Sights of Mikkeli, our impressions. Eastern Finland, Mikkeli Parks and entertainment

TOURISTS' ANSWERS:

Mikkeli stands on the shores of Lake Saimaa. Moreover, the town is very ancient, people have lived here since about the 12th century. The city is named after its patron Saint Michael. The main feature of the city is the clear layout of the streets. In winter, Mikkeli is a great place for skiing (from mid-November to the end of March, moreover) and other winter activities, and in summer it is also quite beautiful. And for fans of fishing, this is a must.

And in Mikkeli there are constantly some concerts and festivals of amateur theater and music, ballet, horse racing, and much more.

And a few words about the sights of the city:

Mannerheim salon car (Mannerheimin Salonkivaunu)

The saloon car was created in the 30s of the last century for the Finnish President of Finland from 1944 to 1946, Karl Mannerheim. This car was part of a train that also had two more sleeping cars, a dining car, a staff car, an anti-aircraft car and a car for transporting cars. The commander-in-chief's salon consisted of a salon, five bedrooms, a kitchen and a toilet. Carl Gustav Emil made more than a hundred trips on this train.
Particularly interesting was the trip during his 75th birthday, during which he received personal congratulations from Adolf Hitler. The last time Mannerheim committed this was already as president in 1946 (before that he was a marshal and then a regent). After the death of the president, the general director of Finnish railways rode in this carriage. In 1992, the trailer became a museum where the commander’s personal belongings, as well as documents and audio materials from those years, are stored. Since the museum is open once a year, you can walk through it virtually here: http://salonkivaunu.mikkeli.fi/

Address: Mannerheimintie 24

Museum "Suur-Savo" (Suur-Savon museo)

This is a cultural and historical museum where you can learn more about local culture, from the era of distant ancestors to the present day. In total there are about 8000 exhibits. The museum's exposition occupies several buildings, but the most interesting things take place in the main building. A very interesting exhibition is the everyday life of peasants in Southern Savonia (actually, Southern Savonia is a region in southeastern Finland with its center in Mikkeli). Simultaneously with permanent exhibitions, temporary exhibitions are also held here (almost always 1-2 temporary).

Address: Otavankatu 11

Schedule: September-April, Wed. from 10.00 to 17.00 and Sat. from 14.00 to 17.00, May-August, Tue.-Fri. from 10.00 to 17.00, Sat. from 14.00 to 17.00

Rural parish church (Mikkelin maaseurakunnan kirkko)

This temple is large, wooden. Look for him in the western part of the city. The temple was built in the first quarter of the 19th century. By the way, this is the third largest church in the country. It can accommodate up to 2000 people at the same time. The architects took the best traditions of Lutheran churches as a basis, and the church turned out to be quite simple in appearance, with light walls and a dark-colored roof, but with a complex shape.
The church houses ancient bells from the mid-18th century. The inside of the temple is very bright, very austere. The church is only open in summer. Free admission.

Address: Otavankatu, 9

Mikkeli Cathedral (Mikkelin tuomiokirkko)

The main church of the city was built in the neo-Gothic style of red brick and covered with a tiled roof. The church was erected at the very end of the 19th century. The cathedral is very spacious and can accommodate up to 1200 guests at a time. Since the 60s of the last century, there has been a bell tower near the cathedral, and inside there is an organ from the middle of the last century. The massive altar depicting the scene of the crucifixion of Christ is impressive. Next to the temple there is a nice little park with a pond. By the way, there is a belief that if you cross the bridge passing over this pond, your wish will come true. Worth checking out! Entrance to the temple is free.

Address: Otto Mannisenkatu 1

Opening hours: 01.06–31.08 daily 10.00–18.00

Naisvuori Observation Tower (Naisvuoren Nakotorni)

This tower stands almost in the center of the city. And this is the highest point of Mikkeli, because, in addition to the fact that the tower is high (about 40 meters), it also stands on a hill, which, by the way, is popularly called “women’s mountain”. It is called that because during the Russian-Finnish War, women watched from this hill the fighting at the front. The tower is made of white stone. The site can be reached by elevator. There is also a restaurant there that serves national Finnish cuisine. True, it seems, only in the summer. Also at the beginning of summer, a children's festival with songs, dances and clowns takes place on this hill.

Schedule: May 1-May 31 Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00, June 1-August 11 daily from 10:00 to 21:00, August 12-August 31 daily 11:00-18:00

Kenkavero Estate Museum

This is the residence of the parish priest on the shore of the lake. This building was built back in the 15th century, and then this house was the 5th center of the spiritual and material life of the town. But by the end of the last century, the building was in complete disrepair, so the city authorities took urgent measures for restoration. So the house became a museum, where exhibits related to local art and craft are exhibited. The museum also has a restaurant serving traditional delicacies and a souvenir shop. In summer it is very romantic here, because the estate is surrounded by a picturesque garden with a sea of ​​flowers (more than 500 species). Entrance to the estate is free.

