Planning a trip to Finland’s breathtaking Lake Saimaa region? Whether you’re looking for peaceful nature, authentic Finnish culture, outdoor adventures, or unique attractions, Savonlinna and Punkaharju offer unforgettable experiences in every season.

Located just 25 minutes from Savonlinna, Hotelli Punkaharju is the perfect base for exploring one of Finland’s most beautiful destinations. Stay surrounded by forests and crystal-clear lakes while enjoying easy access to the area’s top attractions.

1. Stay at Hotelli Punkaharju

Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway, family holiday, business retreat, golf holiday, or outdoor adventure, Hotelli Punkaharju offers comfortable accommodation in the heart of Finland’s Lakeland.

Guests can enjoy:

• Comfortable hotel rooms
• Peaceful lakeside surroundings
• Traditional Finnish sauna
• Delicious local cuisine at Ravintola Metsä
• Easy access to Savonlinna’s top attractions

Book Your Stay

2. Walk Along the Famous Punkaharju Ridge

Punkaharju Ridge is one of Finland’s oldest protected national landscapes and one of the country’s most photographed destinations.

Walk or cycle along the scenic ridge with Lake Saimaa stretching out on both sides.

Highlights:

• Scenic walking trails
• Cycling routes
• Stunning lake views
• Autumn colours
• Sunset photography

Only a few minutes from Hotelli Punkaharju, making it an easy morning or evening activity during your stay.

3. Visit Olavinlinna Castle

No visit to Savonlinna is complete without exploring Olavinlinna Castle, Finland’s best-preserved medieval castle.

Built in the 15th century, the castle offers fascinating history, guided tours, beautiful views over Lake Saimaa, and hosts the world-famous Savonlinna Opera Festival every summer.

• Official Olavinlinna website

4. Explore Lusto – The Finnish Forest Museum

Located in Punkaharju, Lusto is Finland’s National Forest Museum and one of the region’s most popular attractions.

Discover:

• Finnish forest history
• Wildlife
• Interactive exhibitions
• Family-friendly activities
• Forestry traditions

Perfect for families and rainy-day visits.

• Official Lusto website

5. Experience Lake Saimaa

Lake Saimaa is Europe’s fourth-largest natural lake and one of Finland’s greatest natural treasures.

Popular activities include:

• Swimming
• Paddleboarding
• Canoeing
• Fishing
• Scenic cruises
• Wildlife watching

If you’re lucky, you may even spot the endangered Saimaa ringed seal.

After your adventure, relax back at Hotelli Punkaharju and enjoy dinner overlooking nature.

6. Visit Retretti Art Cave – Experience Maan Pulssi

One of the newest highlights in Punkaharju is the reopening of Retretti Art Cave, one of Finland’s most iconic underground exhibition spaces.

The immersive exhibition Maan Pulssi (Earth Pulse) combines light, sound, art, and the cave’s spectacular natural rock formations to create an unforgettable sensory experience.

Perfect for:

• Art lovers
• Families
• Rainy-day activities
• Photography enthusiasts
• Anyone looking for a unique cultural experience

Located just a short drive from Hotelli Punkaharju, Retretti is an easy addition to your itinerary.

• Official Retretti website

7. Relax in a Traditional Finnish Sauna

No Finnish holiday is complete without experiencing a traditional sauna.

After a day exploring Savonlinna and Punkaharju, unwind in the warmth of the sauna before enjoying a peaceful evening surrounded by forests and lakes.

Many guests say the sauna is one of the highlights of their stay.

Check more information about our Beach Sauna

8. Explore Nature Trails

Punkaharju offers countless opportunities to experience Finnish nature.

Depending on the season, enjoy:

• Hiking
• Cycling
• Berry picking
• Mushroom picking
• Bird watching
• Peaceful forest walks

Nature begins right outside the hotel door.

9. Taste Authentic Finnish Cuisine

One of the highlights of visiting the Lake Saimaa region is enjoying authentic Finnish cuisine made from fresh local ingredients. From traditional Finnish flavours to lakeside dining, the Punkaharju area offers several excellent restaurants worth visiting.

Ravintola Metsä

Located at Hotelli Punkaharju, Ravintola Metsä serves seasonal dishes inspired by Finnish forests, lakes, and local producers. Whether you’re joining us for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll experience warm hospitality and flavours of the region.

• Ravintola Metsä Website

Restaurant Wanha Koulu

Located in nearby Kerimäki, Restaurant Wanha Koulu offers delicious Finnish cuisine in a beautifully restored historic school building. The menu features locally sourced ingredients, seasonal specialties, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes it a favourite among both locals and visitors.

It’s an excellent stop for lunch or dinner while exploring the Savonlinna region.

Cafe Rantakivi

Located by the beautiful shores of Lake Puruvesi, Rantakivi is a charming lakeside restaurant and café offering fresh local fish, homemade pastries, coffee, and relaxing lake views.

It’s a wonderful place to enjoy authentic Finnish summer dining.

• Rantakivi Website

10. Play Golf at Kerigolf

Just a short drive from Hotelli Punkaharju, Kerigolf is one of Finland’s most scenic golf courses. Surrounded by forests and the beautiful Lake Saimaa region, it offers a memorable experience for golfers of all skill levels.

To make your golf holiday even easier, Hotelli Punkaharju offers a Golf Package that combines comfortable accommodation with a round of golf at Kerigolf. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a relaxing getaway without having to arrange everything separately.

After a day on the course, return to the peaceful surroundings of Hotelli Punkaharju, unwind in the sauna, and enjoy dinner at Ravintola Metsä.

👉 Discover our Golf Package and book your golfing getaway today.

Recommended links

• Golf Package 
• Kerigolf 

11. Visit Savonlinna Market Square

During summer, Savonlinna’s lively Market Square is filled with local food, handmade crafts, fresh berries, cafés, and the famous local fish delicacy, muikku.

It’s the perfect place to experience authentic Finnish summer culture.

12. Take a Scenic Lake Cruise

Discover Lake Saimaa from a different perspective by joining one of the area’s scenic cruises.

Many cruises depart from Savonlinna Harbour and offer beautiful views of:

• Olavinlinna Castle
• Lake Saimaa
• Small islands
• Traditional Finnish Lakeland scenery

A wonderful experience for couples, families, and photographers.

13. Experience Every Season

Summer

• Swimming
• Canoeing
• Cycling
• Opera Festival
• Midnight sun

Autumn

• Colourful forests
• Mushroom picking
• Berry picking
• Hiking

Winter

• Cross-country skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Ice fishing
• Traditional Finnish sauna

Spring

• Nature awakening
• Bird watching
• Quiet hiking trails

Every season offers something unique in Punkaharju.

14. Make Hotelli Punkaharju Your Base for Exploring Lake Saimaa

After a day exploring castles, forests, museums, restaurants, golf courses, and Lake Saimaa, return to the peaceful surroundings of Hotelli Punkaharju.

Its central location makes it easy to visit:

• Punkaharju Ridge
• Retretti Art Cave
• Lusto Museum
• Kerigolf
• Olavinlinna Castle
• Savonlinna Market Square
• Lake Saimaa

Whether you’re travelling as a couple, family, business group, or with friends, Hotelli Punkaharju is the perfect place to experience Finland’s Lakeland.

Ready to start your adventure? Book your stay today and discover everything Savonlinna and Punkaharju have to offer.

Suggested 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

• Check in at Hotelli Punkaharju
• Walk the Punkaharju Ridge
• Visit Retretti Art Cave – Maan Pulssi
• Dinner at Ravintola Metsä
• Relax in the sauna

Day 2

• Visit Olavinlinna Castle
• Explore Savonlinna Market Square
• Scenic Lake Saimaa cruise
• Dinner at Restaurant Wanha Koulu or Rantakivi

Day 3

• Play golf with our Golf Package at Kerigolf or visit Lusto Museum
• Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at Hotelli Punkaharju
• Explore the surrounding nature before departure

Plan Your Stay at Hotelli Punkaharju

Whether you’re planning a relaxing weekend, a golf holiday, a cultural escape, or an active nature adventure, Hotelli Punkaharju is the perfect base for exploring Finland’s beautiful Lake Saimaa region.

Browse our:

• Accommodation
• Rooms
• Golf Package
• Ravintola Metsä
• Meeting & Retreat Packages
• Book Your Stay

We look forward to welcoming you to Punkaharju and helping you create unforgettable memories in Finland’s Lakeland.

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