We usually observe the Saimaa Canal from the window of a car or a bus. Saimaa beckons with sun glare on the blue surface, I want to stop and walk to the coast. But you can't stop: the border zone. But it is possible and necessary to take a boat ride from Vyborg to Lappeenranta.

First of all, because the Saimaa Canal is a unique structure. It was not nature intended that way, but people cut channels in the rocks between the lakes and closed them into a single chain. And now, after more than 150 years, we can admire the local beauties from the ship.

But more about history later, first about the practical side of the issue. Taking a cruise on the Saimaa is very easy. From Lappeenranta to Vyborg and back, the old German steamer "Karelia" runs, but has not lost its agility. Point-to-point tickets entitle you to travel by steamer from point A to point B. If you want more, buy a cruise that includes a wider range of services: in addition to the trip itself, dinner on the boat, hotel accommodation and return transfer.

But first you need to get to Vyborg. This can be done by bus, minibus or train. Unfortunately, Allegro does not stop in Vyborg in summer. Of all the options offered, the most convenient is the electric train, which leaves from Finland Station, and the ambulance - "Lastochka" - will fly to Vyborg in one hour and fifteen minutes. Slightly more expensive than usual, but fast and comfortable chairs. In addition, you can get to Vyborg by a large tourist bus.

If you are not going to stop in Lappeenranta and want to dash deep into Finland, you can, for example, get to Joensuu for 4 euros or for 5 euros to Helsinki by Onni bus. They have recently opened, which follows from Helsinki to Joensuu via Lappeenranta.

However, whatever you plan for this trip, tune in for five and a half hours of contemplating the Saimaa waves and rugged cliffs overgrown with bushes and trees. In my opinion, this journey is just soul therapy. And it starts at the pier in Vyborg. Departure time - 16.15, arrival in Lappeenranta - 21.45.

On board

We, from St. Petersburg, are often accused of being stuck, they go to Finland for fairies and cheese. Meanwhile, there is nothing special about this. Finns also come to us not only for gasoline. Water cruises on "Karelia" are very popular among neighbors. Firstly, it is cheap, and secondly, for older Finns such a trip is an opportunity to visit the old Finnish city of Viipuri. Well, our neighbors do not shy away from shopping. Brooms, linen napkins, Vyborg pretzels, even our vegetable spins and tea are brought in.

The Karelia sets sail on time and goes to the Zashchitnaya Bay, where the Saimaa Canal begins. Passengers pour out onto the upper deck, enjoying the sun and the beauty of the lake, the male half - with beer bought in Vyborg.

After the first from the Russian side of the Brusnichnoye lock, a 20-kilometer territory begins, the lease of which was extended several years ago by an agreement between Russia and Finland.

They say that the sluice is a completely safe operation, but when water begins to flow into the closed chamber, and there are literally a couple of meters between the sluice wall and the side, it becomes a little alarming. Although by the end of the trip you get used to it and take these climbs for granted.

While we are walking through Russian territory. The picturesque lakes Maloye and Bolshoye Tsvetochnoye, Bolshoye Ilistoe and Nuyamayarvi are connected by narrow man-made canals. It is impossible to imagine that all this was done by people, but the fact remains. For me personally, the Saimaa Canal is the same miracle as the Egyptian pyramids or Notre Dame Cathedral.

To the right is a steep rocky coast, to the left are idyllic lawns with rare tents, and even luxurious dachas (as they say, border generals). Judging by the fact that outsiders do not walk on this territory, it is so.

The border between Russia and Finland runs along Lake Nuyamayarvi. It might not have been noticed if the situation had not changed: walking people, cars and even grazing horses appeared on the left bank. And no pass to the border area is needed. By the way, somewhere on the banks of the Saimaa Canal, we saw the fields of a strawberry farm. But the collectors were gone. They work in the morning.

By the time we crossed the border, we had already dined on salmon, and soon it was time to indulge in cultural entertainment. I don’t know how it is now, but during our trip the cultural program was hosted by a singer named Keorki, for whose sake Karelia moored to the shore immediately after crossing the border. He arrived with mobile equipment, settled himself in the wardroom, and an action called choral singing began. Imagine, a full room of people, everyone with songwriters, Georgy calls the number of the song, everyone rustles the pages, opens the one they need and begins to sing to the accompaniment of the presenter. This is very touching, believe me, and is completely unlike karaoke: such a sincere and uniting action ...

History of the issue

“Saimaa is a unique lake system, the area of ​​which is equal to the territory of Belgium. Nowhere else in the world is there such a long and indented coastline. The idea of ​​creating a canal by connecting natural lakes confused the minds of local residents back in the middle of the 15th century, but the material and technical ability to implement the daring idea appeared only in the middle of the 19th century. Started in 1845 under Nicholas I, completed in 1856 under Alexander II, called the "royal", the Saimaa Canal at that time was a progressive hydraulic structure.

