Mikkeli (Swedish: S: t Michel) is a city in Finland and the
regional center of Southern Savonia, located on the northwestern
shore of Lake Saimaa in the province of Southern Savonia.
The
city has a population of 53,028 and an area of 3,229.57 km², of
which 681.22 km² are water bodies. There are about 700 lakes and
ponds in the city. The population density is 20.8 inhabitants / km².
Outside the city center and the immediately related areas of
Rantakylä and Moisio-Tuukkala, the most densely populated areas are
the church villages of the former municipalities of Anttola and
Ristiina, the town of Otava and the Asemankylä of Haukivuori.
Mikkeli's neighboring municipalities are Hirvensalmi, Juva,
Kangasniemi, Mäntyharju, Pieksämäki, Puumala and Savitaipale.
Mikkeli is located on the watershed between the Vuoksi watershed
and the Kymijoki watershed. The city center is on the shores of
Saimaa's Savilahti. The lakes in the eastern part of the city belong
to the Vuoksi watershed. In the west, the city reaches Puulavesi,
which is part of the Mäntyharju route in the Kymijoki watershed. To
the north, the city extends to Kyyvesi, which flows into Puulavesi.
The mayor of Mikkeli is Timo Halonen. When the Mikkeli council
elected the mayor in the spring of 2015, Halonen won Olli
Naukkarinen's vote 33-26. Halonen took up the position in early
autumn 2015.
Mikkeli has the largest number of holiday homes
in Finland.
Mikkeli Cathedral
Standing as a prominent landmark in the city
center, Mikkeli Cathedral is a neo-Gothic structure built in 1896-1897
from red brick, featuring intricate stonework and a towering spire that
dominates the skyline. Inside, the atmosphere is serene with ornate
altarpieces, stained-glass windows, and wooden pews that evoke a sense
of peace and historical reverence. It's a popular spot for quiet
reflection, concerts, and weddings, and its location opposite the
Mikkeli Art Museum makes it easy to combine visits. Rated highly for its
calming ambiance, it has earned 4.4 out of 5 from 72 reviews, making it
one of the top-rated sights in the area.
Kenkavero Vicarage
Kenkävero, often hailed as Finland's largest and most beautiful
vicarage, is a restored 19th-century estate on the shores of Lake
Saimaa. The site includes historic buildings transformed into exhibition
spaces, boutiques selling handicrafts and souvenirs, a restaurant, and
lush gardens perfect for strolling. Visitors can explore themed events,
art displays, and a summer terrace with stylish interiors. It's
particularly noted for its cultural programs, including workshops on
traditional Finnish crafts. With a rating of 4.1 out of 5 from 81
reviews, it's ideal for those interested in architecture and local
heritage, and its proximity to Mikkelipuisto Park allows for extended
outdoor enjoyment.
Headquarters Museum
This specialty museum
delves into Mikkeli's pivotal role during World War II, when the city
served as the Finnish Defense Forces' headquarters under Field Marshal
Mannerheim. Exhibits use modern multimedia, including interactive plots
and artifacts, to recount wartime operations and key events. It's
especially recommended for history buffs, offering insights into
military strategy and daily life at the headquarters. Rated 4.2 out of 5
from 56 reviews, the museum provides an educational experience that's
both immersive and obligatory for those with an interest in Finnish
military history.
Neitvuori Hill and Lookout
Neitvuori, a
scenic hill rising to about 110 meters, offers breathtaking panoramic
views of Lake Luonteri and the surrounding forests. The ascent involves
a moderate hike with some steep sections, making it adventurous but
potentially challenging for families with young children—opt for the
shorter trail if needed. At the top, visitors are rewarded with
unspoiled nature, ideal for photography or picnics. It's one of the
highest-rated attractions at 4.9 out of 5 from 11 reviews, praised for
its raw beauty and tranquility, embodying the essence of Finnish
wilderness.
Mannerheim's Saloon Car
This preserved railway
car, used by Field Marshal Mannerheim during WWII, is a compact museum
showcasing the general's personal quarters, including bedrooms, a dining
area, and meeting rooms. It provides a tangible glimpse into wartime
leadership and travel, with artifacts that evoke the era's atmosphere.
Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 47 reviews, it's a must-see for history
enthusiasts, highlighting Finland's resilience during the conflicts.
