- Finland
Lois Weeterings
Content
Of course, a winter trip to Lake Saimaa is all about outdoor experiences: skating on a frozen lake, warming up in a sauna, gliding through snowy forests, and truly feeling the peaceful silence of southern Finland. But during my own trip, I quickly realized that where you stay makes a huge difference. In this part of Finland, a hotel or resort isn’t just a place to sleep, it’s an essential part of the overall travel experience. That’s why I want to share the four most beautiful resorts on Lake Saimaa. Each of them is a unique stay in the Finnish wilderness, perfectly integrated into its natural surroundings.
Why staying at Lake Saimaa in winter is so unique
Snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, smoke curling up from a sauna, and those quintessential Finnish cottages scattered throughout the wilderness. You can hardly imagine how magical this region is in winter. The surrounding nature plays a central role in your experience every day, making a stay here far more than just a practical place to sleep at the end of the day.Â
Many resorts and lodges around Lake Saimaa are nestled in the heart of nature, often right on the water or tucked away among the trees. From your room, you can take in the winter landscape, step straight into the snow, or unwind in the sauna after a day outdoors (with average winter temperatures ranging from -5°C to -15°C). For me, it’s this combination that makes a winter trip in Finland truly special. In my article ‘what to do around Lake Saima in winter‘ I share more about that, but even here it’s clear: a great place to stay only enhances your experience!
My favorites: 4 amazing stays in Southern Finland
None of these places felt the same, and that’s exactly what makes my personal recommendations so valuable. These are four lodgings on Lake Saimaa that I would happily book again, and as a travel consultant, I would recommend them to anyone.
1. Kanava Resort
The Kanava Resort is a small-scale resort in the village of Oravi, beautifully located by the water and surrounded by nature. You stay in modern black cottages with a sleek and stylish interior. And if you think sleek and stylish can’t be warm and cozy, think again. Staying in the cottages at Kanava is incredibly snug. The design, tranquility, and panoramic views (from both the sauna and the bedroom) make this, for me, one of the most beautiful stays on Lake Saimaa.
Kanava Resort
Waking up at Kanava Resort means rising in complete peace, with views over a white winter landscape of snow, trees, and the frozen lake. From your stylish cottage, nature always feels close by, while the sauna, cozy interior, and the silence outside make this a truly special stay. A night here costs on average around €300 for a 2-bedroom cottage (minimum stay is 2 nights).
What makes this place so special
Thanks to the large windows, the winter landscape is always present, making it feel as if the lake and forest are truly part of your stay. The cottages are spacious and stylishly furnished with natural materials, a fireplace, private sauna, and multiple bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. It’s comfortable, yet intimate, giving your stay a very exclusive feel.
Is Kanava Resort the place for you?
If you truly enjoy peace, privacy, and comfort during your winter trip in Finland, Kanava Resort is definitely the right choice. It’s a wonderful spot for couples, but it also works perfectly for a small family or a group of friends traveling together. So, if you love stylish accommodations in nature and appreciate luxurious amenities, this is the place for you.Â
2. Pihlas Resort
Another small-scale resort nestled in the Finnish nature is Pihlas Resort, my personal favorite. Here you can experience how peace, comfort, and gastronomy come together beautifully. You stay in one of the stylish Forest Suites or Garden Villas. Both types of accommodation are nestled among the trees and surrounded by snow in winter. The Forest Suites overlook the forests and the estate of Pihlas Resort, while the Garden Villas offer views of the forest as well as the nearby lake. It doesn’t matter much which you choose, as both provide a place where you can truly retreat.
Pihlas Resort
From my Forest Suite, I looked out over a completely white landscape, with snow-covered trees. That view, right from the bed, instantly made this place feel special to me. Here, you not only have a beautiful suite, but also a restaurant that truly works with the season and surroundings, and a spa where the Finnish wellness experience comes together perfectly. Prices vary by season, but an average overnight stay including breakfast is around €200 per night.
What makes this place so special
Because the resort is small, it blends subtly into the landscape and surrounding nature. This also makes your stay feel very personal, whether during dinner at the Siimes restaurant or while enjoying the wellness facilities at the Lake Spa. First, relax in the warmth of the sauna, and then, if you dare, take a short dip in the ice pool, followed by warming up in a bubble bath in the crisp outdoor air.Â
Is Pihlas Resort the place for you?