It is interesting that on the day of the opening of the canal in Vyborg, the castle caught fire, and the fire was fraught with great consequences, since there was ammunition in the immediate vicinity, but everything turned out well thanks to the courage of the firefighters.

The canal was commissioned 4 years ahead of schedule and cost the treasury less than planned - almost 12 and a half million Finnish marks. According to historians and newspapers of those times, this became possible thanks to the managerial and honest Finns who built the canal, as well as the cheapness of the labor force, including the prisoners' one, which was used here.

The same sources report that the benefits of the canal would have been much greater if the Vyborg merchants had not intervened in its construction. Through all sorts of intrigues, they managed to make the channel narrow. In order to get to Finland up the canal, ships more than 7 meters wide were forced to reload their goods in Vyborg on the so-called Saimaa barges, built specifically for the size of the canal.

And, nevertheless, it was impossible to underestimate the importance of the new structure. Powerful cargo flows rushed in both directions along the canal. New ships and steam engines were required, as a result of which shipbuilding and mechanical engineering began to develop rapidly.

And finally, thanks to the canal, a real tourist boom began in South Karelia. Wealthy tourists from Russia and Europe poured here. In the best seasons, the number of passenger ships passing through the canal daily reached 27. In the Finnish guidebooks of those times, of which there were many, you can find information about the Saimaa Canal and its surroundings, about the timetable of steamers, about where you can hire horses, about hotels , resorts, entertainment and prices. A flotilla of luxurious passenger passengers sailed along the Saimaa. Tourist routes led not only to Lappeenranta, but also to Kuopio, Joensuu, Imatra, Poincaharju and Savonlinna.

Travel to the Imatran rapids - Imatrankoski was especially fashionable. Among the wealthy Petersburgers, there was even such an expression - "ride on the rapids." During Russian holidays, hotels in Finland are filled with tourists from Russia. It is worth noting that already in those years, wealthy Petersburgers were buying summer cottages along the banks of the canal. The most famous of them was the dacha of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia A. Von Giers. "

How recognizable it all sounds today! One difference is that fashions have changed and travel has become more accessible.

After passing the industrial port, we come to the last, eighth and largest Mälkia lock on the Saimaa Canal. The difference in height here reaches 12.4 meters. Having reached the destination, the Karelia climbed more than 75 meters. We enter the harbor of Lappeenranta, illuminated by a crimson setting sun that sets behind the bastion. "

The Saimaa Canal (the map below will help the reader understand its location) is between Vyborg Bay (Russia) and Lake Saimaa (Finland). This building was opened in 1856. The total length was 57.3 km, of which Russia owns 34 km, and Finland - 23.3 km.

History of creation

The first attempts to connect the Gulf of Finland and Lake Saimaa were made back in 1500 and 1511 by the governor of Vyborg, Eric Tureson Bjelke. The next attempt was made in 1600, at which time two excavations were made, but that was all. Already in the reign of Catherine the Great, a new plan was proposed - since it connects Lake Saimaa, it was supposed to build a canal bypassing Imatra. However, too high costs, which had to be spent on this project, became the reason for the refusal to bring this plan into effect. In 1826, at a meeting of the city courts of Karelia and Savolax, it was decided to send a deputation of peasants to Petersburg to the emperor so that he could unite the lake region with the coastal cities. Having received and listened to the deputies, Nicholas the First ordered the necessary research to be carried out. However, no real funds were found, so they did not start laying the canal. The next time this question was raised by the governor of Vyborg, August Ramsay, in 1834. Senator L. F. Hartman (head of the financial expedition) and Prince Menshikov set the stage for this case. In the city of Vyborg, a committee was established to draw up an estimate and plan for this project. A well-known Swedish engineer was invited for the initial research. As a result of his work, it turned out that the waters of the lake are 256 feet above sea level, and the cost of this structure will be three million rubles. The required amount was allocated in installments for fifteen years.

And so, in 1845, construction work began. In the process, Swedish engineer Nils Erikson made some improvements to the canal plan. Initially, the head of this construction company was Baron Karl Rosenkampf, who received the nickname "Baron of the Canals". However, in 1846 he died, and Major General Shernval was appointed in his place. All construction work was carried out at the expense of the Finnish treasury. The total cost was 12.4 million Finnish marks. The total length of the structure is 54.5 versts; twenty-eight granite locks were erected on this section.

We built, we built and finally we built ...

The grand opening of this building took place on August 26, 1856. It was timed to coincide with the coronation of Emperor Alexander II. Finland was proud of the Saimaa Canal, which helped penetrate the country's desert regions. The pristine beauty of nature gave it a special charm. On the banks of the canal, memorial signs were installed with an inscription in Swedish and Russian, in which all the figures involved in the creation of this structure were listed. The whole construction was carried out in a very original and bold manner, given that the difference in the levels of the connected waters made the flow in the channel extremely rapid.

