Mikkeli is a lakeland town in eastern Finland, a natural base for exploring the astonishing rural scenery of the Saimaa lake district. The town itself is small and quiet, but the surrounding landscape of forests, lakes, and hiking trails is the real draw.
History runs deep here. Mikkeli served as the headquarters of the Finnish Armed Forces during the Winter War and the Continuation War (1939–44), and the town is still dotted with wartime buildings, barracks, and memorials. The Headquarters Museum preserves the command centre where Marshal Mannerheim directed Finland's defence. The Naisvuori Observation Tower gives a panoramic view over the surrounding lake country. The Mikkeli Cathedral holds one of Finland's finest examples of National Romantic religious painting. The medieval Savilahti Stone Sacristy is the oldest building in the region. For a family day out, Visulahti Park on the lake shore is four kilometres from the centre.
Mikkeli hosts classical music concerts as part of Finland's summer festival circuit — check local listings for the current programme.