What to do and see in Southern Savonia, Finland: The Best Things to do Good for Kids

Exclusive Saimaa seal watching tours and sightseeing cruises by Ecoboat in Puumala by lake Saimaa. Skipper tells stories and plays accordion. Guided canoe safaris in Linnansaari and Kolovesi national parks. Boat Fishing and sightseeing tours for adventurous customers. I guarantee the best summer experiences. Let me be your Lakeland guide.

The building of Olavinlinna, castle of St. Olaf, began in 1475. The Danish-born founder of the castle, knight Erik Axelsson Tott, decided that a powerful fortification should be build to protect the strategically important Savo region. The castle was supposed to repel Russian attacks from the east and to guarantee the control of the Savo region for the Swedish Crown. The history of Olavinlinna is a mixture of medieval arms clashing, cannons roaring and every-day chores inside the security of the castle's thick walls. The changes in the ownership of the castle left their mark on Olavinlinna: this can be seen in the varied architecture of the castle. These days the castle's halls and rooms can be rented and used for all kinds of events.

s/s Punkaharju offers you daily steamship cruises on Lake Saimaa. See the original steamship and see the possibilities and the history. Come experience the distinctive atmosphere of old steamships. Explore our enclosed decks and open-air sun deck, each with a unique setting. S/s Punkaharju was built in Savonlinna 1905.New longer Scenic cruise 2014Discover the Finnish summer by shoreline cruise going through the gorgeous Saimaa Lakeland labyrinth. See the heart of Lake Saimaa district and Savonlinna's famous medieval Olavinlinna castle. Sightseeing cruise by an original Finnish handmade steamships S/S Paul Wahl and S/S Punkaharju you can feel the part of Finnish inland lake history. Together fascinating Finnish national scenery and traditional steamship is unforgettable experience. Steam ship cruise takes an hour and 30 minutes.Daily cruises June, July and august at 11am, 1pm, 3pm 5pm and 7pm.

Lusto – The Finnish Forest Museum focuses on Finnish forest culture and illustrates the interaction between man and the forest from the past to the future. The national museum responsible for forest culture is located in Punkaharju, in the most beautiful landscape of ridges and lakes in eastern Finland. Lusto’s exhibitions, events, work demonstrations and theme days provide a diverse and illustrative insight into the significance of forests in the life of Finns. Lusto is sure to appeal to visitors of all ages.