2. Lake Pihlajavesi

Lake Pihlavesi is a part of Lake Saimaa and it spreads out on the southern side of the town of Savonlinna. The lake area is almost 20 km wide and about 40 km long. The versatile lake landscape consists of many large islands and small rocky islands.  There are labyrinthine chains of islands among wide open waters. On lake Pihlajavesi you see lake nature at its best.

The gem of lake Pihlajavesi is the endangered Saimaa ringed seal. There are about 60 animals living in lake Pihlajavesi and the lake is one of the most important areas for the animal. Lake Pihlajavesi is also a very popular  bird area with about 200 nesting bird species.

You can reach the many-sided nature of lake Pihlajavesi by boat or canoe. The town of Savonlinna is an easy starting point for your trip and the nearest landing places are situated under 10 km from Savonlinna. It is recommended to use at least 2-3 days in order to get acquainted with the area.

How do I get to Savonlinna?
The city of Savonlinna is located in the eastern part of the country and surrounded by waters of Lake Saimaa. The city can be reached by boat, car train or plane.

By car: The distance between Savonlinna and capital of Finland, Helsinki is 336 km. The car ride from Helsinki to Savonlinna takes less than five hours when following motorway E75 to Mikkeli and then road 14 from Mikkeli to Savonlinna.  For more information on driving in Finland see practical information page at www.visitfinland.com

By train: There is no direct train connection from Helsinki to Savonlinna, but the city can be reached via Parikkala. Timetables, prices and tickets can be found at www.vr.fi

By bus: Bus timetables and fares can be found at www.matkahuolto.fi

By plane: There is one airport in Savonlinna. Detailed timetables and ticket prices can be found at www.fc.fi/

CANOEING IN THE PIHLAJAVESI ARCHIPELAGO
Canoeing is a fantastic way to get acquianted with waterways and archipelago. Spot an otter splashing about in the water or even a curious Saimaa ringed seal peeking over the canoe side.  Stay in the archipelago overnight! There are some sections of open lakes which can be avoided on high winds through narrow straits protected by the islands. The duration of the trips vary - you will always have to take weather conditions into account when on the water.

One day trip - Self-guided trip to Pihlajavesi mooring sites and islands.

2 days/1 night - Available on several routes, tour rating adjusted to easy - fairly demandig - demanding.

Route 1 - Easy: Savonlinna - Isokankainen - Savonlinna

Route 2 - Fairly demanding: Savonlinna - Kesamonsaari (Piispan HUvila) - return through Pihlajavesi archipelago to Savonlinna

Route 3 - Demanding: Savonlinna - Isokankainen - Kongonsaari - Turponsaari - Savonlinna. Depending on the weather conditions the route may change.

Map: Mikkeli-Savonlinna-Punkaharju

Rental services:
Kolovesi Retkeily
tel. +358 40 558 9163, +358 40 529 6810

Sulkavan Erämatkat
tel. +358 400 576 775

Wild Canoe Saimaa
+ 358 500 840 362

Hydrological forecasts

• Getting acquainted with the national landscape in Punkaharju – a paddling tour »
• One-day tour around the island Vaahersalo »
• Sehen Sie die Nationallandschaft von Punkaharju vom See aus »