Finland’s Lake Saimaa also has an under-the-radar food scene.
But one claim to its record-setting fame is the nation has the world’s longest lake coastline.
Tucked in southeasternFinlandis the country’s largest lake and the fourth-largest natural freshwater lake in Europe: Lake Saimaa.
Aerial view of Lake Saimaa archipelago in southeastern Finland.Credit:Courtesy of Visit Lake Saimaa
Every July, Finns retreat to their lakeshore cottages to spend time in nature.
(Mikkeli is a city in the Lake Saimaa region.)
Saimaa is the most prestigious cottage area in Finland."
The only existing population of the Saimaa ringed seal are found in Lake Saimaa, Finland.Courtesy of Visit Lake Saimaa
There’s also a 65-minute flight from Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Savonlinna Airport (SVL).
During the summer, Savonlinna is famous for hosting an opera festival at Olavinlinna, a 15th-century three-tower castle.
Kyyhkylan Kartano/Courtesy of Visit Lake Saimaa
While winter is less bustling, it’s still worth considering.
Sunset over a snow covered Lake Saimaa during the wintertime.Kyyhkylan Kartano/Courtesy of Visit Lake Saimaa
For spending the night, luxury stays includeSahanlahti Resortin Puumala,Kuru Resortin Rantasalmi, andPihlas Resortin Kaitainen.
And, of course, the area has plenty of cottages for rent and camping sites, too.
For fine dining,Restaurant Solitary, under the helm of chef Remi Tremouille, is a standout option.
A local dish ‘Muikku’ which is small white fish are caught from Lake Saimaa and the Lortsy pastry most commonly filled with meat or an apple filling.From left: Jonne Vaahtera/Courtesy of Visit Lake Saimaa; Courtesy of Visit Lake Saimaa
There’s alsolortsy, a half-moon-shaped pastry stuffed with meat or veggies.
Tremouille added thatmuikkukukko, a rye pastry with vendace and bacon inside, is a must-try.
“It’s really popular and delicious,” he said.
According to Dodd, what truly makes the culinary experience in Lake Saimaa special are the local culinary traditions.
For example, the Karelian pie brings women across all walks of life to cook together."
