Top 20 Lakes around Saimaa
Best lakes around Saimaa, Finland's largest lake, form a vast and intricate water system often described as a labyrinth of interconnected basins. This region features an extensive shoreline and thousands of islands, offering diverse experiences. The pure waters are home to the endangered Saimaa ringed seal, a species found only here. The area provides opportunities for nature observation and outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Saimaa
- The most popular lakes is Pistohiekka Beach, a beach known for its shore formation site and ancient beaches. It offers opportunities for camping and enjoying pristine natural surroundings.
- Another must-see spot is SaimaaHoliday Oravi, a settlement offering accommodation and boat tours. Visitors can experience evening boat trips on Lake Saimaa, with opportunities to spot wildlife like Saimaa ringed seals, ospreys, and beavers.
- Visitors also love Lammassaari Boat Harbour, a facilities area on the shores of Lake Saimaa. This quiet harbour provides a scenic spot for a break during a cycling trip, with views over the lake and small islands.
- Saimaa is known for its large open water areas, fragmented archipelagos, and exceptionally clear basins. The region offers a variety of lakes to explore, from those ideal for fishing to those with pristine natural beaches.
- The lakes around Saimaa are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 50 highlights and 3 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Sammakkoniemi Campsite
Highlight • Rest Area
Linnansaari National Park has 20 campsites, all accessible by boat.
The main campsite, Sammakkoniemi, has a kiosk with coffee service, a boat/guest harbor, a sauna, a fountain, an eco-hostel, as well as an accessible campfire site, a covered cooking area, and an outhouse. Tent fee: €12 per tent from Midsummer to the end of August. From Sammakkoniemi, it is approximately 1 km to the Louhimaa Museum Cottage and approximately 3.5 km to the Perpulanluhta campsite.
More information at:
oravivillage.com/de/Linnansaari/Campingplatz,-Hafen-und-sauna
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Lammassaari Boat Harbour
Highlight • Rest Area
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SaimaaHoliday Oravi
Highlight • Settlement
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Savonlinna Harbor
Highlight • Rest Area
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Pistohiekka Beach
Highlight • Beach
The campsite ceased operations during the recession of the 1990s, but there are places in the area where you can camp according to everyone’s rights.
saimaageopark.fi/kohteet/pistohiekka-beach
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful little city harbor, located right next to the market square and the starting point for boat tours.
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Lammassaari Boat Harbour in Imatra is a quiet, scenic harbour area on the shores of Lake Saimaa, ideal for a peaceful break during a cycling trip. It’s located close to the city centre but feels secluded, with views over the lake and small islands. The area has benches, a pier, and green space, making it a good spot for a picnic or short rest. Access is easy via paved roads suitable for trekking and cross bikes. While there are no shops directly at the harbour, services in Imatra are nearby, so it’s easy to stock up before or after your visit.
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The boat tours last one hour and currently cost €13 per adult. In the summer they run every half hour.
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Lakeside campsite with restrooms, cooking facilities, and a sauna. Linnansaari National Park has 20 campsites, all accessible by boat. The main campsite, Sammakkoniemi, has a kiosk with coffee service, a boat/guest harbor, a sauna, a fountain, an eco-hostel, as well as an accessible campfire site, a covered cooking area, and an outhouse. Tent fee: €12 per tent from Midsummer to the end of August. From Sammakkoniemi, it is approximately 1 km to the Louhimaa Museum Cottage and approximately 3.5 km to the Perpulanluhta campsite. More information at: https://www.oravivillage.com/de/Linnansaari/Campingplatz,-Hafen-und-sauna
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Beautiful harbor with many restaurants and ships. The steamboat cruises on Lake Saimaa start here
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You can also spend the night here with a mobile home. There is a restaurant with a nice terrace overlooking the water and a small shop.
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We did the tour in mid-June 2023 when it takes place at sunset time. The seals are then very shy, they lie individually on rocks and from a distance lay people can hardly see them. Nevertheless, our boat driver and guide discovered 2 specimens, which could only be photographed with a very large telephoto lens. There were also ospreys and a swimming beaver to see. The tour is highly recommended, even if you don't see any seals, because Lake Saimaa with its islands is beautiful during the evening. I would do that again at any time!
