The Most Beautiful Waterway of Lake Saimaa – Savonlinna, Puumala & Mikkeli 22–23 July 2026
Join us for a two-day Saimaa experience from Savonlinna to Mikkeli via Puumala. This cruise takes you across the open waters of Pihlajavesi, through the beautiful Puumala archipelago, along the scenic Lietvesi route and to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Luonteri. Along the way, you can admire Saimaa’s unique nature, watch local water traffic and, with a bit of luck, spot the rare Saimaa ringed seal. The tour combines a memorable cruise experience, charming lakeside villages and the most beautiful landscapes of southern Saimaa over two unforgettable days. The tour includes bus transfers and cruises, offering a wonderful opportunity to experience the nature and culture of Lake Saimaa from the water. Accommodation and meals are at your own expense. We recommend booking accommodation in advance, for example at Sahanlahti Resort or Pistohiekka Resort.
Day 1 – Wednesday 22 July 2026 Savonlinna – Puumala
This two-day summer cruise begins with a bus transfer from Mikkeli to Savonlinna, where passengers board M/S Aino. The cruise follows the Long Pihlajavesi waterway to Southern Pihlajavesi and continues through Vekaransalmi towards Puumala. Part of the route follows the famous Sulkava Rowing Race course and continues along Saimaa’s deep-water shipping channel. During the journey, you may spot a Saimaa ringed seal or even see tugboats towing kilometre-long log rafts. Vast open waters, beautiful archipelago scenery and lively water traffic provide plenty to see throughout the day. The day's cruise ends at Puumala Harbour, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of this charming summer village, its restaurants and harbour services before heading to your chosen accommodation. During the cruise, there is an opportunity to enjoy salmon soup (optional extra service).
Schedule
09:00 Departure from Mikkeli Market Square charter bus stop (behind the Marshal Mannerheim statue)
09:05 Departure from Mikkeli Travel Centre
09:10 Departure from Mikkeli Harbour bus stop
Please note: Free parking is available at the harbour for cars and motorhomes. If at least 10 passengers book the tour, transportation can also be arranged from Puumala.
10:40 Bus arrives in Savonlinna
12:00 Departure from Savonlinna on board M/S Aino towards Puumala
18:00 Arrival in Puumala
18:30 Bus transfer to accommodation (e.g. Sahanlahti Resort and Pistohiekka Resort)
Please note: If you do not wish to stay overnight in Puumala, the bus continues from Puumala Harbour to Mikkeli and returns to Puumala the following morning (departure from Mikkeli at 09:00).
Day 2 – Thursday 23 July 2026 Puumala – Anttola – Mikkeli
The second cruise day begins in Puumala and heads first to Nestorinranta in Lintusalo. The vessel then makes a short stop at the magnificent Pistohiekka sandy beach area on the northern shore of Lietvesi. The journey continues beneath the Lietvesi Scenic Route Bridge towards Hirvensalo and Kuparovirta. Passing through narrow straits and scenic archipelago waterways, the cruise reaches the crystal-clear waters of Lake Luonteri, considered one of the most beautiful lake areas in Saimaa. The final part of the cruise passes through the waters of Harvio and ends at Anttola Harbour. A bus transfer then takes passengers to the centre of Mikkeli.
Schedule
12:00 Departure from Puumala Harbour on board M/S Aino towards Anttola Harbour, Mikkeli
13:15 Short stop at Nestorinranta
14:30 Short stop at Pistohiekka
17:15 Cruise ends at Anttola Harbour, Mikkeli
17:45 Bus transfer to Mikkeli and, if required, to Puumala
Highlights of the Tour
Scenic views of Pihlajavesi and Saimaa’s deep-water shipping channel
Opportunity to spot the rare Saimaa ringed seal
The charming summer village and harbour atmosphere of Puumala
The magnificent sandy beaches of Pistohiekka
The Lietvesi Scenic Route and archipelago landscapes
The crystal-clear waters of Lake Luonteri
Anttola Harbour and the cultural landscapes of the Saimaa shoreline
This tour offers a memorable way to experience the diverse landscapes, archipelago scenery and waterways of southern Lake Saimaa over two unforgettable days.