The Saimaa lake in southern Finland is the fourth largest lake in the world. With a coastline of almost 15,000 kilometers and between 14,000 and 15,000 islands, you can imagine there are countless special places to stay in this region. I spent a few days at Lake Saimaa and stayed in several unique accommodations. In this article, I’d like to introduce you to five remarkable places to stay by Lake Saimaa.
Lomamokkila
A cozy, rural place to stay is Lomamokkila in Savonlinna. This charming farmhouse has been run by the same family for four generations and you can really feel that warmth and hospitality everywhere. Breakfast and dinner are served in the main building, featuring fresh ingredients from their own land and the local area. Think house-smoked salmon, pickled herring and beef from the farm itself. The rooms are decorated in a bright, Scandinavian style. It’s just a 10-minute walk to the lake, where rowboats are available for a ride on the water; lovely experience that perfectly fits the atmosphere of the place. By the lake, you’ll also find wooden cottages with private saunas, verandas, barbecues and direct beach access. Lomamokkila is truly a wonderful spot to unwind, no matter the season!
Sahanlahti Resort
Sahanlahti Resort is located in Puumala, in a beautiful spot right on Lake Saimaa. In the past, this area was home to a sawmill community where logs were processed as early as the 18th century. Sawing continued here until the 1920s and an old log chute in the rapids still serves as a reminder of that time. I stayed at Sahanlahti in a stunning modern villa by the water, featuring a private sauna and a jacuzzi on the terrace. It’s a fantastic accommodation! The villas are located a bit away from the main building, so you need to take a short walk for breakfast or dinner. Prefer to get there faster? You can borrow one of the bicycles. There are also charming options closer to the main building: smaller, detached cozy cottages with views of the lake. Atmospheric, with a nod to the past. Rooms are also available in the main building itself. The water is never far away, with several docks along the shore where you can step right into the lake.
Pulsan Asema
Another special place near Lake Saimaa is Pulsan Asema in Pulsa. Here you’ll find an old train station surrounded by several historic buildings that once formed a lively little village. At the beginning of the 20th century, Pulsa had it all: a station, post office, village bank, shops and even a public school. Travelers boarded trains here heading to Paris. After the station closed, the village slowly fell into decline until Petra and Lasse Karjalainen fell in love with the place in 2014. They brought the abandoned station village back to life and transformed it into a charming bed and breakfast with a wonderful mix of history and style. It is a lovely place to stay, wander through the garden, sit on a terrace in summer or simply enjoy the peace and unique atmosphere.
Pistohiekka Resort
Pistohiekka Resort is another special place right on Lake Saimaa. It is located in an idyllic spot in a quiet bay near Puumala. Here you stay in simple but comfortable wooden cottages with covered terraces, perfect for enjoying the outdoors even on rainy days. The views are breathtaking everywhere. Whether you’re sitting at the restaurant table, relaxing on the beautifully situated terrace or warming up in the sauna, you will always have a view of the lake. From both the sauna and the terrace, you can step straight into the water for a refreshing swim. If you prefer camping, you can stay at Pistocamp, the campsite next to the resort.
Hotelli Lähdi
Prefer to stay in a lively urban setting but still close to the water? Then Hotelli Lähdi in Lappeenranta is the perfect choice. This stylish hotel is located right on Lake Saimaa, with cozy terraces, restaurants and the harbor just around the corner. From the promenade (and the hotel), you have a beautiful view of the water and the setting sun. A lovely place to end your day. The rooms in the distinctive old building are decorated with attention to detail, creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere. In the morning, a generous breakfast is served, providing a great start before you explore the surroundings.
