Lappeenranta and imatra region and peaceful cottage accommodation. Lemi Luumäki Parikkala Rautjärvi Ruokolahti Savitaipale Taipalsaari

Transcription

1 Lappeenranta and imatra region 2014 and peaceful cottage accommodation all year-round Lemi Luumäki Parikkala Rautjärvi Ruokolahti Savitaipale Taipalsaari

2 Welcome to Finland, the land of a thousand lakes! The holiday area of Lappeenranta and Imatra is located on the banks of Europe s fourth largest lake, Saimaa. It has attracted tourists for centuries, among them Russian tsars and no wonder, since there is lots to do and see here all year round. In winter, you can explore the beautiful nature on snowmobile safaris, snowshoe hikes and ski trips. The region offers hundreds of kilometres of ski trails. In summer, options range from boating to spending time at a cabin and going on a fishing trip. And don t forget the four magnificent spas, whose luxury treatments will pamper and relax you! In addition to cultural and historical sights, there is a vast array of art exhibitions, events and concerts to choose from. Shopping in Lappeenranta and Imatra is fun and surprisingly affordable the speciality shops and outlets stock everything from top design to local crafts. A holiday in the Saimaa area is closer than you think. Lappeenranta International Airport has smooth flight connections from all over Europe, and a flight from Central Europe lasts only a few hours. By car, the Saimaa region is within a couple of hours drive from the capital, Helsinki. At Lappeenranta s Vainikkala railway station, you can catch a high-speed Allegro train and travel all the way to St. Petersburg. However, the easiest way to visit Russia is to go on a visa-free cruise departing from Lappeenranta. Take your pick and enjoy! Read more about Ryanair s flight connections on page 5. Experience the best of Finland 2

3 3

4 Finland s largest Sandcastle Contents Welcome to the region of a thousand lakes! Lappeenranta and Imatra are waiting for you Saimaa is easy to reach Whether by train, car or plane Answer the call of the South Karelian wild Finland has a lot to offer Have fun in a spa The region's four spas add pleasure to your holiday Imatrankoski retains a powerful attraction A fairy tale castle on the banks of the rapids See Finland and Russia on a visa-free cruise Scenic lake cruises from four harbours or a day on a cruise will top off your holiday ABC of nature exploration Explore the region by foot, on a bicycle or in a canoe Tips for the best accommodation Come with your family, friends or significant other Saimaa is known for its sunny summers Lots of activities for kids too Rounds on four courses Magnificent greens invite you to take a golf holiday Zip-wire runs in the shade of a forest Activity parks and shopping A region packed with events! Pick your favourite from the calendar Fascinating local museums From art to gemstones and museum cars Enjoy the snow Choose from a range of winter activities Local food in Saimaa Local specialities will melt in your mouth 36 Service index published by gosaimaa Ltd Photographs: gosaimaa Oy, Wirma Lappeenranta, Kehy, Mikko Nikkinen, Thinkstockphotos, Flowpark, Fazer, AMO, Fazer, Iittala, Saimaan Juomatehdas and the City of Lappeenranta Layout: Paula Laitinen, Pohjolan Mylly, Producer: Eeva Puhakainen. Contributors to this issue: Minna Immonen, Riikka Junno, Jussi Ovaskainen and Ulla Ylönen Printed by PunaMusta Ltd, Joensuu Size of print run copies additional information gosaimaa is not responsible for any changes to the prices or timetables. See further information at and

5 3 +1Lappeenranta 1 ways to come to the Lake Saimaa area 1. by plane and Imatra region Ryanair offers excellent connections to Lappeenranta from different locations in Europe. You ll be standing by Lake Saimaa within a few hours, no matter where you come from. Lappeenranta International Airport is located only two kilometres from the city centre. 2. by car Travelling to Lappeenranta and Imatra is fast and easy, no matter how you choose to get here. Your journey to this region of thousands of islands and astonishing lake scenery will be pleasant and swift, whether by car, train or plane.thanks to the great connections, a holiday in the Saimaa region is closer than you think. A Cruise from Helsinki For a longer break from your everyday routine and a look into Finnish sea views, climb on board m/s Brahe. You can spend the night on the ship and enjoy the sea and great food. M/S Brahe sails from Helsinki to Lappeenranta and all the way to Savonlinna, a city known for its opera festival, as well as to a historic fortified town Hamina,. Main roads 6 and 13 will take you towards Lappeenranta and Imatra. From the Helsinki metropolitan area, the drive to the Saimaa region takes only about 2.5 hours, so the distance is also convenient for a weekend trip. 3. by train From Helsinki If you take an express train from Helsinki, you will be in Lappeenranta or Imatra in a couple of hours. The wellmaintained railway network also enables travelling to other parts of Finland. gosaimaa tips Did you know that you can also whizz to St. Petersburg in 1.5 hours? The fast Allegro train departs daily from Lappeenranta's Vainikkala railway station. Distances (km) Helsinki Vyborg St. Petersburg Lappeenranta Imatra

6 Did you know? At midsummer, the sun rises at 3.30 am and sets at pm in South Karelia. Facts about Lake Saimaa Surface elevation: 76 m Surface area: 4,460 km 2 Maximum length: 194 km Maximum width: 138 km Average depth: 17 m Maximum depth: 82 m Shore length: 14,850 km Number of islands: 13,710 6

7 Answer the call of the South Karelian wild Spend memorable holidays by Finland s largest lake, Saimaa, whatever the season. Tourists have been drawn to the region for centuries and its attraction remains undiminished to this day. Lappeenranta and Imatra are located in the region of South Karelia in south-eastern Finland. Culturally and historically, the region is part of the old province of Vyborg and the southern part of the historical Finnish Karelia that remained on this side of the border after World War II. Russians have always brought added colour to South Karelia. In the 19 th century, the little town of Imatra was the favourite destination of the St. Petersburg nobility including the Tsar s family. They came to admire the Imatrankoski rapids, which were among the largest in Europe, to fish and to enjoy the wild. Visitors also travelled to Imatra by boat via the Saimaa Canal and Lappeenranta. The same attractions the roaring Imatrankoski rapids and the clear waters of Lake Saimaa continue to draw tourists today. Modern-day travellers also appreciate the wide range of accommodation: the region has everything from lakeside cabins to lavish rooms in spa hotels. Read more about the options on page 08. Today the waters of Lake Saimaa, dotted by hundreds of islands, provide excellent opportunities for boating. The lovely lake scenery can be marvelled at from sailing and motor boats alike. Clear channel markers and detailed maps are a great help for all first-timers in the Saimaa area. There are plenty of well-equipped harbours, some of which also offer heated saunas for visitors. Read more about the Finnish sauna culture on page 17. In the waters of Lake Saimaa, by far the greatest attraction is nature: the archipelago and lake scenery and the clear water. If you are lucky, you may even see a Saimaa ringed seal basking on a rock on a summer s day. The lake environment can also be explored on cruises. For further information, turn to page 12. The region s cultural life is rich and varied, mixing both old and new. There are events galore, particularly during the summer months. At Christmas time, Santa comes for a visit, and you can ride in a sled drawn by reindeer or huskies. Christmas markets showcase the best of the traditional Finnish handicrafts. When to travel? In summertime everyone in the Saimaa region takes to the waters to admire the stunning lake scenery and journey all the way to Vyborg and St. Petersburg in Russia. The greens of Saimaa s several golf courses invite you to play in this most beautiful part of Finland. A summer night in Finland is enchanting, since the sun never seems to set. In the Lappeenranta and Imatra region, the dusk only lasts for a couple of hours in midsummer. In wintertime the magnificent environment can be enjoyed on snowmobile safaris, snowshoe hikes and ski trips. Lappeenranta and Imatra offer hundreds of kilometres of ski trails. In winter, the dusk falls early in the day, and the bright starry sky and blazing northern lights are experiences that will stay with you forever. Any time of the year The diverse range of activities available in the Lappeenranta and Imatra region all year round includes four sumptuous spas with pampering treatments. Turn to the next page to read more about them. 7

8 Spa experiences in the Saimaa region The four spas in the Lappeenranta and Imatra region offer a traditional spa experience, spiced up with new, magical features. At Saimaa's oldest spa, the restorative power of water has been enjoyed for almost 200 years, since the 1820s. The skillfully renovated Lappeenrannan Kylpylä Spa enables visitors to seamlessly combine various pampering treatments with bathing in a sauna and floating in Jacuzzis and relaxation pools. New comfortable rooms have recently been added to the spa. Lappeenrannan Kylpylä Spa is located right next to the harbour, in the vicinity of the town centre and its shops. Magical Cirque de Saimaa The renowned Lappeenranta Spa At Holiday Club Saimaa, you can indulge in one luxurious experience after another. The spa has a circus and funfair theme, which comes to life with the hundreds of coloured lights of the central piazza, dozens of fountains and the pool area reminiscent of a river bed. There are four different types of saunas to choose from: a salt, cottage and steam sauna as well as a smoke sauna on the roof. Water slides and other activities for families with children have been placed so as to ensure quiet space for those who require relaxation and massage. Kids have their own igloo sauna, where they can even watch children's programmes! These pleasures are complemented by pampering treatments at Harmony Spa. 8

9 The spas are located 40 km away from each other at most you can visit them all during your holiday! Located on the banks of the Imatrankoski rapids, the romantic castle setting of Imatran Valtionhotelli hides a modern spa with pampering pools and Jacuzzis. In addition to bathing, you can relax on a warm stone bed. Small children can frolic in their own pool. The sauna section includes a steam and a lavender sauna, plus an Oriental sauna for women. For men, there is the Castle sauna with a comfortable lounge area. The communal infrared sauna will provide extra warmth. The castle hotel also offers beauty and massage services in the wellness section, Julia Wellbeing, the facilities of the Spa Gym and opportunities for making purchases at the Spa Shop. Enter a magic forest at Imatra Spa Rantasipi Imatran Valtionhotelli & Day Spa At Imatran Kylpylä Spa, you can imagine walking into a Finnish forest and enjoying a summer's day with birdsong and refreshing showers even in the middle of winter! The pool area is filled with voices, colours and mist. The magic forest offers relaxing massaging showers and the thundering waters of rocky rapids. In the Yorokobi Jacuzzi, the water is a pleasant +38 degrees Celsius. A variety of pampering treatments are provided by Beauty Spa Wellamo and Day Spa Venla. For those looking for an active holiday, Imatran Kylpylä Spa is a perfect choice: a long lane for fitness swimming, a gym, a bowling alley and badminton and floorball courts challenge you to get involved in a game. Near the spa there is also an indoor ice rink and a multi-purpose sports hall. 9

10 The freely flowing Imatrankoski rapids were harnessed in 1929 to generate hydropower. Today, groups of hundreds gather to admire the roaring waters during rapids shows daily at 6 pm.

