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.
For Finns, General Suvorov has remained relatively unknown, but in Russia, he is a figure comparable to Mannerheim for the Finnish people. Alexander Vasilyevich Suvorov (1729–1800) was a Russian military commander and generalissimo, often referred to as the "general of generals." His immortal fame is based on the fact that he never lost any of the approximately 60 battles he fought. In 1791, Catherine II assigned Suvorov to Old Finland to plan and oversee the fortification of the region. Suvorov initiated the construction of new fortifications as well as the repair of old ones. Additionally, work began on four military canals—Kutvele, Käyhkää, Kukonharju, and Telataipale—that connected Lappeenranta and Olavinlinna.
Contemporaries considered Suvorov eccentric and stubborn. He had a down-to-earth demeanor and preferred the company of peasants to the high-society parties of St. Petersburg, where he was simply deemed insane. Suvorov’s lineage appears to trace back to Finland, and he regarded himself as Finnish, although Russian historians have naturally not embraced this interpretation.
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 cruise is available from June to September on Saturdays and Sundays at 12.
Leaving from Puumala harbour, Satamatie 2.
Duration ~2h.
Ticket Prices:
69 € / adult (minimum 4 and maximum 11 participants)
30 € / child (ages 4-16)
Children 3 years and under travel for free.
The ticket price includes: Cruise on Saimaa, audio commentary, life jackets, wind- and waterproof outer jackets, and waterproof floating suits in case of bad weather.
See also other alternative cruises to the canals Kukonharju and Käyhkää.
This cruise is also well-suited for private charters at other times, and the departure point can even be arranged from your own cottage pier. Contact us: info@ribsaimaa.fi or +358 40 555 8250 / Heikki.
For groups, inquire about minibus transportation to the cruise departure point within the South Savo region (Mikkeli, Puumala, Lappeenranta, Savonlinna, etc.)!