Saimaa Canal
Photo: Unknown auhtorUnknown auhtor, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Saimaa Canal (Finnish: Saimaan kanava; Swedish: Saima kanal; Russian: Сайменский канал) is a 43-km-long canal connecting the Saimaa lake system to the Baltic Sea. The canal goes through Finnish and Russian territory. Visitors can sail through it on a canal cruise or by their own craft. In addition it can be explored by car, Highway 13 on the Finnish side and 41K-084 on the Russian side go along the canal and there's a border crossing at Nuijamaa-Brusnichnoye (next to where boats cross).
UnderstandAlready in the early 16th century there were plans to connect Saimaa to the Baltic Sea, to make it possible to sail to Olavinlinna (Swedish: Olofsborg), a Swedish-built fortification towards the east.
GoIf going on a canal cruise, your voyage will start at the harbour of Lappeenranta. It's quite centrally located, next to the fortification (linnoitus).7 m above sea level), and turns east.
Cruise on scheduled ferryDuring the summer months ferry companies used to have cruises to Vyborg (allowing also one-way travel, although not visa-free) as well as ones to the border and back through the canal.
Sail your own boatCheck latest information from official sources. You don't want an unplanned detour via Kronstadt, or to find the canal closed.
Stay safeBecause of the Russian war on Ukraine and West's reactions to it, there may be risks involved in passing Russian waters.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Saimaa Canal" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Unknown auhtorUnknown auhtor, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons