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Saimaa

Saimaa is the largest lake in Finland and the fourth largest natural freshwater lake in Europe, situated in the southeastern part of the country across the provinces of South Karelia, South Savo, North Karelia, and North Savo.^[1] Covering an area of 4,400 square kilometers, it stretches approximately 180 kilometers in length and 140 kilometers in width, forming a labyrinthine network of basins, narrow straits, and over 14,000 islands amid a shoreline exceeding 14,850 kilometers.^[1] This oligotrophic freshwater body, with a maximum depth of 82 meters and an average depth of about 10 meters, originated from post-glacial processes around 11,000 years ago, when melting ice and land uplift isolated it from the Baltic Sea approximately 9,500 years ago, later redirecting its outflow through the Vuoksi River to Lake Ladoga.^[1]^[2] Ecologically, Saimaa is renowned for its biodiversity, serving as the exclusive habitat of the endangered Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa hispida saimensis), an endemic freshwater subspecies with a population of around 530 individuals (as of 2025) that has adapted to breeding in snow-covered lairs on the lake's islands.^[1]^[3] This seal, one of only three lake seal species worldwide, faces threats from habitat loss, climate change-induced mild winters reducing snow cover, and human activities like gillnet fishing, though conservation efforts have supported gradual population growth.^[3] The lake also sustains relict species such as landlocked salmon and arctic char, contributing to its status as a key site for freshwater conservation in the Nordic region.^[1]^[4] Human interaction with Saimaa dates back millennia, but intensified in the 19th century with the construction of the Saimaa Canal between 1845 and 1856, a 43-kilometer waterway that links the lake system to the Gulf of Finland via Vyborg, facilitating timber transport and modern commercial navigation despite portions lying in Russian territory.^[5] Today, the lake supports a vibrant regional economy through fishing, forestry, and tourism, attracting visitors for boating, seal safaris in national parks like Linnansaari, and cultural events, while its clean waters and scenic archipelagos underscore Finland's Lakeland heritage.^[2]^[1]

Geography

Location and Extent

Saimaa is situated in southeastern Finland, centered at coordinates 61 °15′N 28°15′E within the Finnish Lakeland region, a vast area characterized by interconnected lakes and forested landscapes.^[6] This position places it approximately 200 km northeast of Helsinki and immediately northwest of the Russian border, contributing to its role as a natural boundary feature in the region.^[7] The lake system extends across multiple administrative regions, including South Savo, North Karelia, South Karelia, and North Savo, encompassing parts of four provinces in total.^[1] With a surface area of 4,400 km², Saimaa ranks as Finland's largest lake and the fourth-largest natural freshwater lake in Europe by area, following Lakes Ladoga, Onega, and Vänern.^[1]^[8] Its extensive shoreline measures 14,850 km, dotted with around 14,000 islands that create a highly fragmented, archipelago-like structure.^[1] In terms of physical dimensions, Saimaa reaches a maximum depth of 82 m and has an average depth of about 10 m, reflecting its relatively shallow profile overall despite deeper pockets in certain basins.^[2]

Topography and Basins

Saimaa's topography is defined by a highly fragmented structure resulting from glacial erosion, creating a network of interconnected basins linked by narrow, winding straits. This labyrinthine system includes several major basins, such as Orivesi—the largest by area—along with Puruvesi, Haukivesi, Yövesi, Pihlajavesi, and Pyhäselkä, each exhibiting distinct morphological features shaped by ancient ice movements.^[9] The overall layout spans approximately 180 km in length and 140 km in width, with an average depth of about 10 m and a maximum of 82 m, contributing to its diverse aquatic environments.^[2] The lake's archipelagic nature is prominent, featuring around 14,000 islands that fragment the shoreline into an extensive 14,850 km of coastline, much of which is irregular and rocky. These islands, predominantly forested with coniferous trees, vary from small rocky outcrops to larger landmasses supporting diverse microhabitats, enhancing the lake's ecological complexity and visual appeal.^[1]^[9] Surrounding the lake is the undulating terrain of the Finnish Lakeland, characterized by rolling hills, eskers, and moraine deposits from the last Ice Age. Eskers, such as those in the Vilkaharju area, form sinuous ridges of sand and gravel, while moraine fields with kettle holes dot the northern landscapes, creating a mosaic of low-relief hills rising up to 200 m above sea level around the lake's 76 m elevation.^[10]^[11]

