Southern Savonia

South Savonia’s lively city of Mikkeli offers a chance to see magnificent rock paintings, and discover the secrets of the saloon car belonging to the Finnish military hero Mannerheim.

This city on the shore of Lake Saimaa is known for Olavinlinna Castle, tasty herrings and lörtsy pastries, as well as the cultural summer peak event, the Savonlinna Opera Festival.

The magnificent esker known as Punkaharju – part of the Salpausselkä ridge system – is one of Finland’s most outstanding areas of natural beauty. The area attracted travellers as far back as the year 200, and the landscape continues to enthral visitors even today.