The opening took place four years earlier than planned. Another feature of this project was the cheapness of such a gigantic amount of work. The following factors played a role here: the honesty and discretion of the Finnish managers, as well as the cheapness of labor, because prisoners were mainly involved here.

Channel value

The Saimaa Canal was of great importance for the development of this region. and Savolaxa finally freed itself from the exclusive economic dependence of the remote harbors of Ladoga and the Gulf of Bothnia (its northern part). The benefits of operating this facility could be even greater if the project managers were able to eliminate the self-serving interference of the merchant lobby. So, for fear of losing their monopoly in trade, they, through intrigue and other methods, ensured that the capacity of the gateways was limited. As a result, all ships sailing this route had to have a hull width of no more than seven meters. Otherwise, all the goods had to be reloaded in Vyborg on ships suitable for these requirements. In this way, several merchant firms ensured the export monopoly. And, as a result, the Saimaa Canal from Vyborg has lost most of its importance for the development of this region. However, later, during the reconstruction of this structure, the width of the locks was significantly increased.

Lake Saimaa in pre-revolutionary Russian travel guides

In 1870, a through passenger railway service was opened between St. Petersburg and Helsinki. This event made the most beautiful places in southern Finland available to the public. The railway communication gave a new impetus to the development of the Karelian Isthmus and the entire surrounding area. Here villages began to emerge, resorts and sanatoriums were built, dirt roads were laid connecting various settlements and the railway. The Saimaa Canal played a huge role in the new development of this region. Now he performed functions not only for the development of trade relations. Cruises to Finland, to Lake Saimaa and Imatra waterfalls have become popular. So, these places began to fall into Russian literature, which describes the cultural monuments of this area. At the same time, literature appeared aimed at popularizing information about this region and promoting its attractions, as well as creating a new image. Special guidebooks were issued describing the Saimaa Canal and its surroundings. Most of them contained information about traffic routes, post stations, timetables of ships and trains, information about hotels, how and where to hire horses, resorts and sanatoriums, and much more. All of the above indicates that before the revolution, information about this object as a significant landmark in Finland was very well known. Traveling along the Saimaa Canal was common for outdoor enthusiasts.

Country life on the canal

The first summer cottages began to appear here during the construction period. The sections of the canal, which were in official use, were decorated with plantings, this served as an incentive for renting out land or for building cottages. In addition to the beautiful nature, the popularity of recreation in this area was facilitated by the good communication provided by motor ships carrying out river cruises and passing along this waterway. Soon, wealthy residents of Vyborg and St. Petersburg built up the canal coast to Lake Nuyamaa. Rättijärvi was home to the most luxurious dacha owned by Russian Foreign Minister Von Giers. It was built by one of the engineers who participated in the construction of the canal. Most of the dachas stood out for their architecture, they were decorated with towers, balconies, carvings, they were surrounded by extensive well-groomed gardens with piers and gazebos. The names of the houses are as romantic as their appearance: "Runolinna", "Rauhantaranta", "Onnela", "Iloranta" ... The demand for real estate in this region was so high that it became profitable to build it for rent. The Saimaa Canal of that time was famous not only for summer cottages, but also for large estates. The most famous of these is the Lavola estate, which belonged to the Cheseff family and was located at the mouth of the facility. The estates together with the dachas formed a very colorful ensemble, the atmosphere here was cheerful, international. River cruises, concerts, visits and walks revived social life, offering vacationers many experiences and earning opportunities for local residents. However, after the revolution, dacha life fell into decay, and with it the Saimaa Canal. Tours on it were no longer interested in Russian bohemia.

Anti-tank obstacle

In the plans of the General Staff in the thirties of the last century, this water body was considered as a possible way for organizing the supply of the army. According to the developed plans, it was supposed to concentrate the conduct of military operations on the Karelian Isthmus. And so, in 1939, during the period of extra-urgent training, it was noted that the canal could find itself in a combat zone. It represented a serious obstacle due to its deep channel. Therefore, it was decided to use it in anti-tank defense. As a result, quite extensive areas in the area of ​​the Kärstilä Lükülä and Ventelä lakes were flooded. The total area of ​​the flooded areas was thirty-five square kilometers. In the period 1941-1944, the channel did not take part in hostilities.

Restoration of shipping

Due to the fact that the peace treaty established between the Soviet Union and Finland left the Vyborg Bay on the territory of the USSR, and the border divided the canal into two parts, it eventually ceased to function. In the post-war period, the resumption of navigation required not only the reconstruction of structures and dilapidated equipment, but also to reach a bilateral agreement on the use of this water body. This issue was first raised in 1948, but official interstate negotiations began only in 1954. According to the agreement reached, a group of Finnish engineers went to the Soviet Union to study the state of this waterway. Experts came to the conclusion that river channels on Soviet territory are quite suitable for restoring navigation along them. However, work in this direction began thirteen years later, after both sides finally came to a common decision on lease issues. In 1968, the reconstruction was completed. In the course of it, the throughput capabilities of the airlock chambers were significantly expanded.

