Where the Forest Meets the Water: A journey through Lake Saimaa
By Hanna Karkea
There are places in the world that refine our understanding of luxury. They do not rely on gold leaf or flamboyant grandeur, but on something infinitely rarer: uninterrupted silence, crisp air that cleanses the lungs, deep-rooted heritage, and nature in its most pristine, untamed state.
This autumn, on an exclusive journey brought to life alongside wonderful local hosts and regional partners across the Saimaa lake area, I set out to discover the heart of Finnish Lakeland during its most generous moment, the harvest season.
Verla & The Gateways to the Forest
Our expedition began heading east from Helsinki toward Kouvola, trading urban geometry for endless tapestries of emerald pine and silver birch. Our first immersion into Finnish culture brought us to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Verla.
Verla offers a rare glimpse into Finland’s early industrial soul. Standing beside the rustic brick groundwood and board mills, framed by serene waters, well maintained gardens and pristine forest, you feel an immediate connection to the historic craft that built this nation. The surrounding woods, quiet, aromatic, and rich with the dampness of early autumn, set a peaceful tone for everything to follow. The beautifully renovated on-site restaurant is the cherry on top, where you can almost envision historical figures wandering through its charming rooms.
By late afternoon, we reached Lappeenranta, where the ancient cobblestones of the Lappeenranta Fortress overlook the expanse of Lake Saimaa. Dinner was served aboard the historic tar ship Prinsessa Armaada, where locally harvested fish and seasonal produce took centre stage, a prelude to the culinary artistry of Saimaa’s harvest.
Ice Age Legacies, Ancient Ridges, and Medieval Castles
Lake Saimaa is not merely a lake; it is a 15,000-island labyrinth carved by receding glaciers over 10,000 years ago. Passing through the Imatrankoski Rapids, a site that captivated European royalty centuries ago, we journeyed toward the breathtaking Punkaharju Ridge.
Driving along Punkaharju’s narrow ridge, flanked on both sides by mirror-like lakes and towering ancient pines, is a quintessential Finnish experience. The air here feels purer, enriched by pine phytoncides that have lured wellness seekers to resorts like Kruunupuisto for over a century.
The historical crown jewel of the trip awaited us in Savonlinna. Rising dramatically from a rocky islet in the Kyrönsalmi strait stands Olavinlinna Castle, the world’s northernmost medieval stone fortress still standing. Built in 1475, this iconic stronghold was designed to guard the strategic Savo region. Today, its dark stone towers and thick ramparts offer a powerful glimpse into Finland’s rich history, providing a striking contrast against the soft hues of the Saimaa waters. Gliding past its formidable walls aboard a traditional wooden lake cruiser (M/S Elviira) offered an unforgettable view of water, stone, and centuries of storytelling meeting in perfect harmony.
At every turn, the food honoured the land, unfussy, intensely flavourful, and deeply tied to the rhythm of the Finnish seasons.
The Sanctuary of Nature & The Forest Bath
True Finnish luxury is found in stillness. Deep in the Saimaa wilderness, surrounded by moss-covered bedrock and towering woods, foraging for wild blueberries and lingonberries becomes a meditative ritual. If you watch closely along the quiet, sunlit shorelines, you might even catch a rare, magical glimpse of the endangered Saimaa ringed seal peeking out from the depths of the lake.
Following hours spent under the canopy of pine and birch, the day seamlessly transitions to a traditional wooden sauna or one of the many saunas at the Järvisydän spa. The gentle, humid heat (löyly) relaxes every muscle before a cool plunge into Lake Saimaa’s pristine waters: a complete reset for body and mind.
Kotona Manor: A Legend in the Making
Beyond the untouched nature, this trip offered a glimpse into the future of luxury hospitality in Finland.
We were granted exclusive access to Kotona Manor, a premier luxury estate currently under development. Though not yet open to the public, walking through its grounds revealed a vision of ultra-exclusive hospitality, where private manor elegance meets the surrounding wilderness. Kotona Manor promises to set a new benchmark for boutique luxury in the Finnish countryside and we at All Nordics can barely wait for it to become reality.
Craft Cocktails at Waldorf Astoria & Lyonnaise Dining at Bouchon Carême
Back in Helsinki, the journey concluded with a taste of refined city sophistication. We enjoyed impeccably crafted cocktails at the Waldorf Astoria Helsinki, soaking in the timeless atmosphere of the historic property in Kruununhaka. For dinner, we visited Bouchon Carême, situated in the iconic Lundqvist building on Aleksanterinkatu. Helmed by renowned chef Hans Välimäki, the restaurant pairs classic Lyonnaise bistro cuisine with warm, market-hall-inspired elegance, a memorable culinary finale to our trip.
A Note of Gratitude
This journey was made possible through the organisation of Visit Finland, together with the regional tourism boards and local DMOs (goSaimaa, Visit Savonlinna, Visit Mikkeli, and Kouvola). Their dedication to sustainable, authentic tourism ensures the magic of Lake Saimaa remains preserved for generations to come.