Hydrology

Water Balance and Flow

The water balance of Lake Saimaa is governed by inflows from an extensive network of tributary rivers and streams draining its approximately 61,000 km² catchment area, direct precipitation on the lake surface, evaporation losses, and outflows primarily through the Vuoksi River to Lake Ladoga in Russia. Major inflows include the Pielisjoki River from Lake Pielinen and contributions from numerous smaller tributaries such as the Ala-Koitajoki, which together provide the bulk of the riverine input to maintain the lake's steady-state hydrology.^[12]^[7]^[13] Annual precipitation in the Saimaa region averages around 600 mm, contributing significantly to the lake's water inputs alongside the river inflows.^[14] The natural water balance follows the equation river inflow + precipitation = river outflow + evaporation, with approximate annual river inflow and outflow volumes of 82.9 m³/s (equivalent to about 2.6 km³/year), reflecting a balanced steady-state system where atmospheric contributions and losses offset each other. Evaporation from the lake surface, influenced by seasonal temperature variations, typically balances the direct precipitation input, ensuring long-term stability in water levels despite interannual variability. The overall annual water turnover is on the order of several cubic kilometers, supporting the lake's ecological and hydrological dynamics.^[15] Water levels in Saimaa exhibit seasonal fluctuations of 0.5 to 2 meters, driven by variations in inflow from snowmelt and rainfall, as well as regulated outflows through dams at key points like Tainionkoski on the Vuoksi River. Regulation aims to mitigate flooding and support hydropower, with outflows adjusted when levels deviate more than ±50 cm from the seasonal average to follow modified rating curves. The average residence time of water in the lake is approximately 10 to 15 years, given its volume of about 36 km³ and the inflow rates. The Saimaa Canal provides a minor artificial outflow pathway to the Baltic Sea, supplementing natural drainage under regulated conditions.^[13]^[16]^[17] Ice cover on Saimaa typically forms from late November to early May, lasting about five to six months and significantly impacting hydrological processes by halting evaporation, reducing wind-induced mixing, and slowing inflow integration during winter. This ice period alters flow dynamics, with reduced outflows and potential for ice-jam formation in connected rivers, influencing spring water level rises upon breakup.^[18]^[19]

Saimaa Canal

The Saimaa Canal, an engineered waterway linking Lake Saimaa to the Gulf of Finland, was constructed between 1845 and 1856 under the Russian Empire, when Finland was an autonomous grand duchy.^[20] The project aimed to provide a navigable route for regional trade, bypassing natural barriers, and was completed with the canal opening to traffic on September 7, 1856.^[20] It spans 43 kilometers, starting from Lappeenranta in Finland and ending at Vyborg in Russia, with significant portions excavated through rock and soil.^[5] The canal underwent major renovations in the 1960s, including widening and modernization of infrastructure, to accommodate larger vessels.^[20] Key engineering features include eight locks—three on the Finnish side and five on the Russian side—that manage a total elevation lift of 76 meters between the lake and sea levels.^[21] These locks, with dimensions allowing vessels up to 82.5 meters in length, 12.6 meters in beam, and 4.35 meters in draft, enable year-round operation during the ice-free season, typically spanning 9 to 10 months.^[5] Approximately half the canal's route traverses Russian territory under a lease agreement originally established in 1963 and extended in 2010 for an additional 50 years from 2013, securing Finnish access until 2063.^[22] Maintenance and operations are jointly managed by Finnish and Russian authorities, with remote control centers overseeing lock and bridge functions.^[5] The canal primarily facilitates cargo transport, carrying goods such as roundwood, sawn timber, pulp, minerals, and fertilizers, with pre-2020s annual volumes averaging around 2 million tons, including both international and domestic shipments.^[23] It also supports tourism via passenger cruises, offering scenic voyages between Lappeenranta and Vyborg during the summer months.^[24] Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which prompted Finland's NATO accession in 2023, the canal's operations have been impacted by heightened geopolitical tensions and Western sanctions, leading to reduced cargo volumes and increased scrutiny on cross-border traffic. In 2024, Finland suspended the joint Finnish-Russian advisory council on the canal. Russia has threatened potential lease termination in response to Finland's NATO membership, though no formal action has been taken as of November 2025.^[25] The canal opened for the 2025 navigation season on May 26 but saw no vessel traffic, resulting in an early closure on November 14, 2025.^[26]^[27] Authorities continue to monitor the situation amid ongoing tensions.^[28]^[29]