Working hours: Sun-Fri 10:00–18:00, Sat. 10–16

Address: Pursialankatu, 6

Mikkeli Art Museum

The museum is located in the very center of the city, opposite the Cathedral. This museum has been operating since 1970. There you can admire the works of Finnish artists from the late 19th to late 20th years. For the most part, these are paintings in the style of expressionism and post-impressionism.

Schedule: October – April. Wed 12-19; Thu, Fri, Sun 10-17; Sat 10-13; May-September: Tue-Sun 10-17; Wed 12-19; Sat 10-13

Address: Ristimäenkatu 3

Infantry Museum

The museum has been operating since 1982. Items related to military affairs, or more precisely, to infantry troops, are exhibited here. In the halls of the museum there are documents, military uniforms (about 70 copies), weapons (120 machine guns, for example) - from 1881 to the present day. The exhibition is located in 3 old barnacles from the 19th century.

Schedule: Tue.-Thu. from 11.00 to 18.00, Fri.-Sun. from 11.00 to 17.00.

Address: Jääkärinkatu 6-8

Is the answer helpful?

If you have a unique opportunity to visit the ancient Finnish city of Mikkeli, go without hesitation! Tourism in the city is considered almost the main part of income, so the attitude towards visitors is very favorable. The local authorities are doing everything possible to make you feel very comfortable in the city and express a desire to come to Mikkeli more than once to admire the local attractions again.

Cathedral / Mikkelin tuomiokirkko

Ristimaenkatu 2, Mikkeli, Finland (next to the market square) - at this address is the main temple of the city, of which the locals are very proud, and the area adjacent to the church is a favorite vacation spot for the townspeople. Almost a hundred years ago, parishioners created a park here with a small picturesque pond. A bridge was built across this reservoir. There is still a belief in the city that people who cross the pond on this bridge change their lives for the better! So you have a wonderful opportunity to try out the legend for yourself.

The brick cathedral itself was built according to the design of the outstanding Finnish architect Stenbeck in 1897. This religious building can be seen from afar because of its high tower - the bell tower. The church belongs to the Lutheran denomination, so the interior decoration is quite modest. The entire interior is made of wood. The gilded chandeliers and the magnificent organ, the sound of which is simply divine, amaze with their beauty! It is also worth taking a closer look at the altar, in the center of which is a painting by the Finnish painter Pekka Halonena, painted in 1899. Entrance to the cathedral is free, visiting hours for tourists: from 10.00 to 18.00.

Rural parish church / Mikkelin maaseurakunnan kirkko

Another religious building that local residents are proud of is located at Otavankatu Street 9. The size of this wooden church is impressive (it can accommodate 2,000 parishioners at the same time), and it is not for nothing that it is considered the third largest in Finland. Huge columns give the temple a majestic appearance. The altar with the painting of the crucified Jesus is an exact copy of the painting by the artist Pudhoni exhibited in the French Louvre.

The luxurious antique organ, installed on a special balcony, stands out with its gilded finish. All the windows in the temple are decorated with intricate wood carvings, where each ornament is topped with a cross.

Unfortunately, all this beauty can only be seen in the summer, since it is at this time of year that the temple is accessible to curious tourists. By the way - completely free.

Mikkeli Art Museum

Ristimaenkatu 5, 50100 Mikkeli (city center) - at this address there is a museum where paintings and other works of local artists are on display. The building itself is an architectural monument, built in 1912. To go inside the museum, you will have to pay 3 euros for an adult visitor; children under 18 years of age go in for free. The museum is open all days of the week except Monday. Opening hours: from 10.00 to 17.00, on Wednesdays - from 12.00 to 19.00.

Observation tower Naisvuori / Naisvuoren Nakotorni

To admire the picturesque local views of the city, it is worth visiting one of the main city attractions - the Naisvuori Tower, located at Naisvuoren Nakotorni, 50100 Mikkeli (10 minutes walk from the Market Square). It was built in the 30s of the XX century. It is said that during the Finnish-Soviet war, local women watched the battles that took place in the immediate vicinity of the city from the walls of the tower. Nowadays, powerful binoculars and even telescopes are installed here to get a better look at the local beauty. In the summer, a wonderful cafe is open on the observation deck of the tower, which serves waffles that are excellent in taste. You can go upstairs by elevator. This pleasure will cost: for an adult - 2.50 euros, for children aged from 4 to 11 years - 1 euro. The observation deck is open only in summer: from 10.00 to 19.00.

Mannerheim Main Headquarters Museum

Tourists interested in history will be amazed by the facts revealed when visiting the museum, located at Paamajankuja 1-3, FIN-50100, Mikkeli. It was in this unremarkable building that the headquarters of the defense of Finnish territory from the Soviet aggressor, under the command of Marshal Mannerheim, was based. The entrance ticket price for an adult is 4 euros, children under 18 years of age visit the museum for free. Opening hours: from 10.00 to 18.00, seven days a week.

