10 Tips for an Unforgettable Summer in South Finland

1. Explore South Finland's Most Beautiful Natural Areas

In the extensive, unspoiled nature of South Finland, you can hike or bike for hours without encountering another person. Especially in national parks like Kolovesi and Linnansaari, and around Lake Saimaa, where you can follow marked hiking trails. Enjoy the views of the South Finnish coast or listen to birdsong in its endless forests. The Punkaharju ridge is also a hiking paradise. This area with ancient pine trees and vast lakes has been a protected natural area since 1843.

^{Photo: Julia Kivelä}

2. Discover the Surroundings of Lake Saimaa on Two Wheels

Prefer to explore the region at a slightly faster pace? Hop on a mountain bike or fatbike. There are numerous marked cycling routes around the city of Savonlinna and Lake Saimaa, as well as on the Åland Islands. For example, follow the Lake Pihlajavesi route along the lake and through the Punkaharju nature reserve. Discover the pure nature of national parks Kolovesi and Linnansaari from the Two National Parks route. Fancy some history and culture? Combine nature and city on the Savonlinna city route.

3. Canoe or Kayak on Finnish Waters

A water-rich country like Finland can also be perfectly explored from the water. Take, for example, a canoe trip on the immense Lake Saimaa. Listen to the splashing of the water as you gaze upon wooded shores and rocky islands. Bring along ingredients for a picnic and prepare your meal at a fire pit on one of the islands. Canoeing and kayaking is also possible on the Åland Islands. This versatile island archipelago is located west of the southern coast and is relatively unknown. You can spend days paddling along (un)inhabited islands with rocky cliffs and beaches.

^{Photo: Saimaameer} 

4. Take a Dip in One of Finland's 188,000 Lakes

On long summer days, the water of the South Finnish lakes is relatively warm. The water is clear and clean and especially attractive for fun in and on the water on sunny days. While floating, you'll gaze upon the pine trees that reach many meters into the blue sky. After swimming, you can dry off in the sun on the beaches. Along the 13,000-kilometer coastline of Lake Saimaa, you'll find beautiful beaches. For example, the Anttola beach is very popular among families who enjoy soft sand and relatively shallow waters. The Kuikonlahti beach in a small bay is one of the most photogenic beaches on the lake.

5. Spot Wildlife

Keep your eyes and ears open during your adventures in Finnish nature. The Saimaa ringed seal, bears, wolves, eagles, and moose are not always easy to spot. Bring binoculars and do some research beforehand on where and when the chances of spotting these animals are greatest. The Saimaa ringed seal lives only in Lake Saimaa and is the rarest seal species in the world. Take a trip with an experienced guide over the lake and spot the animals basking on the rocks. Bear enthusiasts can spot them from Vuokatti during this trip!

^{Photo: WildTaigaFinland}

6. Visit Finland's Vibrant Cities

In the Finnish countryside lie the liveliest cities in the country. They are a great destination for those who want to combine culture and history with nature. Visit, for example, Helsinki, the capital of the country, or Tampere, a major city with a lot of industrial heritage. Further to the east lies Savonlinna, the gateway to the Saimaa lake area. In the city center, you can enjoy cozy bars and restaurants and visit unique shops. You'll stroll through alleyways between colorful houses, along the picturesque harbor, and a medieval castle.

^{Photo: Aki Rask}

7. Taste Delicious Finnish Food

Are you in a Finnish city or staying in a nice hotel? Then you simply must experience Finnish cuisine. On the menus, you can see the Swedish and Russian influences on the local gastronomy. Also notable: the natural ingredients from the local landscape. Enjoy, for example, rainbow trout or elk meat with fresh vegetables from the land. In Savonlinna, taste the local specialty lörtsy, a sweet or savory filled crescent-shaped pastry.

8. Enjoy Long Summer Evenings

On long Finnish summer days, you'll have more than enough time to enjoy the sun. During the day, you can go on adventures, and in the evening, you can peacefully enjoy the evening sun. Read a book on the veranda, float on the water, or roast marshmallows over a campfire while the sun slowly sets.

^{Photo: Pielinen AskoKuittinen}

9. Stay in a Finnish Cottage with a Sauna and Fireplace

A vacation in South Finland naturally includes a typical Finnish overnight stay. With more than half a million vacation cottages, you'll undoubtedly find your dream spot. Will you choose a wooden hut in the forest or perhaps a luxury cabin by the lake? For an authentic Finnish experience, rent a cottage with a sauna and fireplace. Even in summer, it's delightful to relax your muscles in the warm space after a strenuous activity. Afterwards, take a dip in a lake, and you'll feel completely refreshed.

10. Make Planning Your Trip as Easy as Possible

It can be quite a challenge to plan your dream trip in a region as vast as South Finland. Fortunately, you can choose to book a pre-arranged trip designed by experts. Fly directly from Rotterdam to Savonlinna. If you'd prefer to travel to Finland with your own vehicle, you can take the ferry to Helsinki. Once you set foot on Finnish soil, your unforgettable summer adventure in South Finland begins.

This article was written in collaboration with Voigt Travel. Do you want to take an unforgettable trip through the south of Finland this summer, too? Visit their website for more travel inspiration.