Stories of the borderland: War history and Hiitolanjoki, sample package

For groups For those hungry for culture For groups of friends

STORIES OF THE BORDERLAND: WAR HISTORY AND HIITOLANJOKI

Welcome to the heart of Saimaa and the history of the borderland.

The journey takes us deep into the history of the borderland and the unique destinations of Saimaa Geopark. We will discover the story of the legendary Simo Häyhä, experience the surges of the freed Hiitolanjoki with full accessibility, and relax on the waves of the Vuoksi.

Would you like to book a trip for your own group? This trip can be booked for groups all year round – we tailor the program to suit your exact needs.

DAY 1. Whispers of history and surging rapids

10.00 Departure. The bus picks up in front of Imatra State Hotel.
10.30 Arrival in Rautjärvi. Guided tour of the Kollaa and Simo Häyhä Museum. We will hear about the miracle of the Winter War and the life of sniper Simo Häyhä.
12.15 The journey continues towards Simpele. Along the route, we catch a glimpse of the Russian border.
13.00 Lunch at the idyllic BB Hiitolanjoki. Traditional salmon soup, Karelian pies, and coffee/tea will be served.
Vegan option and food allergies are accommodated upon advance notice – please remember to mention these in the additional details of your booking.
14.00 Guided nature tour at Hiitolanjoki. We explore the scenery of Kangaskoski, Lahnasenkoski, and Ritakoski (see video of the restored rapids here).
The route is accessible and easy to walk, including the bird tower and restroom facilities, so it is suitable for everyone.
16.00 Transfer by bus to Parikkala.
16.15 Visit to Parikkala Sculpture Park. We will explore outsider artist Veijo Rönkkönen's world-famous and mystical concrete sculpture collection independently.
17.15 Return trip towards Imatra begins.
18.00 Arrival at Imatra State Hotel. Check-in and some free time.
19.00 Shared dinner at the hotel restaurant. A unified menu is served, with special dietary requirements accommodated.

DAY 2. Recreation on the Vuoksi

08.00–09.30 Breakfast at the hotel.
10.00 Check-out. Luggage will be placed in the hotel storage. Led by our guide, we walk (approx. 1.3 km) towards the Vuoksi shoreline.
10.30 Sauna raft cruise on the Vuoksi. Opportunity to enjoy the sauna and swim in the current.
For an additional fee: sauna towel and/or unforgettable Drysuit Floating in the Vuoksi current.
12.30 The sauna raft docks.
12.45 Shared lunch at Restaurant Sula.
13.45 The bus picks up the group in front of the restaurant. We make a detour via the Valtionhotelli to load the luggage.
14.30 Arrival in Lappeenranta, in front of Hotel Lappee.
The trip ends here. Accommodation in Lappeenranta and any onward connections are independent.

The responsible tour operator is Simmes Oy / Rajamailla. The trip constitutes a package travel tour, which secures customer payments in cancellation situations. Under the package travel agreement, Simmes Oy pays the Margin Tax retroactively for the tour. If you would like a receipt with the tax itemized, please send an email to myynti@rajamailla.fi.

The bonded tour operator is Simmes Oy / Rajamailla. FCCA registration number: 1392/21/Mj