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20 Minutos trip to Lappeenranta & Imatra, 28.-30.6.2026

Credits: GoSaimaa

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Media trip to the happiest country in the world, Finland

Warm welcome to Finland. Find your state of happiness this June in Finnish Lakeland, the coolest lake region in the world. Finnish Lakeland is Europe’s largest lake district – the ultimate summer escape for the world’s happiest nation. This is where Finns slow down, recharge, and reconnect with nature by the water. This trip will take you through Finnish Lakeland, and you get to visit Lappeenranta, Imatra This trip is part of Visit Finland's Chill like a Finn | Visit Finland campaign.

Credits: GoSaimaa

Information about the region

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. 

Lappeenranta and Imatra are in the region of South Karelia in south eastern 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. 

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 islands13,710 

goSaimaa Ltd – the official destination tourism marketing and development company of Lappeenranta and Imatra region, Lake Saimaa Finland.

Premilinary program

Monday 29 June 2026

About at 11 Drive from Lahti to Imatra. 

In Imatra, enjoy a local lunch featuring traditional salmon soup at the Vuoksen Kalastuspuisto.

After lunch, there is an opportunity to try various summer activities, such as SUP paddling, water cycling, wakeboarding, or simply cycling through the beautiful scenery of Imatra. 

Weather permitting, there is an opportunity to take a scenic sightseeing flight

This unique experience includes a 30-minute flight in a small motor plane with a local aviation club. Soar above the lace-like archipelago of Lake Saimaa and take in the breathtaking beauty of Finland’s largest lake from above.

After activities, drive to Lappeenranta (distance is about 35 km). 

Accommodation at Boutique Hotel Lähde, located in the harbour of Lappeenranta. The atmospheric rooms at Boutique Hotel Lähde are steeped in history and offer a unique stay. Built on the site of the more than 100-year-old Lappeenranta Spa, the rooms combine the charm of the past with modern comforts. 

At 7.30 pm Dinner at the Ship Restaurant Prinsessa Armaada.

located in the harbour, just a short walk from the hotel. A host from goSaimaa will join the dinner. This popular spot attracts both locals and visitors and offers a great opportunity to experience the local summer atmosphere.

 

lappeenranta city
Credits: goSaimaa

Tuesday 30 June 2026

 Breakfast and time to relax at the hotel or at the Day Spa Lähde, located in the same building.

Alternatively, a morning peat sauna experience can be arranged at the Myllysaari Sauna, within walking distance from the hotel. A peat sauna relaxes the body and promotes overall well-being. The treatment is suitable for all skin types and helps to balance problem skin. Before entering, the therapist will provide instructions, after which you can apply the peat yourself inside the sauna. 

At 12 noon Visit to Majurska House in the historical Lappeenranta Fortress. At Majurska House, you will discover local handicrafts. In the cosy Café Majurska, you will take part in a hands-on workshop to make traditional local meat pies, followed by a delicious lunch with the café owner, Arja Ylä-Outtinen. You will also get to taste Atomi and Vety, two beloved Lappeenranta specialties. 

At 2 pm, The Saimaa Canal cruise on board the m/s Saimaa Margaret, from Lappeenranta Harbour. During this guided two-hour cruise on Lake Saimaa, passengers will see the fascinating canal lock as well as the beautiful scenery. The cruise continues along the canal and descends 13 metres at the Mälkiä Lock before returning to the port of Lappeenranta. 

After cruise take a little walk through Lappeenranta Harbor, the Sandcastle, and the historic Lappeenranta Fortress. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic Lappeenranta Harbor and visit the famous Sandcastle—don’t miss the nearby Fazer shop for a sweet treat. Continue to the historic Lappeenranta Fortress, home to three museums: the Cavalry Museum, the Art Museum, and the South Karelian Museum. Within the Fortress, you'll also find Finland’s oldest Orthodox Church, along with other charming and historically significant buildings.

At 6.30 pm Dinner at the restaurant Wolkoff, that offer you high quality food and drink in an unique and highly atmospheric premises. 

After dinner drive to Pulsa (distance from Lappeenranta is about 20 km). Check-in and accommodation for one night at the cozy Pulsa Station, in the historic Pumpmaster’s House with a lakeside sauna. Pulsa Railway Station is nestled in the beautiful countryside of Lappeenranta. The main station building was constructed in 1869, and the surrounding houses were built shortly after to serve as homes for the station staff.

Relax in the sauna, take a refreshing swim in the lake, and experience authentic Finnish summer cottage life.

Friday 1.7.2026

Breakfast at the Pulsan Asema Café, next to the accommodation place.

After breakfast and chilling in the cottage drive to Helsinki.

More information: 

There is more information about our destination/company by clicking the link:

 https://www.gosaimaa.com/en/ Our official social media channels are:

 www.facebook.com/LakelandFinland 

www.instagram.com/gosaimaa 

@gosaimaa

 #gosaimaa #lakesaimaa #visitlakesaimaa goSaimaa reserves the right for changes. 

Timetable subject to change.

 

 

 

Visit Finland & GoSaimaa contacts

Visit Finland 
Eevakaisa Mölsä + 358 40 74 66 556 
eevakaisa.molsa@businessfinland.fi

GoSaimaa:

Natalja Zeleznjakova 

Marketing coordinator

 goSaimaa Oy 

+358407728840

 

 

Finnish AKKE Funding

This action is part of Eastern Finland Sustainable Tourism Growth Program and is funded by South Savo Regional Council from Appropriation for Sustainable Growth and Vitality in Regions (Finnish AKKE funding).

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