Did you know that during the last ice age, just over 12,000 years ago, our region was covered by an ice sheet over 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) thick?The ice age left countless marks on our landscape.

Join us on an exciting field trip into the past, where we’ll explore stunning Salpausselkä ridges, eskers, massive glacial erratics, drumlins, and polished bedrock formations. We'll also see evidence of post-glacial events, including beautiful ancient shorelines and the beds of long-gone glacial rivers.

DURATION OF TRIP WITH TRANSPORTATION: HOURS 9-18.00
TRANSPORT: BUSS / BOAT

Dive into the fascinating story of Lake Saimaa and its earliest human inhabitants! Just after the last ice age, around 10,000 years ago, as the continental ice sheet receded, new opportunities for hunting and fishing opened up. There is strong evidence that the first people to settle in Finland arrived from the southeast, making our region a key site for international research into the Stone Age.

Join us on a captivating field trip to explore ancient Stone Age settlements and the marks left behind by these early settlers at Rovastinoja in Savitaipale. In this same trip, we will be also visit the magnificent Astuvansalmi rock paintings, renowned as the largest rock painting complex in Northern Europe and one of the most significant prehistoric painting sites in Fennoscandia.

DURATION OF TRIP WITH TRANSPORTATION: HOURS 9-18.00
TRANSPORT: BUSS

Step into the diverse culture of the Saimaa region, a place that has served as a borderland for centuries. Its unique geological features have also profoundly shaped its cultural heritage. This excursion will immerse you in the Saimaa story, revealing the heart of our unique archipelago culture!

Join us on a captivating tour where we'll explore some of Finland's greatest construction projects: the Saimaa Canal and the formidable Salpalinja (Finland's WWII defensive fortification).

In our trip we'll draw inspiration from the stunning views at Ruokolahti Church Hill, a place that has captivated artists for generations. And also visit the Geopark municipalities of Sulkava and Puumala, where we´ll stop at the old sawmill area in  Sahanlahti and Liehtalanniemi museum farm and nature reserve, which tells about the Saimaa archipelago culture. 

DURATION OF TRIP WITH TRANSPORTATION: HOURS 9-18.00
TRANSPORT: BUSS

The shores of Lake Saimaa have captivated invaders throughout history. Although major battles haven’t been fought on our soil since the 1743 War of the Hats, fortifications were built well into the 20th century. Today, these intriguing structures stand as symbols of peace and examples of how geology was cleverly used in national defense.

On this trip, you'll step inside the walls of an old Swedish city, explore the fortifications built by General Suvorov, and discover bunkers from World War II. Some of these bunkers have even been restored for visitors, offering a unique look into a pivotal part of Finland's past. Welcome to explore the diverse border, defense line and military history of the Saimaa area, especially in the South Karelia region.

DURATION OF TRIP WITH TRANSPORTATION: HOURS 9-16.00
TRANSPORT: BUSS

Did you know, that Lake Saimaa is the fourth largest lake in Europe and the largest lake in Finland? Unlike any other in the world, its labyrinthine waters are home to nearly 14,000 islands and unique post-glacial species. This makes the region's nature and culture truly one of a kind.

Join us on a versatile Saimaa cruise where we'll literally travel on water, admiring incredible islands and even stopping to explore a few during the day. One of the targets is Ilkonsaari island,which is known for its Orthodox tsasounis.

This is your chance to experience the very best of the Saimaa region, including its fascinating geology, living natural wonders, and rich culture!

DURATION OF TRIP WITH TRANSPORTATION: HOURS 9-16.00
TRANSPORT: CRUISE BOAT

Are you looking for a little exercise and a taste of Finnish educational services? Join us for a unique, easy going cycling tour where we'll explore Lappeenranta's most significant cultural and educational sites, all from the comfort of your bike. This isn't just a scenic ride; it's also a deep dive into the region's educational landscape, too. You'll get to see how our local institutions operate, their learning environments, and the vital environmental work they do. The places we will visit areLUT University and Sammontalo operating school unit.

Also our Saimaa history of water-based transport has still kept tradition of wooden boat-building culture alive to these days. So this daytrip will be culminates in a truly Finnish experience: a traditional church boat rowing and an island visit on the western side of Pien-Saimaa. The trip is a perfect blend of active adventure and cultural immersion!

DURATION OF TRIP WITH TRANSPORTATION: HOURS 9-18.00
TRANSPORT: BIKE AND CHURCH BOAT

Experience the stunning Saimaa region from a completely new perspective! For centuries, Lake Saimaa has served as a vital waterway, and now you can explore its history firsthand on a day-long, easy going paddling trip.

On a canoeing trip through the labyrinthine Saimaa islands shaped by the ice age, we will reveal the secrets of the Saimaa islands from the water. During the trip, you will also get to see rock paintings found on some of the islands and have a relaxing snack break in the middle of the archipelago nature. Join us the easy going trip, where geology, nature, and culture come together in perfect harmony. An unforgettable adventure where you are really close to nature and you can feel the power of our pure waters throughout your body!

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IN CANOEING REQUIRED, NOT FOR FIRST-TIMERS.

DURATION OF TRIP WITH TRANSPORTATION: HOURS 9-18.00
TRANSPORT: KAYAK

What do you say to a sailing trip on a vintage schooner, gliding across the deep blue waves of Finland's largest lake? This unforgettable journey takes you back in time, tracing the geological wonders left by the Ice Age and includes a stop at one of our most spectacular South-Saimaa island destinations: Satamosaari. The island's bay is actually a massive water-filled kettle hole, a testament to the powerful forces that shaped this landscape. On the island, you have the opportunity to swim, walk along the paths amidst the traces of the Ice Age, and feel the peace of Lake Saimaa in the middle of pure archipelago nature.

Let the stunning ridge islands and the fresh lake winds fill your sails, guaranteeing an incredible and inspiring day on the water.

DURATION OF TRIP WITH TRANSPORTATION: HOURS 9-16.00
TRANSPORT: SAILBOAT

REPOVESI 

PÄIJÄNNE

NEITVUORI ROCKY TERRAIN

PISAMALAHTI HILL FORT 

NORPPAPOLKU THE SAIMAA SEAL TRAIL

ORRAINPOLKU - LUOTOLAHTI HILL

SARKASLAMPI GEOROUTE

THE VERLA MILL MUSEUM & AREA  World Heritage Site

 SUOMENLINNA SEA FORTRESS  World Heritage Site

LAPPEENRANTA AND IMATRA REGION MUSEUMS

SOUTH-SAVO MUSEUMS

SIIKALAHTI, NATURE RESERVE  Siikalahti is one of the most valuable bird wetland in Finland. Great for bird watching!

PATSASPUISTO, SCULPTURE PARK    One of the most important artistic achievements of a single person, even globally. 560 statues.