Hiking in South Savo – 7 nature experiences among lakes, islands and forests

South Savo, or Etelä-Savo, is a landscape where hiking often begins with a practical question: How do you get to the trail? Here, several of the most interesting natural destinations are located on islands or by large lakes. Boats, weather and water levels therefore become part of the trip planning in a way that most land-based trails do not require.

The landscape extends over the Saimaa archipelago, the forests around Mikkeli and Mäntyharju, and the lake-rich environments around Puula and Kyyvesi. The terrain varies from footbridges and easy-to-walk forest paths to roots, rocks and steep mountain ridges. Below are seven verifiable nature experiences. Always check the current trail status, maps, rules, parking and any boat traffic with the responsible authority or municipality before setting off.

1. Linnansaari National Park – island walk to Linnavuori

Linnansaari National Park is one of Saimen's clearest hiking destinations. The official Linnansaar rengaspolku starts at Sammakkoniemi and goes through varied forest, over spans at Linnansaaren's pond and on to the Linnavuori viewpoint. The marked circular trail is approximately 7 kilometers.

The nature type alternates between grove-like forest, rocky areas and coniferous forest. The surface is uneven in places, with roots, rocks and differences in level. The tour is suitable for hikers with normal fitness, but is not a pure walking trail.

The most important thing is the logistics. Linnansaari is reached by water. You need to plan your own boat, taxi boat or other current boat connection from, for example, Oravi or Porosalmi. Weather changes on Lake Saimaa can affect both the crossing and the return trip. Don't assume that the next boat will leave when you are finished.

Sammakkoniemi is a natural starting point, but drinking water, service and any seasonal openings should be checked before the trip. Carry enough water for the entire trail unless current information explicitly confirms a working water point. Also follow the national park's rules on fires, camping, dogs and respect for nature.

2. Kolovesi National Park – Nahkiaissalo or Mäntysalo

Kolovesi is another lake-oriented national park, known for its quiet waters, steep coastal mountains and ancient forest. The Luontoon.fi page on Kolovesi describes two particularly relevant hiking options.

The Nahkiaissalo nature trail is a circular trail on the mainland, approximately 3.3 kilometers long. The trail runs through old forest and hilly terrain with lake views. The terrain is more demanding than its length suggests. Roots, rocks and steeper sections require sturdy shoes and attention, especially after rain.

The Mäntysalo nature trail is approximately 3.8 kilometers long and is located on the island of Mäntysalo. It can only be reached by water from a designated boat launch. So you have to plan both your landing and return journey. The trail is marked but has elevation changes and varying forest terrain. The official information also states a seasonal restriction for Mäntysalo. Therefore, always check whether the trail is open before you go.

Kolovesi is a protected environment with sensitive bird and animal life, including the ringed seal of Lake Saimaa. Keep your distance, follow traffic rules and respect any area-specific restrictions. The weather at sea can change quickly even on a sunny day. A waterproof packing bag for a map, phone and extra clothes is a simple insurance.

3. Neitvuori–Luonteri and Hiiden polut

The Neitvuori–Luonteri area is located on the border between Mikkeli and Juva. Here, woodland, rocks and lake scenery meet each other. From Neitvuori you get a clear view of Luonteri's islands and bays, but the view does not require you to take the terrain lightly.

The local trails include Hiijje silimukka , Hiidenkierros and other parts of the Hiiden polut network. Official descriptions and maps are available via Luontoon.fi's information on Neitvuori–Luonteri , Mikkeli city and local trail managers.

Choose your route based on your experience. The shorter trails around Neitvuori are suitable for a longer day trip, while the longer routes require better planning, offline maps and experience navigating in the forest. Expect roots, rocks, uneven ground and steep sections. In wet weather, the crags become slippery.

If you are driving to a trail start, check the current map and road conditions. It is not always possible to combine different trail sections without transportation between start and finish. Bring water and a packed lunch. Service should not be assumed along the trail.

