Activities

MOVING IN NATURE AND INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCES IN SOUTH KARELIA

The untouched nature and clear waters of the borderlands provide a wonderful setting for unforgettable experiences. Here you can enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities in your own peace, far from traffic jams and the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

On this page you will find the best nature experiences in South Karelia and a variety of activities for every taste. Whether you are looking for fast-paced mountain biking, peaceful hiking, bird watching or a guided fishing trip on Lake Saimaa, we have a suitable program for families with children, couples and larger groups. Explore the offerings and plan your own adventure!

Photos: Markku "Marsa" Anttonen

Pearls of Lake Saimaa: Tar Steam Cruise and Imatra State Hotel

Experience the pearls of Lake Saimaa on an unforgettable adventure trip! On this trip, you will enjoy a...
€425 / person (accommodation in 2 rooms) + €40 / person (supplement for 1 room)

To Koli via the Borderlands

Go on an exciting tour where you will experience both the fascinating destinations of the Borderlands and the...
€695 / person (accommodation in 2 bedrooms) + €160 / person (single room supplement)

The best local travel in the borderlands, Simpele

Go on a customized electric bike tour from Simpele to Parikkala and crown your effortless cycling day with a...
€145/person

Nature yoga + relaxation and picnic on the charming Hiitolanjoki River

Let your body and mind rest in the calming landscapes of the Hiitolanjoki River with a moment of pampering...
€47 per person.

The conquest of Haukkavuori

Conquer the highest point in South Karelia effortlessly on an electric bike and reward yourself with stunning...
160 €/Person

Electric mountain bikes

Do you like to move around the terrain, but walking doesn’t feel exciting enough? Rent a mountain bike!
Starting from €40 /4 hours

Borderlands 4-match

Challenge your friends to a fun and fast-paced Borderlands 4-a-side match, where you'll test your accuracy in...
€30/person

The best local travel in the borderlands, Parikkala

Enjoy an effortless electric bike ride from Parikkala to the stunning Hiitolanjoki River and reward yourself...
€145/person

Kollaa and Simo Häyhä - museum

The museum, founded in the early '80s, tells the history of the Battle of Kollaa and Simo Häyhä.
Starting 5€/person

Getting to know the border – Hiitolanjoki cruising, yoga + relaxation

Cruise the rapids of the border region effortlessly on an electric bike and end the trip with restorative...
€154/person

Worm fishing or ice fishing trip

Go fishing in the beautiful lake landscape and enjoy good snacks by the nature.
Starting 30€/person

Campfire fish and other delicacies

What would it sound like to have a delicious fish meal and dessert delivered to a shed ready for you?
Starting 50€/person

Rest by the campfire

What would it sound like to have a prepared and delicious snack delivered to a shed ready for you?
Starting 30€/person

A celebration in the middle of nature

What would it sound like to have a gourmet dinner delivered to a shed ready for you?
Starting 100€/person

Hysrit - a peaceful place

The purpose of the retreat is to support brain health and relieve stress caused by digital devices.
Starting from 220€/per night

A guided trip to Haukkavuori with snacks

Conquer Haukkavuori, learn about wild herbs under the guidance of experts, and enjoy delicious horta meals in...
Starting 50€/person. The tour will take place from mid-May to mid-June.

Stories and relaxation

Immerse yourself in fascinating stories and myths by an atmospheric campfire under the starry sky or in the...
Starting 30 €/person

Pearls of Lake Saimaa: Tar Steam Cruise and Imatra State Hotel

Experience the pearls of Lake Saimaa on an unforgettable adventure trip! On this trip, you will enjoy a...
€425 / person (accommodation in 2 rooms) + €40 / person (supplement for 1 room)

To Koli via the Borderlands

Go on an exciting tour where you will experience both the fascinating destinations of the Borderlands and the...
€695 / person (accommodation in 2 bedrooms) + €160 / person (single room supplement)

The best local travel in the borderlands, Simpele

Go on a customized electric bike tour from Simpele to Parikkala and crown your effortless cycling day with a...
€145/person

Nature yoga + relaxation and picnic on the charming Hiitolanjoki River

Let your body and mind rest in the calming landscapes of the Hiitolanjoki River with a moment of pampering...
€47 per person.

