Geology, cultural heritage and water offer many ways to explore South Karelia. The Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark is located in the provinces of South Karelia and South Savo in eastern Finland. Its 65 geosites bring together geological features and cultural heritage; you can explore them on foot, by bike or by boat. This offers different ways to experience the landscape and its history.
Geopark, Trails and Water
Saimaa Geopark organises guided tours, workshops and events focusing on the region’s distinctive geological features and cultural heritage. The programme may vary. Lappeenranta Fortress is also part of the Geopark—a place where you can combine a visit to the fortifications with a visit to its museums.
At Lepänkanto, a nature trail leads to a recreation area and a long sandy beach. The marked path runs alongside the clear waters of Lake Kuolimo and passes traces of the Ice Age and evidence of Stone Age life. Here, the landscape and early history come together along the same route, without the need for a long list of individual sights.
In the vicinity of South Karelia, the 14.8-kilometre Rantaraitti waterfront trail follows the shores of Lake Saimaa. It is easy to reach from Lappeenranta city centre, although in some places it veers away from the shore. If you are looking for a route right by the water, this mix of waterfront stretches and sections away from the coast can help you plan your way.
Museums and History Nearby
Lappeenranta Fortress 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 topics from the region’s prehistory to the present day. Guided tours, events and workshops complement the museum’s offering.
The Karelia Aviation Museum is also nearby, at Lappeenranta Airport. Its permanent exhibition includes fighter aircraft from the Finnish Air Force, a training aircraft, a helicopter and a glider, as well as engines and recovered wreckage. The Ylämaa Gem Museum was founded in 1982.
Wildlife and Regional Specialities
In Rautjärvi, the Hiitolanjoki River is home to Finland’s last remaining population of wild, entirely natural landlocked salmon. Nearby, you can also admire the Imatrankoski Rapids all year round. The Kruununpuisto Nature Park surrounds the rapids. Public performances with musical accompaniment take place there in summer; as the programme may change, it is advisable to check the dates in advance.
Regional cuisine also reflects different traditions. At Säräpirtti Kippurasarvi, you can try Lemi särä, a speciality that has been made in South Karelia for a thousand years. In summer, Lappeenranta’s Harbour Square offers local specialities such as the meat pies vety and atomi. The selection is seasonal, and individual vendors may change.
By Bike or from the Harbour
The Saimaa Archipelago Route starts in Lappeenranta, nearby. It takes cyclists through the Saimaa archipelago and varied rural landscapes; several Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark sites lie along the route. Ferry services may vary by season, so check the timetable for your planned travel dates. Scenic boat trips through the archipelago and along the Saimaa Canal are also available from Lappeenranta Harbour. Timetables and operators for these trips may also vary seasonally.
Discover more destinations: Säimen, Lappeenranta, Imatra, Luumäki, Joutseno, Rauha, Saimaanharju, Parikkala, Lemi, Taipalsaari, Tainionkoski, Syyspohja, Kannuskoski, Rautjärvi.
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