In the nature reserves to spot the Saimaa ringed seal

The journey from Itrava to Oravi offers another chance to immerse yourself (a minibus journey of around two hours) in the region’s landscape: lush green vegetation, ploughed fields and flower-filled meadows, secluded wooden cottages and sweeping views of the canals and the waters of Lake Saimaa. Oravi is a small village popular with international tourists for nature tourism and outdoor activities (hiking and water sports), as it serves as a gateway to the Linnansaari and Kolovesi National Parks, two of Finland’s most beautiful protected lake areas. From May to September, boat trips also depart from the Oravi canal to explore the wildlife inhabiting the waters and islands of the park, ranging from large seabirds to Saimaa ringed seals (Pusa Hispida Saimensis), a protected species of which fewer than 500 remain in the entire Lakeland region (and a significant proportion live right here). The scenery that unfolds as you travel northwards along the lake is of an enchanting and wild, almost archaic beauty, and amongst the succession of rocky islets covered in dense vegetation, it is not uncommon to spot seals peacefully resting on a rock, basking in the sun, or swimming just below the surface. The safari (around 80 euros per person) also includes a stop on the island of Linnasaari, in the Sommakoniemi area, where you can enjoy a snack or a hot cup of tea in a specially equipped area. Those who make their own way to this spot (including by taxi boat) to immerse themselves in nature can camp in their own tent, stay in rustic wooden cabins (60 euros per night for 4 people), grab a bite to eat at a small restaurant and walk for around 7 km along forest trails, treating themselves to a sauna in the facility (25 euros per hour to hire for several people) which overlooks the lake directly.

https://www.oravivillage.com/en/

https://www.oravivillage.com/en/activities/safaris-and-seal-watching/