Mikkeli – manors, market life and lake scenery
Mikkeli
Meet the cheerful Savonians at the most beautiful market square in the country and explore the magnificent lake nature on the outskirts of the city. Located on the north-western shore of Lake Saimaa, Mikkeli is a treasure trove of local food and organic products. Mikkeli is a beautiful and developing city with many interesting sights and nature destinations in its surroundings.
Roots deep in history
Mikkeli is a city rich in history, where the Stone Age rock paintings of Astuvansalmi and Finland’s wartime headquarters history meet. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years – the first signs of settlement date back to the Stone Age.
During the Winter War and Continuation War, Mikkeli was the headquarters of the Finnish army, and history can still be experienced today at the Headquarters Museum, the War and Peace Centre Muisti, and in historic manors and barracks. Mikkeli is your headquarters in Saimaa.
Local food in beautiful surroundings
The heart of the city is Mikkeli Market Square, where you can experience the local rhythm of life. At a table in a summer café, you can enjoy a leisurely holiday – in addition to coffee and pastries, traditional delicacies such as vendace fried in butter are also available.
Mikkeli Market Square is famous throughout the country and has been awarded the title of Finland’s best market square. The first market was held here in 1744, and markets are still held several times a year.
Mikkeli is a great destination for foodies. The clean nature of Lake Saimaa, with its forests, fields and lakes, provides fresh ingredients that local restaurants use to conjure up delicious seasonal dishes.
The Mikkeli area has several beautiful manors with gardens that are famous throughout the country. The restaurants attached to the manors offer the best of local cuisine in a cosy atmosphere.
Nature and services meet in Mikkeli
Thanks to its location, the Mikkeli region is one of the most popular cottage areas – it has the second highest number of holiday homes in Finland.
The city offers a wide range of services and opportunities to enjoy nature. One of the gems of the local nature is the Urpola Nature Centre and its beautiful nature trail, which is also one of the significant nature and cultural sites of the Saimaa Geopark.
The magnificent Saimaa lake nature opens up right next to the city and is easily accessible on foot or by bike. Grab some snacks from the market square and head for a picnic on the shores of Lake Saimaa.
Unique sights and incredible experiences
In Ristiina, Mikkeli, on the shores of Lake Yövesi, lies the largest collection of rock paintings in the Nordic countries, the Astuvansalmi.
More than 80 figures have been identified on the rock face, including the unique female warrior figure, Astuvan Artemis.
The side profile of the rock, reminiscent of an ancient deity, is best seen from the water. In summer, the rock paintings can be reached by cruise ships departing from Ristiina and Mikkeli harbour.
You can also visit the Astuva exhibitions at the Rock Art Visitor Centre in Ristiina. The visitor centre offers a unique opportunity to explore the rock paintings of Astuvansalmi using modern technology.
In Anttola the hiking trails and viewing points offer breathtaking views of Lake Saimaa and the Luontteri archipelago. The Hiiden polut hiking trail network consists of five trails of varying lengths, with a total length of approximately 60 km and rewarding scenery.
Neitvuori, Enkelinpesä along the trail and the Luonteri lake area are Saimaa Geopark sites.
Mikkeli has a lively cultural life. In the summer, the city hosts the Mikkeli Music Festival, which focuses on classical music, and in the winter, the Workers’ Theatre Days for amateur theatre groups. The city has several museums, theatres and a city orchestra, whose music can be enjoyed at the Mikaeli Concert Hall.
The War and Peace Centre Muisti, a unique science centre in Finland, is well worth a visit.
Fall in love with Mikkeli
Mikkeli – gateway to the waves of Lake Saimaa
Mikkeli is only about a 2.5-hour drive from Helsinki.
The city is easy to reach from both the south and the north by car, train or bus.
By boat, you can reach the city centre in less than a kilometre and enjoy your first taste of Mikkeli at the local harbour café.
Check out other towns in the Saimaa region
Visit Lake Saimaa is an association founded by the cities in the Lake Saimaa region, promoting regional cooperation from a tourism perspective.