The annual seal counts were carried out in early April, and the results are currently being analyzed. The official number of pups born is usually announced around the turn of May and June, so we are eagerly awaiting the final figures.

The past winter was challenging. Snow was scarce, and the ice melted unusually early. These conditions increased the need for man-made snowdrifts on Lake Saimaa, and in Oravi, they were built through volunteer efforts in January.

During the April counts, signs of pups were also found in the artificial snowdrifts in Oravi, offering hope for a successful breeding season despite the difficult conditions. We will share more information once the official nest count results are available.

Artikkeli Spring Saimaa Ringed Seal Excursions Begin at May Day julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran SaimaaHoliday Oravi.

Spring brings one of the most anticipated moments of the year: the start of the paddling season in Oravi at the beginning of May. Although the ice disappeared from the lakes as early as April 7, early spring has been chilly – with frosty nights and cold water temperatures. This has naturally kept rental demand lower so far, but that is about to change. A pleasantly warm weather forecast for May Day makes it the perfect time to head out on the water.

Canoes and kayaks now available for booking

The paddling season officially begins on May 1, and canoes and kayaks are now available to book online from both the Oravi and Kolovesi rental locations.

In Oravi, the rental shop is open daily throughout May from 9 am to 5 pm. You are also welcome to stop by without a reservation and set off on a spontaneous paddling trip in LInansnaari National Park or Joutenvesi lake.

Take advantage of the spring offer

If you’re planning a longer trip, now is a great time to book. Enjoy 15% off canoe rentals with the code SPRING when you reserve equipment for two days or more in the online store. Spring is a fantastic time for a peaceful nature trip without the crowds of summer.

Why go paddling in spring?

Spring offers unique conditions for paddling:

• Nature is waking up, and migratory birds can be observed up close
• There’s a good chance of spotting the Saimaa ringed seal resting on shoreline rocks
• Mosquitoes are usually not yet present
• Campsites are quiet and uncrowded

Stay safe in cold water conditions

Even as the air warms up, the water remains cold. It’s important to pay special attention to safety. At the rental shop, you’ll receive guidance and instructions, and you can also book an introductory session covering paddling basics and safety.

Dry suits are also available for rent if needed, providing additional safety in cold conditions.

May Day is the perfect time to kick off the paddling season. Come and experience Lake Saimaa in spring – peaceful nature, clear waters, and a truly unique atmosphere await.

Artikkeli The paddling season in Oravi starts on May Day – spring is an ideal time to get on the water julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran SaimaaHoliday Oravi.

The ice melted exceptionally early this year – Lake Haukivesi was already ice-free on April 7. April has moved along quickly, and we’ve been busy with spring preparations: all boats have been serviced and made ready for the upcoming summer season.

The first seal safaris, kayaking trips, and water taxi transfers to Linnansaari have already taken place, and the atmosphere feels promisingly spring-like.

The weather forecast still suggests a brief return of winter towards the end of April, but despite that, our focus is already firmly on summer. The summer season in Oravi will kick off as usual on May Day. From then on, the restaurant will be open, the village shop will serve customers daily, and the much-awaited spring seal safaris will properly get underway.

Artikkeli Spring arrived early this year julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran SaimaaHoliday Oravi.

Artikkeli Spring is progressing quickly julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran SaimaaHoliday Oravi.

Wednesday 18 March: The ice is now melting rapidly, which is why the red snowplow poles have been removed from the ice and there is no longer a marked winter hiking trail. Going on the ice is now at your own risk. THANK YOU ALL FOR A GREAT WINTER!

Monday 16 March: There is hardly any snow left on the ice, so skiing is not possible. Walking along the snowmobile trail marked with red sticks is still possible. Stay on the trail since there are some ice holes forming in some places close to the route!

Today, the red poles will be removed from the ice at Peonselkä, so the marked trail will now only run from Oravi to Linnansaari (5 km/one way).

About 2 km from Oravi on Savonselkä, you can enjoy your packed lunch in a cozy lakeside hut. Firewood fee 4€. The Linnansaari pancake café is closed during week 12. The café attached to the Oravi village store is open! The equipment rental shop is open Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; on Saturday, enter through the village store door.

Artikkeli Route Info Week 12 (9.3.-15.3.2026) julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran SaimaaHoliday Oravi.

About 2 km from Oravi on Savonselkä, you can enjoy your packed lunch in a cozy lakeside hut. Firewood fee €4.

The rental shop in Oravi is open Mon-Sat 9-17.00. The Linnansaari pancake café is not open this week. The café connected to Oravi village shop is open Mon-Sat 9.00-17.00.

The ice fishing season is now at it’s best. Book a guided tour here.

Trail updates during the week:

Saturday 14 March: There is hardly any snow left on the ice, so skiing is not possible. We now recommend either using a kick sled in the morning or walking to Linnansaari, both along the marked snowmobile trail, as there are no layers of water beneath the surface ice. You should not go off the trail right now, as ice holes are forming in some places. Kick sleds and, if needed, ice cleats for your shoes can be rented from the Oravi equipment rental shop. The Linnansaari café is not open today, but you can buy snacks or enjoy coffee on the spot at the Oravi village shop-café. Photo below is from Friday evening.

Monday 9 March: Warm and sunny weather is forecast for the whole week. We recommend to head out onto the ice early in the morning for skiing, walking, or kick sledding. When skiing, stay close to the trail. All trails will soften during the day.