Cultural and Historical Museum / Suur-Savon Museo

Another very interesting museum “Suur-Savo”, which you should definitely visit, is located at 0tavankatu street 11. Unique rarities are exhibited here, telling about the historical past of the region in general, and the city in particular. Before your eyes will appear all sorts of objects belonging to local residents near the surrounding region of “South Savo”.

The doors of the museum are hospitably open from Tuesday to Friday: from 10.00 to 17.00. On Saturday - from 14.00 to 17.00 hours

Entrance ticket for an adult costs 2.50 euros, children under 18 years of age enter free of charge.

Harjukoski Mill / Harjukosken Mylly

To see this complex architectural structure with your own eyes, you will have to go to the address: Ihastjarventie 261. This unit with two millstones was built in the mid-19th century and worked properly until 1975. The mill is still in excellent condition and can be restarted at any time. In the courtyard of the farm there are two rooms that serve as barns and an excellent Finnish sauna, where, with prior agreement with the owners, you can have a great time.

Extreme amusement park

After exploring all the city's attractions, you should definitely go to the amusement park located at: Visulahdentie, 50180 Mikkeli, Finland. Here in the park there is a huge number of varied attractions, after visiting which the adrenaline level simply goes off scale.

City Mikkeli, named after the patron saint of those places, St. Michael, is perfect for a family holiday with children. Here and not far from the border, there are many cottages with good fishing on Saimaa, convenient shopping (several shopping centers Stella, Aleksi and Carlson are compactly located in the city center), there are spas, museums and amusement parks for children.

It will be interesting to visit the museum of the main headquarters of Mannerheim himself, whose headquarters was in Mikkeli during the Second World War; Mannerheim’s personal carriage, which was used from 1939 to 1946 for trips on wartime business, is also in eternal rest.

The Loki Museum of Radio Operators, hidden in the rock, will tell (and show) about the underground work of radio operators; the Mikkeli Art Museum will introduce you to modern art.

Children and adults will enjoy visiting the Rantakeidas water park and the Visulahti water amusement park with water slides and pools, dinosaurs ready to really stroll through the tall grass of Mikkeli, and sports climbing frames for kids in the Hyper Dino complex. For extreme sports enthusiasts, there is more serious entertainment - Rally School.

Ancient manors, among which Tertti and Kenkävero, the largest priest's house in Finland, stand out.

A real winery, where you will be received with cordiality and told about which berries can be used to make homemade wine and will arrange a real tasting with Finnish cordiality and friendliness.

The pristine beauty of nature, unusual museums, designer cottages and amusement parks are what you will come to Mikkeli for more than once.

Photos of the city of Mikkeli:

A piece of paradise overlooking Lake Saimaa, a place where many have wished to spend more than one day of their lives Art&Design Villas Anttolanhovi in ​​the town of Anttola next to Mikkeli. Actually Anttolanhovi presents

Mikkeli is a picturesque lake town in the province of Southern Savonia, where I spent almost a whole year. During this time, I managed to see all its metamorphoses that occurred with the change of weather. We can say that he falls asleep in mid-autumn and wakes up in spring.

I can say with full confidence that it will be equally interesting to those who are heading to Lapland and want to visit other cities along the way, as well as to lovers of country holidays. It is especially popular among St. Petersburg residents.

Here everyone will find something to do and see - from the city center with its many bars, shops and restaurants, to the peaceful atmosphere of a country holiday. On the streets of the city you can meet people of any age, and it is simply impossible for a tourist to get lost: even the oldest resident speaks at least a little English. Every year thousands of students come to Mikkeli to study at one of the best universities in Finland - Mikkeli University of Applied Sciences.

But, in my opinion, the city is perfect for a family holiday, because it is so peaceful and quiet.

In addition to the university, Mikkeli is also famous for its neo-Gothic cathedral. It can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. And Lake Saimaa, on the shores of which the city is located, is a favorite place for fishermen and the largest lake in Finland. In the summer, from the port of Mikkeli you can go on a cruise to and admire the medieval fortress.

How to get there

Mikkeli is located 230 km from the capital, in its eastern part. And since this is a country of thousands of lakes, and the city itself is literally buried in them, you can even get here by water. But the journey from Moscow will seem like a trip around the world, so it will be much faster to get to the airport by plane and then transfer to a bus or high-speed train. Approximate travel time is 10 hours.

If you are leaving from St. Petersburg, then it will be most profitable to take a minibus or bus. But here it is impossible to predict the travel time: it all depends on the mood of the border guards and the time of day and year in which you get to them. We should not forget about the most comfortable, in my opinion, type of transport - the St. Petersburg - Helsinki ferry, which will allow you to have a pleasant time. But personally, I would prefer it for longer, cruise trips around Scandinavia.

By plane

The nearest airport to the city of Mikkeli, which receives regular flights, is located in the suburb of Vantaa. The main airlines operating such flights are airBaltic, S7, Finnair and Aeroflot.

