SAIMAA HOP ON HOP OFF
RIB BOAT CRUISE FROM RISTIINA ROCK ART CENTER ASTUVA TO ASTUVANSALMI ROCK PAINTINGS AND TO ROKANSAARI
Welcome to the combined bus and boat trip through the Astuvansalmi rock paintings and Rokansaari to Puumala and back to Mikkeli!
On this guided tour, you'll explore ancient history and cruise through the magnificent lake scenery of Saimaa. You can hop on the Hop On Hop Off Saimaa tour bus from Mikkeli Travel Center or the charter stop at the market square. Our cruise aboard Rib Saimaa’s RIB boat starts at the dock near the Astuva Rock Art Center, giving you time beforehand to explore the new Astuva Rock Art Center. You can also join the tour directly at the Rock Art Center or at the dock (please specify in the additional details).
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.
This full-day excursion from Mikkeli, through the Astuvansalmi rock paintings and Rokansaari to Puumala and back, is organized on even weeks' Wednesdays: 11.6., 25.6., 9.7., 23.7. ja 6.8.
Schedule
9:00 Departure by bus from Mikkeli Travel Center
9:05 Departure from the market square charter stop (behind Marshal Mannerheim’s statue)
9:30 Arrival at the Astuva Rock Art Center for independent exploration
10:30 Rib boat cruise departs from the pier opposite Astuva Rock Art Center (Brahentie 55)
11:00 Visit to the rock paintings
~11:30 The cruise continues
12:45 Exploration of Rokansaari with time for lunch (pre-order or bring your own packed lunch)
15:00 Departure from Rokansaari
~15:15 Arrival at Puumala harbor
16:00 Tour bus departs back to Mikkeli
~17:00 Arrival in Mikkeli (market square and Travel Center)
~17:30 Arrival in Ristiina
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