The conquest of Haukkavuori

Conquer the highest point in South Karelia effortlessly on an electric bike and reward yourself with stunning...
160 €/Person

Electric mountain bikes

Do you like to move around the terrain, but walking doesn’t feel exciting enough? Rent a mountain bike!
Starting from €40 /4 hours

Borderlands 4-match

Challenge your friends to a fun and fast-paced Borderlands 4-a-side match, where you'll test your accuracy in...
€30/person

The best local travel in the borderlands, Parikkala

Enjoy an effortless electric bike ride from Parikkala to the stunning Hiitolanjoki River and reward yourself...
€145/person

Kollaa and Simo Häyhä - museum

The museum, founded in the early '80s, tells the history of the Battle of Kollaa and Simo Häyhä.
Starting 5€/person

Getting to know the border – Hiitolanjoki cruising, yoga + relaxation

Cruise the rapids of the border region effortlessly on an electric bike and end the trip with restorative...
€154/person

Worm fishing or ice fishing trip

Go fishing in the beautiful lake landscape and enjoy good snacks by the nature.
Starting 30€/person

Campfire fish and other delicacies

What would it sound like to have a delicious fish meal and dessert delivered to a shed ready for you?
Starting 50€/person

Rest by the campfire

What would it sound like to have a prepared and delicious snack delivered to a shed ready for you?
Starting 30€/person

A celebration in the middle of nature

What would it sound like to have a gourmet dinner delivered to a shed ready for you?
Starting 100€/person

Hysrit - a peaceful place

The purpose of the retreat is to support brain health and relieve stress caused by digital devices.
Starting from 220€/per night

A guided trip to Haukkavuori with snacks

Conquer Haukkavuori, learn about wild herbs under the guidance of experts, and enjoy delicious horta meals in...
Starting 50€/person. The tour will take place from mid-May to mid-June.

Stories and relaxation

Immerse yourself in fascinating stories and myths by an atmospheric campfire under the starry sky or in the...
Starting 30 €/person

Pearls of Lake Saimaa: Tar Steam Cruise and Imatra State Hotel

Experience the pearls of Lake Saimaa on an unforgettable adventure trip! On this trip, you will enjoy a...
€425 / person (accommodation in 2 rooms) + €40 / person (supplement for 1 room)

To Koli via the Borderlands

Go on an exciting tour where you will experience both the fascinating destinations of the Borderlands and the...
€695 / person (accommodation in 2 bedrooms) + €160 / person (single room supplement)

The best local travel in the borderlands, Simpele

Go on a customized electric bike tour from Simpele to Parikkala and crown your effortless cycling day with a...
€145/person

Nature yoga + relaxation and picnic on the charming Hiitolanjoki River

Let your body and mind rest in the calming landscapes of the Hiitolanjoki River with a moment of pampering...
€47 per person.

The conquest of Haukkavuori

Conquer the highest point in South Karelia effortlessly on an electric bike and reward yourself with stunning...
160 €/Person

Electric mountain bikes

Do you like to move around the terrain, but walking doesn’t feel exciting enough? Rent a mountain bike!
Starting from €40 /4 hours

Borderlands 4-match

Challenge your friends to a fun and fast-paced Borderlands 4-a-side match, where you'll test your accuracy in...
€30/person

The best local travel in the borderlands, Parikkala

Enjoy an effortless electric bike ride from Parikkala to the stunning Hiitolanjoki River and reward yourself...
€145/person

Kollaa and Simo Häyhä - museum

The museum, founded in the early '80s, tells the history of the Battle of Kollaa and Simo Häyhä.
Starting 5€/person

Getting to know the border – Hiitolanjoki cruising, yoga + relaxation

Cruise the rapids of the border region effortlessly on an electric bike and end the trip with restorative...
€154/person

Worm fishing or ice fishing trip

Go fishing in the beautiful lake landscape and enjoy good snacks by the nature.
Starting 30€/person