Naisvuori Observation Tower
Perched atop Naisvuori Hill in the
city center, this tower provides sweeping 360-degree views over Mikkeli,
Lake Saimaa, and the distant forests. For a modest fee of about 2 euros,
visitors can ascend via stairs or elevator to enjoy the vista, with a
café at the base for refreshments. It's accessible year-round and
particularly stunning during sunset or in autumn foliage. Rated 4.1 out
of 5 from 36 reviews, it's a highlight for its convenience and photo
opportunities, and it ties into WWII history as part of the Signal
Centre Lokki nearby.
Astuvansalmi Rock Paintings
Located in
Ristiina on the shores of Lake Yövesi, this prehistoric site features
the largest collection of rock art in the Nordic countries, dating back
to 3800-2200 BC. The ochre paintings, spanning 17 meters wide and 5.5
meters high on a sheer rock face, depict over 80 figures including
humans, elks, boats, fish, and handprints—possibly representing ancient
shamanistic rituals or daily life. Access is best via a 20-minute boat
tour from Kallioneimi, as the forest trail is poorly marked; tours often
include local lore and stops at secluded beaches. This UNESCO-recognized
Saimaa Geopark site exudes ancient mystery and natural peace, making it
a unique cultural treasure.
Infantry Museum
Focusing on
Finland's military history since independence in 1917, this museum
displays a vast array of artifacts, weapons, uniforms, and vehicles
across indoor and outdoor exhibits. It's family-friendly, with detailed
displays that engage both adults and children through large-scale items
and intricate models. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 37 reviews, it complements
other WWII sites in Mikkeli, offering a comprehensive look at the
nation's defense heritage.
Communications Centre Lokki
Codename "Lokki" (seagull in Finnish), this underground bunker served as
the WWII communications hub for Finland's headquarters in Mikkeli.
Carved into bedrock, it features restored rooms with original equipment,
radios, and maps, illustrating wartime intelligence operations. Guided
tours reveal stories of secrecy and strategy during the Continuation War
(1941-1944). Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 23 reviews, it's an intriguing dive
into hidden history, often paired with visits to the Naisvuori Tower
above it.
Mannerheim Statue
In the bustling Mikkeli Market
Square, this bronze statue honors Field Marshal Carl Gustaf Emil
Mannerheim, depicting him on horseback in a commanding pose. Erected in
1965, it's a central landmark that's hard to miss while shopping at the
market or visiting nearby cafés like Marski's Café. Rated 4.2 out of 5
from 38 reviews, it symbolizes Mikkeli's wartime legacy and serves as a
photo spot amid lively local commerce.
Mikkelipuisto Park
This
central green space features manicured gardens, walking paths along the
lake, wooded areas, and picnic spots, making it a relaxing urban oasis.
It's family-oriented with playgrounds and seasonal events, and its
lakeside location invites birdwatching or boating. Rated 4.4 out of 5
from 16 reviews, it's perfect for unwinding after exploring nearby
attractions like Kenkävero.
Art Centre Salmela
In Mäntyharju,
this summer art hub occupies a preserved 19th-century village with
galleries in historic buildings like the old parish house and
apothecary. It hosts exhibitions of modern Finnish art, a sculpture park
by the water, concerts at an outdoor stage, and dining at Restaurant
Kesäheinä. The center blends visual arts, music, and architecture,
attracting crowds for its cultural festivals and serene gazebos.
Rapio Mill in Juva
As Finland's oldest operational watermill, dating
back centuries, Rapio Mill grinds natural products like flours and
grains using traditional methods. The site includes a mill shop and café
in a historic setting, offering tastings and purchases of Finnish mill
goods. It's a charming stop for those interested in rural heritage and
sustainable practices.
Lietvesi Scenic Route (Road 62)
This
5-kilometer stretch between Mikkeli and Puumala is one of Finland's most
photographed roads, winding through Lake Saimaa's islands with stunning
water views. Features include a small kiosk and observation points for
pausing to admire the archipelago. It's ideal for road trips, cycling,
or photography, capturing the quintessential Finnish lakeland scenery.
Visulahti Theme Park
A family favorite, Visulahti combines a
water park (Dinosauria with slides and pools) and an adventure area
(Xonpuisto with electric cars and quads). Open mainly in summer, it
offers camping, restaurants, and events like the Hulivili Carnival,
providing fun for all ages amid the lakeland setting.
Ollinmäki
Berry Winery
Finland's first berry winery since 1995, located 18km
from Mikkeli, produces unique wines, ciders, and liquors from local
fruits like black currants, lingonberries, and blueberries. Open daily
for tastings (10-15 euros per bottle), it offers a fresh twist on
Finnish produce, with flavors that range from sweet to tart—an acquired
taste for some.
