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.

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 slightly longer than the Apajalahti hiking trail. The trail starts from the Village house and is connected to the Apajalahti trail.

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.

In winter, when there is enough snow, both island ski trails are kept in good skiing condition. Detailed information on the conditions of the tracks are updated in our website’s event calendar.

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.

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

Heritage of folk music and summer events

Oravisalo and Varpasalo provide a people-centred place for living or visiting. Insular culture community lifestyle is still common in the villages and leads to social events, activities, and good quality of life.
A variety of service companies can be found in the islands, from cottage caretakers to guided tours. You can stay in a luxury rental villa or even in a cosy barn.

Island life has a strong cultural heritage. Folk music, theatre, and other cultural attractions are part of the islanders’ identity. In particular, the islands` folk fiddlers have played a strong role in advancing east Finland´s folk music.

One strong tradition of the islands are small local events. There are happenings around the year but the real season for these is the summer.

One of the famous and the biggest folk music festival in Eastern Finland is Kihaus Folk
Here is some festival-info in english: info

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:
08.40 – 09.00
11.40 – 12.00
16.30 – 16.50
19.40 – 20.00

Adress: Oravisalontie 1610.
Phone: +358 400 374 464

Accomodation

Karelia Cottages
Suursaarentie 95
www.kareliacottages.com
+358 44 271 6095

Kurkelan lomam̦kki РKurkela Cottage
Mölsänniementie 281 B
Booking
+358 400 894 727

Päivärinnan lomamökki – Päivärinta Cottage
Oravisalontie 429
Booking
+358 50 5359703

Siki̦nsaaren lomam̦kki РSiki̦nsaari 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
+358 40 751 3545
Booking

Topin Tupa 2 – Topi’s Cottage 2
Minna Hirvonen
Hämeenniementie 46
topintuvat(at)topintuvat.com
puh. +358 40 5129 901
Booking

Old farm house “Vanha Nissilä” (Old Nissilä)
Homepage
Booking

Activities

Karelia Cottages
Suursaarentie 95
Folk music workshops
Creating Art surrounded by Nature

Karelia Cottages activities
+358 44 271 6095

Other services

Ollin myymäläauto – strore on weels

“Olli’s mobile store” Ollin myymäläauto is visiting Oravisalo and Varpasalo islands every friday.

Hirsiveisto Laasonen / Olotar – Timber Building
Hirsiveisto Laasonen/Olotar
Oravisalontie 1150
info@olotar.fi

Kuukkeli – nature park
Kuukkeli
82300 Rääkkylä
+358 50 522 4119

Luomumansikka – Organic strawberries, honey and currants
Luomumansikka
Mölsänniementie 100
+358 40 516 5857
+358 13 663 415