South Savo

South Savonia is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the Saimaa lake district, which is the largest lake system in Finland and one of the largest in Europe. The province also has three national parks, of which Linnansaari National Park and Kolovesi National Park are in Saimaa.

The economy of South Savonia is largely based on agriculture and forestry, with the region producing a variety of crops including oats, barley, and potatoes. The province is also home to several manufacturing industries, including wood processing, metalworking, and food processing.

In terms of culture, South Savonia is known for its traditional music and dance, particularly the polska dance. The region also has a strong literary tradition, with several notable Finnish authors hailing from the area.

By plane:

From abroad, the main option is Helsinki Airport (HEL IATA). From there you can fly to Savonlinna (SVL IATA) or continue by bus or train to South Savonia. Lappeenranta airport (LPP IATA) is closer to the area and has a few flights from abroad operated by Ryanair. Savonlinna Airport also has charter/seasonal routes from Frankfurt (FRA IATA) and Rotterdam (RTM IATA).

By train:

South Savonia's major cities are all well-served by rail, although you may need to change trains in Kouvola. Savonlinna is via Parikkala by IC trains destined to Joensuu. A journey from Helsinki to Savonlinna or Mikkeli takes 3 hr, one to Pieksämäki about 4 hr. There's also a service from Turku via Tampere and Jyväskylä to Pieksämäki.

Mikkeli has connections from Helsinki and Kuopio.

Savonlinna has connections from Parikkala, Joensuu, Imatra, Lappeenranta and Helsinki.

Pieksämäki has connections from Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Kuopio, Mikkeli and Helsinki.

By bus:

South Savonia has good bus connections from neighbouring provinces and even from farther away. See Matkahuolto.

There are connections from the directions of Helsinki (to Mikkeli, sometimes onward), Jyväskylä (to Mikkeli, Pieksämäki and Heinävesi), Kuopio (to Savonlinna), Varkaus and Joensuu (to Savonlinna, Heinävesi and Pieksämäki), Imatra (to Puumala and Mikkeli).

Soisalon Liikenne operates a few routes such as:

S5: Helsinki–Lahti–Mikkeli–Varkaus

Kuopio–Varkaus–Savonlinna

Varkaus–Savonlinna

Joensuu–Heinävesi–Varkaus–Pieksämäki–Laukaa–Jyväskylä

Linja-autoliike S Kosonen operates a few routes such as:

K13: Jyväskylä–Kangasniemi–Mikkeli

K14: Helsinki–Lahti–Mikkeli–Savonlinna

Savonlinja operates a few routes such as:

Joensuu–Kitee–Savonlinna

Saimaan Turistiliikenne operates a few routes, such as

Imatra–Puumala–Mikkeli

The following OnniBus.com routes serve the province. They don't take bikes or pets and there are restrictions on children. See Finland § By bus

Helsinki—Mikkeli—Kuopio

Helsinki—Lahti—Mikkeli—Savonlinna