For thousands of years, life in the heart of Lake Saimaa has shaped Mikkeli into a region rich in history and culture. Here, nature and everyday life intertwine, culture thrives, and stories of resilience live on. It's no coincidence that Marshal Mannerheim chose Mikkeli for his wartime headquarters.
Welcome to Mikkeli – where stories and events come alive!
Stone Age
6,000−2,000 BCE
When the Ice Age passed some 8,500 years ago, ancient Lake Saimaa was born. Slowly, people found their way to its fish-rich shores. Traces of the lives of nomadic people of the Stone Age have been found all over Mikkeli – even at the site of the current market square! The Astuvansalmi rock art is by far the most significant Stone Age site. The art dates back 6,000 to 4,000 years, and more than 80 patterns have been identified. The patterns form the largest uninterrupted rock art surface in the Nordic countries.
Iron Age
In the 9th to 13th centuries
People started to live permanently in Mikkeli during the Iron Age. Settlements were established near the most fertile land. Tavastian and Karelian influences mixed in the region and created, for example, a unique design for jewellery. The culture was rich and trade connections extended far into Europe. In the 11th century, Mikkeli became the centre of living and trade in Eastern Finland. The Iron Age is represented by the settlements and cemeteries of Kyyhkylä, Kenkävero, Tuukkala and Visulahti, as well as the magnificent ancient costumes created on the basis of grave findings.
Late Middle Ages
In the 14th to 16th centuries
When the Treaty of Nöteborg was signed in 1323, there was already an established governance in the Mikkeli region. The municipality of Savilahti mentioned in the Treaty – Savolax – gave its name to the entire province of Savonia. It was located where the City of Mikkeli stands today. The Catholic municipality of Savilahti reached as far as Iisalmi, and slowly Savonians spread from southern Savonia towards the north. The parish church was consecrated to Archangel Michael, which became the municipality’s name over the centuries: St Michel – Mikkeli. The church was located near the current stone sacristy. The oldest parts of the stone sacristy were built in the 16th century.
Under the Swedish Rule
In the 17th and 18th centuries
During the 17th century, the Mikkeli parish became the centre of military life in Savonia. A large number of military offices and equestrian facilities were established in the region, and the manor culture began to flourish. The Peace of Turku, signed in 1743, moved the eastern border close to Mikkeli. The position as a border town strengthened military rule – there were more official residences in Mikkeli than in any other Savonian parish. The famous Battle of Porrassalmi took place near the village in 1789. With the Treaty of Turku, Mikkeli was granted market rights – the market tradition has remained colourful in Mikkeli for almost 300 years!
Part of Russia
In the 19th century
The City of Mikkeli was founded as the capital of its region in 1838 and received a magnificent city plan and administrative buildings, designed by C.L. Engel. The 6th sniper battalion was stationed in the city and barracks were built for it – the area is still one of the best preserved old barracks areas in Finland. The officers led an active social life through concerts, theatre performances, dances and spas. When the century neared its end, ordinary citizens also began to establish bands, sports clubs and other activities. The city’s vibrant cultural and sporting life continues to flourish today!
The Era of Headquarters
In the 20th and 21st centuries
Mikkeli served as the base of the headquarters for the army led by Mannerheim, Marshal of Finland, during the Civil War, the Winter War and the Continuation War, as well as the Lapland War. The city’s location, size and excellent transport connections, as well as the opportunity to excavate a safe base for the headquarters inside Naisvuori in the middle of the city, made Mikkeli an ideal location. The caves eventually housed the communication centre Lokki, while the headquarters were located at the adjacent central school. Currently, the former school is home to the Muisti Centre of War and Peace and the Headquarters Museum. The traditions of military administration that began already in the 18th century still live and breathe in the city at the Army Command and the NATO headquarters.
The history of Mikkeli and the entire South Savo region is a blend of Lake Saimaa’s natural beauty, Eastern and Western cultural influences, the traditions of the slash-and-burn farmers, the era of counts and manor houses, and the legacy of Marshal Mannerheim, who shaped Mikkeli into a true headquarters city
Brief course in the history of Mikkeli