South Karelia: Saimaa Landscapes, Culture and Regional Discoveries

South Karelia brings together the Saimaa landscape, geological discoveries, regional history and its own culinary traditions. Explore Geopark sites on foot, by bicycle or by boat; lakeside trails, museums and excursions also invite you to shape your stay around your own interests. When choosing a place to stay, it is therefore worth first considering whether you want to focus on nature and water, culture, or a mix of both.

South Karelia at a glance

• The Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark extends across the provinces of South Karelia and South Savo.
• Its 65 geosites include places where geology and cultural heritage come together; explore them on foot, by bicycle or by boat.
• The nature trail in the Lepänkanto area follows traces of the Ice Age and Stone Age along the clear waters of Lake Kuolimo.
• The Rantaraitti lakeside trail is 14.8 kilometres long; in some places it moves away from the shore.
• The permanent exhibition “The Story of South Karelia” at the South Karelia Museum was completed in 2025 and covers topics ranging from prehistory to the present day.
• At Säräpirtti Kippurasarvi, you can try Lemi särä, a regional speciality with a thousand-year tradition of preparation in South Karelia.

Saimaa Geopark and trails through the landscape

The Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark is a useful thread to follow on a trip where the landscape and cultural history both play a part. Its 65 geosites bring together geological features and cultural heritage. Geopark tours, workshops and events explore the region’s distinctive geological features and cultural heritage; individual programmes may vary.

The Lepänkanto area offers a tangible experience. The marked nature trail follows traces of the Ice Age and Stone Age life along the clear waters of Lake Kuolimo. The trail also leads to a recreation area and a long sandy beach. Here, geology, early settlement and the lakeshore come together in a landscape experience. If nature and Geopark themes are a priority when choosing where to stay, Lepänkanto is a named starting point for planning the rest of your trip.

The Rantaraitti also draws attention to Saimaa: the 14.8-kilometre lakeside trail follows the shore and is easy to reach from Lappeenranta city centre. In some places, however, it leaves the shoreline. This is a helpful distinction if the appeal of a walk for you lies particularly in following the water’s edge.

A very different nature experience awaits at the Hiitolanjoki River in Rautjärvi. The river is home to Finland’s last remaining population of native, entirely wild landlocked salmon. If you are interested in wildlife and river landscapes, this is a special way to connect with South Karelia’s nature, while Lepänkanto highlights traces of the Ice Age and Stone Age.

Museums, fortress and regional history

In the wider South Karelia area, Lappeenranta Fortress offers several ways to explore art and history: it is home to the Lappeenranta Art Museum, the South Karelia Museum and the Cavalry Museum. The South Karelia Museum stands at the northern tip of the fortress in a warehouse originally built as an artillery depot. Its permanent exhibition “The Story of South Karelia” was completed in 2025 and covers the region’s history from prehistory to the present day.

Visiting the South Karelia Museum can also be a way to choose a particular perspective on the region: rather than looking at individual historical periods in isolation, the permanent exhibition takes you from early times to the present day. The museum also offers guided tours and hosts events and workshops. Together with the Saimaa Geopark’s offerings, this gives you a choice between a museum visit and themed activities centred on geology and cultural heritage.

Other cultural attractions focus on different themes. The permanent exhibition at the Karelia Aviation Museum at Lappeenranta Airport includes Finnish Air Force fighter aircraft, a training aircraft, a helicopter and a glider, as well as engines and recovered wreckage. The Ylämaa Gem Museum was founded in 1982. These collections add aviation and gemstones to the regional history perspective—interests that can offer distinct points of focus when deciding which places matter most to your stay.

Excursions, waterways and seasonal experiences

If you are interested in a cycling tour, the Saimaa Archipelago Route is nearby. It starts in Lappeenranta and winds through the islands of Saimaa and ever-changing rural landscapes. Several Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark sites can be visited along the route. As ferry services may vary by season, the time of year is a practical consideration when planning this tour.

Sightseeing cruises through the archipelago and along the Saimaa Canal are also available from Lappeenranta Harbour. Here, the focus is not on travelling by bicycle, but on viewing the landscape and waterways from a boat. Timetables and operators may vary by season. When planning, it helps to treat these as seasonal excursion options rather than activities that run the same way all year round.

The Imatrankoski Rapids in the wider area are another attraction: they can be admired year-round, and Kruununpuisto Nature Park surrounds them. Public performances with musical accompaniment take place there in summer; the seasonal programme may change. The summer performance programme may change.

Regional cuisine and choosing the right base

Food is another reason to consider the season and regional traditions. In summer, Lappeenranta’s Harbour Square offers local specialities such as the meat pies vety and atomi; individual vendors may change. At Säräpirtti Kippurasarvi, by contrast, you can try Lemi särä, a regional speciality that has been made in South Karelia for a thousand years. The two examples offer different culinary experiences: a seasonal offering at the harbour and a deeply rooted regional tradition.

You can choose where to stay by sorting experiences according to your preferred focus. Lappeenranta is a point of reference for the fortress, museums, harbour cruises and the Rantaraitti, which is easy to reach from the city centre. Nature and Geopark themes lead to other named places, such as Lepänkanto and Rautjärvi; the Saimaa Archipelago Route, in turn, starts in Lappeenranta and passes through island and rural landscapes.

Discover more destinations: Säimen, Lappeenranta, Imatra, Luumäki, Joutseno, Rauha, Saimaanharju, Parikkala, Lemi, Taipalsaari, Tainionkoski, Syyspohja, Kannuskoski and Rautjärvi. Choose which destinations you would like to get to know better.

Frequently asked questions about South Karelia

How long is the Rantaraitti?

The lakeside trail is 14.8 kilometres long and follows the shores of Saimaa. In some places it moves away from the shore; it is easy to reach from Lappeenranta city centre.

What does the Saimaa Archipelago Route offer?

The cycling route starts in Lappeenranta and passes through the islands of Saimaa and ever-changing rural landscapes. Several Geopark sites lie along the route; ferry services may vary by season.

Can you see the Imatrankoski Rapids year-round?

Yes, the rapids can be admired year-round. Public performances with musical accompaniment take place in summer; the programme may change.

Which regional specialities can you try?

In summer, Lappeenranta’s Harbour Square offers, among other things, the meat pies vety and atomi. At Säräpirtti Kippurasarvi, you can try Lemi särä, a speciality with a thousand-year tradition of preparation in South Karelia.