Ecology and Environment

Biodiversity

Saimaa, Finland's largest lake system, hosts a distinctive freshwater biodiversity shaped by its post-glacial isolation and fragmented archipelago structure. The lake's clear, oligotrophic waters and surrounding taiga forests support a mix of endemic, relict, and widespread species adapted to lacustrine and island environments. This ecosystem features interconnected food webs where top predators like seals influence fish populations, while diverse aquatic and terrestrial habitats foster specialized flora and fauna.^[30] Among the most iconic endemic species is the Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa hispida saimensis), a freshwater-adapted subspecies isolated in the lake since the last Ice Age, with a current population of approximately 530 individuals. This seal, one of the world's most endangered pinnipeds, relies on the lake's ice-covered islands for breeding and foraging, preying primarily on fish such as perch (Perca fluviatilis) and vendace (Coregonus albula) in a generalist predation dynamic that sustains the local food web. Another endemic highlight is the Saimaa landlocked salmon (Salmo salar m. sebago), a critically endangered ecomorph that has evolved in isolation, spawning in the lake's rivers and contributing to the trophic structure despite low numbers.^[3]^[9]^[31]^[32] The lake's fauna extends beyond these endemics to include diverse fish communities, such as abundant perch, pike (Esox lucius), and vendace, which form the base of the aquatic food chain and serve as prey for seals and birds. Avian life thrives on the numerous islands, with ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) nesting in tall shoreline pines and common terns (Sterna hirundo) colonizing rocky islets for breeding, enhancing the biodiversity of the archipelago's microhabitats. Invertebrates, including littoral macroinvertebrates like chironomids, underpin the ecosystem by supporting fish and amphibian populations in the lake's bays and shallows.^[2]^[33]^[34]^[35] Flora in Saimaa reflects its southern taiga setting, with surrounding forests dominated by Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Norway spruce (Picea abies), interspersed with deciduous stands on eskers and islands. Aquatic vegetation includes floating water lilies (Nymphaea spp.) in sheltered bays, alongside emergent reeds like common reed (Phragmites australis) and submerged oligotrophic indicators such as quillwort (Isoëtes spp.) and water lobelia (Lobelia dortmanna), which stabilize sediments and provide habitat for invertebrates and juvenile fish. Wetlands around the lake feature transition mires and quaking bogs, hosting specialized plants that buffer the aquatic-terrestrial interface.^[30]^[30] The island archipelagos of Saimaa, numbering over 14,000, create diverse micro-ecosystems ranging from rocky outcrops to forested holms, where isolation promotes unique assemblages of flora and fauna. These habitats facilitate complex food web interactions, such as seal predation on schooling fish near shorelines, while supporting breeding grounds for birds and refugia for aquatic plants amid varying water levels. Eutrophication subtly influences species distributions here, though the lake's overall clarity preserves much of its native biodiversity.^[1]^[31]

Environmental Challenges and Conservation

Saimaa faces significant environmental challenges, primarily eutrophication driven by nutrient runoff from agricultural activities and wastewater discharges. Excess phosphorus and nitrogen inputs have led to algal blooms and oxygen depletion in deeper waters, with phosphorus concentrations in affected basins exceeding thresholds for good ecological status.^[36] Industrial pollution, particularly from pulp and paper mills, exacerbates these issues through effluent discharges that contribute to nutrient enrichment and toxic contaminants like mercury, historically reaching high levels in local wildlife.^[37] Climate change poses an additional threat, with warmer winters reducing ice cover duration by up to several weeks in recent decades, severely impacting breeding habitats for species such as the Saimaa ringed seal, which relies on stable snow-covered ice for pup rearing.^[9] Conservation efforts in Saimaa are multifaceted, with large portions of the lake complex designated as EU Natura 2000 sites to protect key habitats and biodiversity hotspots, covering areas like Pihlajavesi and Luonteri.^[38] For the endangered Saimaa ringed seal, targeted protection programs include seasonal fishing restrictions, such as bans on gill nets from April 15 to June 30 in core breeding zones, which have helped reduce bycatch mortality.^[39] The Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) conducts ongoing water quality monitoring, utilizing satellite data and in-situ sensors to track nutrient levels and pollution trends, supporting adaptive management under the EU Water Framework Directive.^[40] As of 2025, the Saimaa ringed seal population is estimated at 530 individuals, bolstered by post-2020 biodiversity action plans integrated into EU LIFE projects that emphasize habitat restoration and climate adaptation measures like artificial snowdrifts for breeding lairs.^[3] These initiatives align with Finland's national commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, focusing on reducing anthropogenic pressures to ensure long-term ecosystem resilience.^[41] Additionally, archaeological sites featuring asbestos-ceramic artifacts from 1900 BC to 200 AD in the Saimaa region highlight the area's cultural-environmental heritage, informing integrated conservation strategies that balance natural and historical preservation.^[42]

