A cruise along the stunning waterways of southern Lake Saimaa begins from Puumala Harbor and heads to Nestorinranta in Lintusalo. After a stop, the journey continues to Liittokivenselkä and on to Astuvansalmi on Lake Yövesi. At the prehistoric Astuvansalmi rock paintings, we view the paintings from the water before continuing through the open Kirkkotaipale canal to Lake Someenjärvi. The cruise section ends at the pier of the Varkaantaipale summer restaurant.
From Varkaantaipale, the Aino bus takes passengers along the Green Gold Cultural Route to Ristiina and onward to Mikkeli, with a return transfer to the departure harbor in Puumala. In the morning before the cruise, the Aino bus transports passengers from Mikkeli to Puumala Harbor, where there is time to explore or enjoy lunch in the charming summer village. The bus stops, if needed, at Pistohiekka Resort, Pistocamp, and Sahanlahti Resort on both the outbound and return journeys.
At Nestorinranta in Lintusalo, there is an opportunity to transfer to the Norppa II bike ferry.
If you are bringing a bicycle on board the Aino vessel, please inform us when purchasing your ticket in the additional information section or by email at sales@ainosaimaa.fi. When purchasing lunch, please also inform us of any allergies or dietary requirements.
Children aged 0–12 can join this excursion at a reduced route fare of €2. Youth aged 13–17 also have a discounted ticket price.
Schedule
09:00 Departure from Mikkeli Market Square charter bus stop (behind the Mannerheim statue)
09:05 Departure from Mikkeli Travel Centre
09:10 Departure from Mikkeli Harbor stop
The bus travels to Puumala Harbor via Pistohiekka, Pistocamp, and Sahanlahti if needed.
10:20 Arrival at Puumala Harbor
12:00 Cruise departure on the Aino vessel
13:15 Stop at Nestorinranta in Lintusalo (connections to Norppa II and M/S Rasti – please check availability on the operators’ websites)
16:30 Arrival off Astuvansalmi, with approximately 10–15 minutes spent viewing the site
From Astuvansalmi, the journey continues to the Varkaantaipale canal, where passengers transfer to the bus for the return trip via Ristiina and Mikkeli back to Puumala. The bus stops at Pistohiekka and Sahanlahti if needed.
Approximately 19:00 Arrival at Puumala Harbor
Tickets
Tickets are non-refundable and valid only for similar cruises (Mikkeli–Puumala / Puumala–Mikkeli)
In case of cancellation due to a serious situation (e.g. illness), a 50% handling fee will be deducted from the refund.
We reserve the right to make changes to schedules, prices, and the program.
We recommend travel insurance that includes cancellation cover.