Welcome to Mikkeli!
The Mikkeli region is situated in Southeastern Finland and constitutes the Region of South Savo. The South Savo region is dominated by Saimaa, the largest lake district in Europe. The region's largest urban centre is Mikkeli. The City of Mikkeli is surrounded by 7 municipalities: Hirvensalmi, Juva, Kangasniemi, Mäntyharju, Pertunmaa, Puumala and Ristiina. Please see website Visit Mikkeli for information for visitors to all parts of Mikkeli district, also Mikkeli Region 2012 Travel magazine is worth while reading!
A little bit of culture…
Mikkeli city is a traditional army headquarters city. During the wartime in 1939-40 and in 1941-44, the Finnish army headquarters was located in Mikkeli. Today, we offer a range of museums in Finnish military history.
Headquarters Museum
The changing exhibiton is “Happy Birthday, Mr. Marshal!” which tells the story about Hitler’s visit to congratulate Mannerheim on his 75th birthday on June 4th 1942. | Päämajankuja 1-3, tel. +358 (0)15 1942427 | Opening hours: 10-17 daily, 4€/ visitor
Communications Centre Lokki
Naisvuori (next to the Headquarters Museum), tel. + 358 (0)15 194 2429 | Opening hours: 10-17 daily, 2€/ visitor. Joint ticket for the Headquarters Museum and the Communications Centre Lokki 6€/ visitor.
Infantry Museum
Jääkärinkatu 6-8, tel. +358 (0)15 369 666 | Opening hours: daily 10-18, 6€/ visitor
There are also many different kinds of art exhibitions in the Mikkeli region. In the city centre, you can find Mikkeli Art Museum which is also South Savo Regional Art Museum. The "Granite House" next to the cathedral hosts seasonal exhibitions and collections of classic Finnish art throughout the year. The summer exhibition is all about Marimekko, the famous Finnish textile brand.
Mikkeli Art Museum/South Savo Art Museum
Marimekko- A whole life, 60 years of colours, stripes and shapes. | Ristimäenkatu 5, tel. +358 (0)15 194 2424 | Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10-17, Wed 12-19, Sat 10-13. 4€/ visitor
Mikkeli Centre of Photography has an exhibition of the humour in Finnish photo journalism.
“Virne PRESS” | Puistokatu 3, tel. +358 (0)15 151 135 | Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10-16, 5€/ visitor
GalleriAri has changing art exhibitions all year around. In August there is an exhibition from Annukka Majamäki. | Kasarminkatu 3, tel. +358 (0)15 212 321 | Opening hours: Tue-Fri 10-17, Sat 10-13. Free for visitors.
Shopping
In Mikkeli there are two big shopping centers in the city centre, Akseli and Stella. From there you can find all sorts of clothes, shoes, Finnish design and souvenirs. The famous Finnish brands are for example Marimekko, Iittala, Arabia and Pentik.
In the Mikkeli Market place is possible to see the real Finnish culture and buy for example the famous Finnish rye bread (ruisleipä), or have a nice cup of coffee and enjoy the atmosphere.
Local food for all tastes!
The region’s markets and direct sales outlets are filled in summertime with fresh produce. Many restaurants prepare unbelievably delicious food from ingredients sourced by local producers and farms. Organic food is also a matter of heart to many restaurants.
Recommendation to the restaurants in the city centre:
Gastropub Eino
The menu features locally produced meats, fish, chicken and cheeses. | Hallituskatu 3, tel. +358 15 206 3650
Restaurant Hilla
Scandinavian cuisine with local products. | Hallituskatu 7-9, tel. +358 440 552 380
Restaurant Holvi
Famous throughout Finland for its great food. | Savilahdenkatu 11, tel. +358 15 210 663
Restaurant Vilee Puoti & Bistro
Fresh homemade local food (open at lunch time) | Porrassalmenkatu 22, tel. +358 50 592 9156
Events in Mikkeli during the week
2.-5.8 The national “Kotiseutupäivät” heritage days in Mikkeli. Different kinds of programs during the days
4.8 A heritage day in Kenkävero
4.8 Otava Happy Jazz
5.8 Huge flea market (Jättikirppis) in the Mikkeli Market Place
7.8 A Park concert in the Naisvuori area (city centre of Mikkeli), 18-19. Free for the visitors.
8.8 Dancing in “Hiihtomäen lava” dancing pavilion. Artist: Anna-Liisa Räsänen.