I flew from Moscow and always gave preference to the last two airlines: direct flights, planes fly several times a day and the money was about 4,000 rubles one way if you took tickets in advance. Prices can be monitored.

While departing on an evening flight, I noticed several times that on the departure board Finnair and Aeroflot were indicated by a fraction: airlines often combined their flights, and there was a kind of jackpot at stake - whether I would get dinner or not.

The flight from Moscow takes only about an hour and a half, and the Finns offer dinner for money, so a sandwich on board the plane will cost you about 8 EUR. However, the drink will be a compliment.

The difference in price between flights from Moscow or St. Petersburg is not so striking and is about 1 thousand rubles. And the travel time from St. Petersburg is half an hour less. You can find out more details on how to get to Helsinki.

How to get there from Vantaa

Arriving at Vantaa Airport, you should take a bus to Mikkeli. The bus stop is located right outside the airport doors, on the second arrivals level.

Bus tickets can be purchased in advance on the Matkahuolto website. When purchased in advance for some flights, the company provides discounts, as well as benefits for students and children. The price varies and on average is about 10 EUR, and the travel time is about two and a half hours. At the stop there is a board with information about approaching buses. Sometimes the routes are combined, and after about twenty minutes the bus driver can announce a transfer to another bus to Mikkeli. The bus moves with stops and goes on different routes. All information about stops and times is listed on the company's website. It is worth noting that the bus is modern, comfortable and provides free Wi-Fi.

If you have a few hours left and a desire to walk around the capital, buses to Helsinki often run at this same stop. A ticket will cost approximately 6 EUR. Cards are also accepted on the bus. You will be taken directly to one of the capital's main shopping centers, Kaampi, from where you can then travel to Mikkeli.

The bus station is located on the minus first floor.

It is convenient to purchase a ticket at the ticket office (yellow kiosk in the photo with the Matkahuolto logo) or from the driver. The price is about the same as if you were departing from the airport. But Onnibus also has sweet special offers for only euros.

By train

You can get to Mikkeli by train with transfers in Finnish cities. This method will be very convenient for those who travel to the city for a long time and cannot fit into one suitcase, take with them their entire wardrobe, or even a bicycle with a cat, and also prefer the romance of the railways: sleep to the sound of a moving train, drink tea from a glass goblet in an iron stand and watch the changing landscapes along the way.

From Moscow

In Moscow, the Lev Tolstoy train departs daily from Leningradsky Station and travels through and to Kouvola. Such a ticket will cost you from 2500 ₽. Then you need to transfer to Mikkeli. Ticket price from 1200 ₽. The total travel time will be approximately 14 hours.

From Saint-Petersburg

In St. Petersburg, the Allegro train departs from Finlyandsky Station several times a day. There will also be a transfer in the city. This journey will take about 5 hours and cost approximately 3,000 rubles.

How to get to the city center

Mikkeli train station is a two-minute walk from the city's central square.

There is also a city bus stop, from which you can get to your area or local attractions. It is very easy to find, it will literally be on your way from the railway station. The Matkakeskus intercity bus parking lot is located right next to it.

It is worth mentioning the train from the city. When I first arrived in the capital and went to look for the station, I was absolutely sure that this would be the cheapest way to get to Mikkeli. But it turned out differently: the trip would have cost me 55 EUR. I would like to note that the train is no faster than a comfortable bus. You can find a more economical option on the train website, but it will still cost much more than a bus.

Interesting fact: if, when getting off the train, you notice a six-fingered palm on the door, and now you reach out to it to make sure your eyes are not deceiving you, the trick was a success. The idea was to force you to push the door in this place, and not into the glass. Thus, the cost of cleaning glass is significantly reduced.

By bus

You can get to Mikkeli from St. Petersburg by a regular comfortable bus from the Moscow or Pulkovskaya hotel along the route - Jyväskylä. The bus departs daily at 8 am and arrives at the intercity bus stop opposite the Mikkeli railway station around 6 pm. It is better to purchase tickets on the website of the Finnish transport company in advance, as there is a possibility that on the day of departure all seats may be sold out and it will not be possible to buy a ticket from the driver. The cost of a ticket to Mikkeli is about 40 EUR one way. Discounts are available for students, pensioners and children.

This flight passes the border quickly and out of turn. And the distance from St. Petersburg to Mikkeli is about 300 km, plus there is a toll route. I had an acquaintance who bought a ticket to Vyborg, but stayed further on the bus. And thus saved about 20 EUR.

You can also get to Mikkeli by bus through Laaperanta by the Russian company Sovavto, it will be cheaper. The route is combined with the company Savonlinja Oy. The bus also departs from Pulkovskaya at 8:00 and arrives in Laaperanta at 14:05. The ticket price will be 550 rubles, and the travel time will be about 6 hours. Tickets can be purchased from the bus driver or at the sales center at the Pulkovskaya Hotel. When purchasing a ticket, you need a passport and a valid Schengen visa. More details about this route are written.

