Ukonrauha, situated on the shores of Lake Saimaa in the Finnish Lakeland, forms a lakeside hub full of activities and natural calm. Lined by forests and the shores of the largest lake in Finland, it is one of the country’s most striking travel regions, represented by the cities of Imatra, Lappeenranta, Mikkeli, Savonlinna and Varkaus.

Ukonrauha is located between Lappeenranta and Imatra in eastern Finland, and offers visitors a blend of culture, nature and leisure. Once considered primarily a summer destination, the area now embraces a distinctly year-round identity.

One of the first things visitors notice in the Saimaa region is how effortlessly nature becomes part of the experience. Stepping outside a lakeside cottage, a spa resort or a hotel places guests directly in the middle of forest and lakeside scenery, with no need for additional travel into the wilderness. Yet, despite this sense of deep immersion, Ukonrauha is only a few hours from Helsinki by train, bus or car, making it an easy destination even for a short stay.

Ukonrauha: A place shaped by the seasons, with holidays tailored to every taste

A range of activities, year-round

No two trips are the same, and experiences shift dramatically with the seasons. In the height of summer, visitors swim and enjoy saunas by Lake Saimaa, head out in canoes and cycle the archipelago route. Activities feel almost endless, whether in the form of golfing, padel, frisbee golf, hiking paths, lake swimming, paddleboarding or long-distance cycling.

Come winter, the same lake transforms completely. Ski tracks are laid out across its frozen surface, and the bravest can take an ice-hole dip after a hot sauna. What served as a kayaking route in the summer becomes an ideal setting for ice fishing, cross-country skiing and e-fatbiking along snowy trails. Husky rides through the snowy scenes are another firm winter favourite, alongside snowshoeing and dry suit floating.

Ukonrauha: A place shaped by the seasons, with holidays tailored to every taste

Autumn too brings its own appeal, as forests shift into deep shades of red, gold and amber. It is a prime season for hiking, foraging and guided adventures across the region. “Ukonrauha offers a broad spectrum of possibilities for all kinds of holidays, with the added advantage that many activities sit close together, making them simple and convenient to reach,” says Katri Hiltunen, project manager at goSaimaa.

Ukonrauha: A place shaped by the seasons, with holidays tailored to every taste

Energetic adventures and laid-back leisure

For visitors seeking an active holiday, Ukonrauha’s terrain offers plenty to challenge even endurance-focused visitors. A highlight for the season is the First Snow Ski Track in Imatra. The up to four-kilometre-long track, created from snow produced and stored from the previous winter, provides both gentler stretches and more demanding sections for seasoned skiers, with a commitment to maintaining excellent conditions regardless of weather. The result is an early start to the ski season and reliable snow underfoot – or, more importantly, under ski.

Ukonrauha: A place shaped by the seasons, with holidays tailored to every taste

Wellness travellers and golfers are also in for a treat, with two spas and, in the summer, three golf courses within a thirty-kilometre radius. Saunas remain popular throughout the year, and the Holiday Club Saimaan Rauha spa hotel alone features seven different varieties. Imatra Spa Resort, considered one of Finland’s leading spa destinations, offers both serene spa breaks for individuals and couples, and activity-filled and family-friendly stays for those travelling with children.

Ukonrauha: A place shaped by the seasons, with holidays tailored to every taste

In addition, the Lake Saimaa region has been awarded the European Region of Gastronomy title, recognising its distinctive blend of tradition and innovation, with a deep respect for pure, local ingredients. “Our food culture is closely tied to our landscape,” says Hiltunen.

Accommodation ranges from lakeside cottages to spa resorts and hotels, all positioned with nature close at hand. The surrounding Lake Saimaa landscape, combined with high-quality services, restaurants and a wide range of activities in Ukonrauha, ensures there is something for every age group.

Ukonrauha offers around a hundred activities throughout the year. The range is extensive, and the possibilities are almost limitless. “Whether you’re looking for an activity-filled holiday, or to simply unwind in a hot tub, each guest can tailor their stay as they wish and move at a pace that suits them,” the project manager concludes.

GoSaimaa

The Rauha-Ukonniemi development project has received funding from the Regional Council of South Karelia through the Sustainable Growth and Vitality of Regions (AKKE) programme.

Web: www.gosaimaa.com/ukonrauha
Facebook: goSaimaa
Instagram: @gosaimaa

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