In Mikkeli you can find beautiful lakeland scenery and nature only a few minutes away from the city centre. Discover the pastoral charms of Kenkävero with its restaurants and shops, the beautiful flowerbeds and model gardens of Mikkelipuisto park and Urpola Nature Centre with its charming nature trail. In Mikkelipuisto there is also restaurant Greeneri that offers daily changing buffet-lunch.
Mikkelipuisto is a fantastic place to spend an entire summer day. With various outdoor play and picnic areas, campfire sites, and the Kaihu beach and diving tower there's plenty to do for the entire family. The nearby Kaihu frisbeegolf track offers a change to enjoy the lakeside scenery while playing a game or two.
In Mikkelipuisto visitors can also find Sauna Restaurant Kaihu where one can enjoy an authentic Savonian sauna experience all through the year. If the heat in the sauna gets to be a bit too much, one can take a dip in the heated outdoor pool or dive into the clear waters of the lake located right next to the restaurant. In winter there is also ice hole swimming available for the most daring guests. Afterwards it's nice to relax in front of a cosy fireplace while enjoying a drink at the restaurant's lounge bar.
In Mikkelipuisto visitors can also access the Kaihu Nature Trail, which runs along a narrow ridge in the middle of the lake. From the Kaihu trail there is connection to the Urpola Nature Trail, a scenic path that travels alongside the Urpola River. Along the trail hikers can find the Urpola Nature centre, which is open during summer. Other sights include an old mill building and a campfire site where it is possible to stop for rest. The campfire site is also an excellent place to enjoy a packed lunch or roast some sausages over an open flame. Firewood for the campfire is available from the Urpola Nature Centre during opening hours. The path is also accessible outside of summer, but travellers wishing to use the campfire spot must bring their own firewood.
Come and enjoy the lovely lakeland nature in the heart of Mikkeli!