Campfire fish and other delicacies

What would it sound like to have a delicious fish meal and dessert delivered to a shed ready for you?
Starting 50€/person

Rest by the campfire

What would it sound like to have a prepared and delicious snack delivered to a shed ready for you?
Starting 30€/person

A celebration in the middle of nature

What would it sound like to have a gourmet dinner delivered to a shed ready for you?
Starting 100€/person

Hysrit - a peaceful place

The purpose of the retreat is to support brain health and relieve stress caused by digital devices.
Starting from 220€/per night

A guided trip to Haukkavuori with snacks

Conquer Haukkavuori, learn about wild herbs under the guidance of experts, and enjoy delicious horta meals in...
Starting 50€/person. The tour will take place from mid-May to mid-June.

Stories and relaxation

Immerse yourself in fascinating stories and myths by an atmospheric campfire under the starry sky or in the...
Starting 30 €/person

Experiences and other destinations

Kumma stone

Go to Ruokolahti to marvel at a true natural wonder, where the huge Kummakivi rock balances impossibly on top...

Kemppila Mill Rapids

Head to Ruokolahti to marvel at nature's own display of power, where the free-flowing Kemppilä Myllykoski...

Canoeing

The clear-water lakes and winding rivers of the borderlands invite you to experience the region's unique...

Cat tour

The seven-kilometer Kissankierros trail, hidden in the forests of Ruokolahti, invites you to enjoy authentic...

Birdwatching

Grab your binoculars and head to Parikkala, which hides one of the most species-rich bird areas in all of...

Ridges' trails

The Parikkala Harjuje trail system invites you to an authentic forest landscape, where you can find flexible...

Cycling

Jump on your bike and roll through the stunning countryside and lake landscapes of the Borderlands at your own...

Kitee Animal Park

Kitee Zoo is the fourth largest zoo in Finland, where you can walk along a pleasant two-kilometer scenic trail...

Beaches

Head to the clear-water lakes of the Borderlands, where you'll find numerous safe and child-friendly beaches...

Finnish Forest Museum Lusto

Experience the story of the Finnish forest in one of Finland's most stunning national landscapes!

Huuhanranta

Head to Ruokolahti and experience the 1.5-kilometer-long Huuhanranta, which is deservedly known as the Saimaa...

Papinniemi

Experience the jewel of Eastern Finland! Papinniemi, located on the shores of the clean and crystal-clear Lake...

Geocaching

Go on an addictive treasure hunt and discover the hidden gems of the Borderlands with geocaching, even with...

Lean-tos

Crown your day of hiking by sitting by the fire in one of the many atmospheric lean-tos in Rajamaiden. Here...

Frisbee golf

Grab your discs and head to the diverse disc golf courses in Rajamaiden, where you can enjoy fun togetherness...

Berry and mushroom picking

Head to the quiet and clean forests of the Borderlands for a relaxing hike, where you can collect nature's own...

Shooting sports

Gather your group and come test your accuracy in Simpeleen Hahlo's guided shooting experiences in complete...

Skiing

Put on your boots and enjoy the endless snow and quiet forest landscapes of Rajamaiden in complete peace and...

Aate-Pekka's path

The three-kilometer Aate-Pekka trail in Parikkala invites you to take a refreshing day trip into a genuine...

Hawk Mountain

Climb to the highest point in all of South Karelia, Simpele Haukkavuori, where you can admire breathtaking...

The path of the troll

Go on an adventure on the Parikkala Pöröpeikko Trail, whose sporty terrain leads you to fascinating...

Kumma stone

Go to Ruokolahti to marvel at a true natural wonder, where the huge Kummakivi rock balances impossibly on top...

Kemppila Mill Rapids

Head to Ruokolahti to marvel at nature's own display of power, where the free-flowing Kemppilä Myllykoski...

Canoeing

The clear-water lakes and winding rivers of the borderlands invite you to experience the region's unique...

Cat tour

The seven-kilometer Kissankierros trail, hidden in the forests of Ruokolahti, invites you to enjoy authentic...