4. Puula and Kyyvesi – short hike in a lake-rich reserve

The Puula and Kyyvesi nature reserves are primarily an environment for lakes, islands and canoeing. It is important not to describe the area as a large, continuous hiking area. The official information instead indicates a short, marked turnoff of approximately 2 kilometers on the southern side of the area.

This makes the location suitable for a short nature experience, not for a full-day hike with many alternative trail choices. The surface can be forest paths and uneven natural ground. Take your time when walking around wet roots and rocky areas.

The waterway is also central here. If you plan to combine hiking with paddling, check landing sites, weather forecasts, reserve rules and the possibility of returning the same way. Camping, fires and landing may be restricted in nature conservation areas. The right of public access does not apply as a general exception to reserve regulations.

5. Soininmäki nature trail near Savonlinna

Soininmäki Nature Trail is a municipally described hiking destination in Savonlinna. According to the city of Savonlinna's information on nature trails, the trail is approximately 9 kilometers long.

The route runs from Vuohimäki through woodland towards Soininmäki's ridge and Mustalampi. Here you get a more land-based hike than in Linnansaari and Kolovesi, but still with a clear Finnish lake and forest character. The surface consists of forest paths, roots and wetter sections with ropes.

The trail is suitable for beginners who are already used to a longer day trip. After rain, the footbridges can be slippery and the roots require concentration. Spring, summer and early autumn are natural seasons, but the current maintenance status should be checked. Bring your own packed lunch and water, although there are rest stops along the way.

6. Sydänmaa hiking and geological trails in Anttola

Sydänmaa is located in Anttola, within Mikkeli municipality, and is an approximately 5-kilometer-long geological nature trail. The trail is particularly interesting for those who want to understand the landscape beneath their feet. The highlight is Rakokallio, a long mountain crevasse that shows how the ice sheet and geological forces have shaped the area.

Saimaa Geopark describes Rakokallio and Sydänmaa as a forest trail with rocks, minor elevation changes and forest stars. The terrain is moderate but not entirely easy. Wear shoes with good grip and be careful around cracks, boulders and wet rock outcrops.

The trail is accessible by car from road 62 via minor roads. Check the current directions and parking information before setting off. Geological attractions should be experienced without climbing on unsafe edges or damaging rocks and vegetation.

7. Citypatikka in Mäntyharju – lake beaches and forest

There are several local outdoor trails in Mäntyharju. The officially presented Citypatikka runs from the railway station area through the forest and beaches of Pyhävesi to Uutelan laavu. It is a practical option for those who want to hike in South Savo without boat logistics.

The route combines paths close to settlements, forests and lake environments. The terrain is normally less wild than on the trails in the national parks, but conditions can still vary depending on the season and maintenance. See Mäntyharju Municipality's outdoor information and Visit Mikkeli's description of Citypatikka for the current map and route status.

For a day trip, regular hiking clothes, rain cover, water and a packed lunch are usually sufficient. If you plan to stay overnight, the sleeping system should be chosen according to temperature, wind and ground – not just according to pack weight. A sleeping pad that is too thin can cause the ground to be cold and impair recovery despite a light backpack. See HikingStore's range of tents , backpacks , sleeping pads and sleeping bags . For down, fill weight and CUIN, see our guide to bird down in sleeping bags .

Plan by lake, season and recovery

Southern Savo rewards those who plan simply but carefully:

• Download offline maps and save the trailhead before leaving coverage.
• Check weather, wind and sea conditions before all boat trips.
• Carry water with you. Natural water needs to be purified before drinking.
• Use mosquito and tick repellent during warmer months and check your skin after the trip.
• Keep dry reinforcements in a waterproof packing bag.
• Follow national park and reserve rules for dogs, fires, camping and waste.
• Don't go out onto slippery rocks for a better picture. Safety always wins.

The best trails aren't the ones that require the most equipment. They're the ones where the equipment works when the weather changes, the boat gets delayed, and your legs start to get tired.