In general, there are a lot of St. Petersburg transport companies that carry out trips in this direction. The price varies, but on average about 2000 rubles. It is very convenient and profitable to travel with a group and order a minibus.

By car

Of course, the route to Mikkeli from St. Petersburg will be shorter than from Moscow by as much as 700 km and, as a result, faster - about 300 km. The route follows the E18 highway and the Lingonberry Highway through Lappeenanta.

A car, undoubtedly, could be the most convenient and fastest mode of transport, if not for the numerous cameras, huge fines and the Russian border with Finland (Brusnichnoe). I was told cases when the Finnish border was crossed at night, and the border guards at the Finnish checkpoint were simply sleeping; they had to wait not for their turn, but for awakening.

In general, it is difficult to predict the waiting time, but it is possible with the help of online services. Of course, the waiting minutes on weekends and holidays increases and sometimes turns into several hours.

As for gasoline, the price increases by one and a half times compared to ours. Throughout 2016, according to my observation, it was about 1.40 EUR per liter of 95th. Don’t forget about getting a Green Card; it will be impossible to travel without it.

By ferry

As with air travel, Mikkeli can be reached by ferry mainly through Helsinki. I will not repeat myself and describe in detail about the ferry to Helsinki, because everything has already been briefly described. I will only add that such ferries transport excursion buses and cars.

Clue:

Mikkeli - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 0

Kazan 0

Samara 1

Ekaterinburg 2

Novosibirsk 4

Vladivostok 7

When is the season? When is the best time to go

I spent all four seasons in Mikkeli and I can say with confidence that the climate is quite comparable to the climate in the Moscow region. And January was the only month with the onset of which I felt the northern location of the city.

In autumn and spring there are almost no tourists. I don’t recommend coming to Mikkeli in the off-season, because during this period it is very rainy in the city, it’s slushy in the forest, and you won’t be able to pick berries.

But in the summer the city comes to life: the natives are more willing to leave their homes, tourists appear, and fairs, theme parks, and concerts come with them.

Mikkeli in summer

Summer in Mikkeli is quite cool. The average temperature fluctuates around +20 °C. The least amount of precipitation falls in July. In the same month, the temperature warms up to its maximum of +25 °C, and the water temperature reaches +22 °C. This weather is ideal for summer sports and fishing, which is loved by men. And their other halves can sunbathe next to each other on sun loungers.

Mikkeli in autumn

For lovers of colorful autumn, September will be a favorable month for a trip to Mikkeli: the average monthly air temperature is 14°C, and the amount of precipitation, as well as for tourists, is minimal.

In my opinion, September is ideal for kayaking, because you have beautiful views, and the demand for rentals is not as high as in the summer.

You also have the opportunity to go into the forest to pick mushrooms and wild berries, which you cannot find in our forests.

With the onset of October, the number of rainy days increases, and the streets become completely empty - the demi season begins.

Mikkeli in spring

Spring is a period of calm. There are very few tourists in Mikkeli, and the city itself is turning into one huge lake. As soon as the thermometer approaches zero, locals can be found in T-shirts, short jeans and sneakers.

In May, all the snow has time to melt and nature blooms. The weather is sunny and it's time to open the barbecue season. In the courtyards of many houses there are gazebos with barbecues and firewood.

Mikkeli in winter

In winter everything turns white in Mikkeli. Finns are passionate about the environment and do not sprinkle roads with salt; instead, they use granite chips.

Residents decorate their homes long before Christmas, almost with the first snow. You hear Russian speech so often in shops that you begin to forget that you are in Finland.

In February there is a high chance of seeing the northern lights. I followed his forecast in advance on the Aurora Borealis website and went out for a walk on the frozen lake in anticipation of a miracle.

In winter, three main types of entertainment are available to tourists - fishing, ice skating (the central football field turns into a skating rink in winter) and skiing. The forest has trails for skiers and is equipped with lighting and maps. I’ll tell you more about the ski slope at the end of this article. The most favorable month for skiing will be February, since mild winter temperatures prevail during this period.

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

Mikkeli is a place where people come for a holiday with a group or the whole family. Almost every house here has a sauna. According to statistics, there are more of them in Finland than cars. Traditionally, Finns take beer into the sauna to appease the gnomes guarding it. This section will tell you where it’s best to do this.

Here is a screenshot of hotels from booking with subsequent descriptions. I advise you to book at the same place, and you can compare prices

You can look for cottages or apartments with locals.

Central part of the city (1)

Everything is at hand here: in the central part there are the main hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and attractions, including the cathedral, the museum of the infantry and Mannerheim's main headquarters, the rural parish church, etc. When arriving by train or bus, you will arrive here first. However, accommodation costs accordingly: from 50 EUR per day for a modest hotel Uusikuu or about 100 EUR for luxury apartments in the very center of the city. There are practically no cottages in this area. But the further from the center, the more affordable housing becomes. Along the edges of the marked oval on the city map there are many decent apartments for 500 EUR per month.

