Southern Finland in summer: a paradise of lakes and outdoor activities

Day 1: Savonlinna, the heart of southern Finland

Together with travel specialist Voigt Travel we let ourselves be surprised by all the beauty in the south of Finland . After only two and a half hours of flying, we are enchanted by a palette of green and blue colors. Finland is known as the country of a thousand lakes, with its blue waters and countless islands. After a half-hour taxi ride we arrive in the city of Savonlinna, in the heart of Lake Saimaa. The hospitality and friendly atmosphere immediately provide a warm welcome.

We walk along the extensive boulevard to Muikkuterassi, where we are immediately introduced to Finnish cuisine. The trendy restaurant owes its name to the 'muikku' dishes. After a tasty starter, the small white fish are served. A real specialty of Lake Saimaa. While I tuck into the fish with my now greasy fingers, I look out over the lake and the harbor. There is a coming and going of sightseeing boats that show their guests the Finnish summer houses and the castle from the water.

After lunch, a special tour awaits us. Guide Merja is a passionate tour guide, whose earrings already tell us what the tour is about: birdhouses! Local and artist Marko puts a smile on everyone's face with his unique houses. Throughout the city, one hundred and forty houses hang that symbolize buildings from the past. While Merja shows a photo of Marko, she tells how Marko started the houses. After the tour, we still spot a colorful appearance here and there between the green of the trees.

In the evening we are invited to a special dinner: in a castle and with the mayor! The Olavinlinna Castle is the northernmost medieval castle in the world and is built on an island. We walk via a bridge to the entrance of the fairytale building to reach our dinner via narrow corridors. The mayor gives us a foretaste of what 17,000 people come to in the summer: the Opera Festival. The sounds fill the room, while the smell of salmon stimulates my senses.

Day 2: Hiking & biking in Punkaharju National Park

With a sporty outfit on and after a good breakfast of local Karelian pastries, I am ready to go into the real nature. Today we are heading towards the Punkaharju nature reserve. This ridge area has been a magnet for nature lovers for 200 years. With towering mountains and views of the lake, it is one of the most beautiful locations in Finland. Together with guide Mona we follow a marked route, but there are also unmarked paths that criss-cross the ridge and put a smile on the faces of hikers.

By now we understand why Southern Finland is a paradise for outdoor activities . That's why we jump on an e-mountain bike to explore the Punkaharju area further. I click on my helmet and am ready to go. During the seven-kilometre bike ride we marvel at the views, feast on a Finnish cinnamon bun and come across the so-called Laavu. Guide Markus, owner of Holiday Resort Harjun Portti, explains to us that these BBQ spots can be found everywhere. "You can take everything here. You can stay and go. The respect for nature is the most important thing." Full of desire for a delicious fish from the fire, we pedal back to the holiday park to prepare ourselves for a warm dinner on the beach.

Let's be honest: beach in Finland, who would have thought? Ruokkee Holiday Village is a park with twenty-five cottages and eighty caravans, run by Mika and Mari, brother and sister. Every day there is a different specialty on the menu, today it is hot smoked wild salmon. Mika did his best and let the salmon smoke for an hour on a plank in front of the fire, after rubbing it with salt and dill. Although I am not a fan of salmon per se, this salmon gets a big ten from me!

Day 3: On the water at Linnansaari National Park

After waking up in our typical red Mokti (Finnish for cottage) in Harjun Portti, we get ready for a day on the water. Swimsuit on, sunscreen on and cap on. Between the Linnansaari and Kolovesi National Parks, we drive into the idyllic village of Oravi. Saimaa Holiday Oravi is the starting point for various outdoor activities. Including our canoe trip. Guide Marie Louise hands us the paddles and life jackets, we put the picnic boxes in the boat and smear a last drop of sunscreen on our noses. The Linnansaari Park consists of 300 islands and these can be admired perfectly from the water. Along the way, we stop at a typical Finnish summer house where we set out the picnic, and then paddle back to Oravi with a full battery.

When you are in Finland, a visit to the Finnish sauna is of course a must. Completely relaxed, we sit down for a burger of elk meat. We conclude our trip with a unique Sunset Seal Safari . The Linnansaari area is home to the Saimaa Ringed Seals. When the sun goes towards the horizon, the seals come to the rocks. ''Yes, there is one!'' He is posing on the rock in the sun. With a lovely hot cup of tea, we return under the now orange sky. In the summer, Southern Finland has the night sun and it stays light at night. For endless summer days full of adventure, you are really at the right place in Southern Finland.

This blog was created based on a press trip in collaboration with Voigt Travel . Curious about more adventures in Southern Finland? Then also read the blogs ' Spotting seals on the Finnish waters ' and ' 5x Summer outdoor activities in Southern Finland ' or be surprised on our Finland collection page .