Milan Malpensa
30 September, 11:05–15:05, AY1752
4 October, 16:10–18:15, AY1755
Rome Fiumicino
30 September, 10:40–15:05, AY1752
4 October, 15:35–18:00, AY1755
Credits: Harri Tarvainen/North Karelia
Milan Malpensa
30 September, 11:05–15:05, AY1752
4 October, 16:10–18:15, AY1755
Rome Fiumicino
30 September, 10:40–15:05, AY1752
4 October, 15:35–18:00, AY1755
Imatra
30 September – 1 October
Scandic Imatran Valtionhotelli
Rautjärvi
1–2 October
B&B Hiitolanjoki
Lappeenranta
2–4 October
Original Sokos Hotel Lappee
Swimsuit
Good walking shoes & outdoor clothes
In the waters of Lake Saimaa, by far the greatest attraction is nature: archipelago with 14,000 islands, lake scenery and the clear water. The Lake Saimaa region, cities of Lappeenranta and Imatra are located only a couple of hours away from the Finnish capital of Helsinki. From Helsinki you can easily get here by train, bus, or car within just a few hours. Direct flights with Ryanair from Milan Bergamo to Lappeenranta Airport (LPP). Lappeenranta and Imatra are in the region of South Karelia in southeastern Finland. The region’s cultural life is rich and varied, mixing both old and new. Enjoy the beautiful and pure Finnish nature, magnificent Lakeland views, intriguing cultural sights in addition to local food and people.
Saimaa is the European Region of Gastronomy 2024. The ERG -status created Taste Saimaa -partner network, where companies can join. During the press trip goSaimaa will introduce Taste Saimaa -partners, these places are marked to the program below.
Distances (km)
From Helsinki to Lappeenranta 220 km
From Lappeenranta to Imatra 35 km
Lake Saimaa - Finland's largest lake, fourth largest in Europe
Surface area 4,460 km2
Maximum length 194 km
Maximum width 138 km
Shore length 14,850 km
Number of islands 13,710
goSaimaa Ltd – the official destination tourism marketing and development company of Lappeenranta and Imatra region, Lake Saimaa Purest Finland.
About our sustainability you can find more info at:
https://gosaimaa.com/en/for-partners/sustainability/
Sustainable Travel Finland -labelled companies are marked to the program.
15:05 Arrival to Helsinki airport
Transportation to Lappeenranta (approx. 2.5 hours)
You will meet your driver Mr Veli Kälviäinen (tel. +358449445638) at the arrivals hall.
From Lappeenranta starts Saimaa, the lake of pure nature and beautiful scenery. The Climate Capital of Finland, Lappeenranta, brings nature activities to your fingertips in its Lake Saimaa neighbourhood. The Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark historical fortress and nature sights are reached in the central harbour and old town area, only 2 hours from Helsinki.
18:45 Arrival to Lemi and dinner at Säräpirtti Kippurasarvi
You will meet your host Ms Natalja Zeleznjakova (tel. +358 407 728 840) at the restaurant.
Särä is a lamb dish served only in Lemi, prepared with a thousand-year-old recipe, this traditional lamb roast is delicious beyond compare. The restaurant is the only restaurant in Finland, serving only one dish. Särä is considered as one of Finland’s seven wonders. (Vegetarian option available.).
20:15 Transportation to Imatra and check-in to the Scandic Imatran Valtionhotelli
This unique castle hotel, built in 1903, enjoys the best location in the city center in Imatra. The hotel is right on the edge of the Imatrankoski rapids, so you can admire the magnificent river landscape and rapids. Imatrankoski is one of the oldest tourist attractions in Finland from the 17th century.
The hotel has the Sustainable Travel Finland label.
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
9:00 Lobby call and visit to Imatrankoski Rapids and Crown Park with a guided walking tour around the town
Discover the enchanting stories of the castle hotel and the Imatrankoski rapids, one of the Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark sites. You will also have a chance to visit local shops, such as the local handicrafts boutique Virkkuukoukkunen.
11:00 Transportation to the Parikkala Sculpture Park
The most famous Finnish ITE artist's life's work can be found in Parikkala. This magnificent work, which has been internationally recognized as one of the world's most frightening sites, is the result of more than 50 years of artistic work by Veijo Rönkkönen (1944-2010). The Parikkala Sculpture Park is Veijo Rönkkönen's masterpiece, showcasing more than 50 years of his work, with 560 multi-faceted statues in Parikkala. The largest section of the park consists of 255 statues in yoga pose.
12:45 Lunch at the Restaurant Kägöne in Parikkala
Authentic local food made from quality ingredients is a matter of honour for us. We prepare our own dishes from scratch and source ingredients from local producers wherever possible.
The restaurant is a Taste Saimaa partner.
13:45 Transportation to Rautjärvi
14:30 Soft forest hike at the Hiitolanjoki Rapid's magnificient trails
Hiitolanjoki River in Rautjärvi, is home to Finland’s last remaining stock of original and fully natural landlocked salmon. Barriers to the upstream movement of migratory fish were removed and three new flowing rapids was created. With a combined descent of 18 meters, the rapids at Ritakoski, Lahnasenkoski and Kangaskoski form an exceptionally stunning passage in Southern Finland.
