Mikkeli, a charming city in the heart of Lake Saimaa, offers a variety of experiences all year round. This gem of South Savo attracts tourists with its stunning lakeside scenery and rich history. In Mikkeli, you can enjoy a relaxing leisure time that combines the peace of nature, culture and local food. Discover with us the best places in Mikkeli!
Mikkeli offers a wide range of dining and shopping opportunities. You can visit the market and discover local local food, or enjoy a wider range of shops and services in the shopping centres.
Mikkeli Market is a versatile meeting place in the heart of the city. Here you can enjoy the authentic market atmosphere and sample local delicacies. The market offers a wide selection of fresh vegetables, berries and pastries, so you're sure to find something to satisfy both sweet and savoury appetites. You can also find handicrafts, clothes and other products.
The market is easily accessible.You can park your car in the parking garage under the market or walk from the nearby harbour. When you visit the market, you can experience the authentic local life and atmosphere.
Stella and Akseli shopping centres are conveniently located in the centre of Mikkeli, making them easily accessible and offering a wide range of services and experiences.
Stella is a modern shopping centre serving shoppers, foodies and experience seekers under one roof. At the heart of Stella is the city's traditional market hall, which creates a relaxed street atmosphere all year round.
Akseli provides a framework for shopping, treats, experiences and culture. With around 30 different shops, you can spend a pleasant day shopping, having a coffee or enjoying culture.
A barbecue on the shores of Lake Saimaa is a memorable experience. You can enjoy delicious barbecue food in a stunning landscape and fresh lake air. Mikkeli has many cosy parks and beaches where you can barbecue even in a group.
Try local delicacies while you grill. Local food and clean ingredients are a speciality of the Mikkeli region. Grill fresh fish from Saimaa or taste local meat products. Complete your meal with salads and vegetables from local farms.
If you don't want to grill yourself, you can enjoy barbecue delicacies in Mikkeli's restaurants. Many places offer grilled dishes on their terraces with a great view of the Saimaa river. This makes it easy to combine delicious food and beautiful scenery.
Kenkävero is a versatile tourist destination in Mikkeli, offering experiences all year round. This historic vicarage is beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Saimaa, just a short distance from the city centre.
In Kenkävero you can enjoy delicious food in a restaurant serving local food and local delicacies. During your visit, you can also shop in the many boutiques selling Finnish handicrafts, gifts and food.
The beautiful gardens of Kenkävero are well worth a visit. The area also hosts a variety of events, including an atmospheric night event on the eve of Independence Day. Kenkävero is easily accessible, as it is located on the five-lane road.
You can read more about Mikkeli's food experiences on the Visit Mikkeli website.
Mikkeli offers a wide range of cultural experiences for the visitor. The city has fascinating museums and impressive theatre performances that give a deeper insight into the history and art of the region.
Mikkeli Cathedral is one of the most important sights in the city. This gem of neo-Gothic architecture was built between 1896 and 1897 by architect Josef Stenbäck.
The church is an impressive sight with its red brick façade and 64-metre-high towers. When visiting Mikkeli, you should definitely visit this architectural masterpiece.
The church got its current status* in 1945, when the diocese of Vyborg was transferred to Mikkeli as a result of the war. The church was then remodelled in the 1950s to reflect its new status as a bishop's church.
*The church is open for silence on weekdays from 10-11 a.m. If you wish to attend the service, it is held on Sundays at 10 a.m. On Wednesdays, you can also attend the day service at 12 noon.
The Mikkeli Art Museum is an excellent destination for art lovers. The museum researches, documents and exhibits visual art, with a special focus on art from the South Savo region. You can enjoy a wide range of exhibitions that change regularly.
You can also learn about Finnish illustration, one of the museum's specialties. There are 3-4 temporary exhibitions a year, so you can expect to see something new and interesting on each visit.
The Art Museum is a regional museum of South Savo, which makes it an important cultural site in the region. During your visit, you can immerse yourself in local art and its history. The museum also offers expert services, so you can learn more about the art you see if you wish.
Kalevankankanka Cemetery is a park-like area in Tampere that offers an interesting perspective on Finnish history. Founded in 1880, this cemetery is the final resting place of many important Finns.
At the cemetery, you can explore various memorials, including those from the Civil War, the Winter War, the Continuation War and the Lapland War. There is also a chapel and a lookout point near the heroes' graves.
During the summer, you can take part in free walking tours of the cemetery's history and notable people. You can also learn about the diverse vegetation in the area with the help of a tree map, which will also help you navigate the cemetery.
The Headquarters Museum offers a unique overview of Finland's military history. The museum was founded in 1974 with the opening of Marshal Mannerheim's study to the public. Today, the museum has expanded to two floors and six exhibition rooms.
