Taste Saimaa is a delicious union of Eastern Finnish food, culture and traditions

The Lake Saimaa region was 2024 awarded the prestigious, international European Region of Gastronomy title. The unique gastronomy and culture of Eastern Finland are still celebrated with rich experiences that combine the purest food in the world and the original culture.

Welcome to enjoy Saimaa with all your senses!

Experiences

Flavours and aromas of four provinces of Finland

Food and culture along the Via Karelia route

Discover Saimaa

The Karelian Pasty Workshop

Guesthouse to Guesthouse Karelia à la carte Sauna Tour

Karelian evening

A unique culinary and culture in Eastern Finland

Cardamom and cinnamon bun workshop at the guesthouse

Island journey to Kynsisaari-island

Experience the joys of the Lake Saimaa region in Eastern Finland

Welcome on a memorable journey to enjoy the world's best food from the pure waters, forests and fields of Eastern Finland! Read more about the offering for travellers on the regional travel websites.

News

13/01/2025

Test the captivating Taste Saimaa menus created in honor of the anniversary

13/01/2025

Jasmin Kärkkäinen from Savonlinna came second in the international competition for young chefs

13/01/2025

The "From field-to-table" project strengthens the competitiveness of companies in the entire food chain

16/04/2024

Submissions open to IGCAT’s Food Film Menu 2024!

20/02/2024

Gozo recommended for the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026

16/02/2024

Want a tasty adventure? See IGCAT’s Top 10 Websites for Foodie Travelers for 2024

Taste Saimaa videos

In our videos, you can see what Taste Saimaa is all about - what our region is like and what kind of interesting producers we got.

You can find all our videos in the playlist

Upcoming events

Search events

Greenerin buffalounas on tehnyt paluun!

10/13/24 - 5/31/25

Mikkeli

Kynttiläillallinen Hospitzissa

12/19/24 - 5/30/25

Savonlinna

Guided trekking ski tour Puruvesi and open fire

12/26/24 - 3/26/25

Kesälahti

Guided Kicksled kicktour

12/29/24 - 3/30/25

Kitee

Perlina's blini weeks through January! Treats available from 7 January to 15 February 2025

1/7/25 - 2/15/25

Savonlinna

Ice fishing trip by snowmobiles

1/10/25 - 3/22/25

Oravi

Floating sauna Kaihu is now open in Mikkelipuisto park!

1/16/25 - 5/31/25

Mikkeli

Guided trekking ski tour, sauna and iceswimming in Sortolampi

1/25/25 - 3/29/25

Kesälahti

DELICIOUS BRUNCH IN LUOTO 25 January 2025

January 25, 2025, klo 11:00 - 13:00

Savonlinna

All events

Find out the Gems of Eastern Finland on the map!

Gems of Eastern Finland

The Saimaa European Region of Gastronomy award is a recognition for the unique food culture of the region.

Credits: Visit Karelia / Harri Tarvainen