Holiday in Saimaa – A Classic Finnish Summer Destination That Continues to Captivate

In the heart of South Karelia, nestled between shimmering lakes and endless forests, lies a region that has shaped the very soul of Finnish tourism. Lake Saimaa is more than just a scenic landscape – it’s where it all began.
Imatrankoski, Finland’s first-ever travel attraction, has drawn visitors since the 1700s. Its roaring rapids, set dramatically in the middle of the city, remain a spectacle of natural power and timeless charm.
But Saimaa’s appeal reaches far beyond the water. In Lappeenranta, history and modern culture meet within the stone walls of a 17th-century fortress once vital to the tar trade. Today, the area is alive with museums, artisan boutiques, cozy cafés, and open-air summer theater – the living heart of contemporary Karelian spirit.

A Summer to Remember
When summer arrives, Lappeenranta’s harbor becomes the vibrant soul of the city. From the leafy promenade of Rantapuisto to the sandy shores of Myllysaari, the lakeside buzzes with concerts, market stalls, and family-friendly activities. At the harbor’s edge stands Finland’s largest sandcastle – a yearly artistic marvel and a favorite among children and the young at heart.

Further north in Imatra, nature takes center stage. The famous Imatrankoski Rapids draw crowds with dramatic water shows all summer long. Towering beside them is the majestic Imatran Valtionhotelli, a 120-year-old Art Nouveau castle. The surrounding Kruununpuisto Park – Finland’s first official nature reserve – invites visitors into ancient woodlands filled with whispering pines, glacial potholes, and centuries of stories.

A Taste of Saimaa
Food in South Karelia is more than sustenance – it’s culture served on a plate. From traditional countryside taverns to modern lakeside restaurants, Saimaa’s flavors reflect its heritage. One must-try dish is Lemin särä, a thousand-year-old local specialty slow-cooked in a wooden trough and served with warm hospitality at the famous Säräpirtti Kippurasarvi.

Lappeenranta is also home to some of Finland’s finest cafés. Satamatie 6, crowned Finland’s Best Café in 2018 and 2020, offers locally roasted coffee and panoramic views of the lake. As the sun sets, the harbor’s boat restaurants and rooftop terraces become perfect spots to enjoy great food, live music, and long summer evenings.
And don’t miss the local street food heroes: vety and atomi, delicious meat-filled pastries loved by locals and perfect for a cycling break along the waterfront trail.
Vety and Atomi – Local Delicacies from Lappeenranta
Vety and Atomi are meat pies considered local specialties in Lappeenranta. Traditionally enjoyed at the market square or the harbor, these savory pastries are a beloved part of the city’s street food culture.
The Vety meat pie is filled with ham (boiled or smoked) and egg, while the Atomi includes either one of the two. Though originally from Lappeenranta, these treats have also been sold under the same names in other parts of Finland.

Discover South Karelia
Saimaa is not just a destination – it’s an experience that speaks to every kind of traveler. Whether you're drawn by nature, culture, family adventures, or culinary delights, South Karelia invites you to set your own pace and enjoy a summer you’ll never forget.