11 Imatrankoski retains a powerful attraction Imatrankoski is permanently illuminated, so it can be marvelled at all year round. Masses of water run free in rapids shows held between and at 6 pm. Water is released for 20 minutes through the dam gates to the River Vuoksi crossing the centre of Imatra, to the accompaniment of music by Sibelius, Darude or Nightwish. Shows with spectacular lights are also organised on Christmas Day and New Year s Eve. Rise above the rapids with the Imatra Express The bridge over the rapids was completed in When Empress Catherine II of Russia and her entourage came to admire the magnificent waters in 1772, they could only be crossed in a basket hanging from a wire. Nowadays, adventurous visitors can experience similar feelings during rapids shows by sliding over the foams on the Imatra Express zip-wire run, strapped to a harness. Art nouveau-style castle hotel At the turn of the 19 th century, the Imatrankoski rapids was the most popular attraction in Finland. The wooden inns of Imatra were not good enough for St. Petersburg nobility, so a proper hotel was required. Imatran Valtionhotelli, designed by Usko Nyström, was built 110 years ago, in Its location beside the rapids is exceptional, its decoration remarkable and its ambience unique. Every room of this art nouveau-style castle hotel is different, and the two-floor suite in the tower is a honeymooners favourite. The new wing of Rantasipi Imatran Valtionhotelli houses a pampering spa. Explore the Kruununpuisto "Crown" Park Kruununpuisto, a park in the middle of Imatra, consists of four sections and boasts a number of sights. These include a giant s kettle, lookout pavilions, Finland s largest hydroelectric power plant, the Valtionhotelli castle hotel and a summer theatre. 11

12 See Finland and Russia on a visa-free cruise Scenic cruises departing from Lappeenranta and Imatra take travellers amidst the beauty of Lake Saimaa. On a visa-free cruise, you can conveniently cross the Finnish-Russian border and travel to Vyborg, where you can switch to a bus to see the cultural attractions of St. Petersburg. The 200-capacity m/s Carelia travels from Lappeenranta to Vyborg along the historic Saimaa Canal. In Vyborg you can explore the town and its surroundings for one or more days. Crossing the border is easy, since twoway cruises are visa-free for citizens of all countries. In Vyborg, 60 km from Lappeenranta, visitors can sense the history in the streets of the Old Town and fall in love with the vibrant Market Hall and Square. You can choose the best choice for you from a one-day to a three-day cruise to Vyborg or a threeday visa-free tour to the magnificent St. Petersburg. On a trip lasting several days, a bus will take you from Vyborg to St. Petersburg and its cultural treasures. There you can participate in guided tours of the most popular sights of this historical city, enjoying both its architectural gems and precious works of art. You will also have time for shopping and dining. 12

13 Lake cruises from four harbours Cruises on Lake Saimaa and river Vuoksi lasting anywhere from a few hours to several days, depart from four harbours. Below are some examples. Lappeenranta Harbour In Lappeenranta Harbour, you can board Finland s largest boat operating in inland waters, the 350-capacity m/s Camilla. The waters of Lake Saimaa are connected to the Gulf of Finland by the 43 km-long Saimaa Canal, via Lappeenranta and Vyborg. Additional suspense to scheduled canal cruises is brought by passing through a lock that adjusts for the difference in the levels of Lake Saimaa and the Gulf of Finland by 13 metres. For a longer break from your everyday routine, choose m/s Brahe, spend the night on board and enjoy the sea and great food. M/S Brahe sails from Lappeenranta to the capital city of Helsinki, to Savonlinna, known for its castle and opera festival, and to Hamina, a historic garrison town. Charter cruises from Lappeenranta are made by m/s Suvi-Ellen, for example. It will take you to the archipelago, where you can land on an island, enjoy the sauna and spend an unforgettable day with your family or friends. Rauha Harbour M/S Kavaljeeri, which has a sauna on board, departs from the harbour of Rauha next to Holiday Club Saimaa in Lappeenranta. It offers both scheduled and charter cruises. Vuoksi Fishing Park in Imatra Vuoksetar, which departs from the Vuoksi Fishing Park in Imatra, is ideal for small groups and is also suitable for those with physical disabilities. Harbour at Imatran Kylpylä Spa Scenic cruises on m/s Christina depart from the harbour next to Imatra Spa. Spend a memorable summer evening on board, dining and taking in the scenery. 13

14 ABC of nature exploration A B C The hiking areas in the Lake Saimaa region invite you for a tour of the beautiful environment. You can set off by foot, on a bicycle or in a canoe, for example. Biking A 30 km-long biking trail starting from Lappeenranta harbour will take you to views of the Saimaa archipelago. The trail ends in Taipalsaari. The first stop is Lappeenranta Fortress, which is entered via the Vyborg Gate. Read more about the Fortress on page 28. From there, the journey continues towards the Sandcastle and the Taipalsaari Trail, which offers varying terrain on mostly surfaced cycle paths. Along the trail there are places for swimming and resting, so be sure to take your swimming gear along. In Imatra, you should definitely bike along the paths next to the River Vuoksi flowing through the town. The Vuoksi Trail from Imatran Kylpylä Spa to the centre of Imatra is some 20 km long. During the trip, you can visit the Imatra Art Museum and the Vuoksi Fishing Park, and take a break by the thundering Imatrankoski rapids. gosaimaa tips Where can I get a bike? You can rent a normal or an electric bike at different locations in the area. Saimaa Adventures, Salpasafarit and Vuoksi Fishing Park rent out bikes for a day or a longer period of time. Many of the hotels offer bikes to their guests so that they can explore the region more easily. 14