History

Geological Formation

Lake Saimaa originated from the retreat of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet during the late Weichselian glaciation, with the southern basin emerging around 11,000 years ago and the northern basins approximately 10,700 years ago, as meltwater filled the depressed bedrock topography left by the ice.^[43] Initially connected to phases of the ancient Baltic Sea, such as the Baltic Ice Lake and Yoldia Sea, the area formed an expansive ancient lake that reached its maximum extent of nearly 9,000 km² during the early Holocene Suur-Saimaa phase.^[44] This formation process was driven by the uneven melting of the ice sheet, which deposited vast amounts of glacial material and carved the irregular basin structure characteristic of the region.^[1] The evolution of Saimaa's current form was markedly influenced by a significant drainage event approximately 5,700 to 6,000 years ago, when rising water levels due to isostatic tilting overwhelmed the Salpausselkä ridge—a prominent terminal moraine—and breached it, forming the Vuoksi River outlet to the southeast.^[43] This catastrophic outburst lowered the lake level by several meters, isolated various sub-basins, and created extensive wetlands through the erosion of glacial till and exposure of former lake bottoms.^[45] Prior to this event, the lake's configuration was more unified and expansive, but the drainage marked a pivotal shift toward the fragmented archipelago system observed today.^[44] Key geological features shaping the Saimaa basin include moraines like the Salpausselkä ridges, which formed as end moraines during the final stadials of the ice sheet around 12,300 to 11,600 years ago; sinuous eskers representing former subglacial meltwater channels; and widespread till deposits from glacial grinding and transport.^[46] These elements, combined with raised beaches and pebble ridges, reflect the dynamic interplay of ice retreat and sedimentation. The basin resides within the tectonically stable Fennoscandian Shield, an ancient cratonic region with minimal seismic activity, ensuring long-term preservation of these glacial landforms.^[46] Post-Ice Age isostatic rebound continues to influence the landscape, with the land uplifting at an average rate of approximately 1 cm per year across the broader Fennoscandian region, though rates in the Saimaa area are slightly lower at about 0.3–0.5 cm/year due to its southern position.^[47] This ongoing adjustment, resulting from the gradual relaxation of the Earth's crust after ice unloading, has tilted the basin southeastward over millennia, contributing to shoreline displacement and the gradual emergence of islands and coastal features.^[44]

Human Settlement and Development

Human settlement in the Saimaa region dates back to the Neolithic period, with archaeological evidence indicating early habitation around 5,000 years ago as part of broader Stone Age migrations into eastern Finland. Communities during this time adapted to the lake's environment, relying on fishing, hunting, and gathering from its rich aquatic and forested resources. The asbestos-ceramic culture, notable for its distinctive pottery tempered with asbestos fibers for durability and thermal properties, emerged prominently from approximately 3500 BC and continued until around 400 AD, reflecting a semi-sedentary lifestyle centered on the ancient Lake Saimaa basin.^[48]^[42] During the medieval Finnish-Swedish era, the strategic importance of Saimaa as a border zone prompted the construction of fortifications to counter threats from Novgorod and later Muscovy. Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna, founded in 1475 by Knight Erik Axelsson Tott, served as a key defensive outpost on a rocky island in the lake, exemplifying Swedish efforts to secure eastern territories. Similarly, the Lappeenranta Fortress, established as a trading center in 1649 under Swedish rule, evolved into a military bastion overlooking the lake's southern shores. These structures not only protected trade routes but also facilitated administrative control over the sparsely populated lakeland.^[49]^[50] The 19th century marked the onset of industrialization in the Saimaa region, accelerated by the completion of the Saimaa Canal in 1856, which connected the lake system to the Gulf of Finland and boosted timber transport for export. This infrastructure spurred economic activity in emerging towns, with Lappeenranta developing as a hub for woodworking and trade, while Imatra saw the rise of heavy industry from the 1880s onward, including the Enso Gutzeit company's pulp and paper mills powered by the Vuoksi River's rapids. Savonlinna, meanwhile, grew through sawmilling and early tourism drawn to its scenic archipelago, laying the groundwork for lake-dependent manufacturing that transformed rural outposts into regional centers.^[51]^[52] In the 20th century, particularly after World War II, the Saimaa region underwent rapid population growth and urbanization amid Finland's broader economic reconstruction, with rural-to-urban migration fueling expansion in industrial sectors like forestry and papermaking. Key towns such as Mikkeli, which became an administrative and military center with lake-supported logistics; Varkaus, a focal point for mechanical engineering and paper production reliant on waterway transport; and Joensuu, which evolved through wood processing industries tied to the Pielisjoki River's connection to Saimaa, all exemplified this lake-centric development. By the late 20th century, these areas had integrated modern infrastructure, including hydroelectric power from the lake system, supporting sustained growth.^[53] As of 2025, the Saimaa region continues to experience urbanization trends, with population concentrating in urban clusters around the lake. This shift reflects national patterns of urban growth, where over 85% of Finns live in urban areas, though the region's dispersed geography maintains a balance with rural lakeland communities focused on sustainable development and tourism.^[54]

