Join us for a summer day cruise from Puumala to Savonlinna and experience the impressive scenery of the Saimaa Deep Waterway, lively vessel traffic, and the opportunity to spot the rare Saimaa ringed seal.
This cruise is also easily accessible from Mikkeli. The day begins with a bus transfer from Mikkeli to Puumala at 9:00 am, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the lively harbour atmosphere before boarding M/S Aino for the cruise to Savonlinna. Alternatively, you may join the cruise directly at Puumala Harbour.
M/S Aino departs from Puumala Harbour at 12:00 pm. The route follows the Saimaa Deep Waterway, partly along the same route used by the famous Sulkava Rowing Race. Instead of rowers, you may encounter kilometre-long log rafts being towed by tugboats towards the forest industry mills of southern Saimaa. Cargo vessels also travel along this route between northern and southern Finland.
In July, Saimaa is particularly lively as the Wanhojen Laiwojen Regatta, held in Kuopio on 17–19 July 2026, brings together dozens of historic steamships and former working vessels. As a result, there is often plenty of fascinating maritime traffic to observe during the cruise.
After passing through Vekaransalmi, the cruise enters the southern waters of Savonlinna and Lake Pihlajavesi. With a bit of luck, passengers may spot the rare Saimaa ringed seal in its natural habitat. Near Lamposaari, the ship turns northward, and soon the charming passenger harbour of Savonlinna comes into view.
A delicious soup lunch is available on board between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Meals are prepared according to advance reservations, so we recommend booking your lunch in advance.
Schedule
Bus Transfer from Mikkeli to Puumala
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 Optional stop at Saimaanranta Resort, Anttola
Optional stops at Pistohiekka and Sahanlahti along the route
Approximately 10:20 am Arrival at Puumala Harbour
There is free time in Puumala to enjoy lunch, explore the harbour area, or experience the vibrant summer market atmosphere before departure.
Cruise
12:00 pm Departure from Puumala Harbour aboard M/S Aino
12:00 pm–3:00 pm Soup lunch available on board (advance booking recommended)
Approximately 6:00 pm Arrival at Savonlinna Passenger Harbour
Return Bus Transfer
6:30 pm Departure from Savonlinna by Aino bus
Approximately 7:45 pm Arrival in Puumala
Approximately 9:00 pm Arrival in Mikkeli
Tickets
€85 / Adult
€40 / Child (4–16 years)
Children aged 0–3 travel free of charge
Price Includes
Cruise aboard M/S Aino from Puumala to Savonlinna
Bus transfers according to the programme
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.
This excursion offers a unique opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the Saimaa Deep Waterway, beautiful archipelago scenery, historic vessel traffic and the charming summer harbour of Savonlinna all in a single day.
