Taste Saimaa is a delicious union of Eastern Finnish food, culture and traditions

The Lake Saimaa region was 2024 awarded the prestigious, international European Region of Gastronomy title. The unique gastronomy and culture of Eastern Finland are still celebrated with rich experiences that combine the purest food in the world and the original culture.

Welcome to enjoy Saimaa with all your senses!

Experiences

Flavours and aromas of four provinces of Finland

Food and culture along the Via Karelia route

Discover Saimaa

The Karelian Pasty Workshop

Guesthouse to Guesthouse Karelia à la carte Sauna Tour

A unique culinary and culture in Eastern Finland

Island journey to Kynsisaari-island

Openfire lunch and pancakes in the hut

From guesthouse to guesthouse cross country skiing

Experience the joys of the Lake Saimaa region in Eastern Finland

Welcome on a memorable journey to enjoy the world's best food from the pure waters, forests and fields of Eastern Finland! Read more about the offering for travellers on the regional travel websites.

News

01/13/2025

Jasmin Kärkkäinen from Savonlinna came second in the international competition for young chefs

01/13/2025

Test the captivating Taste Saimaa menus created in honor of the anniversary

01/13/2025

The "From field-to-table" project strengthens the competitiveness of companies in the entire food chain

04/16/2024

Submissions open to IGCAT’s Food Film Menu 2024!

02/20/2024

Gozo recommended for the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026

02/16/2024

Want a tasty adventure? See IGCAT’s Top 10 Websites for Foodie Travelers for 2024

Taste Saimaa videos

In our videos, you can see what Taste Saimaa is all about - what our region is like and what kind of interesting producers we got.

You can find all our videos in the playlist

Upcoming events

Search events

Greenerin buffalounas

10/13/24 - 5/31/25

Mikkeli

Candlelight dinner at the Hospitz

12/19/24 - 5/30/25

Savonlinna

Floating sauna Kaihu is now open in Mikkelipuisto park!

1/16/25 - 5/31/25

Mikkeli

Nykykarjalainen pitoateria

3/1/25, klo 11:00 - 5/25/25, klo 15:00

Ilomantsi

100 % kotimaisia pakastemarjoja Astikkalasta keskiviikkoisin

3/5/25 - 12/31/30

Kesälahti

Fisherman's lunch

5/1/25 - 8/31/25

Rantasalmi

Puruvesi Vendace Trip: A Journey into Local Delicacies

5/12/25 - 10/1/25

Savonlinna

Maalaismarkkinat

May 17, 2025, klo 11:00 - 15:00

Sulkava

Kesätorit

5/23/25, klo 09:00 - 8/8/25, klo 13:00

Rääkkylä

All events

Find out the Gems of Eastern Finland on the map!

Gems of Eastern Finland

The Saimaa European Region of Gastronomy award is a recognition for the unique food culture of the region.

Credits: Visit Karelia / Harri Tarvainen