Kerimäki

A charming lakeside town famous for its extraordinary Kerimäki Church, which holds the distinction of being the world's largest wooden church. The town sits beautifully on the shores of Lake Saimaa and provides a peaceful, authentic Finnish experience.

Things to do

• Kerimäki Church — Visit the world's largest wooden church, completed in 1847, with its impressive interior capacity of 3,000 and stunning architecture reflecting Finnish neoclassical design.
• Lake Saimaa Boat Tours — Take a guided boat tour on Finland's largest lake to spot Saimaa ringed seals and experience the pristine natural beauty of the region.
• Kerimäki Church Museum — Explore the museum located within the church grounds to learn about the church's history, construction, and religious significance in Finnish culture.
• Lakeside Nature Walks — Stroll along the scenic shores of Lake Saimaa through forests and meadows, enjoying peaceful hiking trails suitable for all fitness levels.
• Local Market Square — Browse the weekly market in Kerimäki's town center where local vendors sell fresh produce, handicrafts, and regional products year-round.
• Fishing on Lake Saimaa — Try your hand at pike, perch, or salmon fishing, one of the most popular recreational activities in the region with rental services available.

Food to try

• Saimaa Salmon Soup — A creamy traditional Finnish soup made with fresh Saimaa salmon, potatoes, and dill, representing local lake cuisine at its finest.
• Karelian Pasties — Savory pastries filled with rice porridge or mashed potato, a traditional Finnish-Karelian delicacy commonly served as a snack throughout South Savo.
• Fresh Lake Perch — Simply prepared grilled or pan-fried perch caught from Lake Saimaa, often served with new potatoes and fresh vegetables at local restaurants.
• Reindeer Stew — A hearty Finnish speciality featuring tender reindeer meat braised with lingonberries and served with mashed potatoes and pickles.
• Fresh Berry Desserts — Local bakeries and cafes offer seasonal pastries and desserts made with cloudberries, lingonberries, and blueberries from surrounding forests.

Local customs & good to know

• Respectful Church Visits — When visiting Kerimäki Church, dress modestly and be quiet inside as it remains an active place of worship; guided tours are available during visiting hours.
• Finnish Sauna Tradition — Many local accommodations and guesthouses offer traditional Finnish saunas; removing shoes before entering homes and saunas is customary and expected.
• Summer Season Peak — Kerimäki is best visited between June and August when the weather is warmest, local events are frequent, and boat tours and outdoor activities operate at full capacity.
• Cash and Card Payment — While Finland is largely cashless, smaller establishments in Kerimäki may still prefer card payments; it's wise to carry a debit or credit card and have some euros on hand.