Lake Saimaa Region

Matka 2027 – Pre Tour 

© goSaimaa

 

Discover Lake Saimaa: Finnish Lakeland Experiences

Pre-Tour · 16–19 January 2027 · 3 nights

Discover the beauty of the lake Saimaa region with goSaimaa on this three-night Pre-Tour ahead of Matka 2027. Experience the region first-hand, explore local tourism products and find new ideas for your Finland travel portfolio.

Pure Nature, Lakeside Adventures & Finnish Culture

In the waters of Lake Saimaa, by far the greatest attraction is nature, with its archipelago of 14,000 islands, lake scenery and clear water. The Lake Saimaa region, including the cities of Lappeenranta and Imatra, is located only a couple of hours away from the Finnish capital of Helsinki. From Helsinki, you can easily get here by train, bus or car within just a few hours. Lappeenranta and Imatra are located in the South Karelia region in southeastern Finland. The region’s cultural life is rich and varied, mixing both old and new. Enjoy the beautiful and pristine Finnish nature, magnificent Lakeland views, intriguing cultural sights, as well as local food and the people.

Getting to the Destination

The Lake Saimaa region is easily accessible from Helsinki Airport by train, bus or car. Lappeenranta is around 2 hours by train or just under 3 hours by car from Helsinki, while Imatra can also be reached by direct train connections. With good transport links and scenic roads, the region is ideal for combining lakeside destinations and exploring Finland’s Lakeland at your own pace.

The final travel arrangements and transfers for the Pre Tour will be confirmed closer to the event.

 

Contact

goSaimaa
Riina Helppi-Kurki
Project Manager
+358 40 845 2857
riina.helppi-kurki@gosaimaa.com 

GoSaimaa_Riina Helppi-Kurki_500x500px

goSaimaa LS 2.0 ENG logo

Tour Details

Organiser: goSaimaa
Tour type: Pre-Tour
Dates: 16 –19 January 2027
Duration: 3 nights
Group size: 4–8 participants
Target market: International tour operators and travel buyers

GoSaimaa Lappeenranta by GoSaimaa


© goSaimaa

Pre Tour Programme

Please note that the programme is preliminary and may be subject to change shortly before departure.

Original Sokos Hotel Lappee-1
1
Helsinki - Lappeenranta

Day 1: Saturday, 16 January 2027

Arrival Day

© Original Sokos Hotel Lappee

Salpalinjan Hovi Hotel
2
Lappeenranta - Lemi - Rauha

Day 2: Sunday, 17 January 2027

  • 7:30 - Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out after breakfast
  • 9:00 - Departure from the hotel to a small family owned husky farm, White Flower
  • 12:00 - Transfer to Lemi
  • 13:00 - Lunch at Säräpirtti Kippurasarvi restaurant
  • 15:00 - Site inspection to Salpalinjan Hovi Hotel
  • 16:00 - Main sights and attractions of Lappeenranta by goSaimaa host, the fortress of Lappeenranta, a Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark site
  • 17:00 - Site inspection Hotel Lähde
  • 17:45 - Transfer to Rauha
  • 18:30 - Check-in to Holiday Club Saimaan Rauha and visit to the spa and sauna
  • 20:00 - Dinner at Holiday Club Saimaa and site inspection of Holiday Club Saimaan Rauha

© Salpalinjan Hovi

HC_Saimaa_ilmakuva_Vesa K_DJI_0157_E4_08_2022_Holiday Club Saimaan Rauha resort
3
Rauha - Imatra - Rauha

Day 3: Monday, 18 January 2027

  • 7:00 - Breakfast at the hotel Holiday Club Saimaan Rauha
  • 9:00 - Departure to Imatra
  • 9:30 - Baking course of Rimpsut the modern version of Karelian Pies (Karjalanpiirakka)
  • 12:00 - Meeting with local service providers, a mini workshop at Vuoksi Fishing park, lunch on site
  • 15:30 - Site inspection Imatran Kylpylä Spa Resort
  • 17:00 - Transfer to Hossukan Helmi - Cottage & Sauna premises. Floating in the lake Sauna and swimming in the lake. Dinner at the cottage
  • 21:30 - Departure to the hotel Holiday Club Saimaan Rauha

