Astuvansalmi year-round
Just a short distance from Uhkua, on the shores of Lake Yövesi, lies the largest rock painting complex in the Nordic countries – the Astuvansalmi rock paintings. The images captured on the rock are over 5000 years old. As you approach the site from the water, an impressive human face profile emerges from the rock wall – Astuvan Ukko, who welcomes visitors even today.
We take our customers on guided tours to this ancient art exhibition year-round. When the lake is unfrozen, we travel by boat or canoe, in winter we use snowshoes to reach our destination, and in autumn, the route takes us along a path painted by the fall colours.
Snowshoeing trip to Astuvansalmi rock paintings
EXPERIENCE THE WINTER LANDSCAPE OF LAKE SAIMAA AND DISCOVER ANCIENT ROCK ART IN A UNIQUE SETTING.
Join your host for a guided snowshoe hike through the peaceful winter landscape of Lake Saimaa to the Astuvansalmi rock paintings, over 6,000 years old. The route follows forest trails and, depending on ice conditions, partly crosses the frozen lake.
At the site, we take time to explore the rock art and its many figures. Your guide will share stories about their origins and meaning, along with insights into the history of Lake Saimaa – a landscape shaped by the Ice Age. In winter, the frozen lake also offers a special perspective on the rock formation and its distinctive human profile.
A warm drink is included and enjoyed along the way. Optional add-on: A handmade seasonal packed lunch with local ingredients can be enjoyed during the trip.
This experience is suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. Snowshoes make walking easier in winter conditions, and the pace is relaxed with time to stop and enjoy the surroundings. Please wear warm, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear.
AVAILABLE: December – March (depending on snow and ice conditions)
GUIDING LANGUAGES: Finnish, English
GROUP SIZE: 6 -12 people
DURATION: approx. 3,5 hours
DEPARTURE: Astuvansalmi parking area, Suurlahdentie 2039, Ristiina
PRICE: 65 € / person (incl. vat) minimum charge equivalent to 6 people
PACKED LUNCH (OPTIONAL): 20 € / person
This experience can be booked as described, but we are also happy to tailor it to your needs. We believe the best experiences are created through dialogue, so feel free to contact us to plan your visit.
Reservations and more detailed information on request:
Asta Aalto / +358 40 7447631 / asta@uhkua.fi
Guided boat tour to Astuvansalmi rock paintings with lakeside dining on a charming Saimaa island
Experience the enchanting Yövesi and the stunning nature of Lake Saimaa with Uhkua and RIB Saimaa! This guided boat trip offers a unique combination of history, nature, and the flavors of Saimaa in a single unforgettable experience.
The journey takes place on a safe RIB boat steered by an experienced driver. You’ll travel calmly while admiring the breathtaking Saimaa scenery. Larger open water stretches can be crossed at higher speeds, tailored to the passengers’ preferences.
Adventure begins with a visit to the Astuvansalmi rock paintings, one of the most significant prehistoric cultural treasures in the Nordic countries. These stunning, over 5,000-year-old paintings tell fascinating stories through a variety of images. We’ll spend a moment in this ancient open-air gallery while you hear about the origins of the paintings and the birth story of Lake Saimaa.
From the rock art site, we’ll continue to a charming Saimaa island, where an open fire will be lit if cconditions allow it, and you’ll savor the authentic tastes of Saimaa. The highlight is locally caught lake fish, served alongside fresh produce from the forest and garden. Everything is prepared using local and seasonal ingredients. The meal includes a non-alcoholic beverage.
Both the rock painting site and the island feature restroom facilities (cocmposting outdoor toilets). The meal is served in a relaxed setting outdoors, at a covered firepit and nearby rocks.
This unforgettable Saimaa experience, surrounded by the world’s purest lake nature, is available on Mondays in June, July, and August, starting on 16.6.2025. Welcome to discover Yövesi, the mystical heart of Saimaa!
Price: 170 €/ hlö, children between 8 – 12 / 80 €
Duration: 3,5 hours
Includes: Boat transport (open boat), nature guide services, visit to Astuvansalmi, welcome drink, outdoor dinner by the fire, and of course, stunning views. Bonus: You might spot the rare Saimaa ringed seal!
Be prepared: Even in summer, it can get chilly on the boat. Life jackets, wind- and waterproof jackets, and warm flotation suits are provided if needed. You can also bring your own weather-appropriate gear.
Ask for more detailed information about accessibility and facilities if needed.
Languages: Finnish and English.
This trip is also available for request for small groups.
This experience can be booked as described, but we are also happy to tailor it to your needs. We believe the best experiences are created through dialogue, so feel free to contact us to plan your visit.
Reservations and more detailed information on request:
Asta Aalto / +358 40 7447631 / asta@uhkua.fi
Rock painting hike to Astuvansalmi
EXPERIENCE THE NATURE OF LAKE SAIMAA AND DISCOVER ONE OF THE MOST REMARKABLE ANCIENT ROCK ART SITES IN NORTHERN EUROPE.
Join your host for a guided hike through the peaceful forest landscape to the Astuvansalmi rock paintings, over 6,000 years old. The trail leads through varied terrain towards the lakeside cliffs where the paintings are located.
At the site, we take time to explore the rock art and its many figures. Your guide will share stories about their origins and meaning, along with insights into the history of Lake Saimaa – a landscape shaped by the Ice Age.
