Passionate about local food? Enjoy the authentic flavours and incredible delicacies in the pristine natural surroundings of Lake Saimaa on these award-winnin restaurants!
Saimaa Gastronomy is a network of four companies in the Saimaa region. The four restaurants are all united by their love for Saimaa and its unique nature. The destinations value clean, local ingredients, as well as products from small producers. The tasty menus are built around seasonal produce, and the dishes on the menus change with the seasons.
All the Saimaa Gastronomy restaurants also value D.O Saimaa (Designation of Origin) high quality products and serve fresh fish from the area, seasonal vegetables, berries and fruits, and locally sourced meat on their menus.
Day 1. Tertti Manor, Mikkeli
The hosts of Tertti Manor, Matti and Pepita Pylkkänen, began developing their family estate in 1978 into one of Finland's leading tourism and specialised cultivation farms. Since then, they have established the Manor Restaurant and remodelled the manor's courtyard area, garden and immediate surroundings in the style of the late 19th century and built the Dairy Cafe & Shop. The offerings of the manor's own fields, and fruit and vegetable gardens, have been cultivated into high-quality gourmet products and are still preserved for the enjoyment of guests. Inspired by the manor's long history of food traditions, the owners have aisa published a cookery book.
The historical manor estate has farmed land, bred horses and sheep and raised dairy cattle for centuries. Over the years, the estate has run a sheep-breeding barn, its own dairy and even a dairy school. Over several centuries, Tertti Manor's kitchen has prepared delicious, high-quality food for distinguished visitors, including Finnish presidents, and gourmet lovers. The offerings of the manor's own land have always played a significant role in the manor's everyday activities and celebrations. The estate's long history and the owners' persevering work have made Tertti Manor ane of the best culinary destinations in Finland.
Activity tips for the day:
• Visit the lively Mikkeli Market place - one of the most famous markets in Finland.
• Make a trip to ancient Astuvansalmi Rock Paintings or climb up to Neitvuori Hill to see the stunning views over the Lake Saimaa.
The beautiful halls of Tertti Manor have a historic feel to them.
Day 2: Sahanlahti Resort, Puumala
One of the oldest sawmills in the Lake Saimaa region, Sahanlahti was built around a water-powered sawmill established in the 1740s. Sahanlahti sawmill was in operation for almost 200 years.
Today, the award winning Sahanlahti Resort is a popular, traditional tourist attraction in a fantastic location in Puumala, less than an hour's drive from Savonlinna, Mikkeli and Imatra. The unique, culturally significant environment of the sawmill by the beautiful Lake Saimaa, and its modern, well-equipped facilities create a stunning environment for holidaymaking and a great venue for celebrations of all kinds. The view of Lake Saimaa opening up from the terrace of Restaurant Koskivahti has often been described as one of a kind in the world - and not in vain.
Sahanlahti is run by entrepreneurs Jaana and Janne Kuivalainen. Through their persevering work, the resort has been restored and brought back to life as one of the best gourmet destinations in the country. As a family-run resort, Sahanlahti offers a warm and cosy atmosphere where guests feel welcome and at home. The brand new Elsanranta Villas complete the variety of Sahanlahti accommodation services. You will surely find a desired room option for your goodnight sleep here.
Activity tips for the day
• Take a Saimaa Ringed Seal sightseeing cruise on an electric boat.
• Visit Niinisaari Island and join the Karelian pie baking experience with Paula in Okkola.
From the terrace of Restaurant Koskivahti you have a spectacular view over Lake Saimaa.
Day 3: Hotel Punkaharju
Historical state hotel nestled in the tall pine trees of the Punkaharju ridge, Hotel Punkaharju will take you a journey to the days gone past. Stylishly decorated, serving the most amazing food made from local, fresh ingredients and with stunning views, this hotel is a feast for all your senses. Hotel Punkaharju is particularly known for its varied and imaginative use of mushrooms.
Activity tips for the day
• Visit Lusto Forest Museum to learn ali about Finnish forests.
Produce from the wild and local producers are at the core of Hotel Punkaharju's culinary experiences.
Day 4: TeaHouse of Wehmais, Juva
Did you know that the art of tea pairing is much like wine pairing? TeaHouse of Wehmais is a tearoom located in the atmospheric courtyard of old Wehmaa Manor in Juva. It is specialised in versatile use of tea and pairing high-quality tea with delicious pastries.
Located in the stable building in the courtyard of the Wehmaa Manor, the tearooms are decorated with beautiful fabrics and floral wallpaper and offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy genuine Afternoon and Cream Teas. All the dishes and delicacies are prepared from local and organic ingredients and the menu is always changing with the seasons.
Arrival at the TeaHouse is an experience in itself. From the road, surrounded by beautiful rural scenery, diverges an atmospheric lane lined with birch trees and leading to the courtyard of the Wehmaa Manor. In the summer, visitors can admire the estate's calm, organically grown dairy cattle either by walking near the pastures surrounding the manor or by taking a peek inside the cow shed.
Activity tips for the day
Join truffle safari at Juva Truffle Center
The tea sommelier of Teahouse of Wehmaisin serves carefully selected tea qualities for their guests.
