South Savonia Travel Guide

Discover the cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety, and logistics for South Savonia, Finland.


Introduction to South Savonia

South Savonia, located in the Finnish Lakeland, is an alluring region famous for its vast landscapes, stunning natural scenery, and enchanting cultural heritage. The region comprises of cities, towns, and villages that offer visitors an array of activities, attractions, and adventures to suit their tastes.

South Savonia has many lakes, making it the perfect destination for water enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts. The region’s culture, including museums and historical sites, is equally fascinating. The friendly people, rich culture, and serene nature make South Savonia stand out as a destination of choice for many.

List of Places to Visit in South Savonia

Here is a list of the top places to visit in South Savonia:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Kerimäki Church, one of the largest wooden churches globally, constructed in the 1840s by huge tree logs.
  2. Olavinlinna Castle, constructed in the fifteenth century, is a massive castle that occupies the island of Olofsborg.
  3. Lusto Forest Museum, a large wooden building with fascinating exhibitions and activities on forest history and Finnish forest culture
  4. Savonlinna Provincial Museum, a museum that gives visitors a glimpse of the local history and philosophy.

Natural Attractions of South Savonia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Linnansaari National Park, home to a unique seal species in Finland - the Saimaa ringed Seal.
  2. Kolovesi National Park, known for its breathtaking natural features that include clean and deep waters, steep cliffs, and amazing scenery.
  3. The Puumala archipelago, which comprises over 2000 islands and contains natural beauty beyond belief.
  4. Siikalahti bird wetlands, a perfect destination for birdwatchers because of its numerous species.

Hiking/Biking Routes of South Savonia

South Savonia has breathtaking hiking and biking routes that offer an opportunity to experience the region’s natural beauty at a personal level. The following are some of the most popular routes:

  1. Linnansaari National Park -The 7 km Linnansaari Trail allows you to see beautiful nature with lovely views of old forests, open water areas, bays and rocky outcrops.
  2. Käkisalmi-Punkaharju - A 50 km long route that passes through Punkaharju Ridge, Finnish forests, and other distinct historical sites.
  3. Pirunkirkko trail: The 11 km long trail consists of an ancient rock formation and offers an excellent view of the lake district.
  4. Lekotinmäki nature trail: The 3 km long trailleads to the top of Lekotinmäki hill and offers visitors beautiful views ta Morivaara and Kinnunenmäki.

Best Things to Do in South Savonia: Activities and Tours

The beauty of South Savonia lies in the range of activities visitors can enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do:

  1. Boat cruises: Discover the region’s beauty from the decks of a boat while comfortably seating and gazing at unbeatable landscapes.
  2. Fishing: Experience fishing in the Saimaa ringed seals territory.
  3. Swimming: The region’s clean water provides an ideal environment for swimming.
  4. Skiing: Enjoy skiing in winter and mountain climbing in the summer
  5. Accommodation: There are multiple accommodation sites ranging from B&B, hostels and hotels of varying degrees.
  6. Car and bike rentals: There are car and motorbike rental shops available for tourists to use to travel safely around the region.

Week-Long Itinerary for South Savonia

Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to South Savonia:

Day 1: Arrival day. Day 2: Visit the Kerimaki Church and then take a boat cruise around the Linnansaari National Park. Day 3: Hike the Pirunkirkko trail and take in the stunning views of the South Savonia Lake District. Day 4: Enjoy a guided tour of the Olavinlinna Castle or spend some relaxing time on a beautiful beach. Day 5: Visit the Lusto Forest Museum and experience the fascinating history of Finland’s forests and cultural heritage. Day 6: Visit the Kolovesi National Park, hike to top of the viewpoint hill Polvinvuori for a panoramic view of the Suvasvesi Lake and the nearby Sarkanen Nature Reserve. Day 7: Depart South Savonia for your next destination.

Food and Drink Scene of South Savonia

South Savonia has an exciting and interesting food and drink scene. From savory traditional dishes to modern meals prepared by world-class chefs, the region never disappoints. Here are some of the dishes and beverages to try when you visit South Savonia:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Karelian pies: Pies with rice porridge, egg butter, and rye pastry.
  • Kalakukko: A type of rye bread filled with fish and pork.
  • Lihapiirakka: A meat pastry with minced meat inside.
  • Karjalanpaisti: Lamb or beef stew with root vegetables and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Salmiakki soft drinks, a Finnish favorite.
  • The Saimaa beer, unique to South Savonia
  • Lakeland-flavored vodka: A strong drink with various original flavors all native to South Savonia.

Where to Stay in South Savonia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

South Savonia has plenty of accommodation options to choose from, to suit any budget and preference. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Casino Hotel: A luxurious hotel with comfortable and spacious rooms and a magnificent lake view.
  • Punkaharju Resort: A beautiful resort located in central Punkaharju, with various rooms, suites, villas, and apartments.
  • Hostel Linnasmaki: A backpacker-friendly hostel that offers a stunning lake view and excellent outdoor activities.

What to Buy in South Savonia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the things you can buy in South Savonia to bring home as souvenirs:

  • Salmiakki candies: The sweet and salty Finnish candy, perfect for your sweet tooth.
  • Handicrafts: Handmade embroidery, pottery, and other crafted products showcasing the region’s cultural heritage.
  • Lakeland-flavored schnapps and other alcoholic beverages.

Local Culture and Customs of South Savonia

South Savonia locals have an attractive culture that visitors can learn and appreciate. To get the most out of your trip to South Savonia, here are some tips to follow and things to note about cultural customs.

  • Be welcoming and greet the locals by saying “Päivää”( “Good day”).
  • Importantly, do not be late in meetings but instead be at any given site on time.
  • Remove shoes before entering homes.

Best Time to Visit South Savonia

The best time to visit South Savonia is from May to September, when the weather is mild, and the lake waters are still warm. The beautiful fall colors and snow-covered landscapes make it perfect for winter activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of South Savonia

Do:

  • Respect the locals’ culture and religion
  • Be friendly and warm when interacting with locals.
  • Follow safety and health guidelines when participating in outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Do not drink and drive or walk around while drunk.
  • Do not litter in public environments.
  • Do not disturb other tourists for any reasons.

Safety and Health

Safety in South Savonia

South Savonia is generally a safe region to visit. However, it is always wise to take precautions such as:

  • Avoid areas frequented by loud people.
  • Keep all valuable items away from public view or secure them in your accommodation.
  • Be aware of weather conditions when participating in outdoor adventure activities.

Health in South Savonia

South Savonia does not have any significant health risks but always follow basic health guidelines:

  • Be vaccinated when necessary.
  • Be prepared for minor health issues like headaches, allergies, and reactions to insect bites.
  • Always take insurance, covering travel-related medical emergencies.

Getting to South Savonia: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are various modes of getting to South Savonia and moving around the region. Here are some options:

Airports Near South Savonia

The most convenient airport to South Savonia is Helsinki airport, with a direct flight from most international destinations. From Helsinki, take a domestic flight to Savonlinna Airport.

Bus Stations Near South Savonia

Bus stations may vary by city but are easily accessible across the South Savonia region.

Other Options

Alternatively, you can also rent a car, take a train, or hire a private driver to explore the region. It is easy to move around the cities and connects the countryside through public transport.

How to Get Around in South Savonia

The easiest way to travel around South Savonia is by renting a car or bicycle. Public transport is also available but is limited to specific regions.

Where to Go Next from South Savonia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the nearby destinations and excursions from South Savonia are:

  • Helsinki, the capital of Finland, known for its fantastic architecture and world-class dining
  • Imatra, known for its picturesque views, including the famous Imatrankoski Rapids.
  • Tampere, popularly known as the “Manchester of Finland,” with beautiful architecturally designed sites that include Tampere Cathedral and Pyynikki Observation Tower.

Conclusion

South Savonia is a region that has something to offer everyone, from wildlife enthusiasts to foodies. The region boasts of magnificent natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and is home to an array of outdoor activities. With beautiful scenery, delicious cuisine, friendly people, and serene nature, South Savonia is the perfect destination for a relaxing and fulfilling Finnish vacation.

Punkaharju esker between lakes of Hynninlahti and Valkialampi Punkaharju esker between lakes of Hynninlahti and Valkialampi Astunansalmi rock paintings Astunansalmi rock paintings


    Kerimäki
    Mikkeli
    Pertunmaa
    Pieksämäki
    Punkaharju
    Sulkava