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Pistokiekka forms a shore formation site, which, in addition to the current erosion collision, which is about 700 m long and 3-4 m high, has ancient beaches and rock outcrops in the area. The campsite ceased operations during the recession of the 1990s, but there are places in the area where you can camp according to everyone’s rights. https://www.saimaageopark.fi/kohteet/pistohiekka-beach/
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I spot the endangered Saimaa ringed seal?
The Saimaa ringed seal is found only in Lake Saimaa. Prime habitats for spotting them include the fragmented and maze-like waters of Pihlajavesi and Haukivesi, which are part of Linnansaari National Park. You can also take evening boat trips from places like SaimaaHoliday Oravi, which specifically offer seal-spotting excursions.
Are there family-friendly activities or lakes in the Saimaa region?
Yes, the Saimaa region offers many family-friendly options. Pistohiekka Beach is a popular spot with sandy shores suitable for families. Many areas provide opportunities for easy walks, swimming, and exploring the natural surroundings. The general tranquil atmosphere and clean waters make it ideal for family outings.
What kind of hiking trails are available around the Saimaa lakes?
The Saimaa region offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy walks to more challenging routes. You can find trails like the Nahkiaissalo Nature Trail in Kolovesi National Park, the Hakinkierros, and the Lammassaari Nature Trail. For more options and detailed routes, explore the easy hikes around Saimaa guide.
Where can I find exceptionally clear water for swimming or snorkeling?
Puruvesi is renowned for its exceptionally clear water, often allowing visibility to depths of more than 10 meters on sunny days. This makes it an excellent location for swimming and enjoying pristine natural beaches, such as those found on Rokansaari Island.
What cycling routes are recommended around Saimaa?
The Saimaa region is great for cycling, offering routes like the challenging Puumala Archipelago Route and the easier Savonlinna Bridges Loop. Other options include the Lake Pihlajavesi Cycling Route. You can find more detailed routes and guides in the cycling around Saimaa guide.
Are there any historical or cultural sites to visit near the Saimaa lakes?
Yes, the Saimaa region has rich cultural heritage. Lake Yövesi is home to the Astuvansalmi rock paintings, the largest collection of rock art in the Nordic countries. The area around Suur-Saimaa, near Lappeenranta, features historical fortresses like Lappeenranta Fortress, offering insights into the area's past.
What are the best places for fishing in the Saimaa lake system?
The Saimaa system offers excellent fishing opportunities. Suur-Saimaa is a good spot for perch, pike, brown trout, landlocked salmon, and zander. Puruvesi is popular for large perch, grayling, brown trout, and landlocked salmon. Orivesi and Pyhäselkä are particularly known for zander fishing, especially in the northern part of Lake Orivesi and the shallow western shore of Lake Pyhäselkä.
Where can I find camping facilities around the Saimaa lakes?
Linnansaari National Park offers several campsites accessible by boat. The main campsite, Sammakkoniemi Campsite, provides restrooms, cooking facilities, a sauna, a kiosk, and an eco-hostel. There are also areas like Pistohiekka Beach where you can camp according to everyone’s rights.
What is the best time to visit the Saimaa lakes for outdoor activities?
The Saimaa lakes offer diverse activities year-round. Summer (June-August) is ideal for swimming, kayaking, hiking, and cycling, with pleasant temperatures. Autumn brings beautiful foliage for hiking. In winter, the frozen lakes provide opportunities for ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Can I take boat tours on Lake Saimaa?
Yes, boat tours are a popular way to experience Lake Saimaa. From Savonlinna Harbor, you can embark on sightseeing cruises. SaimaaHoliday Oravi also offers boat tours, including evening trips focused on spotting wildlife like the Saimaa ringed seal.
What makes the Saimaa region unique for nature lovers?
The Saimaa region is unique due to its vast, intricate labyrinth of interconnected basins, thousands of islands, and exceptionally pure waters. It is the sole habitat of the endangered Saimaa ringed seal. The diverse landscape includes fragmented archipelagos, clear basins like Puruvesi, and national parks such as Linnansaari, offering pristine nature observation and a tranquil atmosphere.
Are there any gravel biking routes in the Saimaa area?
Yes, the Saimaa region has options for gravel biking. Routes like the Luonteri Cycling Route and the Puumala Archipelago Route, while challenging, are suitable for gravel bikes. You can explore more routes in the gravel biking around Saimaa guide.
Most popular routes around Saimaa
Most popular attractions around Saimaa
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