Kerimäki Travel Guide

Explore the beautiful city of Kerimäki in South Savonia, Finland with this comprehensive guide. Discover top attractions, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, and transportation options.


Introduction to Kerimäki

Kerimäki is a hidden gem in South Savonia, Finland, which is known for its beautiful lakes and natural landscapes. The city is located in the heart of Finnish Lakeland, surrounded by vast forests and dotted with crystal-clear lakes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. The city is also rich in history and culture, with several museums and historical places that showcase its cultural heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Kerimäki

Here are some of the top places to visit in Kerimäki:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kerimäki Church: The largest wooden church in the world, built in the 18th century and featuring impressive Baroque architecture.
  • Kerimäki Local History Museum: Located next to the church, this museum showcases the history and culture of the region.

Natural Attractions of Kerimäki: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Puijo Tower: A 75-meter high tower that offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding lakes and forests.
  • Kitee Zoo: A family-friendly attraction that features several animal species, including rare Nordic animals such as lynx and wolves.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kerimäki

Kerimäki offers several hiking and biking routes that allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the region. Some popular routes include:

  • Kerimäki - Punkaharju: An 18-kilometer route that takes visitors through forests, lakes, and hills.
  • Kerimäki - Savonlinna: A 33-kilometer route that follows the shoreline of Lake Saimaa and offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding landscapes.

Best Things to Do in Kerimäki: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Kerimäki:

  • Visit the Kerimäki Church and the Local History Museum
  • Explore the natural beauty of the region by hiking or biking
  • Take a boat tour of Lake Saimaa
  • Visit the Kitee Zoo
  • Enjoy winter sports such as skiing and ice fishing
  • Attend the Savonlinna Opera Festival, which takes place annually in July and August

Week-Long Itinerary for Kerimäki

Day 1: Visit the Kerimäki Church and the Local History Museum Day 2: Go on a hiking/biking tour of the Kerimäki - Punkaharju route Day 3: Take a boat tour of Lake Saimaa Day 4: Visit the Kitee Zoo Day 5: Explore the surrounding forests and lakes Day 6: Enjoy winter sports such as skiing and ice fishing Day 7: Attend the Savonlinna Opera Festival

Food and Drink Scene of Kerimäki

Kerimäki offers a variety of local dishes and beverages that visitors should try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sautéed reindeer: A traditional Finnish dish made with tender reindeer meat, served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce.
  • Karjalanpiirakka: Small pies made with rye flour and filled with rice porridge.

Local Beverages

  • Sima: A traditional Finnish drink made with honey, lemon, and yeast.
  • Lonkero: A popular Finnish alcoholic drink made with gin and grapefruit soda.

Where to Stay in Kerimäki: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kerimäki offers several accommodation options for visitors, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some popular options include:

  • Hotel Punkaharju: A luxurious hotel located in the nearby town of Punkaharju, offering stunning views of Lake Saimaa and the surrounding forests.
  • Kerimäki Hostel: A budget-friendly option located in the city center, offering clean and comfortable rooms.
  • Kerimäki Cottages: Rustic cottages located in the heart of the forest, offering a unique and peaceful experience.

What to Buy in Kerimäki: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can find several souvenirs and local products to bring home from Kerimäki, including:

  • Handmade wooden items: Kerimäki is known for its traditional wooden handicrafts, such as carved bowls, spoons, and candlesticks.
  • Local food products: Visitors can find locally produced honey, berries, and fish products.
  • Finnish design items: Kerimäki has several shops that offer a range of Finnish design products, such as Marimekko textiles and Iittala glassware.

Local Culture and Customs of Kerimäki

Like the rest of Finland, Kerimäki has a unique culture and customs that visitors should be aware of. Some of these include:

  • Sauna culture: Sauna is an important part of Finnish culture, and visitors are welcome to experience it in Kerimäki.
  • Respect for nature: Finns have a deep appreciation for nature and expect visitors to show the same respect.
  • Quietness: Finns are generally reserved and introverted, and visitors should respect their personal space and avoid making loud noises in public places.

Best Time to Visit Kerimäki

The best time to visit Kerimäki depends on visitors’ preferences. The summer months of June to August offer long days and warm temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and festivals such as the Savonlinna Opera Festival. Winter months of December to March offer beautiful snowy landscapes and winter sports such as skiing and ice fishing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kerimäki

Here are some do’s and don’ts for visitors to Kerimäki:

Do:

  • Respect the country’s culture and customs.
  • Show appreciation for nature by not littering and following the rules of the forest.
  • Try local food and drinks.
  • Visit the Kerimäki Church and the Local History Museum.

Don’t:

  • Be loud in public places.
  • Make assumptions about Finnish culture and customs.
  • Ignore the safety rules.

Safety and Health

Visitors to Kerimäki should be aware of the following safety and health considerations:

Safety in Kerimäki

  • Always follow the safety rules when hiking or biking in the forests.
  • Be aware of ticks during the summer months.
  • Respect the rules of the local wildlife, such as not approaching bears or wolves.

Health in Kerimäki

  • Drink tap water as it is safe to drink.
  • Wear sunscreen during the summer months as the sun can be strong.
  • Ticks are common in the forests, so visitors should check for ticks after spending time outdoors.

Getting to Kerimäki: Transportation Options and Logistics

Kerimäki can be reached by several transportation options.

Airports Near Kerimäki

  • Savonlinna Airport: Located 25 kilometers from Kerimäki, offering domestic flights to Helsinki.

Bus Stations Near Kerimäki

  • Savonlinna bus station: Located 16 kilometers from Kerimäki, offering regional and national connections.

Other Options

  • Rental car: Visitors can rent a car from the airport or major cities and drive to Kerimäki.
  • Taxi: Taxis are available in Savonlinna and can take visitors to Kerimäki.

How to Get Around in Kerimäki

Visitors can get around Kerimäki on foot, by bike or by car. There are also public buses that connect Kerimäki with nearby towns and cities.

Where to Go Next from Kerimäki: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Kerimäki is located in a prime location for exploring the nearby towns and cities, such as:

  • Savonlinna: A charming town located on the shores of Lake Saimaa, known for its medieval Olavinlinna Castle and the Savonlinna Opera Festival.
  • Joensuu: A vibrant city located on the banks of River Pielisjoki, known for its lively music scene and cultural events.
  • Lappeenranta: A historic city located on the shores of Lake Saimaa, known for its beautiful harbor and fortress.

Conclusion

Kerimäki is a beautiful city located in South Savonia, Finland, that offers visitors a unique and authentic Finnish experience. From its natural beauty and outdoor adventures to its rich culture and history, Kerimäki has something to offer everyone. With this comprehensive guide, visitors can plan their trip and make the most of their visit to Kerimäki.

World's largest wooden church World's largest wooden church