
>> Kuhmo Visitor Centre Petola

Kaesas café and bakery offers homemade delicacies. Speciality of Kainuu region is “rönttönen” – a sweet barley or rye dough pieis the one of few in the world protected by an EU geographical indication.
>> Kaesan Kotileipomo

Accommodation options:

>> Hotel Kalevala
>> Hotel Kainuu

Restaurant option:

Hotel Kalevala restaurant serves traditional and international specialities in amazing place by the lake Lammasjärvi. The cuisine is designed for international taste while using local ingredients and techniques.
>> Hotel Kalevala, restaurant Kanteletar

DAY 9 Kuhmo – Kajaani – Kuopio 272 km

For a start, visit the 370-year-old Kajaani city along river Kajaaninjoki and lake Oulujärvi. It is known for its diverse cultural, music and literature offerings. Kuopio and its surroundings are full of restaurants and cafes, which cater to any and all desires of the hungry and thirsty.

Bucket list today

Kajaani Castle Ruins is the northernmost stone castle in the world located in the island of city centre and the park along the river.
>> Kajaani Castle Ruins

Explore the only tar channel in operation in Finland. During the summer, tar rowing events are held on the canal, using narrow and long wooden boats in the original style.
>> Tar Canal

Decorate your own memento with local artist Jenni Linnove in Kuopio; In the workshop, each participant will decorate a mug from the studio’s collection by hand.
>> Jenni Linnove Ceramic Studio

Visiting the Orthodox Church museum Riisa, one of the most notable Orthodoxe Church museums in Europe.

Accommodation options:

>> Original Sokos Hotel Puijonsarvi
>> Scandic Hotel Kuopio
>> Lapland Hotel Kuopio
>> Hotel Sawohouse

Restaurant options:

Enjoy the lunch, the flavors of harvest season as well as the products of local food producers. Lunch is served in the second oldest building in the center of Kajaani city, which has served as Kajaani’s first primary school, hospital and library.
>> Restaurant Gastrobar3

Jätkänkämppä (Lumberjack’s Lodge), Kuopio. Experience a traditional lumberjack atmosphere of the 1950s in an authentic setting. Bath in the smoke sauna, enjoy traditional dinner buffet menus and live Finnish folklore music.
>> Dinner and sauna at Jätkänkämppä

DAY 10 Kuopio

In Kuopio, the capital of European Gastronomy (2020-21), you can enjoy the local ingredients for example during the sightseeing tour. You can also participate in some of the several cruises organized by the local ship companies.

Bucket list today

Kuopio Market hall was nominated as the most beautiful market hall in Finland in 2020. The story of Hanna Partanen’s “kalakukko” (fish rooster) goes back more than 100 years. You can taste and buy it in the market hall.
>> Kuopio Market Hall

Tasting Kuopio – tour; Enjoy local tastes at three different restaurants, guided by a professional local guide.
>> Kuopio city guides

Lignell & Piispanen is an alcohol producer founded in 1852. Visitor Center offers customers Factory Tours, Tastings, and factory store Kauppahuone and Arctic Bar, where you can enjoy their products and signature cocktails.
>> Lignell & Piispanen

Restaurant option:

Restaurant Isä Camillo in Kuopio, Their kitchen mixes fresh local ingredients with Mediterranean cooking. Each portion is made and served with a big heart, passion and skill.
>> Welcome to Isä Camillo – Kuopio

DAY 11 Kuopio – Varkaus – Mikkeli 182 km

Varkaus region offers many sights and holiday destinations. Try out local caviar, visit the Mechanical Music Museum and take a walk in Old Varkaus. In Mikkeli region, you will find the perfect mix of nature experiences, local food, beautiful gardens and manors.

Bucket list today

Mechanical Music Museum is one of the best of its kind in Europe and is mentioned in tourist guidebooks abroad as one of the top ten destinations in Finland.
>> The Mechanical Music Museum

Art Centre Väinölä is an idyllic wooden house gallery in the shadow of birch trees in the centre of Varkaus.
>> Art Centre Väinölä

Kenkävero in Mikkeli prides itself on having the biggest and most beautiful vicarage in all Finland.
>> Kenkävero old vicarage

Accommodation options:

>> Hotel Oscar
>> Tertti Manor

Restaurant options:

TeaHouse of Wehmais is a tea room-bistro in the old stables of Wehmaa Manor. Tea and food meet in a whole new way in their seasonal menus made of local ingredients
>> TeaHouse of Wehmais

Tertti Manor’s award-winning restaurant will serve you the finest Finnish flavours from lakes, land, forest and their own herb garden.
>> Tertti manor

Food based on high-quality, fresh and local products and the dedication to ethical and responsible farming are the cornerstones of Sahanlahti Resorts dining.
>> Sahanlahti resort

DAY 12 Mikkeli – Puumala – Ruokolahti – Lappeenranta 172 km

Experience Saimaa Geopark and Puumala archipelago. Even if you are not renting a cottage with us this time, Puumala makes a great day-trip for visitors of all ages. Halfway between Puumala and Lappeenranta is located Ruokolahti with lively cultural sites.

Bucket list today

Take a Saimaa seal cruise with a full electric operating boat by LakelandGTE. The landscapes in Puumala are fantastic and there are over 20 Saimaa seals living in the area.
>> LakelandGTE

Explore the cultural sites of Ruokolahti with an expert guide of Creative Kaiku. Discover Ruokolahti and its church hill, one of the most beautiful in Finland, or pop to the ‘odd stone’ (Kummakivi).
>> Creative Kaiku

Get a cup of hot coffee in Finland’s best cafeteria Satamatie 6 in Lappeenranta harbor and hop on to a cruise to Lake Saimaa scenery to wine and dine. Satamatie 6 & Karelia Lines

Accommodation options:

>> Original Sokos Hotel Lappee
>> Hotel Rakuuna
>> Salpalinjan Hovi

Restaurant option:

Wanha Makasiini Bistro is an atmospheric restaurant with delicious dishes prepared from the freshest ingredients available. The strawberry on the cake is the gorgeous red bricked milieuin Lappeenranta harbour.
>> Restaurant Wanha Makasiini Bistro

DAY 13 Lappeenranta

Home journey

Fly to Helsinki (HEL) from Lappeenranta (LPP) or drive to Helsinki (HEL) 2,5 hours.