Cruise - Saimaa Canal

Lappeenranta is a resort town in Finland. The lake of the Seim, on the banks of which it is located, and the Saimaa canal give it its attractiveness. An excursion on a motor ship along these water bodies is the only thing that attracts tourists from Russia. By the way, this is the only inland waterway in the Russian Federation that can be used by ships of foreign companies. Passenger motor ships making river cruises transport tourists from the Russian Federation and Finland. Earlier, according to the agreement of 1963, passengers arriving from Finland to our country had the right to visa-free entry. However, with the accession of the republic to the Schengen Agreement, this agreement was canceled. Passengers are now required to obtain visas. However, they are needed only if the ship does land on the shores of Russia, for example, disembarks them for If ferry cruises from Finland do not include calls to Russian ports, a visa is not required. For example, the steamer "Christina Brahe" is passing through the territory of our country, making voyages between Lappeenranta and Helsinki, and the ship "Karelia" - between Vyborg and Lappeenranta.

Travel through the eyes of a tourist

It is difficult to predict how many more years such cruise flights will last. After all, there are not too many Finns who would like to see the sights of the Saimaa Canal, and there are even fewer of our tourists. This is despite the fact that a one-way ticket is about thirty euros. The trip is well worth the money spent.

The route is forty-three kilometers long, but there are eight locks. When a motor ship overcomes the first of them along the Saimaa Canal, it is interesting. However, already at the third gateway, irritation begins to grow, and by the eighth you can't wait for it to end, but it's still interesting. When the steamer reaches the Nuiyamaa border post, a document check begins. An interesting fact is that this post is combined - automobile and water. If you find yourself on a ship in the same company with Finnish tourists, then be prepared for the fact that they often behave like most Russians: they start drinking strong drinks even before the ship leaves the pier. Many tourists specially buy a ticket for such a cruise, explaining that there is a duty-free shop on the steamer. Considering the fact that in Finland it is stressful with alcohol, this behavior becomes quite understandable. During the period of general drunkenness, the guides try in vain to draw the public's attention to stories about the canal, gateways and other attractions. And there is still something to see - the channel is very beautiful. For example, near Vyborg it is crossed by rather high bridges - rail and road. All navigation complexes are erected on granite pillars or exhibited on islands. Part of the canal was cut out in the rock mass, the other part has sloping sandy shores with boulders. A dense forest grows along the canal, which, in combination with the rocks, forms a very beautiful landscape. The Russian part is completely uninhabited, near Vyborg you can still come across lonely houses, and further away there is pristine nature. The only busy place is in the border area, where the highway to Lappeenranta passes. Quite the opposite picture in the Finnish part: here settlements are found immediately behind the checkpoint. In the Lappeenranta area, before reaching the last gateway, there is the main port on this waterway - the Saimaa terminal. Loading / unloading of cargo ships is carried out here. Freights are mainly transported from the Russian side - up to two million tons per year.

Lake Saimaa

When the ship passes the last lock, it ends up in Lake Saimaa. The first thing that opens up is a very large pulp and paper mill. The guide proudly tells that more than two and a half thousand people work here. This "miracle" of civilization spoils the whole impression of travel, it also prevents the city of Lappeenranta from gaining full tourist status. After all, an enterprise, even if modern treatment facilities are installed on it, still dumps tons of waste into the waters of the lake, which makes it unsuitable for swimming within a radius of up to several tens of kilometers. And what is most interesting, the tourist brochures do not say anything about the presence of the plant here. However, this is not all: there is a confectionery factory opposite the plant, which also dumps waste into the lake, because it is not for nothing that it is completely covered with grass in the area of ​​this enterprise. And here, oddly enough, the main tourist complex - "Huhtiniemi" - and the summer hotel "Karelia-Park" are located. At the very "fence" with a confectionery factory there is another complex - "Saima". True, he looks kind of dull, abandoned, like the Soviet era hotels with difficulty keeping afloat in small towns. There is also a beach here, however, in order to get to the water, you will have to overcome grass thickets or try to walk along special bridges, which, by the way, are broken in their middle part, but someone helpfully put a board through the gap. This is such a resort!

Lappeenranta

The main attraction of Lappeenranta is the Memorial Cemetery, which is located in the city center. Here you can see the graves of soldiers who died in the periods of 1939-1940 and 1941-1944. And what is very curious, all burials are individual, there are no fraternal ones. The cemetery is adjoined by a monument to soldiers who were called up from the territory of the Karelian Isthmus (today it is the territory of the Russian Federation). It consists of two parts - sculptures and slabs with the names of settlements and the names of soldiers, among other things, there are Russians among them. There are especially many of them among the natives of Teriyok (Zelenogorsk). Actually, there are no more attractions here. The city has a modern look, very well maintained and constantly being reconstructed. There isn't much to do there. At night, Lappeenranta falls asleep, all shops close, you can only find kiosks selling hamburgers and other similar foods. Here, even the station building is closed until seven in the morning. Wandering through the empty night streets, it becomes clear why the Finns are so “ripped off” in our country.