Economy and Culture

Economic Uses

Saimaa supports a significant commercial and recreational fishery, primarily targeting vendace (Coregonus albula) and perch (Perca fluviatilis), with annual yields varying from approximately 1,000 to 4,000 metric tons as of the early 2000s depending on stock fluctuations and environmental conditions.^[55] Vendace constitutes the most economically valuable species, caught mainly through trapnetting during autumn, while perch is harvested year-round using gillnets and other methods.^[56] Around 30–40 professional fishers operate commercially on the lake, supplemented by substantial recreational angling, though exact recreational catches remain estimates due to limited monitoring.^[56] Aquaculture efforts focus on the endangered landlocked Saimaa salmon (Salmo salar m. sebago), maintained through hatchery programs to support stocking and genetic diversity, as natural reproduction has been impaired for decades.^[57] Historically, Saimaa's waterways facilitated timber floating, a key method for transporting logs from surrounding forests to sawmills and export points until the mid-20th century, when road and rail largely replaced it, though limited rafting persists.^[58] The Saimaa Canal enables transport of minerals and forestry products to the Gulf of Finland, supporting regional resource exports.^[59] Peat extraction occurs in the lake's surrounding wetlands, contributing to Finland's energy and horticultural sectors, with sites in southern Saimaa subject to archaeological and environmental assessments during operations.^[60] The lake basin hosts pulp and paper mills, such as UPM Kaukas in the Lappeenranta area, which utilize local timber and water resources for production, forming a cornerstone of the regional manufacturing economy. However, as of 2025, UPM plans to cease paper production at Kaukas by year's end, shifting focus to pulp and biofuels.^[61]^[62]^[63] Hydropower generation relies on regulating dams, including the Tainionkoski Dam at the lake's outlet and the Imatra plant with a 192 MW capacity, which manage water levels for flood control while producing renewable energy.^[64]^[65] As of 2025, economic activities around Saimaa emphasize sustainable resource management aligned with EU Water Framework Directive policies, promoting balanced use of fisheries, forestry, and hydropower to minimize environmental impacts while sustaining local livelihoods.^[66]

Tourism and Cultural Significance

Saimaa serves as a premier destination for tourism in Finland's lakeland region, attracting visitors with its extensive network of over 70,000 summer cottages that dot the shoreline, providing idyllic retreats for relaxation and immersion in nature.^[67] These cabins, often equipped with private saunas and lake access, embody the Finnish tradition of mökki culture, where families and individuals escape urban life for seasonal stays amid the archipelago's serene landscapes. Water-based activities further enhance the appeal, including scenic cruises that navigate the lake's intricate waterways and guided kayaking tours that allow paddlers to explore hidden coves and islands.^[68]^[69] At the heart of Saimaa's cultural tourism lies Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna, a 15th-century fortress that stands as a symbol of Finland's medieval heritage and a vibrant hub for performing arts.^[70] The castle hosts the renowned Savonlinna Opera Festival, which has been held annually since 1972, drawing international audiences to its open-air courtyard stage overlooking the lake for performances of world-class operas amid the summer twilight.^[71] Winter tourism complements these offerings with activities such as ice fishing on the frozen lake, where participants drill through the ice to catch perch and pike in a tranquil, traditional pursuit that connects visitors to the region's seasonal rhythms.^[72] Saimaa holds profound cultural significance as a cornerstone of Finnish lakeland identity, inspiring folklore like the legend of Saimaan Neito, a water spirit said to dwell in the lake's depths and protect its waters.^[73] This mythical element, alongside the lake's vast, reflective expanses, has influenced Finnish literature and art, evoking themes of nature's majesty and human harmony with the environment in works by local creators.^[74] Historically, the area attracted elites as a summer retreat, with estates like Rauhalinna offering luxurious splash lakeside seclusion that underscored Saimaa's role in elite leisure traditions.^[75] In recent years, eco-tourism has surged in popularity around Saimaa, particularly post-2020, with guided seal-watching excursions highlighting the endangered Saimaa ringed seal and promoting sustainable observation practices.^[76] The region welcomes several million visitors annually, fostering growth in nature-focused experiences that emphasize conservation and low-impact exploration.^[77]

