Day 1
Arriving in Puumala, accommodation, and local fine dining at Sahanlahti resort

Puumala lies in the heart of Lake Saimaa’s archipelago, where vast waters, forested islands and a lively harbour create one of Finland’s most iconic Lakeland settings. It is a popular summer destination known for relaxed lakeside living and rich experiences on and around the water, from boating and local flavours to nearby cultural sites such as ancient rock paintings.

Two resorts in Puumala stand out with their views over Lake Saimaa.

Pistohiekka Resort is set on a striking sandy ridge and beach landscape, offering cottage and holiday home accommodation in a unique natural setting. The resort features a summer-open restaurant and a panoramic sauna available by reservation, opening up wide views across Lake Saimaa’s shimmering waters.

Sahanlahti Resort is a family-run lakeside resort offering hotel and cottage accommodation in a historic sawmill setting. Two restaurants serve seasonal, locally sourced cuisine with stunning lake views, while the guest harbour brings a lively summer atmosphere. Dining at Restaurant Koskivahti highlights fresh, ethical ingredients and the craftsmanship behind every dish, and the experience is completed with an authentic Finnish sauna, and smoke sauna, by the lake.

Day 2
Exploring local nature & Saimaa ringed seal cruise to Puumala arhipelago

Saimaa ringed seal is one of the rarest seals in the world, and it only lives in lake Saimaa. The environment in Puumala is ideal for over 20 seals living in the area.

Arto’s Ecoboat is the most seal-friendly boat in lake Saimaa, and it brings you on the waters of Saimaa seal during all summer. Ecoboat is very comfortable and weather-proof, the covered cabin keeps you warm, and it is great for photography. There is a daily departures thru summer season from Puumala harbour.

Day 3
Saimaa culture and traditions – Karelian pie workshop, Liehtalanniemi farm and foraging workshop

Spend a day immersed in the living traditions of Lake Saimaa, where local culture, craftsmanship and island life come together in an authentic Lakeland setting.

Okkola Holiday Cottages welcomes visitors to Niinisaari island in the heart of the Puumala archipelago. This family-run destination offers a warm introduction to local Saimaa life, where hosts Paula, her family and their dog Pomppu share their home and traditions in a relaxed island atmosphere.

A highlight of the day is the beloved Karelian pie workshop. This Eastern Finnish classic, with its rye crust and creamy rice filling, is baked in a traditional wood-fired oven and served with rich egg butter. More than a recipe, it represents generations of Saimaa food culture and everyday heritage.

Nearby, the open-air museum Liehtalanniemi Museum Farm offers a journey back in time. Set in a peaceful cove, the historic farm reveals what life was like in the early 20th-century archipelago, alongside the story of its last owner, Jalmari Reponen.

For a deeper hands-on experience, Hanhiniitty Smithy introduces traditional Finnish blacksmithing in a working forge surrounded by forest and lake scenery. Led by professional blacksmith Martti Malinen, participants can try forging techniques in a guided, hands-on workshop that celebrates slow craftsmanship and timeless skills.

Riimukivi farm offers an atmospheric glimpse into 19th-century rural life. Visitors can meet the farm’s sheep, explore the Akanvakka Craft Shop inspired by Nordic nature and folklore, and enjoy traditional treats at the Summer Café. A cup of soot pot coffee brewed over an open fire and time spent relaxing under apple trees complete the experience.