SAIMAA HOP ON HOP OFF
RIB BOAT CRUISE TO KUKONHARJU HISTORICAL CANAL
Welcome to a full-day excursion from Mikkeli to Puumala for a historical canal cruise! In addition to admiring the archipelago scenery, this Saimaa cruise offers a chance to explore the military canal built by Russian General Aleksandr Suvorov at the end of the 18th century.
The cruise departs from Puumala harbor. The boat will stop at Kukonharju to explore the remains of the site and enjoy some traditional coffee from a campfire. You can join the tour from Mikkeli, Pistohiekka, or Sahanlahti by Hop on Hop off bus, or directly at Puumala harbor.
Cruise route: Puumala harbor - Ummistonvesi - through Ristivesi - Kukonharju canal - Puumala harbor.
On the Rib Saimaa boat, you'll learn about the fascinating Suvorov military canals, with commentary in Finnish, English, and Russian, including information about the Russo-Swedish War and Kukonharju canal.
This full-day trip to Kukonharju Canal is available on Wednesdays during odd weeks: 4.6., 18.6., 2.7., 16.7., 30.7., 13.8., 27.8. ja 10.9
Schedule:
9:00 Departure from Mikkeli Travel Center
9:05 AM Departure from Mikkeli market square charter bus stop. The bus will drive via Pistohiekka, Pistocamp, and Sahanlahti if needed, arriving in Puumala at 10:20.
12:00 Departure for the Kukonharju cruise aboard Rib Saimaa’s rib boat
~15:30 Return to Puumala harbor.
Return journey to Mikkeli:
16:30 (2.7., 16.7., 30.7. ja 13.8.): Departure by bus from Puumala, with stops at Sahanlahti and Pistohiekka if needed. Arrival in Mikkeli at around 17:55.
OR
17:15 (4.6., 18.6., 27.8. ja 10.9): Departure by bus from Puumala, with stops at Sahanlahti and Pistohiekka if needed. Arrival in Mikkeli at around 18:40.
Ticket Prices:
79 € / adult (minimum 4 and maximum 11 participants)
35 € / child (ages 4-16)
Children 3 years and under travel for free.
The ticket price includes: Round-trip transportation from Mikkeli by charter bus, cruise on Saimaa, audio commentary, campfire coffee moment, life jackets, wind- and waterproof outer jackets, and waterproof floating suits in case of bad weather.
Tips for the tour:
You can hop on the tour bus either at Mikkeli stops or from Pistohiekka (Resort and Pistocamp) or Sahanlahti, or join directly at Puumala harbor.
Puumala Harbor:
Take advantage of the harbor’s services before departure. The boat departs at 12:00 PM.
Recommended lunch spots before the cruise: Puumalan Poiju, Ravintola Satama, Kamilin Pizzeria, or Kalakontti. For more info.
Rib Saimaa:
The Rib boat cruise and the trip lasts approximately 3.5 hours. Audio commentary available in Finnish and English.
Hop On Hop Off Stops and Locations:
Mikkeli Travel Center: Charter bus stop 2. Mannerheimintie 12.
Market square charter bus stop: Behind the Mannerheim statue, Maaherrankatu 11.
Puumala harbour: Satamatie 2.
Sahanlahti: Sahanlahti Resort parking lot, Lietvedentie 830, Puumala.
Pistohiekka / Pistocamp: Pistohiekanraitti 79, Puumala.
Pistohiekka / Pistohiekka Resort: Pistohiekanraitti 33, Puumala.