Southern part of the city (2)

Located among lakes and forests. This is where I first became acquainted with the game of frisbee golf. Local residents rent out their houses and apartments here. You can see the options. The price for a one-room apartment is approximately 500 EUR per month.

As a rule, apartments do not have a bathtub or washing machine. In my house, there was a special room for laundry on the ground floor with a paid washing machine and a drying room.

This picturesque area is convenient for its location: there is a bus to the city center, there are two parks (Urpola and Mikkelipuisto), a large Lidl grocery store is nearby, and the Tornimäki ski resort is located nearby. The Kenkavero estate is also marked on the map.

Eastern district of the city (3)

The housing here is nicer, and there are practically no refugees to be found. Mostly in this area there are apartments and private houses for long-term rent, so there are not so many tourists. Regarding bonuses, the Graani and Prisma shopping complex is located nearby. And at night white hares walk quietly.

Visulahti (4)

With this figure I specifically marked the Visulahti amusement park, which is described in this article in the “parks” section. It is best to come here with children and stay at the campsite, where you can rent a cottage or villa.

What are the prices for holidays?

Prices in the city for housing and food are comparable to Moscow. Most attractions are either free or cost very little. But the restaurants in the city are really expensive. Upon arrival, I always compare prices at McDonald’s: a burger (or salad for girls) will cost 500 rubles here along with a cola.

Let's calculate how much a day in Mikkeli will cost:

• hotel accommodation per night - 50 EUR,
• taxi ride to Visulahti - from 15 EUR,
• bus ticket - 3, 30 EUR,
• groceries per day - 10 EUR,
• dinner or lunch in a restaurant - from 20 EUR,
• 2 cocktails at the bar - 12 EUR,
• ticket to the museum - approximately 4 EUR,
• shopping - well, how it goes

Total: approximately 100 EUR per day per person.

You can save on attractions by buying a ticket, for example, to the Mannerheim Headquarters Museum; a ticket to the Communications Museum will be much cheaper. The total cost for both museums will be 7 EUR. It’s also possible to save on food, and the quality of the food is not proportional to the price: just use the buffet system.

Main attractions. What to see

The town of Mikkeli is not very large, but it is home to historically important churches, statues and museums. The main attractions have a historical theme. The city arose as a result of the Russian-Swedish war and was founded under the command of Nicholas I in 1838. And during the Second World War, the headquarters of Mannerheim's armed forces was located in the city. Most of the museums are associated with his reign.

Top 5

Below are the top 5 places that are definitely worth visiting with at least a couple of days left.

• Mikkeli Cathedral, which is simply impossible to miss.

• Mikkeli Rural Parish Church is the third largest wooden church in Finland with a capacity of 2000 people. It is a must-see for those who do not plan to go and see the largest wooden church in the world, located in Kerimyak.

• Kenkavero - museum-estate of the parish priest.

• Finnish Army Infantry Museum.

• Visulahti is a large amusement and camping park, on its territory there is the largest wax museum in Finland.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

The most significant and interesting buildings in the city include the following churches.

Mikkeli Rural Parish Church

The church of the rural parish of Mikkeli is located in the western part of the city and accommodates up to 2000 people, being the third largest in Finland. Its facade is made in the form of the intersection of a cross and a square, according to the canons of the Lutheran Church. Built at the beginning of the 19th century. Its doors open exclusively in the summer, and within the walls of the building is kept an exact copy of the image of the crucifixion of Christ, located in. Entrance to the church is free.

Mikkeli Cathedral

The main church of the city was built at the end of the 19th century, whose design was created by the Finnish architect Josef Stenbeck, and is a bit like a castle. The cathedral inside is also very spacious, its capacity is 1200 people. There is a small pond outside. According to legend, if you throw a coin across the bridge into the pond, your wish will definitely come true.

You can enter the Cathedral any day for free. Those wishing to attend the service should come to the main church of the diocese of Mikkeli on Sunday morning.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

There aren't many museums in Mikkeli. I will highlight the most interesting and historically important of them.

Mannerheim Carriage Museum

Mikkeli is closely connected with the history of the country. Here is the carriage of the Commander-in-Chief Carl Gustav Emil, created in the 1930s of the last century. There are very few such salons around the world.

The carriage was part of a train on which the marshal traveled more than a hundred times. But the trip during which Mannerheim accepted birthday congratulations from Hitler was especially interesting.

You can get inside the carriage only on the president's birthday - June 4 from 10:00 to 17:00. The entrance is free.

Mannerheim Main Headquarters Museum

The museum contains elements of military life from the Soviet-Finnish and World War II. Here, within the walls of the school, the headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief of Finland was located, in which he led the defense of the country. Most of the information in the museum is in Finnish, so I do not recommend entering it on a day when there is no Russian-speaking guide. It is unlikely that you will be able to translate and understand texts using Google Translator.