Notable People

Saimaa's cultural and historical significance has attracted numerous notable figures, particularly those connected through residence, inspiration, or professional contributions in the surrounding splash lakeside communities. Russian writer Maxim Gorky sought refuge near the shores of Lake Saimaa in Finland following the 1905 raid on his St. Petersburg apartment by the Black Hundreds, spending a period in exile there amid the region's tranquil landscapes. Finnish author Aleksis Kivi, recognized as the father of Finnish literature, drew inspiration from the broader Finnish lakeland's rural and watery terrains for his seminal novel Seitsemän veljestä (Seven Brothers), which vividly portrays peasant life in a natural setting evocative of the area's forested islands and shores.^[78] Politically, former Finnish President Urho Kekkonen played a key role in the region's development by inaugurating the modern Saimaa Canal in 1968, emphasizing its importance for Finnish-Soviet cooperation and economic connectivity.^[79] In sports, Savonlinna native Tuukka Rask emerged as a prominent ice hockey goaltender, winning the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011 and representing Finland in international competitions, reflecting the region's strong athletic tradition.^[80] Similarly, Imatra-born Petteri Nokelainen achieved success as an NHL player, contributing to teams like the Boston Bruins and Calgary Flames during his career. Among artists, painter Väinö Blomstedt, born in Savonlinna in 1871, captured the essence of Finnish landscapes in his works, often influenced by the area's natural beauty before his service in [World War II](/page/World War II).^[81] Landscape artist Fanny Churberg, active in the late 19th century, frequently depicted patriotic Finnish scenes with rocky and aquatic motifs, establishing her as a pioneer in national romanticism. In the sciences, biologist Mervi Kunnasranta of the University of Eastern Finland has led extensive research on the endangered Saimaa ringed seal since the early 2000s, advancing conservation strategies through studies on population dynamics, habitat use, and genetic diversity to protect this endemic subspecies.^[82]