Upstairs, you can visit the restored Land Forces Office of the Operations Department. This gives a realistic impression of what the headquarters looked like during the war. In the museum, you can delve into Finland's defence history and the life of Marshal Mannerheim.
The exhibitions at the Headquarters Museum change from time to time, so you can discover something new on every visit. The museum offers an interesting mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions that highlight different aspects of Finland's military history.
The Mikkeli Photography Centre is a versatile art centre and museum, located in a beautiful conservation building a short walk from Mikkeli Market.
The centre has five gallery spaces: galleries I-III, the Lobby Gallery and the Hall. If you want to deepen your experience, you can book a guided tour in advance. Guided tours are available in both Finnish and English. A shorter 15-minute art tour is also available for groups.
The Mikkeli Photography Centre is an excellent destination for lovers of photography and anyone interested in visual arts. It offers the opportunity to explore both local and international photography in an inspiring environment.
The Mikkeli region offers close-to-nature experiences and opportunities for relaxation. Stunning lakescapes and diverse nature trails invite you to relax and enjoy the tranquillity.
The Lietvede lookout point offers a breathtaking view of the Saimaa archipelago. Sit down for a moment and let your mind rest. You can also rent a cottage by the lake and enjoy the silence and sounds of nature. Sauna bathing and swimming in the fresh lake water are excellent ways to relax and clear your mind.
Cruise ships departing from the port of Mikkeli, such as M/S Kuutti and M/S Kaunis Veera, take tourists to the beautiful scenery of Lake Saimaa. On the cruises you can explore, for example, the rock paintings of Astuvansalmi and the Luonteri archipelago, which are part of the Saimaa Geopark.
Neitvuori is one of the highest mountains in South Savo, rising to 184 metres. It is located about 35-43 kilometres east of Mikkeli and is easily accessible by car.
From the top of the mountain you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Luonteri archipelago and the stunning scenery of Lake Saimaa. On a clear day you can see for tens of kilometres.
There is a marked hiking trail called "Hiijje silimukka" on Neitberg, which is about 4 km long. This route is ideal for day hikers and offers a variety of landscapes.
If you're looking for a longer hike, you can try the Hiije trail, which connects the Silimuka and Hiije loop trails. This 13-kilometre route takes you through hilly landscapes and to spectacular viewpoints. Wherever you go in Neitvuor, a hike here is a great way to enjoy the nature and scenery of the Mikkeli region.
The winter nature of the Mikkeli region invites you to go snowshoeing in Ristiina. This fun winter activity offers the opportunity to enjoy the peace of nature and beautiful scenery in a new way.
In Ristiina, you can rent snowshoes and go exploring in the nearby countryside. Snowshoeing is easy to learn and suitable for all ages and abilities. You can choose the route that suits you and go at your own pace.
Snowshoeing allows you to experience winter nature up close. You can admire snow-covered trees, watch animal tracks on the slope and enjoy the silence.
Tuukkala offers a great opportunity to experience the magic of Finnish summer nights. In late June and early July, you can enjoy a night in this charming part of Mikkeli.
Head to the beautiful nature of Tuukkala in the late evening. You can walk along the peaceful paths or sit by the lake and admire the changing colours of the sky. The sun doesn't set completely, but creates a magical twilight.
Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a night picnic with friends or family. Listen to the birds singing and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. You can also bring your camera and capture the unique colours and moods of a summer night.
In the Tuukkala area, it is also possible to stay outdoors. Bring a tent or hammock and experience a unique experience of sleeping in the bright summer night. Remember to respect nature and the rights of all people.
Urpola Nature Reserve offers a great opportunity to enjoy nature right in the centre of Mikkeli. This refreshing destination is just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of the city.
In the area, you can hike along the nature trail that follows the meandering bed of the Urpola River. The trail passes close to a charming old mill landscape, creating a unique combination of history and nature.
The Urpola Nature Centre is an excellent starting point for your excursion. Here you will find information about the flora and fauna of the area. During the summer season, the nature centre also hosts an annual nature exhibition.
You can also explore the area by water if you wish. You can borrow kayaks, sup-boats and rowing boats from the Nature Centre to Urpola Pond. This offers a different perspective on the beauty of the nature reserve.
Mikkelparkisto is a versatile destination, located in a green natural setting just a short distance from the centre of Mikkeli. The park's model gardens, designed and built by various companies, offer visitors plenty of ideas for designing their own gardens and yards.
From the park's beach, it is possible to go canoeing or finning in Pursialan and Kattilan bays. During the summer season, equipment is available for hire from Saimaa Chill Water Park.
Mikkelparkisto is open daily and free all year round. It is also part of the Saimaa Geopark geosites, adding to the geological and cultural significance of the area.
A visit to Mikkel Park is an opportunity to relax in beautiful surroundings.
