Magnificent nature trails and hiking terrain surround Sahanlahti
Come and enjoy being active in the middle of Saimaa's nature, whether for a longer period or just for a day!
Go cycling on Puumala's 60 km long stunning archipelago route, hike on the Norppapolku trail, or marvel at the Tupavuori cave. Take a brisk walk along the Elsa Heporaudan trail in Sahanlahti or head out onto the waves of Lake Saimaa in a canoe.
On this page, you will find a few highlights of the wonderful nature trails and destinations in the surrounding area.
You can find more great destinations for hiking and outdoor activities on the Visit Puumala website.
Norppapolku trail
This magnificent circular route is approximately 13 km long and can be walked in either direction. The trail is slightly easier to walk in a clockwise direction. If you don't want to walk the entire trail, you can choose from three shorter circular routes - Kitula loop 3 km, Kaivanto loop 4 km, and Kotkasaari loop 2.8 km.
The Norppareitti trail is marked with paint on trees and metal signs. In addition, there are Saimaa Geopark information boards along the trail that tell about the geological history of the area, as well as Norppalaavu, which offers a nice setting for a snack break.
Loketon onkalo
Loketon onkalo is a mysterious, approximately 70-meter-long gorge shaded by rock walls near Pistohiekka. The trail is approximately 1.5 kilometers long and can be walked through the gorge to a picnic area on the rock ledge.
The route is partly difficult to navigate due to the ladders and the path running along the rock slope which is supported by a rope handrail.
Puumala
Archipelago Route
Go cycling in the stunning scenery of Lake Saimaa! There is a ferry along the route, for which you need to book seats in advance.
On the Archipelago Route, you can make stops along the way in addition to Sahanlahti Resort, for example to enjoy good food at the Niinipuu restaurant in Niinisaari or ice cream on the terrace of Hurissalo Sale.
Saimaa Geopark
In Sahanlahti, you are close to the magnificent Saimaa Geopark nature sites. The Saimaa Geopark area has numerous geological attractions of scientific, historical, or scenic interest, with 65 such sites in southern Saimaa.
The geosites also include beautiful nature trails.