SULKAVA > PUUMALA > MIKKELI (118 km) Continue on the roads number 434 and 62 via Puumala to Mikkeli.
Tiittala Manor House, in Sulkava, www.tiittalankartano.fi. Tiittala Manor House has a colourful history. In addition to accommodation, it also offers an abundant traditional buffet table and concerts in classical music. Now Tiittala Manor lives its third century in the hands of new owners but respecting old history by offering their guests peace of mind and comfort in the middle of the busy everyday life. Sulkava is well known for a big rowing competition, which is arranged every July. Saimaan Sahanlahti, in Puumala, www.sahanlahti.fi. This lakeside hotel and manor house restaurant in Puumala offers delicacies from the Lake District. There are also many opportunities for an active holiday: cycling, canoeing, sailing, tennis, berry and mushroom picking, and fishing. In winter you can choose from snowmobile driving, cross country skiing etc. Anttolanhovi Manor Hotel, in Anttola, www.anttolanhovi.fi. In the tradition of the manor’s former owner, the Prince Demidoff, Anttolanhovi sets a tea table with Russian delicacies. In summer, there is a regular weekly boat connection from Mikkeli to Anttolanhovi. In the courtyard of the manor house there is the HoviArt exhibition of Finnish contemporary art. An interesting place to visit is also the nearby vineyard, which makes wine out of Finnish berries. Tertti Manor, in Mikkeli, www.tertinkartano.fi. Tertti Manor is open throughout the year. It is a traditional manor, which still operates as a farm and is known for its delicious catering services. It offers cosy accommodation in beautiful surroundigs. In nearby Mikkeli, you can find lots of events, such as the Mikkeli Music festival, St. Michel Trotting Race, and Ballet Mikkeli. You can also cruise on the blue Saimaa lake or play golf on Mikkeli’s two golf courses.
MIKKELI > TOIVAKKA > SYSMÄ (178 km) From Mikkeli take road 13 to Toivakka and continue on roads 9, 610, and 612 via Jyväskylä to Sysmä.
Taulu Manor, in Toivakka, www.taulunkartano.fi. Founded in 1849 as an officer’s residence, Taulu Manor is set amid beautiful countryside in Central Finland. The nostalgic grounds, historical buildings, and lush apple orchard have lost none of the old atmosphere. Perfect for independent or guided leisure activities in the Finnish countryside: try your luck at horseback riding, mountain biking or picking berries and mushrooms. For golf enthusiasts there is the Puula golf course in nearby Kangasniemi. Nordenlund Manor Estate, in Nuortamoinen, www.nordenlund.com Manor house on an active farm, whose lands include a 100-strong herd of cattle. The Church of St. Olav in Sysmä and Suvi-Pinx, an exhibition of contemporary art, are interesting to visit. Sysmä Summer Sounds at the beginning of July is a countryside festival of music and other arts.