Kolovesi National Park

This fine national park was founded in 1990, and covers several islands which feature unusually well-preserved pine forests. There are high hills, rocky cliffs and caves, and even prehistoric paintings on rocks. Saimaa marble seals are known to live in this area. A rowing boat is practically the only way to see the fantastic scenery as all motored boats are prohibited in the park. A guide is an unavoidable expense if you want to find the best places, but as groups get to travel in an old ‘church longboat’ with up to 10 pairs of oars, you can split the cost. Kolovesi National Park is in eastern Savo and is accessible by bus and ferry from Savonlinna.