Located in the heart of Finland’s lake district, the Saimaa region is shaped by water, forest, and silence. Here lies Lake Saimaa – the fourth-largest natural freshwater lake in Europe – a vast expanse that offers some of the most beautiful and unspoilt nature.

“There are around 15,000 islands and nearly 15,000 kilometres of shoreline here,” says Sari Ahokainen, marketing co-ordinator for the Lake Saimaa 2.0 project. “This is a place to slow down. Whether paddling across calm waters, cycling down countryside roads, or sipping coffee by a lakeside sauna, Saimaa tempts people to reconnect with what’s important; space, stillness, and the beauty of the outdoors.”

Saimaa is home to rare species like the Saimaa ringed seal, found nowhere else in the world. The surrounding forests offer an abundance of mushrooms, berries, and the scent of pine. And come autumn, the whole region glows in shades of gold and crimson – a Finnish phenomenon known as ruska.

The towns and villages around the lake – such as Savonlinna, Mikkeli, Varkaus, Imatra and  Lappeenranta – offer heritage sites, local markets, and a deep-rooted sauna culture. The sauna tradition is believed to be over 10,000 years old, and Finland has more saunas per capita than any other country, around three million in total.

Savonlinna Sauna Festival: Experience the Finnish sauna culture in Lake Saimaa

Unmissable sauna festivals

Savonlinna Sauna Festival in Savonlinna, which takes place on 16 August, is a celebration of the sauna culture. Organised by a small, local sauna society, the event is growing in popularity. Run in collaboration with the city of Savonlinna, and supported by Riihisaari – Savonlinna Museum, the festival programme includes activities related to sauna and sauna bathing.

“What’s special about this year’s festival is that for the first time, we will have the Riihisaari Sauna Society’s own sauna, built at the EASA Architecture Festival, to use for sauna bathing,” says Ahokainen. “Come to the festival and experience how the sauna, built by architecture students on the Riihisaari island next to Olavinlinna Castle, warms and relaxes!” After the event, the public sauna will be available to use by locals and visitors.

Another sauna festival takes place 27 September in Punkaharju. Here, visitors can check out different types of saunas, for the garden or the boat perhaps, as well as hot tubs. The floating sauna Aava Floating Villa will also be on display, a great accommodation option. On the same day, why not join the “Running through Punkaharju” running race? You can opt for half a marathon, 10km, 5km or 2km.

Savonlinna Sauna Festival: Experience the Finnish sauna culture in Lake Saimaa

Lakeside sauna experiences

Lake Saimaa and the sauna are intrinsically linked. At the beautiful resort Kruunupuisto, you can relax in an authentic Inkeritalo sauna, or combine a morning sauna with a lovely breakfast. Kruunupuisto is located in the Punkaharju Nature Reserve, the perfect spot for everyone longing for a connection with nature.

Another fantastic retreat is Kuru Resort, for adults only. With its three-night sauna experience, you can enjoy up to nine different saunas, indulge in Remi Trémouille’s signature breakfast, dip into natural waters, spend time outdoors, and relax with a guided yoga or relaxation.

For nature lovers and wilderness enthusiasts, a truly Finnish sauna experience awaits in Linnansaari National Park, where you can also spend the night. Or alternatively, enjoy a luxury cottage stay at Kanava Resort.

A cruise on Lake Saimaa on a nostalgic steamship or a handy motorboat is a peaceful way to spend a late summer’s day while enjoying the scenery around Savonlinna. Open Shores Saimaa offers Lake Saimaa cruises for small groups, and day cruises are available as well in summer. On a sustainable cruiser, you can enjoy lake activities and, of course, the sauna.

Savonlinna Sauna Festival: Experience the Finnish sauna culture in Lake Saimaa

Famous castle and opera in Savonlinna

But there is much more to do in the area, apart from sauna experiences. In April, Finland designated Savonlinna as its 11th National Urban Park, centred on the iconic Olavinlinna Castle. Spanning approximately 7,700 hectares, this park blends Savonlinna’s historic town centre, lush green spaces, and Saimaa’s island-rich waters into a single, protected urban landscape.

This year, Olavinlinna Castle celebrates its 550-year anniversary, with a range of events. And Savonlinna Opera Festival is a not-to-be-missed world-class event. The operas for next year have already been announced. The month-long festival is held in the stunning Olavinlinna – creating a dramatic backdrop for the 70,000 visitors.

Savonlinna Sauna Festival: Experience the Finnish sauna culture in Lake Saimaa

Photo: PIIRTO photography

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This article was produced as part of the Lake Saimaa 2.0 project, which is co-funded by the EU with funding granted by the Regional Council of South Savo. The main goal of the Lake Saimaa 2.0 project is to develop the Saimaa region into a significant international destination that serves travellers year-round.

Read the feature on issuu