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Savitaipale, which is a naturally beautiful part of South Carelia, invites you to spend your holiday here, especially if you want to relax in lovely and fresh nature.
In Savitaipale you can find hundreds of lakes and little ponds.
The largest of these lakes is Lake Saimaa, which is also the biggest lake in Finland.
Savitaipale also has for example the clean and blue Lake Kuolimo with many islands. Lake Kuolimo is more than 40 kilometres long and has some rare fish species like the arctic charr. In the wintertime it is possible to practise track skiing and snowmobile on the ice of the lake.
Lake Kuolimo has two - also historically - famous rapids called Kärnäkoski and Partakoski
. Nowadays there is a boat harbour in Partakoski which is intended for all boat enthusiasts of Lake Saimaa.
You can hike in the evergreen woods and mixed forests which are often located on green ridges.
The settlement and the fields are in harmony with the nature surrounding them.
SOME HISTORY OF SAVITAIPALE
You can familiarize yourself with the centuries-old history of Savitaipale by
visiting the rapids and bulwarks of Kärnäkoski and Partakoski.
The fortress of Kärnäkoski was built in the late 18th century by the Russians. Prince Suvorov was in charge of the construction of fortifications and also both the fortification of Lappeenranta and the fortification of Taavetti in Luumäki which belong to the same fortification range.
You can go over the foaming rapids of Partakoski along a stone bridge - this bridge was a route by which many goods were transported to Vyborg.
The area of Partakoski is situated between two lakes, Lake Saimaa and Lake Kuolimo. An
ancient highway from Lappee to Saint Michel goes through the area.
There have also been many border incidents in the area.
SAVITAIPALE TODAY
Savitaipale was founded in 1639 and it has now 4700 inhabitants. Because Savitaipale has
become very popular among tourists and holidaymakers, the population doubles
in summer. The area of Savitaipale is almost 700 square kilometers.
Arts, agriculture and industry are blooming side by side.
The Manor House of Olkkola is a summer resort hotel with opportunities for dancing and eating. The hotel seals 200 people. Here - in the peace of the countryside - you can enjoy the atmosphere of the good old days.
A summery lake view gives many attractive experiences. It is also possible for the clients of Manor House to have guided canoe trips (more pictures and information in Finnish) and boat trips and longer safaris. In the summertime the near terrains of Olkkola give many chances to rove along nature paths, jog and bicycle.
A summer event Sapassi in July; the event of this summer 18.-27.7.1997 ("Sapassi" means a rest between work):
- Marketplace concerts and music, church boat rowing competitions, guided journeys to Lake Kuolimo, performances by firemen, theater on the road
- It is also possible to rent a traditional church boat (more pictures and information in Finnish) with a skipper.
- At Lake Kuolimo you are welcome to visit The visual art exhibition "Art Paimensaari" (more pictures and information in Finnish)
- There is also a summer dance floor of Säänjärvi which is open every Saturday night from June to September.
- If you are interested in horses, look at Riders of Savitaipale (more pictures and information in Finnish)
- And if you want to have really good food...
(more pictures and information in Finnish) or taste something very famous and special
like
The Särä of Lemi (in English)...
The European Union brought many opportunities and the proximity of Russia many challenges.
The advantageous location of Savitaipale facilitates fast connections to various parts of
both our own country and the rest of the word, which also promotes business activities.
The municipality of Savitaipale, as a part of the rapidly developing South Karelia, offers many
ideal chances to new entrepreneurs:
Savitaipale is regionally supported by the European Union, and therefore there is substantial
EU-financing available to good projects.
It is also possible to receive many kinds of assistance while developing a business idea
and establishing a company.
If you want to have more information, please contact
jaana.rissanen@savitaipale.telebox.fi
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