Finland > The Karelia lake district

We got up early today. At half past seven, we leave our luggage at the hotel depot and walk to the car. With the car, we pick up the luggage. At the gas station across the street, two young men are completely impressed by our car and our trip.

Finland - Olavinlinna Castle was once built by the Swedes

“This must have cost a fortune,” one of them keeps repeating. It’s Saturday morning in Helsinki. At eight o’clock, the streets are still quiet. We drive out of the city fairly easily. Last night, we bought bread, cheese, and orange juice. Just outside Helsinki, in a parking lot, we set up the chairs and spread out our breakfast. It’s sunny again today. After breakfast, we head towards Lahti, Mikkeli, and Juva. At Juva, we don’t follow the route to Kuopio but turn right toward Savonlinna, where the Olavinlinna Castle is located. This castle was built by the Swedes as a border defense against Russia, at a time when Finland did not yet exist. When we arrive at the castle, it’s difficult to find a parking spot. We find a paid spot at a small harbor. Just as we arrive, an English-language tour is starting. The only way to visit the castle tower is with a guide. Many visitors are dressed very formally, which doesn’t immediately make it appealing to tour a castle.

Finland - The Finnish lake district around Kuopio

Hannah, our guide, provides clarity. At two o’clock, an opera performance begins in the castle’s central courtyard. Especially in July, there are many performances at Olavinlinna Castle. We follow Hannah up the old tower. On each level, she gives explanations. We visit the chapel, the sleeping quarters, and the top floor, which was later added by the Russians when they conquered the castle. The difference in architectural style is clearly visible. After about forty-five minutes, we are back downstairs. We drive a short distance back toward Juva, then turn right midway. On a smaller road, we head toward Kuopio.

Finland - Preparing the meal at the hikers hut

Today’s route takes us through the Finnish lake district of Eastern Karelia. Numerous lakes are connected to each other, each more beautiful than the last. It seems as though there is more water than land in this area. What a stunning landscape. Our destination, Kuopio, is the center of this lake district. Near the city stands the Puijo Tower, a 75-meter-high tower on a hill more than 100 meters tall. We take the elevator to the top. From the panoramic deck, we have a view over the vast surroundings, with large lakes and countless small islands everywhere. At the small bar, we buy a drink while enjoying the breathtaking view. Tonight, we stay in a trekkers’ hut a few kilometers outside Kuopio. The campsite, unsurprisingly, is by a lake. The hut is just big enough for two beds, a small fridge, and a table. We set up our own chairs and table from Brutus, and also unfold the tent to let it dry. We attract some attention from the nearby huts; most guests are Finnish, and some even ask if they can take a photo. Of course! The beautiful lakeside location has a downside—mosquitoes. Lots of mosquitoes. Because of this, we eat the chili con carne we prepared ourselves inside our hut.