15 hiking In the hiking areas of Finnish Lakeland, you can walk for a couple of hours nearby or pack up a tent and go on a weekend trip. Head for the Saimaa Canal Culture Trail in Lappeenranta. The Saimaa Canal connects the waters of Saimaa in Lappeenranta via Vyborg in Russia to the Gulf of Finland. Along the canal are eight locks, which compensate for the 75-metre difference in levels. The 1.5-km trail running by the canal has information boards English translations are available from the Canal Museum. The trail starts at the museum. In Imatra, pleasant hiking trails can be found in the centre. The Kruununpuisto Park (Crown Park) next to the Rantasipi Imatran Valtionhotelli castle hotel is the starting point for both the Muinaisuoma Nature and Culture Trail (approximately 1 km) and the Mellonlahti Nature Trail (approximately 3 km), where you can explore the beauty of the Imatrankoski rapids and the River Vuoksi. If you wish to go on a longer hike in the forests you can head to Ruokolahti, Rautjärvi and Parikkala, which represent the smaller municipalities in the Imatra region. There you can find hiking trails from km long. If you are looking for an easier route try the Hiitolanjoki-river trail in Rautjärvi, with a distance of only 1 3 km. The region's other municipalities also offer fascinating hiking trails of various lengths. Everyman's rights in Finland Walking in the wild and picking berries and mushrooms is allowed in Finland if no damage is caused to the environment. However, the freedom to roam is restricted near residential buildings, for example. Everyman's rights entitle you to walk, ski, bike or ride a horse in the woods, natural meadows, on lakes and rivers temporarily stay and spend the night in areas where roaming is allowed pick wild berries, mushrooms and plants that are not protected angle and ice fish boat and swim in lakes and rivers and walk on ice Permits needed for a fishing trip Angling and ice fishing are generally allowed in Finland without a fishing permit, but depending on your age and the fishing grounds, you will need a permit for other forms of fishing. For more information, contact the local tourist information office or an outdoor activity company. canoeing Lake Saimaa is an excellent place for canoeing. More experienced canoeists will enjoy the narrow sections of canoeing trails in addition to the lake sections. For beginners, there are sheltered shores for slower paddling. Canoes are rented out at the Myllysaari Family Park, as well as by Salpasafarit and Saimaa Adventures. The Lappeenranta and Imatra region offers canoeing routes marked on maps. Further information on nature exploration opportunities in the region can be found at For tips on suitable destinations, contact the local tourist information offices. 15

16 Tailored holiday accommodation While in Finland, you can stay in a cabin by a lake or in a fairy tale castle on the banks of rapids. The Lappeenranta and Imatra region offers plenty of options. Choose your accommodation to match your requirements. If you are on a holiday for two a nature enthusiast When you want to experience the purity of Finnish nature and the peace and quiet of the wilderness, book a cabin amidst the beautiful nature of Lake Saimaa. Available throughout the year, the cabins and villas are located far enough away from the buzz of the centre, offering genuine relaxation. There are also more modest cottages, whose charm is based on their wonderful location in unspoilt nature. Cross-country skiing or hiking trails are within easy reach they may even start at your front door and you can begin a morning by rowing a boat on the lake. Admire the bright starry sky, blazing northern lights or the midnight sun on a summer s night. Those travelling with their significant other can enjoy the hotels pampering packages, which include luxuries such as top-class rooms, romantic dinners in the hotel restaurant and pampering treatments in the wellness section. gosaimaa recommends: In the historic setting of Spa Hotel Rantasipi Imatran Valtionhotelli on the banks of the River Vuoksi in Imatra, you can experience the romantic atmosphere of a castle. Holiday Club Saimaa s Castle hotel wing in Rauha, Lappeenranta is for adults only and adds luxury to your holiday. Interested in a night in a tent, mansion or, say, a granary? Read more at 16

17 Finns love their saunas on a family holiday Staying in a spa is an ideal option for families with children, since they offer lots to do both inside and out. Accommodation has been designed to meet the needs of young ones, and the spas cater for them with a range of slides. The pleasures of a spa can be enjoyed at four different locations in the Saimaa area. gosaimaa tips: Read about spas on page 8 travelling with a group of friends A group of friends will appreciate cabin accommodation near the vibrant city centre. Imatra Spa and Holiday Club Saimaa offer a wide selection of high-quality holiday cabins with services nearby and more are continuously being built. The well-appointed cabins and holiday villas are perfect for accommodating even larger groups under one roof. All cabins and holiday homes are equipped with a kitchen, so preparing a home-cooked meal is easy. Why not pick some ceps and make a soup or bake a bilberry pie! And if you are feeling lazy, there are restaurants only a short walk away. Per capita, Finland has more saunas than any other country in the world. According to the Finnish Sauna Association, there are as many as 1.6 million saunas in Finland, a country with a population of 5.4 million. Traditional wood-fired stoves are found in summer cottages, in particular. In Saimaa area, all holiday cabins, hotels and spas have saunas. Saunas are often located next to water, and in summertime, bathing can easily take hours, as people sit in the heat talking about everything under the sun, taking a dip every once in a while. In winter, the most daring even try ice swimming. Finns use a vihta in the sauna, a switch of young birch branches used to improve circulation by gently beating the skin. If you want to give it a try, ask at your place of accommodation, and they will be happy to help you. Food from the wild In Finland, you are allowed to pick berries and mushrooms in the wild, thanks to the tradition of everyman s right. 17

