Michele is a city in Finland. Eastern Finland, Mikkeli city. What attracts tourists to Mikkeli
The unparalleled natural beauty of the lakes that surround the city and the many cottages scattered along their shores have attracted visitors from all over the world for many years. Situated in the heart of the lake district, Mikkeli offers a myriad of activities for the many tourists who come here to relax and enjoy the local culture, and is a particularly popular destination among families. Mikkeli received the title of "Cottage Area of the Year" in 2006, as the endless shores of the lakes provide holiday opportunities in country houses, from which the city center is easily accessible by boat or car.
The city exhibits various cultural aspects and is home to the Mikkeli Music Festival, an annual celebration of classical music. Historically a military garrison, Mikkeli was the center of fighting under Mannerheim's command during the Winter War and the Karelian Campaign in the 1940s. Accordingly, some of the best military museums are located here. Among them: the Infantry Museum, which mainly covers Finnish history since independence, in particular the important role of the infantry during this period; The Headquarters Museum, which uses modern technology to demonstrate the military operations of the Headquarters and the central events of the Second World War. The Museum's property has been restored to its original pre-war condition. Also visit the Lokki Signal Center and the Naisvuori Observation Post, which is possible with a single ticket for all four museums.
Anyone interested in this region should visit the Suur-Savo Museum, as here you will find more than 8,000 exhibits related to the history of Mikkeli and its surroundings. Art lovers can spend time exploring the Salmela Art Center in the beautifully preserved village around Mäntyharju Church. Exhibitions take place in the old parish church hall, dating back to the 1850s, as well as in the old vicarage, post office and pharmacy. The exhibitions are connected by picturesque gardens decorated with sculptures. All buildings have been restored in accordance with UNESCO's efforts to preserve their unique original atmosphere.
Among other famous attractions in the region you can see the monument to General Mannerheim on Mikkeli Square; the Rapio mill in Juva; Marski's Café on the market square, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the beginning of May until the end of September; It is also worth seeing the priest's house in Kenkävero, which is considered the largest and most beautiful building of this type in Finland, also due to the stunning nature around it. You can enjoy your stay in Mikkeli all year round, from beautifully restored buildings, numerous events and exhibitions, to boutiques with exclusive handicrafts and souvenirs for sale. Directly opposite the majestic cathedral you will find the Mikkeli Art Museum, also known as the Granite House. This building, built in 1912, was designed by Armas Rankka. It houses a permanent collection of works by Martti Airio, which includes paintings by Finnish artists from the 1870s to the 1980s, furniture, oriental rugs and small art objects. Most of the works are done in the style of post-impressionism and expressionism.
One of Finland's most popular destinations for families is Visulahti, the country's largest water amusement park. There are sections such as "Dinosauria", with numerous slides, water cannons, fountains and pools; Xonpuisto with electric micro-cars and motorcycles. Children and adults alike will be pleased with the choice of entertainment: bungee jumping and paintball, rodeo bulls and spaceball, giant swings and even the opportunity to take part in sumo wrestling! Visulahti also provides accommodation, camping and a first-class restaurant. The amusement park is open daily from June to August.
Anyone interested in European prehistory will be delighted by the rock art of Astuvansalmi, dating from 3800-2200 BC. These drawings were found on a steep cliff on the shore of Lake Yovesi, 16 km from Ristiina Church in the south of Mikkeli. Of the 90 examples of rock art in Finland, Astuvansalmi's drawings are rightfully considered the most extensive and diverse, not only within the country, but throughout Scandinavia. The space, 17m long and 5.5m high, features over 80 different scenes painted in ocher, including figures of people, boats and moose along with animal hand and paw prints. The site can be reached by boat or on foot along a 3 km long trail.
