Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
KARELIA SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION
around Imatra and Lappeenranta.
has a dedicated accommodation booking service for cottage, cabin and apartment rental.
FARMSTAYS
If you're looking to get off the beaten track, meet locals and experience rural life, try a
farmstay in the countryside around Lappeenranta. Your double room, costing around
€70, could be in a traditional 19th-century farmhouse, a former granary or perhaps a
cosy log cabin in the grounds. Some places have animals for children to pet, and almost
all offer outdoor activities, such as smoke saunas, rowing, fishing, snowshoeing, snow-
mobiling or horse-drawn sleigh-riding.
A great option is the lakeside
Asko & Maija's Farmhouse
( 040-507-5842;
www.rantatupa.net
;Suolahdentie 461, Taipalsaari;homestay per person €30, cottages per week from
€430; mid-May-late Sep; ), 30km northwest of Lappeenranta off Rd 408. Homestay
accommodation is in a traditional log cabin built in 1843; there are also three charming
timber cottages. Contact Lappeenranta's main tourist office to find others.
Eating
Kahvila Majurska
CAFE
11am-5pm Sun)
If you can't border-hop to a genuine Russian teahouse, this is as close as you'll get in Fin-
land. A former officer's club (check out the vintage furniture and august portrait of Man-
nerheim), it still serves tea from the samovar and does a range of homemade pastries.
Wanha Makasiini
BISTRO