© goSaimaa

goSaimaa_Kruunupuisto park, Valtionhot and Imatrankoski Rapids in Imatra
4
Rauha - Imatra - Helsinki

Day 4: Tuesday, 19 January 2027

Departure Day

  • 7:00 - Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
  • 9:00 - Imatra city tour with a local guide including Imatrankoski rapids, the Crowne park area, a Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark site & Imatran Valtionhotelli – the castle hotel, site inspection
  • 11:00 - Lunch at Imatran Valtionhotelli
  • 12:11 - Train to Helsinki

© goSaimaa

Villa maisemalla

Day 3: 18 January 2027

Oulu - Nallikari - Ii

  • Breakfast at the hotel & check-out
  • Transfer to Nallikari
  • Site inspection at Nallikari By the Sea 
  • Winter activity on the frozen sea with Nallikari Safaris
  • Visiting the reindeer farm Kellon Kuusi
  • Lunch in a traditional Finnish kota
  • Transfer to and check-in at Merihelmi Aurora Sea Resort
  • Guided Ice Fishing on the frozen sea
  • Kantele Apprentice - learn to play Finland's national instrument
  • Dinner at Merihelmi Aurora Sea Resort
  • Possibility for Seaside sauna and outdoor hot tub
  • Overnight stay at Merihelmi Aurora Sea Resort

© Visit Oulu

FATBIKING ON THE FROZEN SEA

Day 2: 17 January 2027

Oulu

  • xx
  • xx

© Visit Oulu

Kota Merihelmi Aurora sea resort (3)

Day 4: 19 January 2027

Departure Day: Ii - Oulu - Helsinki

  • Breakfast at Merihelmi Aurora Sea Resort
  • Activity
  • Light lunch in a traditional Finnish kota hut by the sea
  • Transfer to the airport
  • Flight to Helsinki

© Visit Oulu

Interested in joining this tour?

FAQ for Tour Operators

 

What is a Pre or Post Tour?

A Pre or Post Tour is a hosted familiarisation trip organised before or after Matka Travel Fair and Matka Workshop Day.

It gives international tour operators the opportunity to experience a Finnish destination first-hand — beyond brochures, presentations and short meetings. Participants can meet local tourism suppliers in person, test selected products and activities, inspect accommodation options and gain a deeper understanding of how the destination can fit into their own travel programmes.

For tour operators, this is a valuable way to discover new product ideas, build trusted local contacts and assess the destination’s potential for future sales. A Pre Tour takes place before the main event, while a Post Tour takes place after the event.

 

 

Who can participate in a Pre or Post Tour?

The Pre and Post Tours are designed for international tour operators, travel agencies, product managers and buyers who are interested in developing new tourism products in Finland.

Participation is only intended for professionals who are already taking part in Matka Travel Fair and/or Matka Workshop Day 2027.

 

How many participants per company can join a Pre or Post Tour?

As places are limited and some tours are particularly popular, participation is generally limited to one person per company per tour.

We kindly ask for your understanding, as we want to give as many different tour operators as possible the opportunity to experience our Finnish destinations.

Exceptions may be possible: If places remain available and the host destination agrees, we may allow a maximum of two participants from the same company to join the same Pre or Post Tour. Such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Please note: Two or more representatives from the same company are welcome to apply for different tours. The one-person limit applies to each individual tour, not to the company’s overall participation in the Pre and Post Tour programme.

How is it decided who can join which tour?

Buyers can indicate their preferred tours during the registration process. NordicMarketing will review all registrations together with the tour organisers and, where relevant, with the partners involved in the overall programme.