Visitors to Mikkeli can also visit seven beautiful manor houses, each offering something different. A little south of the city is the elegant Annilan Kartano, which is also a golf club. 25 km away is the Anttolanhovi mansion and sanatorium, nestled on the shores of Lake Saimaa in the historic village of Antolla, famous for its barge construction. To the west of Mikkeli Airport you will find the Kekkola mansion, where you can enjoy lakeside saunas and fishing, playing tennis or horse riding. A little over a kilometer from the city center is Kenkävero, the largest religious house in Finland with its own restaurant, an art gallery with exhibitions all year round, a folklore center and the largest designer boutique in the country selling Finnish handicrafts, clothing, accessories and delicacies. Kuuhkylä is located in the city on the shores of Lake Saimaa and has its own hotel and spa center. Here you can take one of the historical tours or a daily scenic cruise, play tennis or mini golf. 7 km from Mikkeli in a beautiful place is the Tertti mansion with a cafe, restaurant and souvenir shop.
There are also two wineries near Mikkeli; Ollinmäen Viinitila produces delicious Finnish berry and fruit wines, cider and liqueurs, and is located just 18 km from the city. The Tyry winery is located further - 60 km from Mikkeli - and produces Finnish berry wines, liqueurs, wine distillates and mustard moonshine.
It is a regional center and attracts a lot of attention from both domestic and foreign tourists. This small and cozy town provides an amazing opportunity for everyone to enjoy their holiday. Fans of active recreation, lovers of a relaxing pastime, children and adults, shoppers and history buffs will feel great here.
Mikkeli Finland attractions and interesting places
The most revered historical figure in the country is Gustav Mannerheim. There is a monument here, which depicts the great Finnish commander on foot (unlike most of his other images). By the way, the city itself is conducive to just this type of travel. If you want to get to know it better, we recommend just walking along its beautiful streets.
First of all, of course, it is worth visiting the Naisvuori observation tower, which is located in the central part. It offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area and all the sights of the city. A pleasant feature for Russian tourists is that absolutely all the names of the streets are translated into Russian. In addition, they all diverge in a straight line from the central square, which greatly simplifies orientation. Walking is also encouraged by the fact that the streets and buildings, regardless of the time of year, are decorated with a variety of decorative elements made from flowers or fir branches.
During the most tense years of Finnish history: during the Second World War and the War of Independence, it was here that the main headquarters of the commander of the troops was located. In this regard, there are several large historical museums dedicated to military affairs, in particular, the Headquarters Museum and the Infantry Museum. In addition, on Mannerheim’s birthday, June 4, a large number of tourists from all over Finland flock here. The fact is that on this day the carriage in which Mannerheim was housed throughout the war years is open to the public, and it also houses an exhibition dedicated to the Commander-in-Chief.
Festivals in Mikkele Finland
It is often called the festival capital of Suomi, since various events are held here almost non-stop. Numerous concerts and exhibitions are held here, regardless of the time of year, interesting excursions and active entertainment are organized, so you can find entertainment for yourself and your friends at any time. The popularity of the town is also determined by the fact that it is located a short distance from both St. Petersburg and Helsinki, so in just a couple of hours anyone can get here both from Russia and from the capital of Finland.
In the summer, the most popular among tourists are those who regularly start from. Today, the town is one of the leaders in providing such services. Please note that if you have the desire and financial resources, anyone can not only buy tickets for sailing with a group, but also rent a small boat. Moreover, the services of the captain and other personnel will already be included in the price, and you will just have to enjoy your vacation. Naturally, you can also go fishing here by purchasing a license in advance. ideal if you plan to fish for trout or pike perch, since these types of fish are not particularly well caught offshore.
If you want to relax on the water with children, we recommend visiting. Here you can shop in the pools, visit baths and saunas, ride down a long water slide, and also visit a wax museum and an exhibition of vintage cars. This pleasure costs about 20 euros per person, and for children, as in many, there are discounts.
This region is famous for the fact that there are a large number of country houses where city residents like to spend their summer holidays. Houses, as a rule, are located in picturesque places, on the shores of lakes or on islands. Among the people renting these cottages there are many Russian citizens.
Mikkeli is the administrative center of the province of Etelä-Savo (Etelä-Savo, Southern Savonia). The city has a population of approximately 64.5 thousand people. The city is located approximately 85 kilometers north of the city of Lappeenranta.
Distance from Mikkeli to some cities: – 230 kilometers, Turku – 340 kilometers, – 300 kilometers.
The center of the city of Mikkeli can be considered the Mikkelin tori square. Near the square there are pedestrian streets, shopping centers Stella and Akseli and several cafes and restaurants. The square hosts various events that are attended by both locals and tourists. The square is located approximately 200 meters from the train and bus stations. The area is limited by the streets Hallituskatu, Maaherrankatu, Raatihuoneenkatu Porrassalmenkatu.
What attracts tourists to Mikkeli
The unique nature of the lake region of Finland is the main feature that attracts tourists here. There are more than two thousand lakes in the region, some of which are parts of Lake Saimaa. There are about thirty thousand cottages in the region, which are used by their owners or rented out.
Most tourists come to the region in the summer. More than half of the tourists coming here are residents of Finnish cities. As a rule, they rent a country house on the shore of a lake to spend one or two weeks of their summer vacation.
Russians made up the largest share of foreign tourists in the region until recently. Among the foreigners coming to Mikkeli there are also many citizens of Germany, Estonia, Sweden and. Not many people come from more distant countries (Japan, China, etc.).
Foreigners are attracted to the Finnish lake region by the same things as locals. This is an opportunity to spend a vacation away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in big cities. There are few places left in other European countries with such quiet, peaceful nature. Moreover, in summer it is not as hot here as in popular European and Asian resorts. In summer you can go fishing, swimming, hiking and boating. Boat cruises on Lake Saimaa are also popular.
The Jurassic Rock Festival is one of the city's most famous annual events. The festival takes place on the second weekend of August at Pursialankatu 6, 50100 Mikkeli.
Attractions and places to visit
General Staff Museum
During the civil war of 1918 and during the Second World War, Mikkeli was the headquarters of the Finnish army. In 1974, a museum was opened in the city, which was dedicated to Marshal Mannerheim. The museum later also included exhibitions dedicated to the history of recent wars and army headquarters.
Address: Päämajankuja 1-3, 50100 Mikkeli.
Observation deck
The observation deck is located on the water tower, on Naisvuori hill. The observation deck offers views of the city and the lake. The observation deck was opened in 1912. There is a cafe nearby. The tower is located approximately 400 meters north of the central square.
Sacristy in Savilahti
The Savilahden kivisakasti sacristy is the oldest building in the province of Etelä-Savo. The building is located approximately in the middle of Porrassalmenkatu street, at a distance of approximately 700 meters north of the central square of the city. The sacristy was built in the 15th or 16th century. It was part of a wooden church. The church was built in 1320 and dismantled in 1769 (the sacristy has been preserved).
Address: Porrassalmenkatu 32 A, Mikkeli.
Cathedral
The cathedral (Mikkelin tuomiokirkko) was built in 1896-1897. The maximum height of the cathedral is 64 meters. This is one of the most famous buildings in the city. The cathedral is located near the central square.
Visulahti Waterpark
The amusement park includes: children's adventure park “Dinosauria”, playground for children “Hyperdino”, wax museum, extreme amusement park XON, minigolf, tennis, volleyball, beach soccer. The amusement park is located approximately 4 kilometers northeast of the city center (along Highway 5).
Address: Visulahdentie 1, 50180 Mikkeli, Finland.
Ski center
Ski Tornimäki is the closest ski center to Mikkeli. The Ski Tornimäki winter sports center is located approximately 10 kilometers from the center of Mikkeli. Here you can go downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing or just spend time in nature.
Address: Metsä-Sairilantie, 4, Mikkeli.
Accommodation
There are plenty of places in and around Mikkeli where you can rent a room, apartment or cottage. Below is information about some places for tourists to stay.
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna
The Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna is located near the central square of Mikkeli. The train station is located approximately 600 meters from the hotel. The hotel is part of the Sokos Hotels hotel chain.
Address: Porrassalmenkatu 9, 50100 Mikkeli, Finland.
Book a room at a hotel in Mikkeli.
Scandic City Mikkeli
The Scandic hotel is located in the center of Mikkeli, next to Mikkelintori Square. The train station can be reached on foot in a few minutes from the hotel. Shops and cafes are located near the hotel.
Address: Mikonkatu 9, 50100 Mikkeli, Finland.