Birdwatching

Grab your binoculars and head to Parikkala, which hides one of the most species-rich bird areas in all of...

Ridges' trails

The Parikkala Harjuje trail system invites you to an authentic forest landscape, where you can find flexible...

Cycling

Jump on your bike and roll through the stunning countryside and lake landscapes of the Borderlands at your own...

Kitee Animal Park

Kitee Zoo is the fourth largest zoo in Finland, where you can walk along a pleasant two-kilometer scenic trail...

Beaches

Head to the clear-water lakes of the Borderlands, where you'll find numerous safe and child-friendly beaches...

Finnish Forest Museum Lusto

Experience the story of the Finnish forest in one of Finland's most stunning national landscapes!

Huuhanranta

Head to Ruokolahti and experience the 1.5-kilometer-long Huuhanranta, which is deservedly known as the Saimaa...

Papinniemi

Experience the jewel of Eastern Finland! Papinniemi, located on the shores of the clean and crystal-clear Lake...

Geocaching

Go on an addictive treasure hunt and discover the hidden gems of the Borderlands with geocaching, even with...

Lean-tos

Crown your day of hiking by sitting by the fire in one of the many atmospheric lean-tos in Rajamaiden. Here...

Frisbee golf

Grab your discs and head to the diverse disc golf courses in Rajamaiden, where you can enjoy fun togetherness...

Berry and mushroom picking

Head to the quiet and clean forests of the Borderlands for a relaxing hike, where you can collect nature's own...

Shooting sports

Gather your group and come test your accuracy in Simpeleen Hahlo's guided shooting experiences in complete...

Skiing

Put on your boots and enjoy the endless snow and quiet forest landscapes of Rajamaiden in complete peace and...

Aate-Pekka's path

The three-kilometer Aate-Pekka trail in Parikkala invites you to take a refreshing day trip into a genuine...

Hawk Mountain

Climb to the highest point in all of South Karelia, Simpele Haukkavuori, where you can admire breathtaking...

The path of the troll

Go on an adventure on the Parikkala Pöröpeikko Trail, whose sporty terrain leads you to fascinating...

Kumma stone

Go to Ruokolahti to marvel at a true natural wonder, where the huge Kummakivi rock balances impossibly on top...

Kemppila Mill Rapids

Head to Ruokolahti to marvel at nature's own display of power, where the free-flowing Kemppilä Myllykoski...

Canoeing

The clear-water lakes and winding rivers of the borderlands invite you to experience the region's unique...

Cat tour

The seven-kilometer Kissankierros trail, hidden in the forests of Ruokolahti, invites you to enjoy authentic...

Birdwatching

Grab your binoculars and head to Parikkala, which hides one of the most species-rich bird areas in all of...

Ridges' trails

The Parikkala Harjuje trail system invites you to an authentic forest landscape, where you can find flexible...

Cycling

Jump on your bike and roll through the stunning countryside and lake landscapes of the Borderlands at your own...

Kitee Animal Park

Kitee Zoo is the fourth largest zoo in Finland, where you can walk along a pleasant two-kilometer scenic trail...

Beaches

Head to the clear-water lakes of the Borderlands, where you'll find numerous safe and child-friendly beaches...

Finnish Forest Museum Lusto

Experience the story of the Finnish forest in one of Finland's most stunning national landscapes!

Huuhanranta

Head to Ruokolahti and experience the 1.5-kilometer-long Huuhanranta, which is deservedly known as the Saimaa...

Papinniemi

Experience the jewel of Eastern Finland! Papinniemi, located on the shores of the clean and crystal-clear Lake...

Geocaching

Go on an addictive treasure hunt and discover the hidden gems of the Borderlands with geocaching, even with...

Lean-tos

Crown your day of hiking by sitting by the fire in one of the many atmospheric lean-tos in Rajamaiden. Here...

Frisbee golf

Grab your discs and head to the diverse disc golf courses in Rajamaiden, where you can enjoy fun togetherness...

Berry and mushroom picking

Head to the quiet and clean forests of the Borderlands for a relaxing hike, where you can collect nature's own...