The final allocation depends on the buyer’s profile, business focus, market relevance, available places and the suitability of the tour programme.

Please note that participation cannot be guaranteed. The final decision is made by the destination or tour organiser, and places are limited. If demand is high, not all interested buyers may be able to join a tour.

When will I know if I have been accepted for a tour?

Registration is open from 1 to 30 November 2026. After registration closes, NordicMarketing will review all applications together with the host destinations.

We aim to accommodate as many preferences as possible, taking into account your selected tours, professional profile and the available places.

All applicants will be informed of their tour allocation by 15 December 2026 at the latest.

Please note that places are limited, and some tours may be more popular than others. Participation in your preferred tour cannot be guaranteed. The final selection is made by the host destination. If we cannot offer you a place on one of your preferred tours, we may contact you to discuss a suitable alternative.

Is my registration binding?

Your initial registration is not yet a binding booking. During the registration process, you can select up to three preferred tours. NordicMarketing will review all registrations together with the destinations and will try to match buyers with their preferred tours whenever possible.

However, participation in a specific tour cannot be guaranteed. If your preferred tours are fully booked or not the best match for your profile, we may suggest an alternative tour and will discuss this with you directly.

Once you have confirmed your participation in a specific tour and the destination has booked and paid for services such as flights or other travel arrangements on your behalf, your participation becomes binding.

If you cancel after this point, the destination reserves the right to charge any costs that have already been incurred.

What language will be used during the tours?

The main language of the Pre and Post Tours is English. Presentations, communication and guiding during the tours will generally be provided in English, unless otherwise stated in the specific tour programme.

How large are the groups?

The group size is usually 4–8 participants per tour. This ensures a personal atmosphere, high-quality networking and enough time for meaningful discussions with the local hosts and tourism companies.

What costs are covered?

The tours are generally organised on a hosted basis. This means that the host organisation usually covers the buyer’s costs on the route Helsinki–destination–Helsinki, including the services included in the confirmed tour programme.

Buyers are responsible for their own travel to the starting point, unless otherwise agreed or confirmed separately.

Are dietary requirements and food preferences taken into account?

Yes. Buyers can provide information about dietary requirements, allergies and other relevant food preferences during the registration process.

The tour organisers will do their best to take these into account. However, availability may depend on the destination, local suppliers and the specific programme.

What should I bring with me?

Please bring comfortable clothing suitable for the season and the activities included in the programme. For winter tours, warm outdoor clothing, proper shoes, gloves, a hat and layered clothing are strongly recommended.

More detailed packing information will be provided before the tour, depending on the destination and programme.

 

Will special equipment or clothing be provided?

If special equipment is needed for specific activities, this will usually be mentioned in the tour programme.

In some cases, local suppliers may provide activity-specific equipment such as overalls, helmets, snowshoes or other gear. Details will be confirmed before the tour.

 

Will accommodation be in single or shared rooms?

In most cases, participants will stay in single rooms. If shared accommodation or another special accommodation arrangement is part of a specific tour, this will be clearly mentioned in the tour description in advance. This may apply, for example, to special wilderness experiences such as an overnight stay in a wilderness cabin.

 

Do I need to be physically fit for the activities?

Some tours may include outdoor activities, walking, snow activities or other experiences that require a normal level of physical fitness. However, nobody is required to take part in an activity if they do not feel comfortable or fit enough. There will usually be a Plan B or an alternative option.

Please let us know during registration if you have any health-related limitations or concerns, so that we can take this into account when assessing the suitability of the tour.

 

Do I need travel health insurance?

Yes, we strongly recommend that all participants have valid travel health insurance and travel insurance covering the full duration of their trip. Participants are responsible for their own insurance coverage, including medical care, accidents, travel disruptions and personal belongings.

Please let us know during registration if you have any health-related limitations or concerns, so that we can take this into account when assessing the suitability of the tour.

 

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Star_Arctic_Saariselka_snowmobiling-sunset2_© Star Arctic Saariselkä

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