ENERGY FOR EVERYDAY LIFE FROM THE AUTUMN LAKE SAIMAA

Find unique accommodation on Lake Saimaa

There are accommodation options in the Lappeenranta and Imatra region for all tastes, hotels, cottages, b&b's and the castle hotel Scandic Imatra Valtionhotelli. Hotels in the area such as the hearty Original Sokos Hotel Lappee, the sustainable Scandic Patria, the cosy Hotel Rakuuna and the mansion-like Salpalinjan Hovi, Neitsytniemen Kartano and B&B Hiitolanjoki offer everything you could ask for in a hotel.

Spa-holiday

Spend a relaxing holiday enjoying the warm pools of the exciting spa hotels in Lappeenranta and Imatra. Holiday Club Saimaa's charming spa in Lappeenranta Rauha has a theme set in the world of amusement parks and circuses. The Taikametsä Spa, based on the nature and underwater world of Lake Saimaa, is the heart of Imatra Spa. The sounds, colours and lights of the Taikametsä will make your visit unforgettable.

Cottage accommodation in the Saimaa region is always an excellent choice, whether you come for a weekend or a longer stay. There are plenty of cottage options available: you can choose from a stylishly furnished luxury cottage or a cosy, simple beach cottage in the middle of nature, or anything in between. In the Lappeenranta and Imatra region, you can also choose a traditional farmhouse, which is not just a place to stay - it's an experience. If you want a homely, uncomplicated atmosphere and warm service, bed and breakfast accommodation may be your option.

First snow ski track in Imatra

Start the skiing season already in October - Imatra's first snow ski track will open on 17.10.2024. The track, which will be located near the Ukonniemi stadium, will initially be 2  km long and will be gradually extended as the weather cools down and the competition season approaches.

Experience an amazing cycling adventure amidst beautiful landscapes. Pedal through lush forests, cycle along the shores of Lake Saimaa, and enjoy stunning lake views. The routes vary in both scenery and difficulty, allowing you to choose the perfect path that suits your preferences. Explore the natural beauty of the area from the seat of your bike. Read more and come experience an active and refreshing day of cycling. Discover the cycling routes.

An Autumn Hike in the Heart of Saimaa Experience a unique connection with nature as you step onto the trails and enjoy the crisp air and vibrant colors of the season. What could be better than ending your hike by a campfire, savoring a cup of hot, warming drink? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, the trails in this area offer unforgettable experiences and landscapes that will stay with you for a long time. Explore the trails

Cruising on the Blue Waters of Saimaa

The Lake Saimaa, with its hundreds of islands, invites you for a cruise even in the autumn. Stunning scenery and fresh air ensure a relaxing day. You can enjoy the beauty of Saimaa’s autumn colors on a private cruise with your family and friends, either on a sauna cruise aboard the century-old M/S Emma or on a floating sauna with Saimaa Palju Events in Lappeenranta or Saunalautta-Imatra in Imatra. You can also admire the autumn hues on a cruise aboard M/S Christina departing from the Imatra harbor. 

Local delicacies

What could be better than enjoying a cup of tea or coffee with a delicious berry pie at a cosy Majurska café after a day of outdoor activities. Voted Finland's best café in 2018 and 2020, Satamatie6 is also located in Lappeenranta, at the top of the fortress hill in a former horse stable that is over 100 years old. Restaurants in Lappeenranta and Imatra offer both traditional and modern cuisine. There are plenty of options, whether you want to enjoy a relaxed meal with the family or eat a little more luxuriously.

Säräpirtti Kippurasarvi in Lemi, is the only restaurant in Finland specialising in a single dish. Särä is a lamb dish prepared according to a thousand-year-old tradition, which takes at least 9 hours to prepare. The slow cooking of the roast lamb ensures that the taste melts in your mouth. As in Lemi, the lamb roast is eaten with care and as many rounds as you like. Check out Säräpirt's table times and reserve your place for a meal.

Saimaa sauna round trip

The good thing about sauna is that you can go there at any time of the day, morning, day or evening. You can also take a sauna anywhere, so pack a tent sauna in your backpack and enjoy the Saimaa autumn foliage at your own pace in the bosom of nature. The floating sauna sailing from the port of Lappeenranta, the floating sauna in Imatra in Vuoksi River, the atmospheric Hugo smoke saunas in Rautjärvi and the sauna ship m/s Emma are excellent places to build a weekend Saimaa sauna tour, for example, or even a week's holiday.

For those interested in fishing, the area offers fantastic opportunities to catch fish in both lakes and rivers. Additionally, you can experience the thrill of drysuit floating (in the Vuoksi River in Imatra and in Lake Saimaa in Imatra), which combines the closeness of water with safety. If you want to meet charming and friendly Siberian Huskies, that’s also possible in the area—spending time with these amazing dogs will surely be an unforgettable experience

Discover the hidden treasures of Lake Saimaa

When the ice ages swept over Lake Saimaa, they left their mark in the form of coal boulders, steep cliffs and soft sandy beaches. The 65 geosites in the Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark tell the story of the ancient times of Finland's largest lake. The cliffs and steep vantage points take visitors back almost two billion years.

So what is a Geopark? It's not a park dedicated to geocaching, but a UNESCO-protected natural site that encompasses a wide range of geology, history and attractions. Here are some of the most interesting geo-locations: the Kummakivi in Ruokolahti, the Kuivaketveleen hill fort in Taipalsaari, the Sormiskivi boulder in Lappeenranta and many more.

Geosites are waiting to welcome you. After a day of nature trekking, you can sample the region's restaurants and rest in your choice of accommodation.