Anttolanhovi
Hotel Anttolanhovi is located on the shores of Lake Saimaa, near the village of Anttola. The hotel is located approximately 25 kilometers southeast of the city of Mikkeli (on road 62).
The hotel has meeting facilities, two restaurants, 19 cottages, 54 hotel rooms and 7 apartments. The recreation center also has saunas, swimming pools, and a gym. Tourists have the opportunity to take boat trips on the lake in the summer.
Address: Anttolanhovi, Hovintie 224, 52100 Anttola, Finland.
Visulahti
On the territory of the Visulahti amusement park there are several cottages that are available for rent. The cottages are located next to the shore of Lake Saimaa, approximately 4 kilometers from the center of Mikkeli. You can book a room or cottage online.
Address: Visulahdentie 1, 50180 Mikkeli, Finland.
Lakeistenranta Camping
Camping Lakeistenranta is located in a picturesque location, near the shore of Lake Saimaa, near the village of Anttola. The distance from the city of Mikkeli is approximately 27 kilometers. In addition to places for setting up tents and caravans, the campsite has small cottages. The campsite has everything you need for a comfortable stay (toilets, showers and a kitchen, cafe). There is a sandy beach nearby.
Address: Pitkalahdentie 215, Anttola, Finland.
Cottages
In the lake region of Finland, a large number of country houses of different sizes and different levels of comfort are available for rent. Such houses are usually located on the shore of a lake and have everything necessary for a comfortable stay. City dwellers love to spend part of their summer vacation in such houses.
Rent a house in the Etelä-Savo region you can use one of the international booking services ().
How to get there
Mikkeli can be reached by car, bus or train. Mikkeli Transport Center (train and bus stations, Mikkelin matkakeskus) is located near the city center.
InterCity and Pendolino trains travel from Helsinki to Mikkeli several times a day. Travel time is approximately 2.5 hours.
Mikkeli has regular bus service with the cities of Helsinki, Jyväskylä, Lappeenranta, Savonlinna.
By car from Helsinki to Mikkeli you can travel on highways E75 and then 5.
From St. Petersburg: drive to and then along highway 13.
Mikkeli Airport is located approximately 3 kilometers from the city center. There are currently no scheduled flights to this airport.
One of the oldest cities in Finland is Mikkeli, which is located on the coast of Lake Saimaa. Today Mikkeli is a major tourist city, where thousands of tourists vacation every year. Many attractions will not leave anyone indifferent. In addition, they are definitely worth a visit to feel the special atmosphere of the city. We recommend flying from here for a couple of days in Spain.
In Southern Savonia, this provincial town has become an important transport hub. Indeed, during the Second World War, Mikkeli was used as a headquarters; it was here that Marshal Mannerheim controlled the Finnish army. Today this history can be traced in numerous museums. By the way, the city was awarded the Order of the Cross of Freedom.
How to get to Mikkeli
Mikkeli Airport is located three kilometers from the central part of the city. Today, this airport exclusively accepts private jets and charter flights. Therefore, in general, it is possible to get to the city by air, only you need to take care of air tickets in advance.
Mikkeli has excellent bus connections to many cities in Finland. The bus terminal is combined with the railway station, so it is very convenient to get from the train to the bus and vice versa. Of course, the roads are well suited for traveling by car. The main thing is to prepare well for the road so that no problems arise.
Prices in shops and hotels
On Lake Saimaa there is an old mansion, which today is the Kyyhkyla Hotel, seven kilometers from the city center. All amenities are available to guests, such as a gym, indoor pool and sauna. Very suitable for lovers of an active lifestyle. The rooms are cozy and comfortable; their cost is about 3,700 rubles.
Original Sokos Hotel is located close to the market square and Mikkeli Train Station. Rooms have standard amenities as well as free Wi-Fi. The cost of one room is approximately 4400 rubles.
In 1800, a magnificent estate was built, which today is the Tertin Kartano Hotel. The rooms have a wonderful view of the garden. This place has old world charm with a mix of modern amenities. Despite the many advantages of this hotel, the cost of living is 3,800 rubles.
In general, shopping in Mikkeli stores is no different from other cities in Finland. The cost of goods is quite reasonable, so it’s worth setting aside a day to go shopping in the city. In addition, in many souvenir shops you can find unique gifts and memorable souvenirs.
What to see in Mikkeli
Mikkeli is rich in many museums dedicated to military topics. First of all, you should go to the Mannerheim Bunker Museum; this place once served as a command center for the Finnish army. A ticket to the museum costs only four euros, and it is open until five in the evening local time. In 1982, the Infantry Museum was founded, which is considered one of the largest military museums in Finland. Three wooden barracks house the museum's military exhibits, which consist of military tools, clothing and military vehicles. Of course, what is a military museum without weapons: machine guns and mortars used in wartime are displayed here.
Another famous attraction of the city is the rock paintings of Astuvansalmi. Experts believe that they are about three to four thousand years old. In Finland, these drawings are recognized as the best representatives of prehistoric rock art. These petroglyphs were depicted on the rock cliff. If you come to look at the famous rock paintings, you can also visit the peasant museum-reserve, which consists of twenty houses. Experts believe that these houses were built in 1672, so this museum describes the peasant life of those times.
Architectural monuments
The main square of Mikkeli is a landmark of the city, in the center of which there is a monument to Marshal Mannerheim. Next to it is the famous Lutheran Cathedral, in the construction of which red brick was used. His style is characterized as late Gothic. On weekends in the Cathedral you can hear solemn service singing and the sounds of the organ.
The square is surrounded by hotels, offices, a large department store, banks, and the city hall. The ancient covered market, which is located near the central square, is called a monument of northern architecture. On Saturdays the square is filled with market stalls.
The Naisvuri observation tower is an original architectural object, also located near the center. There is a cozy cafe on the top floor of the tower, so this is a great option for those who want to enjoy a picturesque view of the city while enjoying a cup of delicious coffee.
The delightful stone sacristy of Kivisakasti has a very mysterious history. Because no one can still name the exact date of construction and age of the building. According to some assumptions, Kivisakasti is part of the destroyed Savilahti (early 16th century church).
Festival City
Mikkeli's convenient location allows it to be a tourist center that takes special care of its guests. Throughout the year, the city hosts various festivals, exhibitions and concerts, as well as unusual excursions. Finns themselves, along with foreigners, plunge into the active life of the city. No one will be bored. After all, festivals often last until late at night, so after exploring local attractions, tourists spend their leisure time listening to beautiful music or watching an exciting performance. The city transforms during the holidays, so it is worth taking part in such events.
City Mikkeli, named after the patron saint of those places, St. Michael, is perfect for a family holiday with children. Here and not far from the border, there are many cottages with good fishing on Saimaa, convenient shopping (several shopping centers Stella, Aleksi and Carlson are compactly located in the city center), there are spas, museums and amusement parks for children.
It will be interesting to visit the museum of the main headquarters of Mannerheim himself, whose headquarters was in Mikkeli during the Second World War; Mannerheim’s personal carriage, which was used from 1939 to 1946 for trips on wartime business, is also in eternal rest.
The Loki Museum of Radio Operators, hidden in the rock, will tell (and show) about the underground work of radio operators; the Mikkeli Art Museum will introduce you to modern art.
Children and adults will enjoy visiting the Rantakeidas water park and the Visulahti water amusement park with water slides and pools, dinosaurs ready to really stroll through the tall grass of Mikkeli, and sports climbing frames for kids in the Hyper Dino complex. For extreme sports enthusiasts, there is more serious entertainment - Rally School.
Ancient manors, among which Tertti and Kenkävero, the largest priest's house in Finland, stand out.
A real winery, where you will be received with cordiality and told about which berries can be used to make homemade wine and will arrange a real tasting with Finnish cordiality and friendliness.
The pristine beauty of nature, unusual museums, designer cottages and amusement parks are what you will come to Mikkeli for more than once.
Photos of the city of Mikkeli:
A piece of paradise overlooking Lake Saimaa, a place where many have wished to spend more than one day of their lives Art&Design Villas Anttolanhovi in the town of Anttola next to Mikkeli. Actually Anttolanhovi presents