A handmade seasonal drink, warm or refreshing depending on the weather, is included.
Optional add-on: A handmade seasonal packed lunch with dessert, prepared from local ingredients, can be enjoyed during the trip.
This experience is suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. The walk to the site takes just under an hour and includes some ascents and uneven sections on forest paths, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
The hike takes place in the Astuvansalmi area near Ristiina.
AVAILABLE: May – October
GUIDING LANGUAGES: Finnish, English
GROUP SIZE: 6–12 people
DURATION: c. 3 hrs
DEPARTURE: Suurlahdentie 2039, 52360 Someenjärvi (parking place)
PRICE: 65 € / person (incl. vat), minimum charge equivalent to 6 people
OPTIONAL PACKED LUNCH: 20 € / person
This experience can be booked as described, but we are also happy to tailor it to your needs. We believe the best experiences are created through dialogue, so feel free to contact us to plan your visit.
Reservations and more detailed information on request:
Asta Aalto / +358 40 744 7631 / asta@uhkua.fi
ASTUVANSALMEN KALLIOMAALAUKSILLE
PATIKOIDEN TAI LUMIKENGILLÄ
Tämä retki on saatavilla tilauksesta ja retken aloitusajankohta on sovittavissa toiveiden mukaan. Retki on toteutettavissa ympäri vuoden. Sulan maan aikaan se tehdään patikoiden ja talvella otamme tarvittaessa mukaan lumikengät.
Tapaamme Astuvansalmen parkkipaikalla (Suurlahdentie 2039, n. 40 km Mikkelistä), josta lähdemme rauhallisesti polkua pitkin kohti kalliomaalauksia. Perillä olemme noin tunnin matkanteon jälkeen ja siirrymme 6000 vuotta vanhan kalliotaiteen äärelle. Upeat Pohjois-Euroopan suurimmat kalliomaalaukset kertovat ikiaikaista kiehtovaa tarinaansa monin erin kuvin. Samalla opas kertoo maalausten ja Saimaan syntytarinaa.
Raikas tai lämmin juoma vuodenajan mukaan kuuluu hintaan. Lisäksi voit haluttaessa tilata mukaan käsityönä valmistetut sesonginmukaiset lähiruokaeväät, jotka nautitaan maalauksilla. Yleensä repusta löytyy itseleivotut sämpylät tuhdilla täytteellä ja pieni makea päälle.
TALVILOMILLA 14.2.2026 – 8.3.2026 TARJOAMME OSALLISTUJILLE RETKIEVÄÄT PUOLEEN HINTAAN.
Tämä retki sopii kaikentasoisille, myös isommat lapset ovat tervetulleita mukaan. Opastuskielet suomi ja englanti. Mukaasi tarvitset säänmukaisen vaatetuksen ja hyvät kengät (mielellään varrelliset tai varrettomien kanssa säärystimet/muut lahkeensuojat) ja juotavaa. Istuinalustankin voi napata mukaan, jos sellainen löytyy.
- Retken kesto: 3 – 3,5 h
- Optimaalinen ryhmäkoko: 4 – 12 hlö
- Retken hinta: 65 € / hlö
- Retkieväät: 20 € / hlö
Minimilaskutus 4 hlö, isommista ryhmistä voidaan tehdä tarjous. Kysy lisää!
Tämä retki toimii hienosti myös yrityksen henkilöstön virkistyspäivän ohjelmana tai osana yritysvieraiden ohjelmaa. Kysy myös vene- ja melontaretkiä Astuvalle! Vesiltä käsin lähestyttäessä myös huikea kallion kasvoprofiili ‘Astuvan ukko’ näyttäytyy upeasti retkeilijöille.
BOAT TRIP TO ASTUVANSALMI ROCK PAINTINGS AND SEASONAL LIGHT MEAL IN THE NATURE
EXPERIENCE THE NATURE AND FLAVOURS OF SAIMAA IN THE MIDDLE OF AN ANCIENT ART EXHIBITION AND HEAR THE FASCINATING STORY OF THE ROCK PAINTINGS!
Join us on a boat trip through beautiful Lake Saimaa views to explore the 6000-year-old rock art. The magnificent Northern Europe’s largest rock paintings tell their ancient story with many different images. At the same time the guide tells the birth story of the paintings.
It takes about an hour to get to the site and welcome drink is enjoyed on the boat. Handmade seasonal meal (usually lake fish soup) with dessert using local ingredients is served on the site. Meal consists the best flavors of the season. Ingredients are sourced locally and sustainably. A large part is collected and raised by ourselves, The fish comes from the nearby waters. In addition, we use high-quality ingredients from small producers in the surrounding area.
There is a toilet on the site. The excursion has a weather reservation. If the weather does not allow going out on the lake, we do our best to reschedule the trip.
- AVAILABLE: (May) June – September (October)
- OPTIMAL GROUP SIZE: 6 – 12 persons
- DURATION: c. 3,5 hrs, starting time of the trip can be arranged according to the season and wishes.
- DEPARTURE: Suurlahdentie 3189, Someenjärvi (Uhkua, about 55 km from Mikkeli city center)
- PRICE: 165 € / person (inc. VAT 25,5%), minimum billing 6 people
Asta Aalto / +358 40 744 7631 / asta@uhkua.fi