16:30 Check-in to the B&B Hiitolanjoki, the Nature Healing Powerhouse
B&B Hiitolanjoki is located in an old border guard station on the riverbanks of the Hiitolanjoki river and serves its guests with the best Karelian hospitality. The B&B is a Taste Saimaa partner.
Evening filled with Finnish traditions.
Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pie) workshop where you'll learn the secrets of this hearty and delicious pastry that has been made in the region for centuries and is an important part of Saimaa’s cultural and gastronomic heritage.
Sauna with traditional sauna treatments and relaxation for the body and soul with a dip in the Hiitolanjoki river.
Dinner made from local and fresh ingredients and seasonal flavors.
Breakfast at the B&B and check-out
9:00 Lobby call and transportation to Ruokolahti
10.00 Soft forest hike to the Kummakivi (strange rock) and guided mushroom and berry picking with local nature guides
Kummakivi is a huge, approximately 7 meters long boulder that is oddly balancing on a smaller, round rock. It touches the other rock with so little surface that it looks like a giant balancing on one toe. What makes it special is the fact that it stayed there, balancing for millions of years. Lots of people tried to move it, even with dynamite, but all in vain.
Creative Kaiku local nature guides will introduce you to the mythology of the Finnish forests on this guided tour. You will learn about the everyone’s rights and the flora and fauna of Finnish forests.
14:00 Lunch at the Imatran Kylpylä Spa Resort
The Spa has the Sustainable Travel Finland label.
15:00 Cycling trip along the beautiful shores of Lake Saimaa from the Imatran Kylpylä Spa Resort to Hossukan Helmi sauna premises (approx. 1 hour)
Sauna and dry suit floating in the Lake Saimaa
Floating is a year-round activity for everyone. Swimming skills are not necessary as a warm dry suit keeps you on the surface. This activity will take you on a safe, relaxing journey on the clear waters of Lake Saimaa. Floating in the autumn is a remarkable experience – you will face cold water and the heat of a dry suit. Imagine yourself peacefully floating with the drift enjoying magnificent landscapes. Is there really a better way of relaxing!
19:00 Local smoked salmon dinner at the Hossukan Helmi
20:00 Transportation to Lappeenranta
20:45 Check-in to the Original Sokos Hotel Lappee
The hotel has the Sustainable Travel Finland label.
Breakfast at the hotel
9:00 Lobby call and cruise with M/S Charlotte to the Ilkonsaari island with a soft hike on the island
The cruise to Ilkonsaari gives a beautiful overview of the Lake Saimaa and the unique Saimaa archipelago.
Ilkonsaari is one of the Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark sites and you will learn more about the Geopark and the local nature on the way to the island by a local guide. Ilkonsaari orthodox tsasounas add an interesting cultural highlight to the 1-hour walking tour on the island.
The Geopark has the Sustainable Travel Finland label.
Coffee will be served onboard on the way to the island, and lunch on the way back.
14:00 Guided walking tour in the Lappeenranta old town and the historical fortress area. Visits to local boutiques.
Coffee break at the Satamatie 5 coffee shop and Lehmus Roastery
Satamatie 6, voted as the best café in Finland in 2018 and 2020, is in the beautiful harbor area of Lappeenranta city. The café's menu includes freshly roasted local coffee, raw cakes, filled croissants, juices and more. Lehmus Roastery is an award winning roastery in Finland and a Taste Saimaa partner.
16:30 Baking local delicacies
Learning how to prepare the traditional local delicacies Vety (Hydrogen) and Atomi (Atom) pies with the Taste Saimaa ambassador Chef Ulla Liukkonen at the Café & Bistro Veera in the Lappeenranta harbor.
18:30 Small break at the hotel
20:00 Dinner and beer tasting at the restaurant Tuju Taproom
Tuju Taproom is located in the beautiful and historic Rakuunamäki area of Lappeenranta. Tuju Brewing Company was founded in 2015 with the aim of bringing quality craft beer culture back to Lappeenranta. Named after the initials of the founders, the brewery's mission is to craft beer using traditional techniques, with every step of the process carried out with precision under strict quality control.
Night at the hotel
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
9:00 Lobby call and visit to the Pulsa Railway Station
Welcome to Pulsa station, where you can experience a cozy and inviting atmosphere all year round. This little old train station village is in the beautiful countryside just 20 kilometers from Lappeenranta. The historic main building of the station, dating back to 1869, has been lovingly restored, and today, the station boasts a charming café that serves delightful homemade pastries, pies, and a brunch. You'll also find an interior design shop alongside the station. Pulsa’s own coffee brand Makea coffee is also a treat to try.
11:00 Transportation to the airport
16:10 Flight to Milan
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GOSAIMAA
Natalja Zeleznjakova
natalja.zeleznjakova@gosaimaa.com
Tel. +358 407 728 840
www.gosaimaa.com
Merja Lake
merja.lake@businessfinland.fi
Tel +358 50 548 9240