Cruising on Pihlajavesi , Lake Saimaa

Photo: Graham Simmons

The Saimaa Lake District is a huge network of big and small lakes connected by rivers and channels, accessible from the Finnish capital Helsinki via the city of Lahti.

In total, it’s possible to cruise all the way from Iisalmi in the north (with an eastern branch at Nurmes) to Lappeenranta in the south.

From Lappeenrantta, an onward route by river and canal leads to Vyborg in Russia, linking into that country’s extensive river system.

The biggest motorboat and yacht charter company is Yacht Charter Finland Saimaan Solmu, in Vaparanta village, 23km from the city of Savonlinna.