Mikkeli travel guide


Mikkeli, located in the south-eastern region of Finland, is a charming and vibrant city that offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors. The city is located about 230 kilometres from Helsinki and about 100 kilometres from Savonlinna.

With beautiful views by Lake Saimaa, numerous outdoor activities and a rich cultural heritage, Mikkeli is an ideal destination for tourists looking to explore the Finnish countryside. With its natural beauty, lively nightlife and friendly locals, Mikkeli is an ideal place for a holiday or weekend getaway.

Mikkeli is a town with a long and interesting history. Situated close to the Russian border, the town has been home to both Finnish and Russian cultures for centuries. Mikkeli is known for its colourful city centre, beautiful waterfront and vibrant cultural and nightlife.

Things to see and do in Mikkeli

With its many museums, parks and cafes, Mikkeli is an ideal destination for visitors looking to learn more about Finnish history and culture. Whether you want to relax and enjoy the scenery or explore the city’s cultural offerings, Mikkeli has something to offer everyone.

In addition, the town is situated next to Lake Saimaa and several large forests where you can enjoy outdoor activities and explore Finnish nature in a unique way. So, if you want to go hiking, canoeing and other nature sports, Mikkeli is not to be missed.

Mikkeli Forests by Lake Saimaa

Naisvuori Observation Tower

Naisvuori Observation Tower is located in Mikkeli. It is a 24-metre high wooden tower built in 1935, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area and Saimaa Lake. From the top of the tower, visitors can see the town of Mikkeli, along with the nearby forests and lakes.

The view from the tower is especially beautiful at sunset, when the sky is lit up in beautiful shades of pink, purple and orange. The tower is a popular tourist destination for visitors to the area, and is a great place to take in the views of the beautiful Finnish countryside.

Communications Centre Lokki

The Communications Centre Lokki is an interesting museum dedicated to the history of Finnish military communications. The museum is housed in the former Finnish Army Communications Centre and displays a variety of artefacts and documents from the World War II era.

Visitors can explore the fascinating history of Finnish Army communications technology through interactive exhibits and displays. The museum also houses a collection of historic radios and telephones, as well as other unique objects related to the army’s communications technology.

In addition, the museum offers guided tours and educational activities for visitors of all ages. The Finnish Army Communications Centre is thus a great place to learn about the history of Finnish military communications and explore the fascinating technology used by the army during the war.

Mikkeli Cathedral

Mikkeli Cathedral is a stone church with a large and impressive tower that stands out among the other buildings in the city. The cathedral has stood on this site since the late 17th century and is a popular place of worship for locals and tourists alike.

The building’s architecture is a mixture of baroque and neo-renaissance styles, and its interior features an impressive wooden ceiling and high altar. The cathedral also houses an impressive art collection, including a picture of Jesus painted in 1902 by Finnish artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela.

Mikkeli Cathedral is a must-see for visitors to the city, as its grandeur and beauty make it one of Finland’s most impressive places of worship.

Side area of Mikkeli Cathedral

Mikkeli Art Museum

The Mikkeli Art Museum is a contemporary art museum focusing on contemporary Finnish art. The collection includes works from the 1970s to the present day, and the museum also has a permanent collection of Finnish art from the 19th and 20th centuries.

The museum’s programme of exhibitions, activities and events is aimed at both local and international audiences. It regularly hosts international exhibitions, conferences, seminars and workshops. It is an important cultural centre in the town of Mikkeli and one of the most visited places in the area. The museum also has a café and a shop, where visitors can purchase works of art and souvenirs.

Kenkävero

Kenkävero is a manor house located in Mikkeli, Finland, which was built in the 16th century and has since been renovated and extended numerous times. It is now a popular local tourist destination and features a large park and gardens, a café, a museum and several historic buildings.

The museum contains many historical objects, such as antique furniture and tools, as well as artwork and photographs from the manor’s past. The park and gardens are home to many native species of plants and animals, as well as a variety of activities such as fishing, swimming and boating. Visitors can also take a tour of the mansion and its grounds, which includes a guided walk through the gardens, a visit to the museum and the opportunity to explore the various rooms and buildings.

Mikkelipuisto Park

Mikkelipuisto Park is a beautiful green area situated close to Mikkeli town centre. It is a perfect place to relax, take a walk or even have a picnic. The park is surrounded by trees and filled with lush green vegetation, and is a great place to take in the stunning Finnish scenery.

The park also has a large lake, ideal for swimming or boating. There is also a children’s playground and several benches and tables where visitors can sit and enjoy their time in the park. In addition, the park itself organises all kinds of activities for children and adults: yoga, archery, canoeing, and much more.

Infantry Museum

The Mikkeli Infantry Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of the Finnish Infantry. The museum houses a large collection of military artefacts, from uniforms and weapons to documents and photographs.

Some of the most interesting exhibits are recreated battlefields from different wars, such as the Winter War of 1939, the Continuation War of 1941-1944 and the Lapland War of 1944-1945. The museum also has a wide range of educational and interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn more about the history of the Finnish infantry. In addition, the museum offers guided tours and activities for adults and children. The museum is open all year round and admission is free.

How to get to Mikkeli

From Finland, the easiest way to get to Mikkeli is by train. Trains from Helsinki, Tampere and other major Finnish cities arrive directly at Mikkeli railway station. There are daily trains from Helsinki to Mikkeli, which take approximately 2.5 hours.

You can also take a bus from Helsinki or Tampere to Mikkeli, with a journey time of about 4 hours. If you are travelling by car, it is about a 3-hour drive from Finland’s capital to Mikkeli.

If you are travelling from another country, the best way to get to Mikkeli is by plane. There are flights from Helsinki-Vantaa airport to Mikkeli airport. From the airport, you can take a bus or train to the city. You can also take a ferry from Sweden or Russia to the port of Kotka, and then take a bus or train to Mikkeli.

How to get around the city

The best way to get around Mikkeli is by car or public transport. The city has an extensive public transport network, including bus lines and taxi services, which run throughout the city.

However, the most convenient way to get around the city is by renting a car, as it gives you the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace and convenience. Also, if you prefer, there are bike-sharing services in the city that allow you to explore the area in a more environmentally friendly way.

Where to stay in Mikkeli

Mikkeli is a vibrant and exciting city with a wide variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and needs. For those looking for a luxurious stay, there are several high-end hotels and resorts in the city. These include the Scandic Hotel Mikkeli, the Radisson Blu Hotel Mikkeli and the Holiday Club Mikkeli. All of these establishments offer high quality facilities such as spa services, restaurants, bars and a wide range of leisure activities.

Those on a tighter budget can find comfortable and affordable accommodation in the city’s many guesthouses and hostels. These establishments offer basic amenities such as private rooms, shared bathrooms and a simple breakfast. There are also several campsites located in the area for those wishing to stay close to nature.

Where to eat in Mikkeli

For an authentic Finnish experience, try the traditional restaurants, which offer dishes such as reindeer, elk, herring and salmon. For a more modern dining experience, the restaurants in the city centre are your best bet, offering a variety of international cuisines. Popular choices include Italian, Mexican, Chinese and Japanese dishes.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, you can sample Finnish street food at the city’s various food trucks. If you want to try traditional Finnish sweets, delicious cakes and ice cream can be found in the local cafes. Whether you are looking for a traditional Finnish experience or something more modern, Mikkeli has something to offer.

We hope our Mikkeli travel guide will help you prepare for your trip to the city. We invite you to share this article on social media using the buttons below. And if you have any questions, you can use the comments section to ask them.


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