Day 1 – Tuesday, 14 July 2026 / Mikkeli – Astuvansalmi – Puumala
The excursion begins with a coach transfer from Mikkeli to Ristiina and onwards along the Green Gold Culture Road to Varkaantaipale. From the pier of the Varkaantaipale Summer Restaurant (Suurlahdentie 1651, Someenjärvi), passengers board M/S Aino and set off towards some of the most spectacular scenery on Lake Saimaa.
The first part of the cruise passes the lakeside villas of Someenjärvi and continues through the open Kirkkotaipale Canal to Yövesi. The first highlight is the prehistoric Astuvansalmi Rock Paintings, viewed directly from the water. Astuvansalmi is the largest collection of prehistoric rock paintings in the Nordic countries.
The cruise then continues across the deepest waters of Lake Saimaa, through Käenniemenselkä and onward to Liittokivenselkä on the edge of Greater Saimaa. During the cruise, passengers may enjoy a traditional salmon soup lunch (optional extra). Overnight accommodation in Puumala is at your own expense. We recommend booking accommodation in advance, for example at Sahanlahti Resort or Pistohiekka Resort.
Day Schedule
09:00 Departure from the charter coach stop at Mikkeli Market Square (behind the 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 both cars and motorhomes.
09:30 Departure from the bus stop at Ristiina Market Square
10:00 Cruise departs from Varkaantaipale Canal
10:45 Arrival at the Astuvansalmi Rock Paintings. The vessel will remain in front of the site for approximately 10 minutes. No landing ashore.
13:00 Short stop at Nestorinranta
15:00 Arrival at Puumala Harbour
17:00 Coach transfer to accommodation facilities in Puumala (Sahanlahti Resort and Pistohiekka Resort)
Please note: If you do not wish to stay overnight in Puumala, the coach will continue from Puumala Harbour to Mikkeli and return to Puumala the following morning (departure from Mikkeli at 09:00).
Day 2 – Wednesday, 15 July 2026 / Puumala – Savonlinna
The second day of the cruise begins at Puumala Harbour, where M/S Aino sets course for Savonlinna. The route follows Lake Saimaa’s deep-water shipping channel, partly along the famous Sulkava Rowing Race route.
During the journey, passengers may see log rafts with their tugboats, cargo vessels travelling between southern and northern Finland, and historic ships heading to the Wanhojen Laiwojen Regatta (Traditional Wooden Ships Regatta).
After passing Vekaransalmi, the cruise enters the southern waters of Savonlinna and Lake Pihlajavesi, where observant travellers may even spot the rare Saimaa ringed seal. Near Lamposaari, the vessel turns north once more before arriving at Savonlinna’s charming Passenger Harbour. From there, the return journey to Mikkeli continues by Aino Bus.
Day Schedule
12:00 Departure by ship from Puumala Harbour to Savonlinna
18:00 Arrival at Savonlinna Harbour
18:30 Departure by coach to Mikkeli
19:45 Arrival in Puumala
21:00 Arrival in Mikkeli
Tickets
€159 / Adults
€70 / Children (4–16 years)
Children aged 0–3 travel free of charge
Price includes: Cruises and Bus transfers according to the programme.
Soup Lunch: €25 per person per day Please note: must be booked in advance.
Highlights of the Excursion
Astuvansalmi Rock Paintings
The Scenic Waters of Yövesi and Greater Saimaa
The Archipelago Landscapes of Lintusalo
The Summer Village of Puumala
Lake Saimaa’s Deep-Water Shipping Channel and Historic Vessel Traffic
Opportunity to Spot a Saimaa Ringed Seal
The Harbour Atmosphere of Savonlinna
This excursion offers a unique opportunity to experience the nature, cultural heritage, and archipelago landscapes of Lake Saimaa from the water over the course of two unforgettable days.
