South Karelia

A lake region on the southern shore of Lake Saimaa next to the Russian border, known for its lake scenery, the Imatra Rapids and the Lappeenranta fortress.

South Karelia lies in southeastern Finland, with Finland's largest lake, Lake Saimaa, to the north and Russia to the east. The capital, Lappeenranta, sits on the lakeshore, where you can visit the old fortress area, the harbor and the summer sand sculpture exhibition, and take boat cruises on Lake Saimaa and the Saimaa Canal. Imatra's Imatra Rapids and the castle-style Valtionhotelli on the lakeshore are also signature sights. Summer is good for lake activities and cycling, and in winter you can enjoy frozen lakes and saunas. Lappeenranta or Imatra can be reached from Helsinki by train in about two hours.

Destinations

• Lappeenranta & Imatra

Itineraries

• Finnish Lakeland & North Karelia Self-Drive – A Lakeland loop starting from the southern shore of Lake Saimaa, passing through Savonlinna, Koli, Kuopio, and ending i…