The museum is open 02.05.-31.08 daily from 10.00 to 17.00, 01.09.-30.04. Fri.-Sun. from 10.00 to 17.00, at other times by appointment.

Address: Päämajankuja 1-3.

Infantry Museum

This museum is located within the walls of two old barracks. It is located next to the Mikkeli University of Applied Sciences. The sound of hooves in the barracks gave way to an accompanying story from the museum guide about the Finnish army.

The museum itself is divided into exhibitions related to different time periods. Here you can see weapons, wax figures dressed in uniforms, as well as dry rations and much more, which will allow you to immerse yourself in the era of that time.

Opening hours: 02.05–15.09 daily 10.00 - 17.00. Ticket price: 6 EUR, pensioners and students – 4 EUR, children (7–17 years old) – 2 EUR, with a guide – 30–40 EUR.

Address: Jääkärinkatu 6-8.

Kenkavero Estate Museum

Kenkavero is located in a former priest's estate, furnished with furniture from a previous era. Over a thousand different plants bloom in its garden, and the halls house the Syreeni folk arts center and one of the best restaurants in the city. You can visit the museum at any time of the year completely free of charge. But the buffet will cost approximately 30 EUR per person. But its atmosphere is really worth it.

Open: Mon.–Fri. and all 10.00–18.00, Sat. 10.00–16.00. Lunch daily from 11 to 16. Address: Pursialankatu 6.

Parks

Mikkeli Puisto Park

One of my favorite parks in Mikkeli was Mikkeli Puisto Park. I lived on the outskirts, and often when I got to the center, I walked past it, admired it and took photos.

The picturesque park is simply created for summer walks and picnics: exotic plants, cafes, barbecues and animals walking around without fear. For parents with children, there is a cool, modern playground here. Next to the park there is also a lake with another playground and a beach. The park is located in the south of the city.

Visulahti

Visulahti Park is a favorite place for the whole family to visit and opens every year in the summer from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is a motor park with 10 tracks for karting and motorcycles, a dinosaur water park, a hall of wax figures and an exhibition of rare cars.

A full day ticket costs 21 EUR and includes the Dinosauria and entry to the wax museum, which features 80 exhibits.

Near the park there is a camping area with cottages and bungalows. The houses have all the amenities, including a kitchen, bathroom with shower and TV, and the bungalows have their own sauna with fireplace. The price for a bungalow in summer starts from 100 EUR, and for cottages - from 65 EUR. And a beautiful view is guaranteed :).

Tourist streets

It must be said that heated parking on the hotel premises costs 10 EUR. And in general, parking in the city center is paid. Failure to pay will result in a heavy fine. And the cost of gasoline is much higher than ours - approximately 1.5 EUR per liter.

In Finland, everything related to cars is very expensive. This is especially true for fines. Therefore, all residents violate it extremely rarely, which I do not advise you to do. Judge for yourself:

• the cost of fines is calculated based on the income of the offender, and there is no upper limit;
• communication on a mobile phone without a headset will cost 80 EUR;
• It will be required to pay it, in the best case, by a receipt at the bank, and in the worst case, when leaving the country or home through the consulate (the commission of which will be 50 EUR;
• If you fail to pay it in the future, you may be denied a Schengen visa.

Mikkeli - holidays with children

As you may have guessed, Mikkeli, with its green parks, water slides in summer and ski slopes in winter, cozy cottages and clean air, will be a wonderful city for families with children.

In Finland, they care about the environment and food, so a holiday with children will only benefit them. And if they like it so much that they don’t want to leave, there are excellent camps here with all the conditions and entertainment where they can learn English in a short time.

Ski holiday

There is a small slope 6 kilometers from the town of Mikkeli. The season starts on November 20 and lasts until March 31. This resort is suitable for absolutely everyone: skiers, snowboarders, tubers, telemarkers, and sledding enthusiasts. There is a cafe on site at the resort, offering its visitors delicious coffee and pastries, and lunch on weekends.

You can come here for a ride from 14:00 to 20:00 on weekdays and from 10:00 to 17:00 on weekends. It is better to plan the route to the resort on Google maps. The most convenient way to get there is by taxi or car, because buses do not go to the winter center from the city.

You can stay in cottages closer to the ski lifts. Accommodation prices start from 550 EUR per week.

Particular attention is paid to children at Ski Tornimäki. The staff is incredibly polite and treats little visitors with special care. The atmosphere and service are excellent and, in my opinion, cannot be compared with those in the Moscow region.

Ski passes

Ski passes are available at the resort ticket office. The minimum cost for skiing is 15 EUR per hour or 30 EUR per day. It is more profitable to rent for more days or hours.