Tertti Manor
About 8km east of Mikkeli, this
1890s manor house features antique-furnished interiors from Russian
traders and a renowned summer buffet (June-August, ~50 euros) using
garden-fresh ingredients like berries and mushrooms. Even outside buffet
season, the café, deli, and gardens are worth exploring for their
historical charm and peaceful ambiance.
Nearby Excursions:
Repovesi National Park and Savonlinna
For nature lovers, Repovesi
National Park (78km south) boasts hiking trails like the 5km Fox Trail
with suspension bridges, lakes for kayaking, and campsites—rent gear for
overnight stays. Further east (100km), Savonlinna offers a day trip to
Olavinlinna Castle, a 15th-century fortress on an island, best explored
via summer steamboat cruises on Lake Saimaa. The castle's history
includes winding staircases and hidden rooms, while the town serves
local delicacies like Lörtsy pastries.
Prehistory
The oldest found signs of settlement in
the Mikkeli region are from the Stone Age combing period 4000–2000
BC. The finds known from this era consist of dwellings. It has been
speculated that the oldest settlements have disappeared under the
floodwaters that left the Vuoksi outbreak. Archaeological
excavations in the region have been carried out in the Iron Age
settlements of Tuukkala, Visulahti, Orijärvi and Kenkävero, among
others. The Iron Age castle mountains are the castle mountains of
Sairila, Otava, Vatila and Otrala.
Historical time
The
oldest written mentions of the settlement of the present-day Mikkeli
region date back to 1323 from the Treaty of Peace on Pähkinäsaari,
by which the Savilahti pogo (Novgorod parish) was transferred from
Novgorod to Sweden. According to the archangel Michael, the place
Mikkeli was named at the beginning of the 16th century at the
latest. The members of the German colony moved to the shores of Lake
Tarsalanjärvi in 1540, to the then parish of Vesulahti
(Visulahti). Mikael Agricola paid an inspection visit to Savilahti
in 1549.
In the Battle of Suur-Savo of the Mallet War in
1597, more than 200 peasant rebel soldiers were killed in the
Mikkeli parish rectory in Kenkävero.
In the War of Gustav
III, in 1789, a few kilometers south of the church village of
Mikkeli, the Battle of Porrassalmi was fought, in which
Swedish-Finnish troops won the victory over the overwhelming
Russians.
Mikkeli received city rights in 1838 from the
Russian emperor Nicholas I. Its town plan was drawn up by C. L.
Engel. The formula was a grid layout, with most blocks comprising
six plots. The county government of Mikkeli county, founded in 1831,
moved from Heinola to Mikkeli in 1843.
The time of
independent Finland
During the Civil War (1918), Mikkeli was one
of the places from which the activities of the government, the
forces of the Republic of Finland, ie the whites, were led. During
the Second World War, during the Winter, Continuation and Lapland
Wars (1939–1940, 1941–1944 and 1944–1945), the Finnish Army
headquarters were located in Mikkeli and the war leadership was
housed in the Mikkeli Central School, completed in 1902. was opened
in 1989. Due to the location of the headquarters, Mikkeli was one of
the most bombed cities in Finland during the war. During the Second
World War, the Liaison Staff of the Nazi German Army Nord also
operated in Mikkeli. After the war, a settler from Raud was
stationed in Mikkeli.
Mikkeli is the only Finnish place to
have been awarded the Cross of Liberty - the 4th grade Cross of
Liberty with its swords - in 1944 as a thank you for serving as the
headquarters city in every four wars of independent Finland. The
coat of arms of the city bears the coat of arms of Mikkeli, at the
top of which there are two crossed marshal sticks, also in memory of
serving as the headquarters.
In August 1986, a car exploded
on the outskirts of Mikkeli Square during a police siege, which had
escaped the man who had robbed the Kansallis-Osake-Pankki branch in
Jakomäki, Helsinki, the previous day. The blast killed a bank robber
and one of his three hostages. The series of events is known as the
Mikkeli hostage drama.
In the county reform in 1997, Mikkeli
became the capital of the Province of Eastern Finland and, after the
counties ceased to exist, the headquarters of the Regional State
Administrative Agency of Eastern Finland and the Etelä-Savo Center
for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment in 2010.
In 2001, Mikkeli, Anttola and the rural municipality of Mikkeli
merged to form the new city of Mikkeli. Haukivuori joined Mikkeli in
2007, and in 2013 Ristiina and Suomenniemi also joined Mikkeli.