Things to see and do Mikkeli

One of the biggest cultural events of the summer in Finland. The programme includes painting exhibitions, concerts, lectures, etc. Every 3-4 years, a competition of young painters is held here, as well as a traditional Finnish singing competition Merikanto. The restaurant Kesäheinä - Summer Hay - serves you inside. This event is very popular among Finns, and is attracting more and more foreigners. In addition to art exhibitions, the Salmela Centre also organises concerts, see their website for the agenda.

Now an observation tower, this old water tower from 1912 stands on Naisvuori (literally "Women's Mountain") hill in the centre of Mikkeli town. The café inside, known for its delicious waffles, is always busy during the summer holidays. It is the ideal place to take a break between visits and walks, and is a great place to enjoy a meal. The hill also has a small park with all kinds of flowers. You can have a picnic here or simply enjoy the splendid view!

The museum houses Martti Airio's private collection, which he bequeathed on his death. It features works by Finnish painters from 1870 to 1990, including artists from the Septem Group and the November Group. Upstairs, you'll find sculptures by Johannes Haapasalo (1880-1965), a pupil of Rodin. Some of these are scattered around downtown Mikkeli. There are also temporary exhibitions showcasing young local artists.

This park is full of activities! First there's the Dinosauria amusement park, featuring life-size dinosaurs and a water park (open only in summer). Then there's the Wax Museum, where you'll find frozen images of the country's most important personalities. Last but not least, the Automobile Museum exhibits beautiful vintage cars. Also in the park: restaurants (to suit all tastes), mini-golf, tennis courts, a campground and comfortable chalets.

It's a friendly market, more lively in summer than out of season, of course, and was already active in the Middle Ages. Here you can sample muikku (small fish), rieska (unleavened bread) and kalakukko (filled rolls), among other delicacies.

The covered market is also worth a visit. It has just celebrated its 100th anniversary, and is located inside a large, modern shopping center. It's open Monday to Friday, 7.30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 7.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Savilahdenkatu 6).

Created in 1982, the museum presents the evolution of the Finnish infantry from the 1890s to the present day. The permanent exhibitions are very interesting around the history: that of the road to independence in 1918, then the years 1920-1930 before treating more particularly the Second World War. It's not only for history buffs! We advise you to book a guide in advance... South of the Infantry Museum, in Urpola, continue your visit by taking a look at the nature park (Luontokeskus).

The museum is located in the former school from which Field Marshal Mannerheim and his staff led the military operations against the Soviets. During the Second World War, the Finnish General Staff was based in Mikkeli. The town was ideally situated for the commanders, as it was at a good distance from all the fronts. On the spot, you can see the Marshal's office and an audio-visual programme on the activities of the General Staff.