Experience the unique charm of Lake Saimaa with Mikkeli Music Festival’s On the Move! This cruise takes you from Mikkeli straight to the heart of Saimaa, to the impressive Astuvansalmi rock paintings. The journey is crowned by Jenni Hanikka’s enchanting “Roots and Wings” performance – a musical voyage where Finnish roots and global soundscapes meet in the midst of Saimaa’s most beautiful lake scenery.
Our cruise to the Astuvansalmi rock paintings departs from the Varkaantaipale Canal, from the pier of the Varkaantaipale summer restaurant.
We cruise across Lake Someenjärvi, past the Kallioniemi villa built in 1896, and through the historic Kirkkotaipale Canal to Lake Saimaa’s Yövesi and the Astuvansalmi rock paintings, offering a glimpse into life thousands of years ago. Astuvansalmi is the largest collection of rock paintings in the Nordic countries, with around 80 figures discovered.
We will spend approximately 45 minutes at the rock paintings, followed by a short cruise on Yövesi. Come aboard and enjoy a wonderful day on Lake Saimaa!
Jenni Hanikka – “Roots and Wings” – Music from Around the World
Jenni Hanikka is a flutist and singer who has been involved in numerous national and international projects across several continents. Her roots lie in Nordic and Finno-Ugric music, but her musical journey has taken her to Russia, Mongolia, China, Borneo, Nepal, India, Mali, and Denmark.
In her solo concert “Roots and Wings”, Hanikka combines traditional melodies with her own compositions using live looping and improvisation. The performance offers a musical journey where Finnish roots travel along as she moves from one continent to another. Her instruments include various flutes from around the world, the kantele, the bowed lyre (jouhikko), and a wide range of vocal techniques from traditional styles to throat singing.
Cruise schedule
13:15 Departure for cruise on M/S Aino
13:30–14:15 Visit to Astuvansalmi rock paintings
15:30 Cruise ends at Varkaantaipale Canal
Tickets
Children aged 3 and under travel free of charge.
The ticket includes: a cruise on Lake Saimaa and onboard programme.
Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be used for other cruises.
In case of cancellation due to serious circumstances (e.g. illness), the ticket seller will deduct 50% of the purchase price to cover refund costs.
We reserve the right to make changes to schedules, prices, and programme.
We recommend travel insurance that includes cancellation cover.
If no bookings have been made by 9:00 on the day of the excursion, the trip will be cancelled.