Exploring Savonlinna: 7-Day Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Lakefront Exploration

Savonlinna, Finland

8:00AM

Savonlinna Market Square

Start your day with a visit to the bustling market square, where you can sample local Finnish delicacies and pick up some souvenirs.
Walk or drive to the market square in the city center.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Olavinlinna Castle

Explore the historic Olavinlinna Castle, a medieval fortress set on a rocky island in the middle of Lake Saimaa.
Olavinlinna Castle is a short walk from the market square.
€12, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Wanha Kasino

Enjoy a traditional Finnish lunch at Wanha Kasino, a restaurant housed in a historic building with views of the lake.
Drive to Wanha Kasino for lunch.
€20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Pihlajavesi Wilderness Church

Visit the picturesque Pihlajavesi Wilderness Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique architecture.
Drive to Pihlajavesi Wilderness Church.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Majakka

Indulge in a delicious dinner at Majakka, a waterfront restaurant offering fresh Finnish cuisine.
Drive to Majakka for dinner.
€30, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Forest Retreat

Punkaharju, Finland

8:00AM

Punkaharju Ridge

Embark on a scenic hike along the Punkaharju Ridge, a narrow esker ridge surrounded by lush forests and crystal-clear lakes.
Drive to the starting point of the Punkaharju Ridge trail.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Lusto - The Finnish Forest Museum

Savor a meal at Lusto, The Finnish Forest Museum, and learn about the rich forestry heritage of Finland.
Drive to Lusto for lunch.
€15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Punkaharju Nature Reserve

Explore the diverse ecosystems of Punkaharju Nature Reserve, home to a variety of flora and fauna.
Drive to Punkaharju Nature Reserve for a leisurely walk.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ravintola Artelli

Enjoy a dinner at Ravintola Artelli, a cozy restaurant known for its traditional Finnish dishes with a modern twist.
Drive to Ravintola Artelli for dinner.
€25, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Island Adventure

Linnansaari National Park

8:00AM

Boat Ride to Linnansaari

Embark on a boat ride to Linnansaari National Park, known for its pristine nature and resident Saimaa ringed seals.
Take a boat from Savonlinna to Linnansaari National Park.
€50, Full day

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning island landscapes of Linnansaari National Park.
Find a scenic spot on the island for your picnic.
€10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hiking and Wildlife Spotting

Embark on a hike through the park, keeping an eye out for the unique wildlife that calls Linnansaari home.
Follow the marked hiking trails in the park.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Linnansaari Wilderness Lodge

Relax and unwind with a delicious dinner at the cozy Linnansaari Wilderness Lodge, surrounded by nature.
Head back to the lodge for dinner.
€40, 2 hours
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Day 4: Historical Charm

Kerimäki, Finland

9:00AM

Kerimäki Church

Visit the Kerimäki Church, the largest wooden church in the world, known for its impressive size and unique architecture.
Drive to Kerimäki Church.
€5, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Saimaanranta

Enjoy a lakeside lunch at Saimaanranta, a charming restaurant offering panoramic views of Lake Saimaa.
Drive to Saimaanranta for lunch.
€20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Kerimäki Local History Museum

Explore the Kerimäki Local History Museum to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Visit the museum located near the church.
€8, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Scenic Drive to Koli

Embark on a scenic drive to Koli National Park, passing through picturesque Finnish countryside.
Drive from Kerimäki to Koli National Park.
Gas cost, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Ukko-Koli

Enjoy a dinner at Ukko-Koli, a restaurant perched atop the Koli hills with panoramic views of Lake Pielinen.
Drive to Ukko-Koli for dinner.
€35, 2 hours
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Day 5: Nature's Majesty

Koli National Park

8:00AM

Hiking in Koli National Park

Embark on a day of hiking in Koli National Park, exploring the diverse landscapes and breathtaking viewpoints.
Start your hike from the Koli Nature Centre Ukko.
Free, Full day

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the pristine nature of Koli National Park, surrounded by towering forests and tranquil lakes.
Find a scenic spot along the hiking trails for your picnic.
€10, 1 hour

5:00PM

Panoramic Sunset Views

Witness the majestic sunset over Lake Pielinen from the iconic Ukko-Koli viewpoint, offering unparalleled panoramic views.
Hike or drive to the Ukko-Koli viewpoint for sunset.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Kolin Ryynänen

Indulge in a dinner at Kolin Ryynänen, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Finnish dishes with a modern twist.
Drive to Kolin Ryynänen for dinner.
€30, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Cultural Exploration

Joensuu, Finland

9:00AM

Joensuu Market Square

Explore the vibrant Joensuu Market Square, lined with local vendors selling fresh produce, handicrafts, and traditional Finnish goods.
Walk to Joensuu Market Square.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Carelicum Museum

Visit the Carelicum Museum to delve into the cultural history of the Karelian region, showcasing artifacts and exhibits from the past.
Walk to the Carelicum Museum.
€10, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Ravintola Kerubi

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Ravintola Kerubi, a popular restaurant known for its delicious Finnish cuisine and cozy atmosphere.
Walk to Ravintola Kerubi for lunch.
€20, 1 hour

3:30PM

Botania - Joensuu Botanical Garden

Stroll through the tranquil Botania - Joensuu Botanical Garden, showcasing a diverse collection of plants from around the world.
Visit Botania located near the city center.
€5, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Savonia

Indulge in a dinner at Restaurant Savonia, known for its modern Finnish cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
Walk to Restaurant Savonia for dinner.
€40, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Savonlinna

Savonlinna, Finland

9:00AM

Savonlinna Provincial Museum

Explore the exhibits at the Savonlinna Provincial Museum, offering insights into the history and culture of the region.
Walk to the Savonlinna Provincial Museum.
€8, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tres Bones

Enjoy a final meal at Tres Bones, a cozy restaurant serving Finnish classics with a modern twist.
Walk to Tres Bones for lunch.
€25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Savonlinna Waterfront Walk

Take a leisurely stroll along the Savonlinna waterfront, soaking in the scenic views of Lake Saimaa and the surrounding islands.
Walk along the lakeside promenade.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping at Savonlinna Market Hall

Browse the local handicrafts and goods at the Savonlinna Market Hall, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs.
Shop at the market hall in the city center.
Variable, 1 hour

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Wanha Kasino

Enjoy a farewell dinner at Wanha Kasino, reminiscing about your adventures in Savonlinna and savoring the local flavors one last time.
Walk to Wanha Kasino for dinner.
€40, 2 hours
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