This Hidden Gem in Europe Has 120 Stunning Blue Lakes and 14,000 Islands — and It's Loved by Locals

Finland's Lake Saimaa also has an under-the-radar food scene.

Finland is known for many things — its sauna culture, Lapland, and the northern lights. But one claim to its record-setting fame is the nation has the world's longest lake coastline. Tucked in southeastern Finland is the country's largest lake and the fourth-largest natural freshwater lake in Europe: Lake Saimaa. Not only does the region have 120 blue lakes and some 14,000 islands, but its shoreline is a little over 9,000 miles long.

While it's potentially lesser-known to an international travel crowd, the charms of this region are widely known among locals. Every July, Finns retreat to their lakeshore cottages to spend time in nature.

"The Lake Saimaa region is a summer holiday paradise for Finns — there are about 70,000 summer cottages (mökki in Finnish) in Saimaa," Maisa Häkkinen, tourism director for Visit Mikkeli, told Travel + Leisure. (Mikkeli is a city in the Lake Saimaa region.) "The majority of Finns spend their weekends and summer holidays at their cottages, enjoying the sauna and swimming, nature activities, and the local way of life, including parties, markets, and good food. Saimaa is the most prestigious cottage area in Finland."

For those visiting from the capital of Helsinki, the region is a few hours away by car, depending on where you go. Savonlinna, one of the most popular destinations in the area, for example, is a little under four hours away. (Locals trekking from Helsinki can break up the journey with a pit stop at Tertti Manor in Mikkeli, which has charming grounds, overnight lodging, an epic buffet, and an on-site hunting dog that will steal the show if you're lucky enough to spot him.) There's also a 65-minute flight from Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Savonlinna Airport (SVL).

During the summer, Savonlinna is famous for hosting an opera festival at Olavinlinna, a 15th-century three-tower castle. Nature lovers shouldn't miss taking a dip in Lake Saimaa, walking through the forest to pick berries and mushrooms, going on a seal tour to spot the endangered Saimaa ringed seal, or dabbling in canoeing, cycling, hiking, and fishing. Häkkinen recommends visiting Linnansaari National Park, Kolovesi National Park, or Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark to make the most of the local nature scene.

While winter is less bustling, it's still worth considering. "Cottage holidays in the winter are very popular among Finns, combined with good food, walking, skating or skiing on lake ice, stargazing, and, of course, ice saunas," Häkkinen said. As for cold-weather activities, Häkkinen pointed to cross-country skiing, winter hiking, ice swimming, winter fishing, ice skating, and even riding electric snow scooters in Puumala.

For spending the night, luxury stays include Sahanlahti Resort in Puumala, Kuru Resort in Rantasalmi, and Pihlas Resort in Kaitainen. And, of course, the area has plenty of cottages for rent and camping sites, too.

Related: The Best Times to Visit Finland for Outdoor Adventures, Northern Lights Viewing, and More

Lake Saimaa earned the international European Region of Gastronomy title for 2024 from the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts, and Tourism (IGCAT). "Lake Saimaa was recognized for its commitment to sustainably protect and promote local food and cultural uniqueness," Diane Dodd, president of IGCAT, told T+L. What impressed Dodd and IGCAT was the region's "slow tourism; natural, fresh, and healthy food; pure lake water (so pure you can drink it); and unique food experiences."

For fine dining, Restaurant Solitary, under the helm of chef Remi Trémouille, is a standout option. Trémouille told T+L the restaurant focuses on quality over quantity, which is why it only offers a six-course chef's menu spotlighting local and seasonal ingredients. "The seasonal menu is based on the beautiful nature surrounding the restaurant: fresh fish from Lake Saimaa and game, berries, mushrooms, and wild herbs from the nearby forests," he said. (At present, the menu item he's most excited about is the elderflower cotton candy served for dessert.)

As for local delicacies, you can find fried muikku, a freshwater fish, on almost every menu. There's also lörtsy, a half-moon-shaped pastry stuffed with meat or veggies. Trémouille added that muikkukukko, a rye pastry with vendace and bacon inside, is a must-try. "It's really popular and delicious," he said.

According to Dodd, what truly makes the culinary experience in Lake Saimaa special are the local culinary traditions. "Traditional methods such as smoking, pickling, and salting are commonly used to prepare fish, enhancing their natural flavors. Smoked vendace, for example, is a popular local dish that highlights the unique characteristics of the fish," Dodd said. "The food from Lake Saimaa is deeply tied to Finnish culture and traditions, and serves as a unifying factor. For example, the Karelian pie brings women across all walks of life to cook together."

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