Lake Saimaa is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places you can visit in Finland which is surrounded by endless forests and small islands, Lake Saimaa feels like nature’s calm heart as many travellers who explore the country often call Lake Saimaa the highlight of their trip because it offers everything Finland is known for pure water, quiet beauty and a deep connection with nature so whether you love boat rides, fishing, sauna evenings or simply watching sunsets on the shore, Lake Saimaa gives you a feeling of peace you won’t find anywhere else while visiting Lake Saimaa through Finland tour packages is the best way to see this magical side of Finland up close.

What and where is Lake Saimaa?

Lake Saimaa is the largest lake in Finland plus one of the biggest natural lakes in Europe.

• The main lake has an area of about 1,147 km² and the full lake system is about 4,377 km².
  
  
• It lies in southeastern Finland, northeast of the capital Helsinki and close to the Russian border.
  
  
• Lake Saimaa is part of the “Finnish lake district”  a vast area of water, islands, forests and quiet villages.
  
  

So when you hear “Lake Saimaa” imagine a huge blue-water maze of lakes and islands, forests and open sky.

Why visit Lake Saimaa?

Here are some of the top reasons:

• Nature like nowhere else: The lake is full of islands, quiet bays, archipelagos and forested shores as it’s perfect for relaxing, exploring and forgetting city noise.
  
  
• Wildlife: Lake Saimaa is home to the very rare Saimaa ringed seal as a seal species found only here with around 480 individuals.
  
  
• Cultural and food experiences: The region around Lake Saimaa has been awarded the title “European Region of Gastronomy 2024” as you’ll find fresh fish, wild berries, traditional dishes and modern twists.
  
  
• Year‐round experiences: Whether it’s summer kayaking, lakeside saunas or winter ice and snow Lake Saimaa works in all seasons.
  
  

If many guides mention the big draws as this content tries to fill in the gaps: how to get there what’s off the beaten path, what’s practical for families or slow travellers and why it’s more than just “go to the big lake”.

How to get to Lake Saimaa

Getting there is easier than it looks:

• Fly into Helsinki then drive or take train/bus to Lake Saimaa region as from Helsinki to Mikkeli is about 2.5 hours by car.
  
  
• You can also fly directly into smaller airports in the Lake Saimaa region (for example to Savonlinna).
  
  
• Once there renting a car or staying in a lakeside cottage with access to water routes helps you explore more freely.
  
  

So you don’t need to be an expert traveller you can plan a smooth trip.

Best time to visit Lake Saimaa

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Because Lake Saimaa is big picking a season that matches your style helps as if you love being on the water, summer works so if you prefer quiet nature and fewer tourists, autumn or winter are great.

Top things to do at Lake Saimaa

Here are things you might not always see in other guides but that make the lake special:

• Seal-watching: Join a guided tour to spot the Saimaa ringed seal as they’re shy but seeing one in Lake Saimaa feels memorable.
  
  
• Lakeside sauna + swim: Nothing beats feeling the warm sauna and then dipping into the clear waters of Lake Saimaa as pure Finnish.
  
  
• Food & local culture: Taste local fish like vendace from Lake Saimaa, pick wild berries and join a Karelian pasty workshop.
  
  
• Explore by water: Boat trips, kayaking, exploring islands Lake Saimaa’s archipelago is waiting.
  
  
• Slow village life: Stay in a cabin by the lake, wake up to trees, silence and water.
  
  
• Winter magic: If you go in winter you’ll find a whole new mood at Lake Saimaa: frozen surfaces, quiet forests and maybe even northern lights glimpses.
  
  

Where to stay & how to choose your base

Since Lake Saimaa covers a large area where you stay matters:

• Towns like Savonlinna, Mikkeli or Lappeenranta are comfortable bases with hotels, restaurants and access to Lake Saimaa.
  
  
• Or stay in a lakeside cottage for full immersion: private pier, sauna and forest all around as that gives you time to be, not just visit.
  
  
• Pick a place with good transport links if you don’t have a car or pick a remote cabin if you do and want quiet.
  
  

Tip: Book early for summer if you want popular places or pick autumn/spring for better deals.

Practical tips & things to know

• The language: Finnish is the main language but in tourist places around Lake Saimaa you’ll find English spoken.
  
  
• Mobility: If you want to explore islands or remote shores of Lake Saimaa a car plus boat or cottages with boat access help.
  
  
• Weather: Bring layers as even in summer it can be cool by the water.
  
  
• Respect nature: The region around Lake Saimaa encourages sustainable travel as the seal protected forests are for everyone under “Everyman’s Rights”.
  
  
• Local food: Try local fish, berries and pastries as the region around Lake Saimaa emphasises fresh local produce.
  
  
• Season match: If you want water-sports choose warm months; if you want snow or very quiet time pick winter.
  
  

Hidden gems and lesser-known facts

• The full lake system around Lake Saimaa is huge. The main lake is “just” part of it. That means if you wander a little, the crowds thin out.
  
  
• Some local villages around Lake Saimaa operate small guest-houses where you’ll meet locals, learn folk stories or join berry-picking.
  
  
• Archipelago: Lake Saimaa has a maze-like structure of water + islands + peninsulas. It’s not flat, open water everywhere; explore and you’ll feel “in nature”.
  
  
• Culture meets water: Towns by Lake Saimaa combine lakeside charm with history: castles, old manors, workshops.
  
  
• Harvest seasons: Autumn by Lake Saimaa is special for mushroom/berry picking, for quiet walks, for early night skies.
  
  
• Food label: The “D.O. Saimaa” label shows that some foods/ingredients are local to Lake Saimaa region and of high quality.
  
  

Summary – Why Lake Saimaa should be on your map

Lake Saimaa is more than just a lake; it’s the heart of Finland’s natural beauty and calm lifestyle so when you visit Lake Saimaa, you experience the real essence of Finnish nature clear waters, quiet forests and peaceful islands that feel almost untouched as many travellers add Lake Saimaa to their Finland trip because it offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation where from summer boat trips to winter’s frozen beauty every season at Lake Saimaa feels special so if you want to see the true Finland make sure Lake Saimaa is part of your journey so choosing Finland tour packages that include Lake Saimaa is the best way to explore its magic, culture and the warm Finnish hospitality that makes every visit unforgettable.