Imatra

This city is completely different from Lappeenranta, its history is much shorter. It was founded in 1948 and is located so close to the border with Russia that domestic cellular networks are caught here. Imatra is located at the source of the Vuoksa River. The main enterprises of this city are a metallurgical plant and a hydroelectric power plant. However, unlike Lappeenranta, there are no industrial facilities on the shores of the lake. There are two unique monuments here - the first is dedicated to the turbine, and the second to the power transmission tower. The main tourist attraction is the Imatrakoski artificial slope. Before the construction of the hydroelectric power station, it was natural; in pre-revolutionary times, Russian bohemia loved to come here and admire the waterfall. Now the water starts up here on schedule, this descent is the main "tourist attraction" of Imatra. The second attraction is the Crown Park, which is located on an island separating the old channel of the Vuoksa and the reservoir. The park was founded by decree of Emperor Nicholas I, who ordered that the water slope and its surroundings remain unchanged. The city of Imatra is much more attractive for tourists than Lappeenranta, there are quite modern hotels, places for recreation, and fishing lovers will have a wonderful opportunity to spend an unforgettable time on the shores of Lake Saimaa.

Saimaa Canal: Fishing

Fishing on the lake is excellent all year round. The main fish species are pike, perch, lake salmon, and brown trout. Local residents are not fond of fishing, despite the fact that the roach here practically jumps onto the shore by itself, the Finns for some reason do not use it for food. It is mainly caught by tourists from Russia. In late spring, salmon and trout are the best bites for trolling. Pike is caught all year round. In addition, there is a lot of burbot, it is often caught for trolling and balance. Due to the large size of the reservoir, it is not so easy to determine where the fish are hiding. However, a skilled fisherman will always return from Saimaa with a good catch. The nature here is pure and unhurried, promotes tranquility, disposes to reflection and contemplation. You will be assured of a wonderful vacation!

on m / v "M / S Carelia"

Possible tour dates:

Tour program

7:30 boarding a bus in St. Petersburg (Oktyabrskaya hotel, 10 Ligovsky pr.). 8:00 transfer to Vyborg. 10:00 Arrival in Vyborg, where the only medieval island-castle built in the 12th century is located in Russia. 10:30 late breakfast. 11:30 sightseeing tour of the city with a visit to the natural landscape park of Mon Repos and the Vyborg Castle, where you will watch the games of the Vikings, a knightly tournament and taste drunken grog. 16:00 start of registration for the motor ship "M / S Carelia" at the pier of the Vyborg Castle. On board the ship you will be greeted by the Finnish crew headed by the captain. 17:00 departure of the motor ship to Lappeenranta. You will make a fascinating journey along the Saimaa Canal (5 hours), during which you will see the mesmerizing landscapes of the Karelian Isthmus, rocky landscapes and unique sluice structures. On the boat at your service: dinner (buffet) of Finnish chefs, a bar, a duty-free shop "Duty free" and an entertainment program. 21:30 tentative arrival in Lappeenranta. Accommodation in cozy rooms of a 3 * hotel. The hotel has a bar, restaurant. Free time.

8:00 breakfast at the hotel (buffet). 10:00 sightseeing tour of Lappeenranta with a visit to the fortress "Lappeenranta". Free time to visit shops and supermarkets. 13:00 departure to Imatra. 13:30 Sightseeing tour of Imatra, during which you will see the castle-hotel "Imatran Valtionhotelli" and the famous crown park. 14:30 Visit to the water park "Fairy Forest" (for an additional fee). 19:00 Acquaintance with the famous waterfall on the rapids of Imatrankoski accompanied by the magic music of Jan Sibelius. This is a spectacle truly worthy of kings! 19:30 departure of the bus to St. Petersburg. 23:45 tentative arrival in St. Petersburg.

Tour cost per person:

The tour price includes:

• Excursion service
• Breakfast on the first day
• Dinner on the boat
• Accommodation in hotels of the selected category with breakfast (buffet)

It is additionally paid:

• Entrance ticket to the water park

Sea voyage along the Saimaa Canal with a visit to 4 cities !!!