18

19 Enjoying LAKE SAIMAA in summer The Saimaa area is known for its sunny summer. A lakeside sauna and views are an integral part of the Finnish summer idyll. Hop on a standard or an electric bike and take to the roads of summery Lake Saimaa. There are also lots of options for experiencing the waters. On a cruise, you can feel the special atmosphere of Lake Saimaa. Motor and sailing boats, canoes and kayaks enable more individual navigation in the beautiful lake scenery. The easiest way for a visitor to get a taste of the numerous exciting activities in the Saimaa region is to participate in organised weekly activities. There is everything from floating in a drysuit in Lake Saimaa and the River Vuoksi in Imatra, to ATV safaris and more. Guides can help you to get the most out the towns and sights. Book a guided tour in English in Lappeenranta or Imatra (no minimum group size). You can choose from walking tours and bus tours, which in Imatra often include a rapid show during the summer season. Contact the local tourist information office to hear more or catch a train! In Lappeenranta, guided tours are also offered on the street train, where commentary is provided through headphones in six languages, including English. Saimaa region for kids The Lappeenranta and Imatra region offers loads of fun things to do for families with children. The Myllysaari Family Park in Lappeenranta features activities such as a playground, football fields, a parkour course, a fitness and climbing area, the Flowpark, a sledge slide, swimming facilities, diving towers and a beach café. Hop on the street train in Myllysaari and travel to the Fortress (old town), city centre, Traffic Park, gosaimaa tips: ATV safaris to Russian Karelia ATV safaris to Russia, organised by Saimaa Adventures, start in Finland. After the border formalities, the journey continues along old Finnish roads in the Karelian landscape. Nights are spent in a comfortable B&B, which also has a sauna. There you can wash away all the sweat and dirt and talk about the highlights of the trip. Please note that a visa is required for this safari. 19

20 Sandcastle and harbour. The environmentally-friendly street train, powered by natural gas, passes through the green, lush town and the old Fortress, giving you the chance to enjoy views of Lake Saimaa. The street train departs from the Sandcastle every hour, on Mondays 12 pm 5 pm and on other days 10 am 5 pm. This summer, the one-of-a-kind Sandcastle will be built at Lappeenranta Harbour for the 11 th time. The Sandcastle, which swallows more than three million kilos of sand every year, inspires awe in people of all ages. The building of this massive castle lasts from mid-may to early June, and its opening is celebrated in the first week of June. Entrance to the Sandcastle area is free of charge. The Sandcastle also has a tourist information point. At the harbour, fantastic sculptures and a gigantic sandpit offer a great adventure for the smallest family members. Little fishermen can head for the Vuoksi Fishing Park, located on the island of Varpasaari near the Imatrankoski rapids in Imatra. Fishing equipment is rented out, and there is also a restaurant to cater for hungry visitors. Cruises on the River Vuoksi also start here. Animal enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Activity Centre Päivölä in Taipalsaari, whatever the season. It is home to Icelandic horses that you can ride safely, accompanied by an instructor. Finland s largest Sandcastle is everybody's favourite Summer activities: Fishing Cruises Sailing Parasailing Golf Indoor skating at Holiday Club Saimaa Arena or UK Areena Canoeing Disc golf Standard and electric bikes ATV safaris Horseback riding Water-skiing and water scooters Banana boat rides Diving Floating in a drysuit in the River Vuoksi or on Lake Saimaa 20

21 Rounds four courses Take a golf holiday in the Saimaa area, the greens await you! A par-9 course Viipurin Golf has two courses in Lappeenranta: Etelä-Saimaa Golf and Kahilanniemi. The par-9 Kahilanniemi course is an interesting experience with its differences in altitude and lakeside views. There is room for drives, but the small greens, which are often elevated, have to be approached with care. Etelä-Saimaa Golf Lappeenranta The spectacular scenery and the well-maintained narrow and challenging fairways invite you for a round on the 18-hole course of Etelä-Saimaa Golf. Located on an island in the middle of the blue waters of Lake Saimaa, this course is only eight kilometres from the centre of Lappeenranta. Fairways running next to beaches and shoreline rocks and the differences in altitude will stay in the minds of all players. Holiday Club Golf Saimaa Rauha, Lappeenranta Holiday Club Golf Saimaa new course and driving range, completed for summer 2013, provide challenges and experiences of success for players of all skill levels. The undulating heather-clad heath, combined with the dramatic landscape filled with kettle holes during the Ice Age, creates an impressive setting for the game. After a day of golfing, you can relax in Holiday Club Saimaa s luxurious Cirque de Saimaa spa world and the numerous saunas. Pay & Play. No membership required. Imatra Golf Imatra The 18-hole Imatra Golf course is located close to the Finnish-Russian border, on the shores of the beautiful lake Immalanjärvi. This park-type course is a challenge for top players, and it enables club players to safely make bogeys. The course has been beautifully designed, taking the environment and the adjacent lake into consideration. All of the three full-length courses can be conveniently accessed with a Golf Pass. To learn more, contact the courses!

22 Fun for the whole family Holidaymakers are guaranteed to have fun in the three activity parks in the Saimaa region. And if not everyone feels like thrill-seeking, there are great places for shopping near the parks. Jump for fun, play and run! Lappeenranta s latest activity park opened in Rauha in summer The indoor Angry Birds Activity Park, which is open seven days a week, challenges groups of all ages to test their skills. On the first floor is an area for the smallest children as well as the Angry Birds cinema, pedal cars and a zip-wire run. The activities on the space-themed second floor will sweep you off your feet literally: jump from a tower onto a BagJump mattress, wander around a laser labyrinth, shoot with a softball cannon and do much more! When others are messing about in the park, shoppers can explore the shopping centre. The activity park is conveniently located in the Capri Shopping Centre, next to Holiday Club Saimaa spa resort. Capri features an outlet for top-brand clothes, a sinfully delicious chocolatier, shops for women s and children s wear, fitness and outdoor clothing, and a wholesale store open to the general public selling food and everyday consumer goods at discounted prices. Angry Birds Activity Park also houses the Angry Birds Shop, where you will find bird-themed shirts, hoodies and toys to take home as gifts. Open Mon Sat from 11 am to 8 pm Sun 11 am to 6 pm. Please remember: Kids under 10 may enter the park only when accompanied by an adult, and those aged may enter without an adult only with their parents written permission. Please bring your own indoor shoes! Angry Birds Activity Park 22

23 While some of you are playing, others have the luxury of shopping in peace.

24 The adventure park is open in all seasons. Flowpark Go with the flow Lappeenranta s third adventure park, Flowpark, can be found on the island of Myllysaari by Lake Saimaa. It is an outdoor theme park built in spectacular scenery, just a short stroll away from the centre and its shops. In summer, you can also hop on a city train to travel to the park from the centre or vice versa. The Myllysaari family park also features a playground, parkour course, sledge slide, swimming facilities, diving towers and a beach café. A fun day at Flowpark starts by putting on a climbing harness and helmet and listening to instructions, since the trails are built in trees and you will be attached to a safety wire at all times. The trails are graded in four difficulty categories. There is liana jumping, rope nets and wild zip-line runs. In addition to being a fantastic experience, Flowpark s activities will improve your coordination and balance. The Flowpark outdoor adventure park is open at the weekends in April and May and almost daily from June to October. From October to April, Flowpark is open for group bookings only. Open for private groups all year-round Starting from May, open Wed-Sun June July, open Wed-Sun August, open Wed-Sun Sept-Oct, open weekends Flowpark is fun for adventurers of all ages.

25 Atreenalin Adventure Park Zip-wire run in the shade of a forest In the Rauha area, a stone s throw away from Holiday Club Saimaa, is another type of adventure park. Atreenalin Adventure Park Saimaa s 71 route sections have been designed and built in a forest, taking natural values into consideration. The park s Discovery and Family routes are also suitable for children (over 130 cm). The Adventure route, which culminates in a 230 metrelong zip wire, is the most challenging. The Sports route, running at the height of over 10 metres, puts even the fittest adventurer s skills to the test. While others are climbing and sliding, little ones can enjoy the Playland activities. Advance booking is recommended for larger groups coming to the Atreenalin outdoor park, to ensure smooth service and availability of tickets. Open all year-round, except extremely cold or windy days when the park will be closed temporarily Best places for shopping The best streets for shopping in Lappeenranta are Valtakatu and Kauppakatu. Along them are smaller speciality shops and several shopping centres. Imatra is also a great shopping destination. Larger speciality shops and department stores, such as Prisma, can be found in the retail areas outside the city centres. The Koskenparras pedestrian area in the city centre of Imatra offers a large variety of shops and speciality stores. A new major shopping centre will be constructed in Imatra in the coming years. In between shopping, you can relax in enticing restaurants and cafés, enjoying a drink or a cup of tea, before continuing your tour of the boutiques. Great gifts to take home Crafts Charming markets are organised in the Saimaa area all year round. Particularly in winter and during the Christmas season, you can choose from a range of products skilfully crafted by local artisans. The lovely shops in the old town of Lappeenranta, the Fortress, offer wonderful crafts and delicious food. Local delicacies Local canned fish, smoked meat and honey are often available in markets. Various treats are also on sale in many speciality shops and supermarkets. The Finnish, award-winning confectionery factory of Fazer operates in Lappeenranta. Its annual production volume of Marianne sweets alone amounts to 1.4 million kilos. They combine the Russian confection tradition and a French flavour. You can find Marianne sweets in all grocery stores around Finland. Second-hand goods The area boasts a number of antique and second-hand shops, where you can make some real finds. 25

26 Events in the Lappeenranta and Imatra region in 2014 January Wolkoff Christmas, Wolkoff House Museum, Lappeenranta Winter Action Park: winter activities for the whole family, Rauha, Lappeenranta Asunto & Rakentaja (House and Homebuilder) 14 Fair, Holiday Club Saimaa Arena, Rauha, Lappeenranta Exhibition The Cage Tapio Sinisalo, South Karelia Art Museum, Lappeenranta Exhibition January Skin Old and New into the Collections, South Karelia Art Museum, Lappeenranta Olli Rumpu Photographs from the South Karelia of the 1960s and 1970s, South Karelia Museum, Lappeenranta February Bandy World Championships for Women, Kisapuisto Sports Centre, Lappeenranta Nordic tour-skating event on Lake Kuolimo, Savitaipale March Exhibition Or Towards Human Being Eeva-Kaisa Jakkila, Jouko Lempinen, Juha Okko and Jussi Valtakari, South Karelia Art Museum, Lappeenranta Exhibition Mind Activator Works by Ilkka Pärni, South Karelia Art Museum, Lappeenranta April Exhibition This Is Lake Saimaa Calling, South Karelia Museum, Lappeenranta Traditional Spring Market, Kauppatori Market Square, Lappeenranta , , Easter at Wolkoff, Wolkoff House Museum, Lappeenranta IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship. The main event of the year: ten countries battle for the world championship. More than 30 matches will be played during the tournament in Lappeenranta and Imatra International All-Breed Dog Show, AviaSport Arena, Imatra Lappeenranta GP, a competition for electric and humanpowered vehicles, Satamatori Harbour Market Square, Lappeenranta May Fashion by Day, Lappeenranta Vuoksi Fish Market: Fish and all kinds of fish products, Vuoksi Fishing Park, Imatra XI Black and White International Theatre Festival, Imatra Opening of the Imatra Summer: bustling market day and activities for the whole family, Rapids Show at 6 pm, Imatra. 26 For more information on museums and exhibitions in the South Karelia region, please refer to the Service Index.