References

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History; Tags; Alternate names. Saimaa 76 m. 638181. H LK lake. Finland FI. 61.25, 28.25. N 61°15′00″ E 28°15′00″. geotree .kml .rdf. Administrative hierarchy ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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Saimaa Canal Becomes a Flashpoint at Finnish-Russian Border
Oct 1, 2024 · Russia is mulling canceling the agreement that allows Helsinki to rent the waterway. This would negatively affect both countries and others as ...Missing: renewal | Show results with:renewal
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Kremlin may terminate Saimaa canal contract if Finland joins Nato
Apr 27, 2022 · Finland and Russia agreed to a 50 year contract on the lease of the cross-border canal in 2013. Saimaan kanava. Mälkiä sulku.Missing: date | Show results with:date<|control11|><|separator|>
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Saimaa Canal open as of 26 May 2025 - Finnish Government
May 23, 2025 · The Saimaa Canal delegates have decided that the sailing season in the canal will start on 26 May 2025 and last until 31 December 2025.Missing: expiration renewal November
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Environment - Saimaa Geopark
The Saimaa area is part of the southern taiga. The flora consists mainly of eastern and southern plant species, of which the eastern species favor continental ...Missing: aquatic lilies
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Linking ringed seal foraging behaviour to environmental variability
Apr 25, 2025 · We suggest that the foraging behaviour of Saimaa ringed seals is largely influenced by diel vertical movements and availability of fish.Missing: micro- | Show results with:micro-
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Restored river habitat provides a natural spawning area for a ...
May 21, 2020 · Landlocked Lake Saimaa salmon (Salmo salar m. sebago) has been critically endangered for the past half-century.
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Ready to see ospreys LIVE?! - WWF Suomi
There are an estimated 1,100 breeding pairs of ospreys in Finland. This live-camera is located at Lake Saimaa, southeastern Finland.
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Pihlajavesi Nature Reserve - Luontoon
Two birds – common terns (Sterna hirundo) – are standing on a rock. Valuable bird nesting islets. Nearly 200 bird species nest in Lake Pihlajavesi. Gulls and ...Missing: osprey | Show results with:osprey
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Littoral species diversity and biomass: concordance among ...
Biomass and species diversity (richness and evenness) of littoral organisms were explored in 27 sites in three basins of the large Lake Saimaa system in ea.Missing: flora birds
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High nutrient load fuels eutrophication - Ymparisto.fi
Nov 21, 2023 · Too many eutrophying nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus, continue to enter Finland's inland and coastal waters. Some nutrient runoff is of natural origin.
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Fish community responses to pulp and paper mill effluents ... - PubMed
The objective was to investigate the possible recovery of fish populations after modernizations at the pulp and paper mills discharging into the lake.
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Working together to save the Saimaa Ringed Seal in changing ...
NATURA 2000 SITES ; Uudenkaupungin saaristo, FI0200072, SPA and SCI/SAC ; Saaristomeri, FI0200090, SCI/SAC ; Pihlajavesi, FI0500013, SCI/SAC ; Luonteri, FI0500021 ...
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Effects of fishing restrictions on the recovery of the endangered ...
Dec 5, 2024 · In Lake Saimaa, recreational fishing is the major cause for ringed seal bycatch mortality. The gillnet has, by far, been the most lethal gear ...
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Copernicus Assisted Lake Water Quality Emergency Monitoring ...
Mar 18, 2025 · In Finland the system will be piloted in the lake Pien-Saimaa, which is a source of drinking water for thy City of Lappeenranta. More ...
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[PDF] Bringing nature back through LIFE - The EU LIFE programme's ...
strategy and action plan for the protection of the Saimaa. Page 65. 63 ... EC (2020) EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030: Bringing nature back into our lives.
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(PDF) Early Asbestos Ware - ResearchGate
Jan 22, 2016 · The centre of the distribution of Early Asbestos Ware lies in the Ancient Lake Saimaa area, but it is also found on the Karelian Isthmus and in ...Missing: heritage | Show results with:heritage
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Story of Saimaa - Saimaa Geopark
The granitic rocks of the Saimaa area were formed between 1 830 and 1 800 million years ago. At that time, hundreds of cubic kilometres of granitic rock melt ...
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Early Holocene change in the sedimentation environment at lower ...
Aug 9, 2025 · However, during the first half of the Holocene, the water level rose several meters above present, and the lake was at its largest 9,000 km 2 , ...
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Creation of the Vuoksi River preceded a significant cultural shift
Sep 15, 2014 · Approximately 6,000 years ago, the Salpausselkä ridge could no longer hold back the waters, which burst through and penetrated the glacial till ...Missing: geological | Show results with:geological
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https://gosaimaa.com/en/lappeenranta-fortress/
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Land uplift | National Land Survey of Finland - Maanmittauslaitos
The land uplift is fastest in the Quark area, nearly 1 cm per year. The smallest uplift in the territory of Finland is in the Southeast corner, where the speed ...
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[PDF] Mika Lavento and Seppo Hornytzkyj ON ASBESTOS USED AS ...
Asbestos in fragments of pottery from 16 asbestos-tempered ceramic vessels dating from the period 3500 B.C.- 400 A.D., and found in the Ancient Lake Saimaa ...Missing: prehistoric | Show results with:prehistoric
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Olavinlinna – the world's northernmost medieval castle - Issuu
Olavinlinna Castle was a castle of the Kingdom of Sweden. The Castle was founded in 1475 by the Danish-Swedish nobleman Erik Axelsson Tott (1418–1481).<|control11|><|separator|>
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Lappeenranta Fortress - Lake Saimaa travel destination - GoSaimaa
... medieval trading centre during the Swedish regime in 1649. Most of the buildings date back to the Russian era, which lasted from 1741 to 1917. Following a ...
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on the industrial history of finland - ERIH
In the last third of the 19th century, industrialisation accelerated. Wood and wood tar were in great demand for shipbuilding, the new paper factories ...Missing: towns Lappeenranta Imatra Savonlinna
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History | the city of Imatra
The industrialization of the Imatra area began in the 1880s, when Tornator ... Settlement in Imatra before the 1600th century. Not much information ...
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Infrastructure:Otso - ODIN - OE Data Integration Network
Sep 28, 2023 · The majority of Otso's population is centered in city and urban zones with the Joensuu, Kuopio, and Kouvola being the largest three cities.Missing: growth | Show results with:growth
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Urban population (% of total population) - Finland | Data
