You are driving along the edge of the massive Saimaa lake system near the eastern border where the water and land are intertwined. South Karelia is a land of water power and rocky shores where the lakes meet the forest in a dramatic display of nature. The roar of the Imatra rapids has been a tourist draw for hundreds of years and was once a favorite of the Russian tsars. You find yourself among vibrant border towns and quiet forest parks that offer a mix of culture and wilderness. The local spirit is warm and full of energy.
The city of Lappeenranta offers a beautiful fortress and a lively harbor filled with local treats like the famous meat pies. You can drive along the Saimaa Canal to see the massive locks that lift ships from the sea to the lake. The roads follow the curve of the water through a landscape of pine and granite that is typical of the eastern borderlands. You find many spots to enjoy the views of the distant islands and the clear blue water. The connection to the water is vital here and defines the layout of every town and village.
South Karelia offers a mix of history and nature on the edge of the east that is perfect for a multi-day drive. The trails lead you through old forests and along the sandy banks of the lakes where you might spot the rare Saimaa ringed seal. You can find quiet campsites with a view of the sunset over the water for a peaceful night in nature. The region is perfect for those who want to combine a city break with a nature escape and enjoy local hospitality.
South Karelia highlights
- Imatrankoski Rapids Watch the massive dam gates open to let the water crash through a rocky gorge in a powerful display of nature. It is the oldest tourist attraction in the country and a truly epic sight to see.
- Lappeenranta Fortress Explore the old town area built inside the stone walls of a fortress overlooking the massive Lake Saimaa. The cobbled streets and the small boutiques create a very charming and historic atmosphere.
- Saimaa Canal Locks Park by the canal to watch massive ships being lifted through the locks on their way to the sea. The technical scale of the canal and the green scenery make it a very interesting stop for any driver.
- Sandcastle Lappeenranta Visit the harbor in summer to see massive sculptures built entirely out of sand by international artists. It is a fun and free attraction that changes its theme every year for road trip visitors.
- Haukkavuori Lookout Hike to the top of the highest hill in the region to see the historic border stones between empires from the 1700s. The view over the forest and the nearby lake is rugged and very peaceful.
- Kolmikanta Church See the famous Church of the Three Crosses designed by Alvar Aalto which features a unique and modern white interior. It is an architectural landmark that stands out in the quiet forest setting.
- Puumala Bridge Drive across the massive bridge that offers one of the best views of the Saimaa archipelago from your car. You can take an elevator from the bridge down to the harbor for a coffee by the water.
- Salpalinja Fortifications Explore a line of stone bunkers and tank traps built during the war to protect the eastern border. The forest trails take you past massive boulders and hidden rooms carved into the bedrock.
- Parikkala Sculpture Park Stop at this world famous site to see hundreds of concrete human figures in strange poses hidden in a garden. It is a unique and slightly mysterious art experience that every traveler should see.
- Lemi Meat Stew Take a detour to a local restaurant to taste Särä which is a traditional lamb dish slow cooked in a wooden trough. It is one of the most famous local meals and a true taste of the eastern heart.
The local Four
History of South Karelia
This province is a story of a gateway where empires met and the water roared. The Imatrankoski rapids were the most famous sight in Northern Europe, drawing travelers like the Russian Empress Catherine the Great to marvel at the raw power of the water. The tourism history here is the oldest in the country, built on the awe inspired by the rushing rapids and the massive, mysterious Lake Saimaa. It was a place of high drama and natural wonder that put the region on the global map.
The fortress of Lappeenranta stands as a symbol of the region’s military past, a stone shield built to protect the border between the Swedish and Russian Empires. Within these walls, a vibrant culture of trade and hospitality grew, influenced by the tastes and traditions of both the East and the West. The Saimaa Canal, a feat of 19th-century engineering, eventually linked the inland lakes to the sea. Turning the region into a vital artery for the timber trade and solidifying its role as a bridge between worlds.
Driving through South Karelia today, you are moving through a landscape where the water is the main character. The history is visible in the old locks of the canal and the grand hotels that once hosted royalty. It is a story of a people who learned to live with the roar of the rapids and the silence of the forest, creating a culture that is warm, energetic and deeply connected to the lake.