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Saimaa Lake District - The most extensive lakeland in Europe |
 The Saimaa Lake District is an extremely popular holiday
region. The most extensive labyrinth of lakes and islands in
Europe, it offers a wonderful backdrop for a memorable holiday.
A fishing, canoeing or hiking holiday could be a dream come
true for a nature lover. A cruise on an inland boat plying
scenic waterways is also among the highlights of a summer
holiday in Finland. Short local cruises are available in most
towns of the lake district. Longer cruises offering a truly
special atmosphere include the cruise operated between the
towns of Kuopio and Savonlinna and the five-day Karelian Cruise
on Lake Pielinen and Lake Saimaa.
The Saimaa Lake District is famous for its high-class summer events. The internationally-renowned Savonlinna Opera Festival, staged in the magnificent medieval Olavinlinna Castle, is one of the top events in the summer. The Kuopio Dance Festival attracts lovers of modern dance and ballet. Both the Imatra Big Band Festival and the Mikkeli Music Festival feature dozens of different concerts. The lake district offers accommodation to suit every taste. There are nearly a thousand lakeside holiday cottages for hire, perfect as a base for an activity holiday. A lot of the holiday villages and hotels also enjoy lakeside locations. Splendid attractions The Saimaa Lake District boasts numerous wonderful attractions. The ridge area of Punkaharju, formed during the Ice Age, offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Retretti Art Centre, also situated in Punkaharju and famous for its underground caverns serving as exhibition space, displays a high-class exhibition of classic art each summer. In Imatra, you can admire the surging rapids of Imatrankoski, accompanied by Sibelius' music and an impressive light show. The world's largest wood-built church can be found in Kerimäki, and visitors to Kuopio can wonder at the treasures of the Orthodox Church Museum of Finland. The number one attraction of Varkaus, situated right in the middle of the lake district, is the Museum of Mechanical Music. The Karelian Orthodox Cultural Centre in Iisalmi displays the cultural heritage of eastern Orthodox Christianity in Karelia. Russia can be reached from Lappeenranta and Imatra conveniently by road, and from Lappeenranta also by water along the Saimaa Canal. It is, however, advisable to acquire a visa in advance in your own country. |
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