Â
East Finland is very scenic which I enjoyed the best of the Kouvola Region in June 2014.
Did you know that Finland has a Winery?
We checked it and visited the Mustila Arboretum and Mustila Winery that makes wine based on Blueberry. A very interesting taste, though not my favourite of wines. After the wine we continued to Kouvola and the Cumulus Hotel Kouvola.
The city of Kouvola is located roughly 150 km north-east from Helsinki. Located ideally by the Savo track – a gateway to Northern Finland and Russia – Kouvola is easily reached with the Finnish railway connections. The area of Kouvola is roughly divided into two parts, the lake-dominated Northern part and the more traditional and agriculturally rich southern part – the City of Kouvola being in the middle of the two.
There are plenty of activities for children (and childish adults) for example Tykkimäki Amusement Park and Aquapark.
We enjoyed a lovely dinner at Tykkimäki Aquapark Loiske Restaurant before heading back to our hotel for the night.
On day 2, after breakfast and check-out, we departed towards Verla, a Unesco World Heritage site. After a good night’s sleep in the Cumulus Hotel in Kouvola, we enjoyed a guided tour in the Verla Mill Museum, followed by a short ride to the Repovesi National Park. We walked around the park by foot and had a campfire lunch. Having enjoyed the lunch in the fresh air we were able to nap en route to Savonlinna Region (via Mikkeli and Juva), with a short coffee stop in Juva at Wehmaa Manor in “Butikken pÃ¥ Landet shopâ€, which translates into “the shop in the countrysideâ€. Late afternoon we arrived at the Holiday Resort Järvisydän for check-in for the night.
We had a short excursion to Saimaa Ringed Seal´s birth places in Linnansaari National Park, followed by a visit to the Finnish Sauna World. In the evening we had dinner set in a medieval style restaurant and wine cellar ‘Piikatyttö’ till late hours, but with the Midnight Sun up all night, there was no reason to miss that phenomenon and what a sight it was!
The following day we moved onto Savonlinna, which is built in islands. The City of Savonlinna has been a popular spa and tourist destination throughout the last century. Today, Savonlinna is known for its Opera Festival, cruises on spectacular steam ships, as a buzzing market place and the tasty snack “lörtsyâ€. The most popular sight in Savonlinna is the medieval Olavinlinna Castle, but every visitor to the charming city should also include walking along the Linnankatu in the old town area and see the old boutiques and art exhibitions – just to name a few of the city’s highlights.
The day programme consisted of a Lake cruise and a visit to Savonlinna Market Square, then a guided tour in Olavinlinna Castle after which we took off for Mikkeli.
Situated in the area of South Savo between lakes Puula, Kyyvesi and Saimaa, the Mikkeli region is among the most popular cottage areas in Finland – 10.500 holiday cottages are located in the City of Mikkeli alone, which makes the city a leader of cottage holiday statistics. Rich in holiday cottages, the Mikkeli Region is also known for its numerous manor houses, locally produced food and rich social history – being the headquarters area for most of its existence.
After an exciting morning we had lunch in Puumala. A couple of years ago Puumala was chosen the most beautiful municipality on Saimaa Lake District. Puumala’s 3000 km of shoreline and real archipelago with over 1000 islands attract summer residents and leisure sailors as well as other travellers to their summer paradise to enjoy the sparkling blue waters, peaceful country life and genuinely friendly services of the active little village. Feel the unique local lifestyle, amazing!
Later in the afternoon we drove for a view of Anttolanhovi / Art&Design Lakeside Villas where we would stay for the night. Thereafter there was sightseeing on Lake Saimaa for Forest Yoga. After the yoga work-out we were ready for dinner with local specialities and a late night Sauna in the Villa – relaxing and enjoy the little things in life, just like the Finnish people would do it! The sun was still up so we made the most of it.
Anttolanhovi Art & Design villas are a unique visitor concept – luxury and Finnish design combined to a full range of hospitality and hotel services. Anttolanhovi restaurant is also known for its local food, which many tourists traveling alone or in groups enjoy when traveling in the area.
On the last day we started the morning by having breakfast at the villa. After we sadly had to check-out to go onto the airport, we drove along the Lakeland Route, talking about our feelings and impressions on the way. We all felt very “high†on the buzz from seeing lots of beautiful lakes, sunshine, the Midnight Sun, Sauna Finnish style, Forests and much more to enjoy.
Unfortunately then it was time to get to our flights from Helsinki. We were all sad to leave.
CLIMATE/WEATHER
Savonlinna and Mikkeli region is located in the heart Lakeland Finland and Lake Saimaa; the climate is mild and characterized by seasonal changes between darkness and light, cold and warmth. You might need warm layers of clothing for the evenings, but the daytime can be quite warm.
Images by: Daina Kontrima