Find hotels in Saaramaa from £73

The best area to stay in Saaramaa is the region around Lake Saimaa, particularly near the towns of Savonlinna and Lappeenranta, as these offer the most developed tourist infrastructure and access to the lake's natural beauty.For those seeking a classic Finnish Lakeland experience, Savonlinna is an excellent choice. It's well-known for Olavinlinna Castle, a medieval fortress situated on an island, which is a major landmark. The town itself has a pleasant market square and a good selection of restaurants and shops, making it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding waters. Couples often find Savonlinna appealing for its historic charm and opportunities for boat trips.Families might prefer the area around Lappeenranta, which also sits on Lake Saimaa but offers a slightly different experience with more family-focused activities. The city has a good beach area and a fortress complex with museums and artisans' workshops. From Lappeenranta, it's easy to arrange boat tours or rent kayaks to explore the lake's many islands and coves.

The best time to go to Saaramaa is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is at its warmest and the days are long.During this period, you can expect average daytime temperatures around 20-25°C, great for enjoying the outdoors. The long daylight hours, with the sun often setting late in the evening, allow for extended activities like boating on Lake Saimaa, hiking in the forests, or exploring the local towns. This is also when all tourist services and attractions, such as boat tours and summer cafes, are fully operational.For those interested in winter activities, March offers a good balance. While it's still cold, with temperatures typically around -5°C to 0°C, the days are getting longer, and there's usually ample snow for cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing.