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Chill like a Finn, 20 Minutos media visit

Credits: GoSaimaa

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Media trip to the happiest country in the world, 29.-1.7.2026

By invitation only, updated 28 June.

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 from Helsinki to Lappeenranta is 220 km and 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. More information about goSaimaa can be found from links below:
https://www.gosaimaa.com/en 
www.facebook.com/LakelandFinland
www.instagram.com/gosaimaa 

Premilinary program

Monday, 29 June 2026

11.00 Drive from Lahti to Imatra

Enjoy a local lunch featuring traditional salmon soup at the Vuoksen Kalastuspuisto
Address: Varpasaarenpolku 12, Imatra

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.

15.00 Weather permitting, there is an opportunity to take a scenic sightseeing flight
Address: Linkokivenkatu 131, Imatra

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.

Your goSaimaa host will be in touch on the same morning and will provide all the necessary instructions, including information about the flight arrival time.

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

Accommodation at Boutique Hotel Lähde, located in the harbour of Lappeenranta
Address: Ainonkatu 17, 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.

19.30 Dinner at the Ship Restaurant Prinsessa Armaada
Address: Satamatori 10, Lappeenranta

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, Finland
Credits: goSaimaa

Tuesday, 30 June 2026

Breakfast, time to relax at the hotel or at the hotel's Day Spa Lähde and check out

10.00 Morning Peat Sauna at the Myllysaari Sauna, within walking distance from the hotel
Address: Myllysaarenpolku 45, Lappeenranta

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. 

12.00 Visit to the Majurska House in the historical Lappeenranta Fortress for lunch
Address: Kristiinankatu 1, Lappeenranta

At Majurska House, you will discover local handicrafts, followed by a delicious lunch with your goSaimaa host. Alternatively, if the weather is nice, you can head to the Harbour Market and try the local specialties, Atomy and Vety.

14.00 The Saimaa Canal cruise on board the m/s Saimaa Margaret
Your goSaimaa host will escort you to the 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 Harbour, the Sandcastle, and the historic Lappeenranta Fortress. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic Lappeenranta Harbour 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.

18.30 Dinner at the Restaurant Wolkoff, that offer you high quality food and drink in an unique and highly atmospheric premises
Address: Kauppakatu 26, Lappeenranta

After dinner drive to Pulsa Asema (distance from Lappeenranta is about 20 km)
Address: Pulsan Aseman tie 21, Pulsa

Check-in and accommodation for one night at the cosy 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.

Pulsan Asema
Pulsan Asema

Wednesday, 1 July 2026

Breakfast at the Pulsan Asema Café
After breakfast and chilling in the cottage before the drive to Helsinki.

Visit Finland contact

Adeline Sutter
PR & Media Manager
Email: adeline.sutter@businessfinland.fi
Tel: +358 (0) 40 6789044
 

Please note that Visit Finland and goSaimaa reserve the right to make changes, and the itinerary is subject to alteration.

 

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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