Kerimäki: Puruvesi, island nature and church architecture

Lake Puruvesi surrounds Kerimäki and is considered exceptionally clean and clear in the Saimaa lake region. Travel planning offers several different focal points: the beach and boat services at Kirkkoranta, the island nature and cultural landscape of Hytermä, and church architecture and activities throughout the year.

Kerimäki Church: size and visit planning

Kerimäki Church is the largest wooden church in the world. It is 45 metres long, 42 metres wide and 27 metres high; the cross reaches a height of 37 metres. The pews have a combined length of about 1,670 metres. The church has more than 3,000 seats and room for about 5,000 people, including standing room. The exterior dimensions, pew length and capacity each show its size from a different perspective.

Important for your planning: The church will be closed for the entire year of 2026 due to renovation work. If you are planning to visit on a later trip, check its visiting status again after 31 December 2026.

Kirkkoranta on Lake Puruvesi

Kirkkoranta is in the centre of Kerimäki on the clear waters of Lake Puruvesi, and serves as both a sandy beach and a guest harbour. The beach slopes gently into the water and is suitable for families with children. If you are planning a stay by the water, this location offers both a beach and a boating focus.

Boaters can use a service quay with three to five berths, a drinking water point, waste disposal, electrical connections and a slipway. The number of berths is given as a range; bear this in mind when planning if you are arriving by boat.

Hytermä: nature trail, beaches and cultural landscape

The three islands of Hytermä have been protected as a nature reserve since 1932. The area was the first nature reserve in what was then Mikkeli County. On the main island, an easy-to-follow nature trail follows in the footsteps of Romu-Heikki and circles the island. Hytermä therefore appeals both to travellers looking for a walk in nature and to those interested in the history of the cultural landscape.

Hytermä is also home to a remarkable collection of rock art and old buildings. Fine sandy beaches offer the chance to take a dip in the lake on hot days. There are therefore several options for a stay focused on exercise, swimming or culture. You can also explore Hytermä in a rented rowing boat. If you would like to do so, check availability before your trip.

Activities in different seasons

The Kerigolf course is set in beautiful woodland, and changes in elevation add variety to the game. In winter, the Kerimäki area has well-maintained cross-country ski trails through varied terrain. When conditions are suitable, people also go skiing on the ice of Lake Saimaa. If you are planning a trip on the ice, check local conditions before your journey.

A seasonal local note concerns fish sales: in summer, fresh Puruvesi vendace is sold on Fridays at the foot of the church. If you would like to include this in your travel plans, check the current arrangements in advance. This helps distinguish summer travel plans from winter cross-country skiing opportunities, without presenting the activities as available year-round.

Getting there from Savonlinna

Kerimäki is about 30 minutes from Savonlinna by bus; the distance is around 23 kilometres. Check the timetable for your specific travel date. This lets you factor the journey into your plans before deciding which of the local highlights will shape your trip.

Discover more destinations: Hiukkajoki, Ihamaniemi, Enonkoski, Oravi, Vuoriniemi, Lötjölä, Piojärvi, Savonranta.

For the main travel overview: Savonlinna.