Sulkava is a town and municipality in the South Savonia region of Finland. South Savonia is most popular domestically as a summer cottage region, and Sulkava is no exception: the municipality is said to double its population during the holiday season.
Like most Finnish Lakeland, Sulkava is surrounded by Lake Saimaa, which is very scenic and clean. Boating is very popular, and boats are available for rent.
Sulkava is most known for hosting Finland's greatest rowing event, the annual Sulkava Rowing Race (Sulkavan Suursoudut), held in July with thousands of rowers.
Understand
Sulkava is a small rural town, with some 2,400 inhabitants in 2022. The centre hosts two supermarkets, a marina, some restaurants and even an EV charging station, but outside the direct town center (and the small village of Lohilahti), Sulkava is a rural place.
The city of Savonlinna, many multiples larger, is only some 30 minutes away by car. This means that many services are not available in Sulkava, as locals will simply drive to Savonlinna for anything complicated.
Sulkava is a tourist destination during the summer, getting most popular during the Finnish holiday season from early June to mid-August. Visiting in, say, January, you will find most services outside of the necessities closed.
Get in
From highway 5, turn to Savonlinnantie (road 14) towards Savonlinna, the nearest city. After 3,6 km, in Juva, turn to Sulkavantie (road 434, later 436 and 435), which after 34 km passes 2 km north of Sulkava centre. From Savonlinna, drive north-west on highway 14, turn to Sulkavantie (road 435) after 17 km, in Kallislahti. After 17 or 21 km more, turn towards Sulkava.
Get around
By taxi
- Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi
See
- 🌍 Sulkava market square (Sulkavan tori). Centre of the town of Sulkava, with most shops and restaurants within walking distance. Occasionally hosts markets during weekends.
- 🌍 Sulkava Church (Sulkavan kirkko), Kirkkotie 1 (in the town centre). 19th-century large wooden church, designed by Italian architect Charles Bassi, fitting over 1,000 people.
- 🌍 Sulkava hill fort (Sulkavan linnavuori), Linnavuorentie 306 (10 km from centre). Fortification estimated to be from the 16th century, with views from an elevation of 55 m.
Do
Sulkava Rowing Races
- Sulkavan Suursoudut, Alanteentie 1, info@suursoudut.fi. July. Finland's greatest rowing event, with some 8,000 rowers. The World Master Rowing competition is an opportunity to race these special Sulkava long boats against competitors from all over the world or just to experience the Finnish summer and a unique rowing event. There is also programme on the shore, both at the rowing stadium and at Varvinranta, where overnight-rowers spend the night. Participation: €65–100/person, long boat rent for the race €300–600, otherwise €125/day.
The main races are with long boats traditionally used for rowing to the church. The ones used have 14 rowers + helmsman, with fixed or moving seats. Also rowing boats for 1–6 persons, canoes and kayaks participate (some series Finnish championships). The main long boat races (60 km) are held on Friday and Saturday, other races (30 and 60 km) on Saturday, a rowing journey Saturday–Sunday with overnighting in tents (70 km).
Participants need to register early, especially if you need to rent a boat.
Buy
- Marimekko pop-up outlet, Alanteentie 3. June to August. Outlet store of the world-famous Finnish fashion brand Marimekko, in a former Marimekko factory.
- Sulkavan kästyöpuoti, Alanteentie 26. Traditional, high-quality woodcrafts and handicrafts store.
Eat
Drink
- Alanteen Helmi, Alanteentie. Coffee and beer with a terrace, by the lake.
- Art Deco Hotel and Restaurant, Alanteentie 9. Summertime only. Food and an ice cream bar.
Sleep
- Art Deco Hotel and Restaurant, Alanteentie 9. Summertime only. Near the marina; also hosts some yacht mooring.
- Tiittala Manor (Tiittalan kartano), Kirkkotie 140. Former manor house turned into a bed & breakfast.