27 June Green Growth Economy 4 th EU-Russia Innovation Forum, Lappeenranta Sandcastle, Finland s largest Sandcastle is everybody's favourite, Lappeenranta Street Train tours in Lappeenranta: guidance in many languages, Lappeenranta Orienteering World Cup: Round three of the World Cup. Individual sprint and relay race, Imatra The Karelian Festivities, Lappeenranta Karelian Summer Market, Satamatori Harbour Market Square, Lappeenranta Suuri Taidekoski Event: gathers artists of various art forms to the banks of the Imatrankoski Rapids to memorialise the national scenery during a two-hour rapids show, Imatra MILjazz Jazz tour of the Finnish Defence Forces, Rakuunamäki, Lappeenranta Exhibition Fruits of Paradise Polish Contemporary Folk Art, South Karelia Art Museum, Lappeenranta Looking for Paradise DIY meets Contemporary Art, South Karelia Art Museum, Lappeenranta Exhibition The Tree of Life DIY in South-East Finland, South Karelia Art Museum, Lappeenranta Midsummer Bonfire at Myllysaari: the traditional Midsummer night bonfire, Lappeenranta Imatrankoski Rapids run wild daily at 6 pm. Musical effects: Mon, Thu and Sun Sibelius, Wed and Sat Nightwish, Tue and Fri Darude, Imatra Ylämaa International Gemstone Fair: thousands and thousands of shiny bright gemstones from around the world are on show at the fair, Ylämaa, Lappeenranta Imatra Big Band Festival: the streets and clubs of the summer town are taken over by music and entertainment during this international chill-out music festival, Imatra Unlimited Racing: The gathering of different motor sports, supercars, Formula 1, motorcycles and aircraft meet and race, Lappeenranta International Airport Savitaipale Soi 2014 Live music all over the village, Savitaipale Suur-Saimaan Ympäriajo Veteran Car Rally for vehicles older than 25 years, Lappeenranta July Traditional horses and riders ride in the harbour and Fortress area, Lappeenranta SAPASSI Week, events all over the village, Savitaipale Rautjärvi Cultural Events Week: a variety of events at interesting spots around the municipality, Rautjärvi Rakuuna Rock Festival, Lappeenranta Fortress Antiques and Collectors Summer Fair: National sales fair, lectures, activities and valuations, Rautjärvi Lemi Music Festival, Lemi August Memories of Imatranajo: Road-racing show ride event in the old Imatra street circuit, Imatra XVIII Day on the Museum Road: A chance to visit the attractions along the museum road and buy goods directly from the entrepreneurs. The road is part of the old, early 19th century postal route from Vyborg to Savonlinna, Ruokolahti- Rautjärvi Please check for updated information and new events at Farmers Market, Lemi The good old days! XIV Old Music Festival, Imatra Lappeenranta Ballet Gala, Lappeenranta City Theatre Imatra Day & Night of the Arts, and Naisten Vuoksi (Women s Vuoksi) running event: Public festival of the people of Imatra welcomes visitors too, Imatra Deli Market flavours from near and far: Local and Southern European farmers sell their produce at Imatrankoski market square, Imatra September Art@bars cultural events in bars and around the town, Lappeenranta Makkarafest Sausage Festival: come and try local sausages and vote for your favourite, Imatra Muikku ja Pottu Fish Market, Satamatori Harbour Market Square, Lappeenranta Vuoksi Fish Market, Vuoksi Fishing Park, Imatra Fashion by Night, Lappeenranta Exhibition Different Styles Dialogues in Time and Space, South Karelia Art Museum, Lappeenranta October Ruokolahti Fair, Ruokolahti School Exhibition Everyday Alphabet, South Karelia Museum, Lappeenranta Exhibition Kasari, South Karelia Museum, Lappeenranta Small Circus Festival: Charm, fire and magic, Imatra Traditional Autumn Market, Kauppatori Market Square, Lappeenranta November METKAT Children s and Youth Culture Week, South Karelia region Imatra Art Week, Imatra Magic by Christmas, start of Christmas in the city centre shops, Lappeenranta Christmas opening, pedestrian street Koskenparras in the town centre, Imatra December Winter Wonderland, Hiljan piha (Hilja's yard): a chance to enjoy the Christmas spirit and buy local crafts and delicacies, Imatra , Wolkoff Christmas, Wolkoff House Museum, Lappeenranta Christmas Market, Joutseno market square, Lappeenranta Traditional Christmas Market at the Fortress, Lappeenranta Santa Claus with his wife at the Railway Station, Lappeenranta Christmas Day Rapids Show at 9 pm, Imatra New Year s Rapids Show and fireworks at midnight, Imatra New Year Celebrations, Lappeenranta 27

28 Seppo Pelkonen / The South Karelia Museum Eeva-Kaisa Jakkila, Talven valoa Sinikka Kurkinen, Erään opettajan muistoksi, 2004 Lappeenranta and Imatra have a total of 20 museums, from automobile and aviation to art and local history museums. Read more at