Shooting sports

Gather your group and come test your accuracy in Simpeleen Hahlo's guided shooting experiences in complete...

Skiing

Put on your boots and enjoy the endless snow and quiet forest landscapes of Rajamaiden in complete peace and...

Aate-Pekka's path

The three-kilometer Aate-Pekka trail in Parikkala invites you to take a refreshing day trip into a genuine...

Hawk Mountain

Climb to the highest point in all of South Karelia, Simpele Haukkavuori, where you can admire breathtaking...

The path of the troll

Go on an adventure on the Parikkala Pöröpeikko Trail, whose sporty terrain leads you to fascinating...

Paddling

Borderlands are full of lakes, rivers and routes where you can paddle or canoe! For example in Ruokolahti you can canoe and explore the lakeviews with 110 kilometres long route! More info about paddling and canoeing from the links below.

Picture: Markku "Marsa" Anttonen

Paddling in Ruokolahti

Paddling in Parikkala 

Birdwatching

Parikkala

Did you now that Parikkala is one of the most species-rich bird areas in Inner Finland? So it's a great place for bird watching. There are nationally known bird areas in Parikkala, the most famous of which is certainly Siikalahti. So take your binoculars and cameras ready and enjoy the bird watching!

Picture: Markku "Marsa" Anttonen

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Cycling

Cycling is fun activity to do! You can find several different cycling routes in Borderlands. For example a cycling route called The Iron Curtain will take you from Parikkala to Ruokolahti and show you many awesome sites to see during the route. Read more about the routes from links below. 

Picture: Markku "Marsa" Anttonen

Cycling in Parikkala

Cycling in Rautjärvi

Cycling in Ruokolahti

Beaches

Swimming is the best summer activity. Luckily, Borderlands are full of beaches! Explore different simming options from the links below.

Picture: Markku "Marsa" Anttonen

Beaches in Parikkala

Beaches in Rautjärvi

Beaches in Ruokolahti

Huuharanta beach

Ruokolahti

Huuhanranta beach is also knows as "The Riviera of lake Saimaa". It is one the longest open beaches in Saimaa. You can arrive to the beach by walking or cycling, with car or even with canoe. You can find fireplaces and barbeque shed near the beach where you can grill sausages like a typical Finn!

Picture: Arto Apila / Etelä-Karjalan Virkistysaluesäätiö

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Geocaching

Gecaching is a great way to explore outdoors with the whole family! Even the family's yougest ones get excited about this treasure hunt in the nature! 

Picture: Markku "Marsa" Anttonen

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Sheds

Along the nature trails, you can sit back and rest your feet or even fry sausages in one of the several beautiful sheds found on the Borderlands. There are dozens of sheds along the routes where you can find a good place to breathe and enjoy nature!

Picture: Markku "Marsa" Anttonen

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Disc golf

Disc golf can be played in several areas of Borderlands. Disc golf tracks are located in Simpele, Ruokolahti and Parikkala. Explore these options from the links below.

Picture: Markku "Marsa" Anttonen

Disc golf in Parikkala

Disc golf in Simpele

Disc golf in Ruokolahti

Berry and mushroom picking

The national autumn hobby of Finns is berry picking and mushroom picking. In Borderlands we have unlimited space to wonder in forrest and pick your own food. Be sure to get acquinted with the Finnish "Every mans rights" so you know what to do!

Picture: Markku "Marsa" Anttonen

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Sport shooting

Simpele

Simpele's Hahlo ry is a sport shooting association located in Simpele. Hahlo arranges events where you can safely get acquinted with sport shooting. These events are great activities for friend groups, bachelor and bridal parties and for company's retreats. 

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Bowling

Simpele

Do you feel like doing a fun indoor activity? Simpele has a small, 2-lane bowling alley run by Simpeleen Keilaajat ry. You just can't run out of activities to do in Borderlands! 

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Cross-Country skiing

Borderlands are full of snow during winter! That of course means that skiing tracks are easy to find. Take your skiing boots and skis and head out to the tracks. Skiing is a great way to explore the Finnish culture. 

Picture: Markku "Marsa" Anttonen

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