Urban population · Urban population growth (annual %) · Population ages 25-29, female (% of female population) · Survival to age 65, female (% of cohort) · Age ...Missing: Saimaa | Show results with:Saimaa
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[PDF] Interlocked sustainable use of multiple fish stocks — modelling ...
Its annual yield varies from 1000 to 4000 metric tons and value ... The yield-data model is based on the yield of commercial fishing in a situation where.
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Effects of fishing restrictions on the recovery of the endangered ... - NIH
Dec 5, 2024 · The most dangerous fishing methods for seals are banned year-round in the main Saimaa ringed seal distribution area by the Government Decree on ...
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Wild salmon are the Zendayas of the fish world – what that tells us ...
Aug 12, 2025 · Once common in the wild, the Saimaa salmon would now go extinct in the wild if it were not for hatchery production sustaining the population.
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4 reasons why Nordic countries are a great forestry power - Forest.fi
Nov 17, 2021 · At best, as many as 80,000 men were employed in timber floating in Finland. Today, timber is only floated in rafts on Lake Saimaa. Photo ...
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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11967354_Factor_Analytical_Study_on_Water_Quality_in_Lake_Saimaa_Finland
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(PDF) Testing of archaeological survey at peat extraction sites at ...
Peatlands constitute central habitats for the occurrence of wetland archaeological sites. Consisting of waterlogged organic soils, they also provide ...
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Mikkeli | Lakeland, Cathedral City & Market Town - Britannica
Lumbering and pulp and paper manufacturing are the basis of the regional economy. The lake system provides essential transportation links among the major towns ...
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Factor Analytical Study on Water Quality in Lake Saimaa, Finland
Jul 9, 2025 · phosphorus load from the mills (coefficients 0.75...0.80). Based on hydrological data and several previous studies,. it can be assumed that the ...
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[PDF] Exploring 100 Years of Finnish Transboundary Water Interactions ...
ABSTRACT: This study combines the strengths of historical studies and analytical approaches on transboundary water interactions to establish an historical ...
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Imatra Hydroelectric Power Plant - Saimaa Geopark
It is the largest power plant in Finland. It has a capacity of 192 MW and a head of 24 metres. It has one Kaplan and six Francis turbines. The average annual ...Missing: production | Show results with:production
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Dams and regulation of waters - Maa- ja metsätalousministeriö
A permit under the Water Act is required for the regulation of waters. The holder of the permit must see that any changes to water levels and flows are in ...Missing: range | Show results with:range
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This Hidden Gem in Europe Has 120 Stunning Blue Lakes and ...
Sep 1, 2024 · Tucked in southeastern Finland is the country's largest lake and the fourth-largest natural freshwater lake in Europe: Lake Saimaa.Missing: source | Show results with:source
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Finland Travel - Canoeing and kayaking on Lake Saimaa
Paddle, connect with the water and take in the stunning nature of Lake Saimaa by kayak and canoe; equipment hire, lessons, guided canoe tours and more!
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Lake Saimaa Small-Group Cruise with Stories and Music - Viator
Rating 5.0 (73) Immerse yourself in the culture of Finland on a Saimaa Lake cruise that comes with traditional music and folkloric stories.
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History - Olavinlinna castle -
The Swedes started building the Olavinlinna Castle on their restless eastern border in 1475. The castle was a stronghold of 150 men-at-arms.
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Home - Savonlinna Opera Festival
### Summary of Savonlinna Opera Festival
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Finland Travel - Fish in the winter on Lake Saimaa
Ice fishing on Lake Saimaa involves sitting on frozen lakes, waiting for a tug, and no license is needed. It's best in spring, and equipment is available in ...
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Saimaa Facts For Kids | AstroSafe Search - DIY.ORG
Saimaa is one of the largest lakes in Finland! It covers a whopping 440 square kilometers, which is a bit bigger than the area of Helsinki!
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10 reasons to come to Saimaa
A marriage of nature and culture. The unique nature and breathtaking lake views have inspired Finnish artists through the ages. Contemporary Finnish art and ...1. A Unique Lake · 2. Pure Nature · 5. A Marriage Of Nature And...Missing: significance | Show results with:significance<|separator|>
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Rauhalinna: A luxurious retreat in the Finnish countryside
Rauhalinna is a historic estate on Lake Saimaa, offering opulent accommodation, a lakeside sauna, and a private pier, with activities like forest walks and ...Missing: elites | Show results with:elites
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Experience the Soul of lake Saimaa with Guide Arto - Lakeland GTE
Guided nature tours and adventures in Puumala by lake Saimaa all year. Seal safaris and cruises by electric Ecoboat in summer and safaris by eLyly electric ...
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[PDF] Saimaa, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2024
The largest lake in Finland is loved by many, several million guests visit the Saimaa region annually . Its cleansing waters and many bridges connect shores, ...
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A Concise History of Finland 0521539897 - DOKUMEN.PUB
The seven brothers of Aleksis Kivi's eponymous nineteenth-century novel, who ... found his inspiration in the lakeland of the interior, Topelius was ...
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Locks in busy 50-year-old Saimaa Canal in need of an upgrade - Yle
Aug 12, 2018 · New ships will be considerably bigger, and the current length of the Saimaa Canal's locks (82.5 metres) is insufficient to accommodate them. " ...
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Place of birth: savonlinna, finland - IMDb
Heikki Silvennoinen was born on 27 April 1954 in Savonlinna, Finland. He was an actor and writer, known for Kummeli Stories (1995), Kummeli (1991) and Kummeli ...
[84]
Imatra - Wikipedia
Notable people · Marlo Koponen, ice hockey player · Jarmo Koski, actor · Arvo Kyllönen, wrestler · Jussi Markkanen, ice hockey player · Petteri Nokelainen, ice ...
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REMEMBER THE FALLEN Väinö Blomstedt (born 1 April 1871 ...
Feb 2, 2025 · REMEMBER THE FALLEN Väinö Blomstedt (born 1 April 1871 Savonlinna- died 2 February 1947 Helsinki) was a Finnish artist.
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Puumala art path point 2
Fanny Churberg is considered one of the most important landscape painters in Finnish art. Motifs in her many paintings are typical patriotic Finnish landscapes.
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Saimaa ringed seal research - UEFConnect
... Saimaa ringed seal population. Even though the industrial emissions of mercury have declined drastically during the last decades, silvicultural treatments ...<|separator|>