St. Petersburg - Vyborg - Lappeenranta - Imatra - Savonlinna - St. Petersburg

Possible tour dates:

Tour program:

7:30 boarding a bus in St. Petersburg (Oktyabrskaya hotel, 10 Ligovsky pr.). 8:00 transfer to Vyborg. 10:00 Arrival in Vyborg, where the only medieval island-castle built in the 12th century is located in Russia. 10:30 late breakfast. 11:30 sightseeing tour of the city with a visit to the natural landscape park of Mon Repos and the Vyborg Castle, where you will watch the games of the Vikings, a knightly tournament and taste drunken grog. 16:00 start of registration for the motor ship "M / S Carelia" at the pier of the Vyborg Castle. On board the ship you will be greeted by the Finnish crew headed by the captain. 17:00 departure of the motor ship to Lappeenranta. You will make a fascinating journey along the Saimaa Canal (5 hours), during which you will see the mesmerizing landscapes of the Karelian Isthmus, rocky landscapes and unique sluice structures. On the boat at your service: dinner (buffet) of Finnish chefs, a bar, a duty-free shop "Duty free" and an entertainment program. 21:30 tentative arrival in Lappeenranta. Moving to the city of Imatra. Accommodation in hotel rooms 3 *. Free time.

8:00 breakfast at the hotel (buffet). Sightseeing tour of Lappeenranta with a visit to the fortress "Lappeenranta". Free time to visit shops and supermarkets. Departure to Imatra. Lunch for extra charge. Survey of the city of Imatra, during which you will see the castle-hotel "Imatran Valtionhotelli" and the famous crown park. Visiting shops and supermarkets. Free time. Visit to the water park "Fairy forest" (approximate stay in the water park is 2.5 hours). 19:00 Acquaintance with the famous waterfall on the rapids of Imatrankoski accompanied by the magic music of Jan Sibelius. This is a spectacle truly worthy of kings! 19:30 Departure to the hotel. Free time at the hotel.

8:00< завтрак в отеле (шведский стол). 9:00 отправление в г.Савонлинна. 11:00 прибытие в г. Савонлинна. Экскурсия по городу Савонлинна - одному из самых популярных туристских мест Финляндии с посещением величественной крепости Олавинлинна. Крепость и два ее музея (музей истории крепости и православный музей) открыты круглый год. Олавинлинна - наиболее хорошо сохранившееся военное укрепление на севере Европы. Свободное время для прогулки по центру города, по всевозможным маленьким магазинам и небольшим бутикам улицы Линнанкату и многочисленным магазинчикам «Кирпутори». В центре города также есть несколько универмагов, где продаются, в частности высококачественные текстильные изделия и керамика. 15:00 отправление в Санкт-Петербург на автобусе. 23:00 - Ориентировочное прибытие в Санкт-Петербург.

Tour cost per person:

It is additionally paid:

• Consular fee + insurance 43 euros
• Entrance ticket to the water park
• Entrance ticket to Olavinlinna Fortress - adult - 5 euros, children - 2.5 euros

The tour price includes:

• Bus and boat service
• Excursion service
• Breakfast on the first day
• Entrance fees to Vyborg castle and park
• Dinner on the boat
• Accommodation at the hotel with breakfast (buffet)

Exclusive sea voyage along the Saimaa Canal

On m / v "M / S Carelia"

on the route St. Petersburg - Vyborg - Lappeenranta - Imatra - St. Petersburg

Back home from Finland to Russia along the Saimaa Canal by boat !!!

Possible tour dates:

Tour program:

7:30 boarding a bus in St. Petersburg (Oktyabrskaya hotel, 10 Ligovsky pr.). 8:00 transfer to Vyborg. 10:00 arrival in Vyborg, a short stop. 10:30 departure to Lappeenranta. 12:00 tentative arrival in Lappeenranta. Sightseeing tour of Lappeenranta with a visit to the fortress "Lappeenranta". Free time to visit shops and supermarkets. Moving to the city of Imatra. Accommodation in comfortable rooms of a 3 * hotel in Imatra. Visit to the water park "Fairy Forest" (tentative stay in the water park 3 hours) 19:00 acquaintance with the famous waterfall on the rapids of Imatrankoski accompanied by the magic music of Jan Sibelius. This is a spectacle truly worthy of kings! 20:00 transfer to the hotel. Free time at the hotel.

6:00 breakfast at the hotel (buffet). 6:45 am departure of the bus to the seaport of Lappeenranta. 7:30 start of registration for the M / S Carelia. On board the ship you will be greeted by the Finnish crew headed by the captain. 08:00 departure of the ship to Vyborg. You will make a fascinating journey along the Saimaa Canal (5 hours), during which you will see the mesmerizing landscapes of the Karelian Isthmus, rocky landscapes and unique sluice structures. On the boat at your service: lunch (buffet) of Finnish chefs, a bar and a duty-free shop "Duty free". 14:30 tentative arrival of the ship at the port of Vyborg. Boarding a comfortable bus, departure to St. Petersburg. 18:00 tentative arrival in St. Petersburg.

