History of tourism around Lake Saimaa

As Finland's largest lake basin, Lake Saimaa with its waterway systems has been a popular tourist attraction since the 19th century. The Rauha Sanatorium on the shores of the lake was a renowned recreation and spa resort, particularly favoured by the Russian elite in the not-so-far-away St. Petersburg.

Along the Saimaa Canal travellers could reach Lake Rättijärvi, and continue by horse-drawn carriages to Lake Saimaa and further to another magnificent attraction, the Imatrankoski Rapids. Tourism in Finland is in fact firmly rooted in the waterways and lake scenery of South Karelia.

The famous Karelian lake steamers transported tourists between towns and villages over the entire waterway system of Lake Saimaa. The most important tourist route went from Lappeenranta, via Puumala, to Savonlinna and all the way to Punkaharju.