Discover South Karelia: Saimaa Geopark, museums and nature trails

Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark gives South Karelia a special framework: its 65 geosites connect geology and cultural heritage. You can explore these places on foot, by bicycle or by boat. The Geopark is located in the provinces of South Karelia and South Savo in eastern Finland. Geopark tours, workshops and events focus on the region’s geological features and cultural heritage; individual programs may vary. If you want to bring together landscapes, their formation and cultural traces, you’ll find a clear thread here to guide your travel planning.

Nature trails, lake shores and rivers

The marked nature trail in the Lepänkanto area runs alongside the clear waters of Lake Kuolimo. Along the way, you’ll find traces of the Ice Age and Stone Age life; the trail also leads to a recreation area and a long sandy beach. A single path thus connects geological history with a specific lakeside landscape. The Rantaraitti near Lappeenranta offers another perspective on Saimaa: the 14.8-kilometer lakeside trail follows the shores of the lake and is easily reached from the city center. However, it does not run directly beside the water all the way; at some points, the trail leads away from the shore.

The Hiitolanjoki River in Rautjärvi is home to Finland’s last remaining population of native, fully wild landlocked salmon. Located in South Karelia, it adds another aspect of the region’s nature to the picture alongside geology and cultural heritage. Nearby, you can admire the Imatrankoski rapids all year round. Kruununpuisto Nature Park surrounds them. The river landscape and rapids offer different nature experiences, each of which can be considered a separate focus when planning your trip.

Museums and regional history

Nearby, the Lappeenranta Fortress offers several points of interest for culture lovers. It is home to three museums: the Lappeenranta Art Museum, the South Karelia Museum and the Cavalry Museum. The South Karelia Museum is located at the northern tip of the fortress in a warehouse originally built as an artillery depot. Its permanent exhibition, “The Story of South Karelia,” was completed in 2025 and covers subjects ranging from the region’s prehistory to the present day. The museum offers guided tours, events and workshops. The exhibition thus brings together a broad historical period and a place whose original function is still evident in the building’s description.

The Karelia Aviation Museum at Lappeenranta Airport presents a different collection. Its permanent exhibition includes Finnish Air Force fighter aircraft, a training aircraft, a helicopter and a glider, as well as engines and recovered wreckage. The Ylämaa Gem Museum was founded in 1982 and adds another museum visit to the region’s cultural offerings. Nearby, you’ll find both an overview of South Karelia’s history and collections with distinctly different focuses.

Cycling route and regional cuisine

The Saimaa Archipelago Route starts in Lappeenranta and takes cyclists through Saimaa’s island world and varied rural landscapes. Several Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark sites can be visited along the route. This makes it possible to combine the island and lake scenery with geology and cultural heritage. Ferry services may vary by season; check the timetables for your travel dates before making firm plans for the route.

Regional cuisine also offers specific reasons to make a detour. At Säräpirtti Kippurasarvi, you can try Lemi särä, a specialty that has been made in South Karelia for a thousand years. In summer, Harbour Square in Lappeenranta offers local specialties such as the meat pies vety and atomi; individual vendors may change. The examples differ in character: Lemi särä represents a long regional tradition, while vety and atomi are summer offerings at the square in Lappeenranta.

The kind of days you have planned can help you choose a hotel: will you focus on the Geopark and nature, museums and history, or regional cuisine? South Karelia brings these themes together at specific places; some of the destinations mentioned are explicitly nearby. First, organize your preferred destinations around the experiences that matter to you, then choose a suitable location for your hotel stay.

Discover more destinations: Saimaanharju, Parikkala, Lemi, Taipalsaari, Tainionkoski, Syyspohja, Kannuskoski, Rautjärvi, Säimen, Lappeenranta, Imatra, Luumäki, Joutseno, Rauha.

For the overview of destinations: Finland.