Kyläniemi Island – 6 km, Rastinniemi Cape – 21 km
In the 18th century, Southern Saimaa was divided between Sweden and the Russian Empire. To ensure maritime mobility, the Russians, under the leadership of General Alexander Suvorov, built a network of canals, one of which formed Kyläniemi Island. Later, the canal was widened, and today the island is only accessible by ferry.
Most ferries in Finland are free for cars and bicycles. When you arrive at the pier, if the ferry is on your side, you can drive right on. If the ferry is on the opposite shore, the operator will see you and arrive within 3–5 minutes. The ferry operates 24/7 year-round (with only four 20-minute breaks per day).
From the ferry, it is another 15 km to Rastinniemi Cape.
Rastinniemi is one of the most beautiful recreation areas on Lake Saimaa. Here, you can immerse yourself in the heart of Saimaa and breathe in the fresh spirit of lakeside nature. The recreation area is equipped with two shelters with barbecue pits, a supply of firewood, and toilets. The shoreline of the cape consists of small smooth stones and pebbles.
All cargo ships traveling the deep-water route from the Saimaa Canal to Savonlinna and back pass through the Rastinvirta Strait.
