Ollinmaki Winery

WHAT TO DO IN FINLAND'S LAKELAND in 60 seconds

It’s never too “lake” for Finland! On our memorable journey through Europe’s largest lake district, we met angry birds, singing captains and (almost) Santa Claus. What else there is to do? Here’s the answer in 60 seconds!

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It went all too fast? You want the details? No problem.
Here are our recommendations in order of appearance:

00:07 Hotelli Anttolanhovi, Anttola
Accomodations in the Lakeland often come with a lake view, like the Hotelli Anttolanhovi. It’s the perfect example for Finlands large accomodation facilities for every budget, from private villas to tents.

00:10 Saimaa Canoeing, Puumala
Canoeing was our favourite way of exploring the Lake Saimaa. It’s so peaceful out in the waters around Puumala! More:

00:12 Mikkelipuisto Park, Mikkeli
Stand-up paddling can also be arranged in lots of places, and it’s great fun. The perfectly calm and deserted lakes are great for practicing!

00:16 “Lady of the Lake” Ecoboat
What makes this cruise memorable is its captain! Arto is a very funny and knowledgable guy with lots of stories to tell and most importantly: a great accordion player! More:

00:18 Ridge Road 4792, Punkaharju
Probably the most spectacular road of the Lakeland! Biking through the ridge area is a lot of fun, especially with (E-)fatbikes. We rented them here:

00:23 Kaarnaniemi Peninsula, Punkarharju
Picking mushrooms and berries is a national hobby. They are just everywhere – even next to your bungalow, just 10 metres away from your little kitchen. Very practical.

00:27 Ollinmäki winery, Anttola
From wine to liquor to schnapps: It’s amazing what Finns can make out of their lingonberries, cloudberries and raspberries. You can taste it yourself at this little winery. More:

00:33 Okkola Holiday Cottages, Puumala
Pastriewise it doesn’t get much more Finnish than Karelian pies. Lovely cottage owner Paula offers brilliant baking courses.

00:35 Hanhiniitty Smithy, Puumala
Finnish knifes are world-known. If you want to know and experience why, you can visit Martti in his smithy. He also rents canoes, so we did that! More:

00:37 Santa’s Summer Cottage, Mikkeli
The Kenkävero vicarage is a typical example for Finnish mansions that have been turned into tourist attractions. Including “Santa’s summer hideaway”, a cute and affectionately equipped hut. More:

00:42 MS Punkaharju, Savonlinna
Another fun way of exploring Lake Saimaa is a steamboat cruise departing daily from Savonlinna harbour. More:

00:44 Olavinlinna Castle, Savonlinna
Built on an island of Savonlinna, this beautiful castle with great views over the town is the “northernmost medieval stone fortress still standing”. Finns love their superlatives.

00:46 Metsälinna Pavilion, Ristiina
Ristiina is home to the Metsälinna couple dance venue. This is where the villagers meet to have some drinks and dance to Finnish tango and soft Rock’n’Roll. It was a fascinating and truly original experience.

00:48 Särkänniemi Park, Tampere
Särkänniemi offers lots of fun rollercoasters. A great change to the relaxing-on-the-water journey parts. More:

00:54 Pyynikki Observation Tower, Tampere
For the best view over Tampere head to the observation tower on the hill of Pyynikki Park.

00:56 Sahanlahti Resort, Puumala
Captain Arto (see 00:16) actually also teaches you how to make birch whisks for your typical Finnish sauna experience. Once you have bound your whisk properly, hop into your…

00:57 Smoke Sauna
…smoke sauna! The Sahanlahti Resort offers this ancestral type of sauna without a chimney, where they make a fire in a stove until it is hot enough and then ventilate the smoke out.

01:01 Moro Sky Bar, Tampere
This fancy cocktail bar is the highest of Finland (yep, another superlative). It has a tremendous view over the city of Tampere and a stylish interior.

01:03 Tree Tents, Hotelli Anttolanhovi
Wanna sleep like a bird in a tree? The suspended tree tents of Anttolanhovi are a great budget option. A bit shaky at first, but very comfy in a second.

Thanks to public link, Visit Saimaa, Visit Puumala and Visit Tampere for making this possible.