Adults - Children:

• 1 hour 15 EUR 10 EUR
• 2 hours 20 EUR 15 EUR
• 3 hours 25 EUR 20 EUR
• 1 day 30 EUR 25 EUR
• 2 days 55 EUR 40 EUR
• 3 days 75 EUR 60 EUR
• 4 days 95 EUR 85 EUR
• 5 days 115 EUR 95 EUR
• 6 days 130 EUR 110 EUR
• Seasonal 325 EUR 270 EUR

Equipment rental will cost about the same price, and one hour at the ski school will be 40 EUR per hour.

Trails

Tornimäki has 4 trails of varying difficulty levels, one of which is for children. Almost all slopes are equipped with lighting; two rope tows and one multi-lift reach the top. For those who find the 450-meter descent of the track boring, there is a park and a track for boardercross and slalom.

In my opinion, the resort is more suitable for beginners, as it is relatively flat and small, but for professionals and freestyle lovers there is a large jibbing park.

Anything to add?

Mikkeli (Finnish - Mikkeli, Swiss - Sankt Michel) is another Finnish city founded by the Russian tsars. Founded by Nicholas I in 1838 and named after the Archangel Michael. By the way, the founding by the Russian Tsar is not the only connection between Mikkeli and Russia: now Mikkeli is a sister city of two Russian cities - St. Petersburg and Olonets. The city of Mikkeli has a rich military history: during the civil war in 1918, the headquarters of the White Army was established in Mikkeli, and during the Second World War the main headquarters of the Finnish armed forces under the command of Marshal Mannerheim was located in Mikkeli.

Mikkeli is located approximately 90 kilometers northwest of the cities and towns known to Russian tourists. Mikkeli has a population of about 50 thousand people and is one of the twenty largest cities in Finland. In general, Mikkeli is not a very tourist city, just a cozy and comfortable Finnish city that was pleasant to walk around. There is also an observation tower, from which in summer you can look at the city from above.

[ | ]
6. On the western side of the square there is a monument to Marshal Mannerheim. During the Second World War, the Main Headquarters of the Finnish Armed Forces, commanded by Mannerheim, was located in Mikkeli.

[ | ]
16. On the way to the tower we passed a building with a remarkably long name “Mikkelintelefooniyhdistys”. An explanatory plaque on it explained what it was: “Vuonna 1888 perustetun Mikkelin Puhelinyhdistyksen ensimmäinen toimitalo valmistui tälle paikalle 12.9.1903.” I’m not good at Finnish, but it’s roughly clear that by 1903 a city telephone network was launched in this place.

[ | ]
17. Another house on the way to the tower. The slightly crumbling plaster caught my eye. By Russian standards it’s a great looking house, but by Finnish standards it’s very sloppy and immediately catches your eye against the general background of city views.

[ | ]
20. Looking ahead, I’ll say that I had to look and photograph through these shiny windows right under the roof, and the roof acted as a canopy, interfering with wide-angle photography, and under the windows the tower expanded, which made it difficult to look and photograph down, but despite this, it’s still good happened. Along the way, my trained eye immediately snatched a large number of GSM antennas not only on the mast above the roof, but also along the walls of the tower. Probably one of the local macro cells. But in Finnish cities these antennas are located on almost every house or pole, so we don’t have the strength to monitor them, we just had to by the way :-).

[ | ]
27. I looked at some neighboring houses with high magnification. I really like the decor of balconies in residential buildings: flowers, small tables, chairs for relaxing. I want to do something similar on my megabalcony at home :-).

[ | ]
29. We walked along Raatihuoneenkatu again past the town hall towards the station; this is its intersection with Porrassalmenkatu, passing by the square on the east side; Business buildings are located on this side.

• Where to stay: Skiers and snowboarders should immediately stay in Himos or neighboring Jäms, and if you are unlucky, then look for accommodation in Jyväskylä, but you will have to spend almost an hour on a transfer to the resort. Among the hotels in Imatra there are decent offers with spas. A stop in Mikkeli or Rauhe is suitable for a relaxing holiday. In Varkaus you can choose a nice cottage right in the forest and enjoy the proximity of nature. Savonlinna is ready to offer not only a provincial-rural flair, but also full-fledged hotels. Well, it’s worth staying in Lappeeranta for the entire holiday - there will be no problems with finding activities, as well as with a place to live.
• What to see: Rauha allows you to combine lazy, contemplative relaxation with a whole bunch of activities. If you get bored in the village, you can go to neighboring Imatra or Lappeenranta - the second largest shopping center in Finland. Neighborhood Mikkeli ideal for fishing. Don’t forget to study the local rock art; they say it is about 4 thousand years old. Savonlinna is sometimes called the “Finnish Venice” - we wander along its bridges and cobbled streets, ride on ferries, walk along the Punkaharju ridge and admire the local fortress. Varkaus is also surrounded by water on all sides. There are plenty of walking paths and a simply charming atmosphere. Jyväskylä is the real “Finnish Athens”. There are a lot of educational institutions, museums and natural attractions here. Well, Himos is one of the most popular ski resorts in the country, no comments needed.
• You may also be interested in