Saimaa-Picnic
A picnic cruise of about 3 hours takes us along the old steamer route in front of Kopinsalmi and Umianlampi, the southern departure point of the Kutila Canal. Immediately after the completion of the Saimaa Canal (1856), plans for a canal linking the Pien-Saimaa (Little Saimaa) and the Suur-Saimaa (Great Saimaa) began to emerge. The canal, about 500 metres long, would shorten the waterway between Lappeenranta and Puumala by more than 10 kilometres and would also improve the water quality of Lake Pien-Saimaa. The canal is estimated to cost around €17.5 million and the canal project is currently in a strong tailwind awaiting the final construction permit. Construction could potentially start as early as 2026.
Most of the cruise is spent in the waters of Taipalsaari, in the middle of the islands. Half of the municipality’s area is Saimaa, and the other half consists mainly of about 700 islands. The municipality has about 1000 km of coastline. The cruise follows the old steamship route, characterised by rocky beaches with cottages and villas.
The cruise ticket includes picnic:
– Summer fruit selection
– Cheeses and cranberry jelly and Balsamico
– Selection of air-dried hams
– Crab skagen mousse
– Fresh stone oven baked ham
– Ice water, local juices from Lappeenranta
CRUISE TICKET PRICES:
Adult/ 38,- eur
Child 2-12 years /24,- eur
Pensioners, students, conscripts and unemployed 35,- eur/person (benefit card/proof of entitlement to benefit)
The following Saimaa-Picnic cruises:
