Top 20 Lakes around Savonlinna
Best lakes around Savonlinna are situated within the Finnish Lakeland, a region dominated by Lake Saimaa, Europe's fourth-largest natural freshwater lake. Savonlinna itself is built on islands within Saimaa, offering easy access to its intricate network of waterways and islands. The area is characterized by its clean environment, diverse natural features, and cultural landmarks like Olavinlinna Castle. This region provides varied opportunities for exploring Finland's lake landscape.
Best lakes around Savonlinna
- The most popular lakes is Lohilathi West camping area, a hut that offers a cozy spot for roasting food over a fire with lake views. This location provides an outdoor experience for visitors.
- Another must-see spot is Karjalankallio shelter, a hut within the Punkaharju Arboretum. It provides a sheltered rest stop with a firepit and benches, ideal for pausing along a trail.
- Visitors also love SaimaaHoliday Oravi, a settlement offering boat tours and accommodation. It is a recommended location for experiencing Lake Saimaa and potentially spotting wildlife like seals or beavers.
- Savonlinna is known for large open lakes like Saimaa, island-rich areas such as Pihlajavesi and Haukivesi, and clear-water lakes like Puruvesi. These offer diverse environments for boating, paddling, and exploring.
- The lakes around Savonlinna are appreciated by the komoot community, with 17 upvotes and 3 photos shared by users.
Last updated: May 13, 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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Savonlinna Harbor
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Karjalankallio shelter
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Punkaharju Ridge Scenic Road
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Lohilathi West camping area
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Popular around Savonlinna
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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Karjalankallion Kota sits within the Punkaharju Arboretum, offering a peaceful retreat amid a diverse collection of trees. This sheltered rest stop provides a firepit and benches, making it a perfect spot to pause and take in the surrounding forest and lake. Whether you're exploring the arboretum’s unique tree species or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of nature, this kota offers a welcoming break along the trail.
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This harju near Punkaharju is one of the most famous in the country! Rolling hills and lakes on both sides make it a wonderful and scenic road.
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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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Roasting delicious food over the fire while enjoying a beautiful view at the lake in a cozy hut? At this place, your outdoor dream might come true! All you need to do is bring some time and something tasty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wildlife can I spot around the Savonlinna lakes?
The Savonlinna region, particularly Lake Saimaa and its national parks like Linnansaari and Kolovesi, is a prime location to spot the critically endangered Saimaa ringed seal. Visitors on boat tours from places like SaimaaHoliday Oravi have also reported seeing ospreys and beavers.
What are the unique natural features of the Savonlinna lake region?
The region is dominated by Lake Saimaa, Europe's fourth-largest natural freshwater lake, known for its labyrinthine network of islands and clean waters. Other notable features include the exceptional water clarity of Puruvesi, the extensive sounds and islands of Haukivesi, and the high vertical cliffs (up to 40 meters) found in Kolovesi National Park, shaped by the last Ice Age.
Are there opportunities for kayaking or boating on the Savonlinna lakes?
Yes, the Savonlinna lakes offer extensive opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and boating. Lake Saimaa and its parts like Haukivesi are considered boater's paradises due to their numerous islands and open waters. Kolovesi National Park is particularly ideal for serene paddling or rowing, maintaining a natural state.
Which lakes are best for swimming in the Savonlinna area?
Puruvesi is renowned for its exceptional water clarity, making it an excellent choice for swimming. Generally, the clean waters of Lake Saimaa and its various sections provide numerous spots for swimming and enjoying the lake.
Are there hiking trails near the lakes around Savonlinna?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities near the lakes. Linnansaari and Kolovesi National Parks offer some of the finest nature experiences and hiking routes in the Lake Saimaa area. You can find various trails, including easy options like the Nahkiaissalo Nature Trail in Kolovesi National Park, by exploring the Hiking around Savonlinna guide.
Are there family-friendly activities or locations around the Savonlinna lakes?
Many areas are family-friendly. SaimaaHoliday Oravi offers boat tours and accommodation suitable for families. Sammakkoniemi Campsite in Linnansaari National Park provides facilities like a kiosk, sauna, and accessible campfire sites, making it a good base for families. The general activities like swimming, easy hiking, and boat cruises are also suitable for families.
How can I access the lakes around Savonlinna?
Savonlinna itself is built on islands within Lake Saimaa, making the lake easily accessible from the city. The Savonlinna Harbor is a central point for starting boat tours and cruises on Lake Saimaa. Many areas are also accessible by car, with parking available near popular spots and national parks.
What is the best time of year to visit the Savonlinna lakes?
The summer months are ideal for water-based activities like boating, swimming, and hiking, with steamboat cruises and outdoor festivals. However, the region also offers unique experiences in winter, such as ice skating or cross-country skiing on frozen lakes, though specific activities vary seasonally.
Are there camping facilities or accommodation options near the lakes?
Yes, there are several options. Sammakkoniemi Campsite in Linnansaari National Park is a well-equipped lakeside campsite with restrooms, cooking facilities, and a sauna. Lohilathi West camping area offers a cozy hut for roasting food with lake views. Additionally, SaimaaHoliday Oravi provides accommodation and a restaurant.
Are there any cultural or historical landmarks near the Savonlinna lakes?
Absolutely. The medieval Olavinlinna Castle, a major landmark, is surrounded by Lake Saimaa and hosts the annual Savonlinna Opera Festival. The Pihlajavesi area, including Olavinlinna, is recognized as one of Finland's heritage landscapes. Kolovesi National Park also features ancient rock paintings left by Stone Age hunters on its cliffs.
Which lakes offer a more serene or secluded experience?
Pihlajavesi is celebrated for its pristine lake scenery and undeveloped shores, offering a truly spectacular and serene landscape with endless opportunities for quiet exploration. Kolovesi National Park also provides a distinct natural experience, ideal for peaceful paddling amidst its high vertical cliffs.
What do visitors enjoy the most about the Savonlinna lakes?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, the tranquility of the labyrinthine waterways, and the opportunities for wildlife spotting, especially the Saimaa ringed seal. The chance to explore by boat, enjoy lakeside camping, and experience the unique Finnish Lakeland culture, such as at the Karjalankallio shelter within the Punkaharju Arboretum, are also highly valued.
Most popular attractions around Savonlinna
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