SAIMAA HOP ON HOP OFF
RIB BOAT CRUISE FROM PUUMALA TO ROKANSAARI, ASTUVANSALMI ROCK PAINTINGS AND ROCK ART CENTER ASTUVA
Welcome to the combined bus and boat trip through the Astuvansalmi rock paintings and Rokansaari from Puumala and back to Mikkeli!
On this guided tour, you will explore ancient history while cruising through the magnificent lake nature of Saimaa. You can hop on the Hop on Hop off Saimaa tour bus from the Mikkeli Travel Center or the market square’s charter bus stop, and travel through Pistohiekka and Sahanlahti to the Puumala harbor. From there, you’ll embark on a Rib Saimaa RIB boat to Rokansaari and the Astuvansalmi rock paintings, all while enjoying the stunning Saimaa scenery. You can also join the tour directly at the Puumala harbor (please indicate this in the additional information). The cruise ends at the Ristiina dock, from where it’s a short walk to the Kalliotaidekeskus Astuva (Rock Art Center). You’ll have an hour to explore the center before returning by bus via Mikkeli to the Puumala harbor.
The journey on a safe RIB boat is a comfortable experience while enjoying the stunning views of Saimaa. At the Astuvansalmi rock paintings, we will land to view the paintings up close, and those who wish can climb to the top of the impressive rock for panoramic views. Witness firsthand the breathtakingly beautiful and uniquely shaped rocks, which hide ancient rock paintings of humans, animals, and handprints, dating back thousands of years! Rokansaari, on the other hand, is a picturesque paradise island in the middle of Saimaa, where we will make a stop for a break.
This full-day boat trip from Puumala to Astuvansalmi rock paintings and back to Puumala takes place on Thursdays during even weeks: 12.6., 26.6., 10.7., 24.7. ja 7.8.
Schedule
9:00 AM 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 to Puumala harbor if necessary.
10:20 Arrival at Puumala harbor
11:00 Rib Saimaa RIB boat cruise
11:15 Explore Rokansaari and have time for lunch, order beforehand or take your own picnic.
13:15 Departure from Rokansaari
14:15 Visit to the Rock Paintings
15:00 Departure towards Ristiina
15:30 Arrival in Ristiina and visit to the Kalliotaidekeskus Astuva (Rock Art Center) for independent exploration.
16:20 Bus departure from the Rock Art Center for the return journey to Mikkeli and Puumala. The bus will drive via Pistohiekan and Sahanlahti if necessary.
18:00 Arrival at Puumala harbor.
Tickets
Adults: 89€ (min. 4 and max. 11 participants)
Children (4-16 years): 40€
Children 3 years and younger travel for free.
Ticket price includes: Round-trip transport from Mikkeli by charter bus, Saimaa cruise, guided tour at the rock paintings, life jackets, wind and waterproof jackets, and waterproof flotation suits in case of bad weather.
Note! A snack break will be held at Rokansaari. Meals and coffee are not included in the ticket price and are available for purchase separately. You can pre-order Rib Saimaa’s campfire coffee and hearty picnic snacks. Rokansaari also has the traditional Mallu's Café with a license to serve alcohol. If you have food allergies, please contact the café or Rib Saimaa directly (in the additional information field when booking). You can also bring your own snacks and drinks. There are campfire spots at Rokansaari.
Tips for the Trip
You can join the tour bus from Mikkeli (Matkakeskus or the market square) or board the RIB boat directly from Puumala.
Rib Saimaa
The total duration of the cruise is approximately 5 hours.
Contact: +358 40 5558250
Astuvansalmi Rock Paintings
Visit duration is approximately 45 minutes.
Rib Saimaa offers live and audio guidance on-site. The "Astuvansalmi Experience" is a mobile-based tour located at the Astuvansalmi rock paintings in Ristiina, Mikkeli. The SALMI AR app features videos that illustrate what the landscape at Astuva may have looked like over the millennia, how the paintings might have been created, and allows a closer look at the different pictorial symbols. You can use the app yourself or listen to the audio guide provided by Rib Saimaa with headphones.
Puumala Harbor
Take advantage of the harbor’s services before the cruise. The RIB boat departs at 11:00.
Hop On Hop Off Stops and Locations
Mikkeli Travel Center: Charter bus stop 2. Mannerheimintie 12.
Market Square charter bus stop: Behind Mannerheim's statue, Maaherrankatu 11.
Ristiina: Kalliotaidekeskus Astuva, Brahentie 34.
Ristiina dock (Ristiina laivalaituri): Brahentie 55.
Puumala harbor: Satamatie 2.
Sahanlahti: Sahanlahti Resort parking area, Lietvedentie 830, Puumala
Pistohiekka / Pistocamp: Pistohiekanraitti 79, Puumala
Pistohiekka / Pistohiekka Resort: Pistohiekanraitti 33, Puumala