Credits: Visit Karelia / Harri Tarvainen
The Saimaa region has been awarded the prestigious international European Region of Gastronomy status in recognition of Eastern Finland's unique food culture. This year we celebrate this nomination by inviting visitors to experience the purity and uniqueness of Finnish Lakeland with all their senses. We aim to make the Saimaa region an internationally interesting destination, food and culture being at the center.
The year will be marked by various events that merge the cultural heritage, arts and food of the area in new, unprecedented way. The events will be organised in close cross-provincial cooperation between South Savo, South Karelia and North Karelia involving numerous food, culture and art professionals and organisations.
With the European Region of Gastronomy status, the Saimaa region has become a member of the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism network, which promotes the diversity and sustainability of food culture.
The application for the Saimaa European Region of Gastronomy award presents extensively our goals and measures for creating innovative products and events that combine food and culture, as well as tourist-friendly routes in the region.
Credits: Visit Karelia / Harri Tarvainen