DAY 1
Arriving in Mikkeli – local flavours and wartime history

Arrive in Mikkeli, easily reached from Helsinki in around 2.5 hours by train or car. As the landscape changes from city streets to forests and lakes, the pace begins to slow naturally.

Start your stay at the lively Mikkeli Market Square, where locals gather for coffee, fresh strawberries and crispy fried vendace straight from the lake.

Continue to Muisti Centre of War and Peace, an immersive museum exploring Finland’s wartime history through personal stories and human experiences. In the same complex, the Headquarters Museum leads you to the interesting history of Mikkeli as a wartime headquarters city.

Nearby, the historic Naisvuori Observation Tower offers panoramic views over the town and surrounding lakes, with a charming café serving waffles inside the tower.

In the evening, enjoy dinner surrounded by manor elegance and seasonal Saimaa flavours at Tertti Manor, one of the region’s best-known culinary destinations before heading to Mikaeli Concert Hall for an unforgettable festival evening at the Mikkeli Music Festival.

Stay overnight in the heart of the city at Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, or choose a more peaceful atmosphere in the countryside at Landhaus Kekkola or Tertti Manor.

DAY 2
Stroll in the Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark

After breakfast, spend the day exploring the peaceful landscapes and Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark surrounding Mikkeli.

Walk through the gardens and lakeside scenery of Mikkelipuisto Park, continue to the nearby Kaihunharju esker landscapes, or visit the Urpola Nature Centre and its Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark exhibition introducing the unique geology and nature of the region.

In the afternoon, enjoy coffee by the harbour or simply time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town before the evening concert.

Before the concert, enjoy a dinner offering uncomplicated yet carefully crafted dishes in an easy-going atmosphere at Bistro Holvi in the historic fire department house with the Mikkeli Theater.

DAY 3
Ancient waters, Saimaa archipelago and sauna

Spend the day on Lake Saimaa, where nature, history and water come together in one of Finland’s most iconic landscapes.

Drive to Ristiina and take a Rib boat cruise to the Astuvansalmi Rock Paintings. Before the boat trip, we recommend visiting the Rock Art Centre Astuva to understand the stories, myths and archaeological significance behind this extraordinary site.

To accompany your visit to Astuvansalmi with a handmade seasonal meal with dessert served in nature, join Uhkua's guided boat trip available for small groups. You can arrange the starting time with the guide, so you'll have plenty of time to get to the evening's concert in time.

Alternatively, you can hop on a bus-boat tour from Mikkeli to Astuvansalmi or Puumala archipelago. Check the timetables at visitsaimaashop.fi.

Should you like to stay by the Saimaa waters a little longer, we recommend experiencing Uhkua's unique raft sauna and accommodation. For an even deeper introduction to Finnish sauna culture, traditional smoke saunas can be enjoyed at Ollinmäki Winery's Villa Maria near Mikkeli or at Sahanlahti Resort in Puumala, both combining authentic atmosphere with the peaceful surroundings of Lake Saimaa.

DAY 4

World class concert experiences

The highlight of the day is the Philharmonia Orchestra concert at the Mikkeli Music Festival, offering a rare opportunity to experience internationally acclaimed musicians in the intimate setting of Mikaeli Concert Hall. The atmosphere brings together precision, emotion and the unique closeness of a summer festival in Finnish Lakeland.

If you are in Mikkeli on 8 August, the experience reaches its peak with two Philharmonia Orchestra concerts, offering a full day of exceptional world-class performances as part of the festival finale.