29 FasCinating local museums In the museums of the Lappeenranta and Imatra region, you can learn about the past from various perspectives. Lappeenranta Fortress, i.e. the old town, offers numerous fun things to do and see. Built as a garrison town in the late 18th century, Lappeenranta Fortress is nowadays a lively cultural district where the history of Finland and South Karelia is presented in three museums. The lovely red-brick houses, roughcast and painted yellow, now serve as homes and workshops of artisans and artists. In the summertime, many doors are invitingly left open, and you can see maestros at work. The most intriguing museums in the Fortress are the South Karelia Museum and the Cavalry Museum. The South Karelia Museum s permanent exhibition, On the Border Three Karelian Towns, introduces the development of Lappeenranta and the surrounding areas from the Middle Ages to this day. The Cavalry Museum takes visitors to the heart of Finland s military history and is open only during the summer season. Explore the art If art is close to your heart, you should go to the northern end of the Fortress and visit the neoclassical barracks. The South Karelia Art Museum is located opposite Finland s oldest Orthodox Church, and its collections contain Finnish art from the mid- 1800s to the present day. The collection of the Imatra Art Museum focuses on 20 th century Finnish art. Examples of the artists are Akseli Gallén-Kallela, Hugo Simberg and Wäinö Aaltonen. International artists represented in the collection include Auguste Renoir, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso and Utagawa Kuniyoshi. The Imatra Art Museum is located within the Virta House of Culture. The history of the borders in Finland and the Finnish Border Guard can be explored during the summer season at the Border Museum in the garrison area of Immola. The exhibition covers a lot of photographic materials and miniature models. Museum Friday From September to May, the first Friday of each month is Museum Friday, meaning that visitors can enter the South Karelia Museum and the Art museum free of charge. Walking tour around Lappeenranta Fortress Saturdays 1 2 pm 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 9 Aug, 16 Aug Adults 6, kids 3, free for kids under 3 years Starts in front of the Scandic Patria Hotel. in English Learn about Spectrolite a Finnish gemstone The collections of Ylämaa Gem Museum in Lappeenranta include more than 5,000 specimens of gems, minerals and fossils from all over the world. In the museum, you can admire a collection of the copies of famous diamonds, various ore rocks and Finnish rocks. The museum s specialities include real specimens of dinosaur and mammoth fossils, corals and meteorites. Finnish Spectrolite is also on display. Named after the spectrum of colours in the stone, it has risen to the top 30 of the most sold gems in the world, despite its young age. Spectrolite is also found in the museum s new stone floor, which provides a great illustration of the use of natural stone. What is so fascinating about gemstones, we ask Esko Hämäläinen, from Ylämaa Gem Society? You can see nature s eternal beauty and the diversity of colours in them. Even though jewellery design is affected by trends and the cultures of different ages, gems used in jewels always retain their fascinating form, dating back hundreds of millions of years. The Gem Museum is open to visitors daily from June to August. In winter, it is only open on request. 29

30 Fun in the snow Fresh white snow and crispy winter weather. No excuses to stay indoors. There are countless ways to enjoy the winter in the Saimaa area. Those with a need for speed can go on a safari on snowmobiles or quad bikes geared up for snow. The excellent network of ski trails welcomes cross-country skiers of all levels to enjoy the open scenery on Lake Saimaa or to test their limits on trails going up and down in the woods. Downhill skiers head for the ski centres while those looking for something more exotic can try a reindeer sleigh ride or go Nordic tour skating on tracks cleared on the lake. And don t forget walking, one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors in the winter. Whichever way you choose to have fun in the winter, the best part is taking a break with your friends to enjoy a hot drink. 30

31 First class skiing There are hundreds of kilometres of ski trails in the Saimaa region for all cross-country skiers. Serious skiers can try an elite competition ski trail approved by the International Ski Federation. Cross-country enthusiasts will love the first snow trail prepared in the autumn in the grounds of the leisure centre in Imat ra. The 1.5 km trail starts from Imatran Kylpylä Spa and is open for skiers until it snows and the natural trails are ready. The nearby Saimaa Adventures ski hire has two hundred pairs of skis, ready to be used and prepared for the conditions of the day. In the spring of 2012, Imatra hosted the Finnish Championships in cross-country skiing. One of the participants is better known for competing in the biathlon: Kaisa Mäkäräinen. The world champion made an exception and competed in the classic event. Mäkäräinen had positive comments to make after the race. The trails were first class and very well kept, the world champion said after the race in an interview by the local newspaper Imatralainen. Skiing facilities in Imatra are continuously being developed. In the next few years, the region s competition-class trails will be accompanied by a ski stadium of the same calibre, along with other improved infrastructure. Imatra is aiming to host elite competitions in cross-country skiing and biathlon in the winter of Print Saimaa region ski trail maps at All downhill The steep slopes of the shores around Lake Saimaa are home to ski centres serving enthusiasts of alpine skiing, snowboarding and Telemark skiing. More winter fun for the whole family is on offer at ski centres in the Saimaa area with downhill skiing and cross-country trails. Winter activities: Cross-country skiing Downhill skiing, snowboarding Reindeer sleigh rides Husky safaris Snowmobiles Snowshoe trips Parasailing Quad bike safaris Ice fishing Nordic tour skating and traditional skating Hovercraft rides Horse riding, also Icelandic horses Dry-suit floating in the River Vuoksi or Lake Saimaa Kick sledding The ski centres in the region are traditional centres with the focus on having fun on skis or a snowboard. The gentler slopes are perfect for improving your skills and gaining confidence. You will learn much quicker with the help of a professional ski instructor. Advanced skiers will find challenges on the steeper slopes and Snowparks in particular. Ruoholahti FreeSki and Myllymäki Ski Centre have lifts which enable you to pack plenty of runs into your day. Skiers interested in learning tricks will certainly appreciate the chance to have another go. 31