14 July – Day Cruise from Mikkeli to Puumala
Join us for an unforgettable summer day cruise from Mikkeli to Puumala and experience the most stunning scenery of Lake Saimaa, the famous prehistoric rock paintings of Astuvansalmi, and the vast open waters of Yövesi and Greater Saimaa.
The excursion begins with a bus transfer from Mikkeli to Ristiina and continues along the Green Gold Cultural Route to Varkaantaipale. At the pier of the summer restaurant (Suurlahdentie 1651, Someenjärvi), passengers board M/S Aino and set course for the unique landscapes of Lake Saimaa.
The cruise begins by passing the lakeside villas of Someenjärvi and continues through the Kirkkotaipale open canal to Yövesi. The first highlight is the prehistoric rock painting site of Astuvansalmi, the largest collection of rock paintings in the Nordic countries. The vessel pauses in front of the paintings for approximately ten minutes, allowing passengers to admire them from the water.
From Astuvansalmi, the journey continues towards Käenniemenselkä, home to some of the deepest waters of Lake Saimaa. The route then proceeds to Liittokivenselkä on the edge of Greater Saimaa, where impressive lake vistas and island landscapes unfold.
A soup lunch is available on board between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Meals are prepared according to advance reservations, so pre-booking is highly recommended.
From Liittokivenselkä, the cruise continues north through Vetojako to Nestorinranta on Lintusalo Island. Cyclists can connect here to other routes: M/S Norppa II provides access to the Puumala Archipelago Route, while M/S Rasti connects to the Saimaa Cycling Route via Sarviniemi.
From Lintusalo, the cruise continues to the harbour of Puumala, where the cruise ends. In Puumala, you can enjoy the atmosphere of this charming summer village, visit local restaurants, shop, or simply relax by the harbour.
A return bus transfer to Mikkeli is available. Stops can be arranged, if necessary, at Sahanlahti Resort, Pistohiekka Resort, Koskenselkä Camping and PistoCamp.
Schedule
Bus Transfer from Mikkeli to Varkaantaipale
9:00 am Departure from the charter bus stop at Mikkeli Market Square (behind the Marshal Mannerheim statue)
9:05 am Departure from Mikkeli Travel Centre
9:10 am Departure from Mikkeli Harbour bus stop
(Free parking is available at the harbour for cars and motorhomes.)9:30 am Departure from the Ristiina Market Square bus stop
Cruise
10:00 am Cruise departs from Varkaantaipale Canal
10:45 am Arrival at the Astuvansalmi rock paintings; the vessel remains there for approximately 10 minutes (no landing)
11:00 am–1:00 pm Soup lunch available on board (advance reservation recommended)
Approximately 1:00 pm Arrival at Nestorinranta, Lintusalo (connections to the Norppa II and Rasti bicycle ferries)
Approximately 3:00 pm Arrival at Puumala Harbour
Return Transfer
5:00 pm Departure by charter bus from Puumala
Approximately 6:00 pm Arrival in Mikkeli
Approximately 6:30 pm Arrival in Ristiina
Tickets
€85 / Adult
€40 / Child (4–16 years)
Children aged 0–3 travel free of charge
Price Includes
Bus transfers according to the programme
Cruise on board M/S Aino from Varkaantaipale to Puumala
Optional Services
Soup Lunch on Board: €25 per person
Please note: The soup lunch must be booked in advance. Meals are prepared according to advance reservations.
Additional Information
Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to other cruises, except equivalent routes (Mikkeli–Puumala / Puumala–Mikkeli).
In the event of cancellation due to serious circumstances, such as illness, a 50% administration and processing fee will be deducted from the ticket price.
We reserve the right to make changes to schedules, prices and programme content.
We recommend travel insurance that includes cancellation coverage.