Artikkeli Route Info Week 11 (9.3.-15.3.2026) julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran SaimaaHoliday Oravi.

About 2 km from Oravi on Savonselkä, you can enjoy your packed lunch in a cozy lakeside hut. Firewood fee €4.

Trail updates during the week:

Saturday 7 March: Warm and sunny weather is forecast for the weekend. We recommend to head out onto the ice early in the morning for skiing, walking, or kick sledding. When skiing, stay close to the trail, and when kick sledding, keep in mind that the surface ice has not yet frozen properly in all places. All trails will soften during the day. The Linnansaari pancake café is not open today on Saturday. The village shop café in Oravi is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday 6 March: Kick sledding is possible on the trail today. There is mainly plus degrees forecast for the next night, so we will make an update tomorrow morning if kick sledding will still be possible tomorrow.

Thursday 5 March: After few minus degrees overnight, the marked winter hiking trail for walking is in good condition. You can also order a sleigh ride to Linnansaari.

Wednesday 4 March: Due to the above-zero temperatures, there is water and slush on the kick sled trail, so today the activities are walking on the marked winter hiking trail or skiing on the traditional ski trail that was made this morning from Oravi to Linnansaari. There is some water on the ski trail in some places. UPDATE AT 15. There is 15 cm of water on the plowed kick sled trail, and the few minus temperatures forecast for nights will not freeze the surface of the ice sufficiently. The kick sled trail will not be maintained at this time. We will post an update here if there will be proper frost temperatures and the kick sled trail can be opened again.

Tuesday 3 March: The minus temperatures during the night did its job, and today you can get from Oravi to Linnansaari with a kick sled along the plowed route. In some places where the water has risen significantly on the ice, the surface of the ice may crack. We will update tomorrow’s ice condition again in the morning.

Monday 2 March: There is a lot of water and slush on the plowed trail, and no maintenance will be done until it freezes. Overnight temperatures are expected to drop below zero, so the situation will be reassessed on Tuesday morning.

The Linnansaari pancake café is not open on weekdays during week 10. It will reopen on Saturday 7 March, weather permitting. EDIT: the cafeteria is not open 7.3. due to the warm weather

The café connected to Oravi village shop is open!

Artikkeli Route Info Week 10 (2.3.-8.3.2026) julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran SaimaaHoliday Oravi.

Thursday 26.2. Due to snowfall throughout the whole day, the kick sledding trail and traditional cross-country ski track cannot remain open and are therefore closed. We will announce here when the kick sledding trail will be plowed next time. You can ski on the winter hiking ice trail marked with red snowplow poles. It is also possible to book a sleigh ride to Linnansaari.

Ice trail updates during the week:

The winter trail for hiking, cycling, and skiing is open from Oravi via Linnansaari to Järvisydän (approx. 20 km)! The route is marked with red snow poles. No trail fee. Trail map.

The classic cross-country ski track as well as the ploughed kick spark route from Oravi to Linnansaari (5 km) was opened again around noon on Monday 23.2. after the snow fall.

On Savonselkä, about 2 km from Oravi, you can enjoy your packed lunch in the cozy lakeside hut (picture). Firewood fee €4.

The pancake cafe on Linnansaari is not open during week 9. The cafeteria in Oravi is open!

Artikkeli Route Info Week 9 (23.2.-1.3.) julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran SaimaaHoliday Oravi.

Winter hiking trail Oravi-Linnansaari-Järvisydän (ca. 20 km/one way):

• hiking, biking and skiing
• trail is marked with red snow poles. Trail map here.

Plowed trail Oravi-Linnansaari (5 km/one way):

• kick sleds recommended (you can rent them from the equipment rental shop in Oravi)
• an experienced tour skaters can skate with own tour skates
• a classic cross-country ski track runs alongside the plowed route

There is no route fee!

Café open in Linnansaari 10-15 (cash only)

Sleigh rides (snowmobile pulling a sleigh) from Oravi to Linnansaari every hour from 10-14.
Price on this day 15 €/adult/one way and 7 €/child 5-14yo/one way. Book your place in advance!

On Savonselkä, about 2 km from Oravi, you can enjoy your packed lunch in the cozy lakeside hut.
The firewood fee can be paid at the equipment rental shop or online store.
The firewood fee is 4 €/person or 8 €/family (max. 5 people).

Equipment rental in SaimaaHoliday Oravi, village shop and café open at 9-17

Lunch in Ruukinranta restaurant:
at 12-16 soup of the day (12 €/person)
at 12-18 pizza buffet (17 €/person)

Public waterfront sauna and winter swimming in the ice hole at 15-17 (7 €/person).
Separate saunas for men and women. Sauna fee to the equipment rental shop.

Artikkeli Family Winter Sports Day on 21st February julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran SaimaaHoliday Oravi.

The winter trail for hiking, cycling, and skiing is open from Oravi via Linnansaari to Järvisydän (approx. 20 km)! The route is marked with red snow poles. No trail fee. Trail map.

On the ploughed route from Oravi to Linnansaari (5 km) we recommend kick sleds (you can rent them from the reception in Oravi). Experienced skaters can skate on the ploughed route using their own tour skates.

A classic cross-country ski track runs alongside the ploughed route from Oravi to Linnansaari.

On Savonselkä, about 2 km from Oravi, you can enjoy your packed lunch in the cozy lakeside hut (picture). Firewood fee €4.

Artikkeli Route Info Week 8 (16.2.-22.2.) julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran SaimaaHoliday Oravi.