Geology, history, nature, culture…On this tour with a local guide you will hear interesting stories and facts about the famous Imatrankoski rapids. You will also see the most beautiful building of Finland – the castel hotel Imatran Valtionhotelli.

South Karelia is famous for its endemic species – among them such flowers like beautiful and very rare arctic violet (spring pasqueflower, lady of the snows) in Latin Pulsatilla Vernalis. Lady of the snows blossoms very early in the spring. It is highly endangered and you are not allowed to pick them. Arctic violet is the county flower of South Karelia. Another Ice Age relict is the sand pink Dianthus arenarius which blossoms in July. South Karelia has a quite many private gardens that are open for visitors, too. Please check the availability of the tour since the growing period varies from year to year. Our tour guide meets you at your hotel and takes you to the woods to see these rarities. You can either drive your own car or we can arrange the transfers.

The Ice Age has shaped the nature of South Karelia. During this tour you will see boulders and kettles, ridges and pebbles. You will hear about the Ice Age and how it has formed the geography of Finland. The trail is located on the banks of the beautiful Lake Saimaa.

The church was designed by Alvar Aalto and completed in 1957. It is said to be Aalto’s most original church design. The church gets its name from the three crosses at the altar. It consists of three consecutive halls which can be separated by sliding walls; this enables parts of the church to be used for parish activities during the week. The exterior of the church is white with a copper roofing. DOCOMOMO has listed the church as a significant example of modern architecture in Finland.

Guided tour in Finland’s most beautiful building – the art nouveau castle hotel Imatran Valtionhotelli.
This beauty has experienced a lot – both in peace and war. You will hear unforgettable stories from the past of this hotel that was built when Finland still was part of Russia.

Ruokolahti church hill is famous for its beauty. Here you can still see traditional Karelian wooden architecture. The clock tower, local history museum, Ruokolahti church and Ruokolahti homestead are worth seeing. In the old cemetery you can bring to mind the world-famous Finnish sniper, Simo Häyhä. The tour includes coffee/tee and Karelian pasty in Ruokolahti homestead in the summertime. This tour can be supplemented with a visit to Salpalinja fortification line or Rantalinna Castle hotel.