Activities by the Lake

Mökki Vacation — The Most Finnish Experience

There is no more Finnish experience than spending a week in a mökki (summer cottage) by the lake. The typical mökki is a simple wooden house with a sauna, jetty, and rowboat — often without a TV, sometimes without running water. You heat the sauna, jump into the lake, grill sausages (makkara) over the campfire, pick blueberries, and do: nothing. And that's exactly the point.

Where to book: Lomarengas.fi, Nettimökki.com, or Airbnb. Prices: 60–200€/night, most expensive and fastest booked in high summer (July). The best mökkis have their own smoke sauna (savusauna) — the most original and aromatic type of Finnish sauna.

Canoeing & Kayaking

The Lake District is a paddling paradise. The lakes are calm and sheltered from the wind, the islands countless, and the right of public access allows landing and overnight stays on almost any uninhabited island. Popular routes:

• Linnansaari National Park — Island archipelago in Lake Haukivesi. Paddle between wooded islands, watch Saimaa ringed seals, camp on islands. 2–4 days.
• Kolovesi National Park — Steep rock walls, prehistoric rock paintings, crystal-clear water. Only accessible by canoe/kayak (no motorboats allowed). 1–3 days.
• Squirrel Trail (Oravanpolku) — 60 km paddle route through the Saimaa Canal with locks. 3–5 days.

Canoe/kayak rental: From 30€/day or 120€/week. Guided tours from 60€/day.

Saimaa Ringed Seal

The Saimaa ringed seal (Saimaannorppa) is one of the rarest mammals in the world — only about 430 specimens live exclusively in Lake Saimaa. These adorable animals are a remnant of the Ice Age and have lived isolated in this inland lake for 8,000 years. In Linnansaari and Kolovesi National Parks, you have a chance to see a seal with luck — especially in May/June when they sunbathe on rocks.

Fishing

The lakes are full of fish: pike, perch, zander, whitefish, and trout. Fishing license for simple fishing (with a hand line): free thanks to the right of public access. For spin fishing and fly fishing: fishing license from 7€/day online (eryvesi.fi). The best month is June (pike and perch spawn) and September (autumn fishing for whitefish).

Steamship Cruises

Historic steamships operate on Lake Saimaa, which were the most important means of transport in the region in the 19th century. The nostalgic trips (e.g., Savonlinna–Kuopio) last several hours and lead through an endless landscape of islands, canals, and forests. Price: From 25€ for a 2-hour trip.