Tour cost per person:

The tour price includes:

• Bus and boat service
• Accommodation at the hotel with breakfast (buffet)
• Lunch on the boat

It is additionally paid:

• Consular fee + insurance 42 euros
• Entrance ticket to the water park

Only the lazy did not go from St. Petersburg to Finland. It has been studied up and down. People "roll back" Schengen visas, run around the shops or relax in nature. We had to "roll back" the visa. The whole question was how to get there. You can, of course, take the bus. Or in your car. Shake for 6 hours, wait at the border until everyone is examined and your turn comes. No fun. The Allegro train is comfortable but expensive. And I wanted the useful to be combined with the pleasant. And we decided to sail along the Saimaa Canal. If anyone does not know, this channel connects Vyborg with Lappeenranta (the Gulf of Finland with Lake Saimaa).

The difference in level between Lake Saimaa and the Gulf of Finland is on average 75.7 m. To overcome this difference in height, sluices were erected on the canal. There are 5 locks in Russia: Brusnichnoye (10.0 m level drop), Iskrovka (11.4 m), Tsvetochnoe (5.5 m), Silistoye (10.2 m), Pälli "(11.7 m). There are 3 locks on the territory of Finland: Soskua (8.3 m), Mustola (7.3 m), Mälkiya (12.4 m). The total length of the canal with a sea fairway is 57.3 km, of which Finland owns 23.3 km, Russia - 34 km (including 14.4 km of the fairway in the Vyborg Bay). Finland leases 19.6 km of the Russian part of the canal and the adjacent territory.

I took these pictures on the motor ship Karelia, which carries people from Vyborg to Lappeentrata and back. Please pay attention to the word "ditch". This is a borrowing from the Russian language. The canal was built in the 19th century, when Finland was part of the Russian Empire. Then, of course, there was a major reconstruction (in the 60s of the 20th century).

The journey began at the bus station in St. Petersburg, where a big bummer was waiting for us. The bus was canceled and I had to take a taxi to Vyborg. But this was the first and last trouble. Except that the weather was a little disappointing. Every now and then there was a drizzle of rain.

So, Vyborg. A beautiful, but terribly neglected city.

But there are also remnants of the old luxury.

The house was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Modern style.

This building is also from those times.

Market Square. The covered market was also built at the beginning of the 20th century. It still works.

Round Tower. 16th century. Diameter 21 meters. The walls are 4 m thick. Now there is a restaurant inside.

Vyborg castle. 13th century. It was built by the Swedes at the suggestion of Torgils Knutsson. There was such a Swedish general in those days.

Monument to the founder of Vyborg Torgils Knutsson on the Old Town Hall square.

Observation tower of the castle. The people survey the surroundings.

Well, running through the city to the port. And we weren't alone. On this day in Vyborg there were race walking competitions.

Competitors.

Well, they plunged, swam. Rain. The ship belongs to Finland. The Finnish flag is at the stern.

Vyborg astern, ahead of 57 km and 5 hours of travel.

The first airlock is ahead.

Inside the gateway. The airlock closed. Water is collected in it, the ship seems to grow out of the ground.

We went up 10 meters. The rain is over. Life is Beautiful!

There are people on the open deck. For some reason, that day there was a huge crowd of Italian tourists on the ship. All are packed in blankets. But it was July 20.

We pass by the most picturesque shores.

The sun came out and the forest smiled.

Another gateway passed.

And this is how the walls look inside the locks.

By the evening, when we were already in Finland, the weather nevertheless improved. I could not help but take a picture of these boats, gilded by the sun.

In Lappeenranta we were to spend the night at the hotel and spend Sunday.

Lappeenranta. Lake Saimaa. View from the fortress.

Inside the fortress there are buildings of the 18-19th centuries. The horses are resting on which the patrol defiles. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to take pictures of the brave riders.

Inside the fortress there is the Orthodox Church of the Intercession of the Virgin. The fortress was built by Russian soldiers in the 18th century. The church was at first wooden, then it was rebuilt. Everything is in perfect order.

Another old building inside the fortress. A piece of Lake Saimaa is visible.

View from the fortress. On the right is a piece of the fortress wall, in the distance modern city buildings.

You can admire the lake endlessly.

And right on the shore is a sand sculpture festival. The imagination of the authors has created a whimsical world of symbols.

Looking at these sculptures, there is something to think about. Decrypt symbols ...

Sunday flea market. Everyone sells some trash, but sometimes interesting things come across.

The streets are almost deserted. All the people on the embankment, in the market or in a cafe.

Embankment in Lappeenranta. On the right are all sorts of eateries. We ate delicious Finnish soup with black bread. By the way, on the ship, the feeding was also five-plus and the breakfast at the hotel was beyond praise. I think this weekend was a success.

Thank you for your attention.

The Saimaa Canal connects the Gulf of Finland with Lake Saimaa. Its length is 43 km and it has 8 locks, 3 of which are located in Finland and 5 in Russia. The first channel was inaugurated in 1856. After reconstruction, it was reopened in 1968. This unique historical building celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2006.

Tour program:

ATTENTION: Departure times are indicated FOR REFERENCE.