What impressed me the most at Pihlas Resort was how quiet it was. And you really have to love that. But I can imagine that if you’re booking a winter trip through Southern Finland, this is exactly the kind of experience you’re looking for. As long as it comes with comfort, which it absolutely does at Pihlas Resort, you’re in for a perfect stay.Â
3. Järvisydän
If I have to compare Järvisydän with the other two accommodations around Lake Saimaa, I can say that this stay is more than just a place to sleep. What I mean is that Järvisydän becomes part of your trip through the winter activities you can experience here. During the day, you can be active, for example, riding an e-bike through the forests to visit an alpaca café. Afterwards, you can head back to the sauna, because no resort in Finland is complete without wellness facilities. This alternation between being outdoors, relaxing, and staying somewhere unique is what makes this accommodation stand out around Lake Saimaa.
Järvisydän
On the shores of Lake Saimaa lies Järvisydän, a resort where nature, atmosphere, and relaxation seamlessly come together. Thanks to its unique lakeside location, surrounded by pristine forests, the resort offers endless possibilities: enjoy outdoor adventures, unwind in the wellness facilities, or simply relax undisturbed—perhaps even from a Scenery Suite with a panoramic glass roof. An overnight stay in the Scenery Suite averages €250 per night, including access to the spa.
What makes this place so special
Spending the night in one of the Scenery Suites gives you the crazy feeling of being outside, while just being warm and comfortable inside. The wooden cabins with their glass sleeping areas are amazing. From bed you look out over the snowy surroundings, and with any luck you can see the northern lights dancing in the sky.Â
Is Järvisydän the place for you?
I especially recommend Järvisydän to travelers seeking an immersive experience during their itinerary around Lake Saimaa. It’s an excellent choice for couples and families, as well as for anyone wanting to add something truly special to their winter trip rather than just relax. If you enjoy a romantic setting, a unique overnight stay, and a place where activities and wellness seamlessly come together, Järvisydän is the perfect resort for you!
4. Harjun Portti
Harjun Portti may be the simplest of the four resorts, but that’s exactly what makes it one of the most authentic. Nestled among snow-covered trees and close to the shores of Lake Saimaa, you’ll stay in traditional red Finnish cottages, enjoying peace and tranquility.
Harjun Portti
No flashy luxury or modern design, just cozy cottages where the charm lies in the wooden interiors, the peaceful surroundings, and the serene atmosphere. This makes Harjun Portti a very welcoming and accessible place to stay. Tip: if you enjoy skating, this is one to remember. Harjun Portti is actually the starting point of one of Finland’s longest daily-maintained skating routes in winter. Please note: minimum stay is 2 nights. Prices start from €200 per cottage per night.
What makes this place so special
The red wooden cottages, the sauna, the wood-burning stove, and the setting in the heart of nature give this stay a completely different feel compared to other resorts. Everything here is simple, but that’s exactly what makes it fit so well with its surroundings. You wake up among snow-covered trees, with the frozen lake just nearby, and truly experience the essence of a Finnish winter getaway.Â
Is Harjun Portti the place for you?
I would especially recommend Harjun Portti if you’re looking for the authentic ‘Finland feeling’ and enjoy staying in a simple lakeside cottage. This makes it an ideal choice for nature lovers and active travelers, as you’re just a short distance from the Punkaharju Nature Reserve.
More travel tips for Finland
My four favorite resorts around Lake Saimaa that I shared above are all amazing choices to include in an itinerary through Southern Finland. This region, also known as Lakeland, is incredibly beautiful and offers an authentic experience. Curious about visiting in the fall, when the landscape is painted in stunning autumn colors? Check out our article with tips for visiting the Finnish Lake District in the fall.
Want to experience the ‘real’ winter in Finland? Then a trip to Northern Finland is a must. Here, you can enjoy classic winter activities like a husky safari, and even hit the slopes for some skiing. Check out our tips for Ylläs and Levi!
Just as crazy about Scandinavia as we are? Then you’ll likely enjoy reading these articles as well:
Customized trip to Scandinavia
Dreaming of a trip through Scandinavia, with rugged landscapes, cozy accommodations, and itineraries perfectly suited to you? We’d love to create a fully customized journey for you, tailored to your pace and interests. From charming hotels and countryside cabins to unique stops along the way and insider tips for the most beautiful regions, we make sure everything fits together seamlessly. That way, you’re not only well prepared but also get the very most out of your Scandinavian adventure.
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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