Islands of the Northern Lake Saimaa
ISLAND VILLAGES FULL OF LIFE
Varpasalo and Oravisalo are the two main islands of northern Lake Saimaa in the region of North Karelia eastern Finland. These villages of lake islands are known not only for their strong folk music tradition, but also for the beautiful natural lake surroundings. The Islands have very active village communities and the people are proud of their heritage.
It is always nice just to stop by or even stay much longer in the Islands of northern lake Saimaa. For those who look for silent and beautiful surrounding – they can be found in the island peninsulas and inlets.
This home page is maintained by local village association “Saimaan saariston kehittämisyhdistys”.
Questions can be sent: info.saaret(at)gmail.com
See the Song for our guests
NATURE ACTIVITIES
SWIMMING PLACES
Refreshing swimming crowns a hot summer day, and the children will surely enjoy the whole day at the beach. In the Oravisalo and Varpasalo territory can be found two open swimming places for general use:
1. Varpasalo beach is located on the western shore of the island, by the road of Laukkasenlahdentie.
2. Pässiniemi swimming place is located on the east shore of the Oravisalo island. The address is Pässiniementie .
The swimming places have only basic equipment and are maintained as needed. The islands` swimming places are connected to the nature trails and are included in the Karelianpolut map
FISHING WATERS OF THE NORTHERN LAKE SAIMAA
The islands are recognized as being an outstanding fishing locale. Also, in the islands of Northern Saimaa Lake, fishing has always been practiced, and even in our day for many islanders fishing is an everyday chore. For the visiting fisherman these waters offer a vast variety of fish and the opportunity to enjoy the tranquil lake surroundings in the wild.
The waters surrounding the islands of Northern Saimaa Lake are known as the Orivesi. These waters are divided into different parts depending on their location around the archipelago. In the west, in the direction of Savo, Savonselkä waters work as the water boundary; in the north Rauvanselkä and Ukonselkä. At the eastern side of the archipelago can be found Hämeenselkä and Tikkaselkä waters; in the south, open waters of Samppaanselkä.
In the Orivesi waters can be found all common inland fishes. The main types of fish are pike-perch, pike, perch, burbot, whitefish and vendace. The wide waters of Saima lake are also a perfect place for the unique Salmonidae family, landlocked salmon and freshwater brown trout.
A fishing permit which covers the whole island territory can be obtained from the webpage by the name of 10A. ORIVEDEN VIEHELUPA – Orivesi fishing permit.
HOME PAGE OF FISHING IN FINLAND
For fixed gear fishing an approved permit is required from the local island´s fisheries association – Varpasalo fisheries association and
Oravisalo fisheries association.
HIKING, BICYCLE AND CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING TRAILS
In the islands of Oravisalo and Varpasalo bicycling routes have been created, circling through the forest and villages. Routes are marked with red marks. Through these trails you can get a good understanding of the nature and landscape of the Archipelago’s biggest islands.
For the “on foot” traveller the islands offer three marked trails. In the Varpasalo island, the Nature Trail Apajalahti is located in a private nature reserve. This trail will introduce hikers to an old protected lake’s shore forest and to a black alders wetland. Another Varpasalo path is longer than the Apajalahti hiking trail. The trail starts from the Village house.
The third hiking trail is located on the island of Oravisalo and it is called the war history Salpa Line walking path. The trail follows the east bank of the Oravisalo island along Salpa Line structures, built during World War II. Hikers can get to this trail from the “Kuukkeli” Wildernesspark or by passing the Topi cottages. All routes can be found from this map
In addition to the land trails, suitable water trails can also be found that are offered by the local company. From the variety of hiking trails, everyone can find a difficulty level suitable just for him. The water trails` “home dock” is Karelia Cottages beach, located on the western shore of Varpasalo island. Detailed information, including trail instruction and associated maps, can be received directly from the Karelia Cottages.
Explore the lake view
Nature has a lot to offer on the islands of the Northern Saimaa lake. Saimaa lake’s Northern Orivesi great open waters and cramped islands form a combination, which provide a home for a wide range of northern plants and animals.
The islands` nature is easy to explore by hiking and cycling routes, as well as by boat or canoe. The islands of the Northern Saimaa are a suitable place for the nature traveler. Here everyone can spend time by combining different activities such as fishing and other nature activity for everyday life and for a holiday with the family.
CULTURE OF THE ISLANDS
SERVICES
Activities
Karelia Cottages
Suursaarentie 95
Folk music workshops
Creating Art surrounded by Nature
Karelia Cottages activities
+358 44 271 6095
Accomodation
Hakoniemi - Luova Tila -residency
Hakoniementie 93 A
Accommondation/homepage
+358 44 323 4660
Karelia Cottages
Suursaarentie 95
Homepage
+358 44 271 6095
Kurkelan lomamökki – Kurkela Cottage
Mölsänniementie 281 B
Facebook
+358 400 894 727
Sikiönsaaren lomamökki – Sikiönsaari Cottage
Mölsänniementie 100
Sikiönsaaren lomamökki
Booking
+358 40 964 6874
Topin tupa 1 – Topi’s Cottage 1
Jaana Kuittinen
Hämeenniementie 212 B
topintupa1(at)gmail.com
Homepage
+358 40 751 3545
Topin Tupa – Topi’s Cottage
Minna Hirvonen
Hämeenniementie 46
topintuvat(at)topintuvat.com
Homepage
+358 40 5129 901
Arvinsalmi Ferry
The Arvinsalmi Ferry is operating between Liperi and Oravisalo island 24 hour every day. The use of ferry is free.
The daily breakes:
09:00-09:20
12:00-12:20
15:00-15:20
20:00-20:20
Address: Oravisalontie 1610.