1 day

10.30 - Departure by bus from St. Petersburg, from the station. metro station Chernaya Rechka.

Transfer to Vyborg.
Sightseeing tour of Vyborg.
Vyborg is a small corner of medieval Sweden in the north of the Leningrad region. During the sightseeing tour we will see
The Clock Tower and the ruins of the Cathedral, the Church of St. Hyacinth and the houses of wealthy citizens of the XIV-XVI centuries, the Round Tower on the Market Square and, of course, the Vyborg Castle with the tower of St. Olaf. The castle is located on an island in the Gulf of Finland, the first mention of it dates back to the 13th century. We will walk along the narrow streets of the old city, admire the squares and parks of Vyborg. Those who wish will be able to climb to the top of the tower of St. Olaf to view the city skyline from above.

• Free time.
• Check-in for the motor ship "M / S Carelia" at the pier of the Vyborg Castle.
• Departure for the cruise.
  On board the ship we will be met by the Finnish crew led by the captain. During a five-hour cruise, we will walk along the Saimaa Canal, along all eight locks that raise the ship to a height of 80 meters, and see unique rock landscapes. On the boat we have a restaurant where we are waiting for dinner from Finnish chefs (buffet: meat or fish dish, 2 types of potatoes and 2 salads), a bar and an entertainment program.
• Arrival to Lappeenranta.
• Accommodation at the Sokos Lappee hotel.

2nd day

• Breakfast in the hotel.
• Sightseeing tour of the city of Lappeenranta with a visit to the fortress.
  This village received city status from Queen Christina of Sweden in the 17th century. To protect the Swedish borders, a fortress was erected on a promontory jutting into Lake Saimaa. The hastily erected ramparts could not defend the city, the fortress was captured by Russian troops. Already at the end of the 18th century, it was rebuilt by Count Suvorov. Not only we, but also the Finns, who diligently preserve the legacy of bygone times, are rightfully proud of his work.
• Transfer to Lemi town.
  We will go to Lemi, first of all, in order to taste sarya, a specialty of the local lands. This is mutton stewed in a wooden trough; it is cooked using a special technology for at least 9 hours. Särä is considered an integral part of Finnish cuisine.
• Departure by bus to St. Petersburg.
• Arrival in St. Petersburg to st. metro station "Chernaya Rechka" at approximately 23:00.

Attention:

You must have a valid visa and health insurance to participate in this tour.

To participate in tours to the Republic of Belarus, Armenia, Georgia, Uzbekistan and Turkey, a visa is not required.

The tour does not include visits to water parks, shopping malls and fish shops.

In late autumn, winter, early spring, due to the short daylight hours, a visit to some of the objects declared in the program may take place in the dark.

The organizer is not responsible for queues at border points, delays on the way due to customs, border and other official formalities, weather conditions, as well as traffic jams.

In the event that weather conditions on the route can threaten the safety of tourists (heavy snowfalls, low / high air temperatures, mudflows, showers, floods, forest fires, smog, etc.), the organizer reserves the right to unilaterally change the tour program: replace some objects for others, and if replacement is impossible, exclude objects from the program.

Seats on the bus are allocated by the organizer as the group recruits.

The cost of the Saimaa Canal tour with a hotel for 2018:

08.06, 30.06, 12.07, 28.07, 17.08

Sokos Lappee 4 * DBL	179 euros
Sokos Lappee 4 * TRPL	179 euros
Sokos Lappee 4 * SGL	229 euro

Sokos Lappee 4 * DBL	169 euros
Sokos Lappee 4 * TRPL	169 euros
Sokos Lappee 4 * SGL	EUR 219

Sokos Lappee 4 * DBL	165 euros
Sokos Lappee 4 * TRPL	165 euros
Sokos Lappee 4 * SGL	EUR 215

Additional services *:

1 dinner	24 euros
1 dinner (under 15)	12 euros
extra night in Lappeenranta (1 / 2TWIN)	48 euros
port tax (required to pay!)	10 euros

* Optionally, additionally paid at the office (in rubles at the rate of the Central Bank + 3%)

The tour price includes:

Moving on a comfortable bus,
- Cruise along the Saimaa Canal on the "Сarelia" motor ship,

Fuel surcharges,

Accommodation in a hotel of the selected category,

Services of an accompanying guide.

Additionally paid (approximate prices):

• dinner on the boat ("buffet"): 24 euros / adult, 10 euros / children - payment when buying a tour;
• port tax (for the summer season of 2018) - 10 euros, mandatory payment when buying a tour in rubles at the Central Bank rate + 3%;
• lunch at the restaurant "Syaryapirtti" (syarya dish) - 33 euros - adults, 16.5 euros - children (9-12 years old), 12.5 euros - children (4-8 years old), unlimited number of approaches. Sarya dish includes: sarya, rieska flatbread, butter, sweet soup, water and kvass.