Kerimäki by the clear waters of Puruvesi

Kerimäki is shaped by the clear waters of Puruvesi and combines distinctive culture with beaches, nature and activities throughout the seasons. When planning your holiday, consider what you would like to focus on: the remarkable wooden church in the village, a day by the water or the protected island landscape of Hytermä. Cross-country skiing, golf and the local fishing tradition are also among the experiences that define the character of the area.

A wooden church of extraordinary proportions

Kerimäki Church is the largest wooden church in the world. It is 45 metres long, 42 metres wide and 27 metres high; its height to the top of the cross is 37 metres. The interior dimensions also convey its scale: the pews have a combined length of about 1,670 metres. The church has more than 3,000 seats and around 5,000 places when standing room is included. It will be closed throughout 2026 for renovation work. If you visit Kerimäki this year, take this temporary circumstance into account when planning your trip.

A fresh catch of Puruvesi vendace offers another glimpse of local tradition: in summer, it is sold on Fridays at the foot of the church in the village. The sale brings together a local product and a specific day of the week, making it a seasonal reference point for anyone interested in regional food culture.

Kirkkoranta: beach and guest harbour

Kirkkoranta is a sandy beach and guest harbour in the centre of Kerimäki, on the clear waters of Puruvesi. The beach slopes gently into the water and is suitable for families with children. Here, the focus is on spending time by the water, while the guest harbour also offers boaters a place to stop. The service quay has three to five berths, a drinking water point, waste disposal, electrical connections and a slipway. These details help you appreciate the different features of the shore without conflating a beach visit with boating.

Hytermä: nature conservation, trails and islands

The three islands of Hytermä have been protected as a nature reserve since 1932 and were the first nature reserve in the former Mikkeli province. Hytermä is home to a distinctive collection of rock art and old buildings. On the main island, an easy-to-walk nature trail follows in the footsteps of Romu-Heikki and circles the island. Fine sandy beaches invite you to take a dip in the lake on hot days. You can also explore Hytermä by renting a rowboat. The combination of protected island nature, rock art, historic buildings, a circular trail and swimming opportunities offers several different ways to enjoy a visit.

Activities on foot, on the green and in winter

The Romu-Heikki Trail passes through the shore landscapes of Puruvesi. The nature trail on Hytermä is another option for a walk; each trail description retains its own distinct reference. For golfers, Kerigolf’s course lies in a beautiful woodland setting. 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 skate on the ice of Lake Saimaa. Depending on the season, there are different activities to choose from, and winter options are not limited to the ski trails alone.

Kerimäki is about 30 minutes by bus from Savonlinna, a distance of around 23 kilometres. When choosing a holiday apartment, it may therefore help to decide first what you want to focus on during your trip: the wooden church and village life, the beach and harbour, Hytermä’s island nature or activities in the forest and lake area.

Discover other places

You can also discover these places: Savonranta, Kumpuranta, Punkaharju, Hiukkajoki, Sulkava, Lötjölä, Kallislahti and Oravi.

For the broader travel overview: Savonlinna.