s/s HEINÄVESI
S/S Heinävesi and Saimaan Laivamatkat – traditions and experiences on Finland's most beautiful waters since 1906
Experience Lake Saimaa as it was meant to be – peacefully, up close and authentically s/s Heinävesi by boat
Get on board and let the stories of Lake Saimaa come to life. s/s Heinävesi takes you to the legendary canal route of Heinävesi, the home waters of the Saimaa ringed seal and the most impressive lake landscapes in Finland.
Travel by steamship s/s Heinävesi On board, you'll be transported back in time over a hundred years – the authentic atmosphere of travel, the smell of the wooden deck and the quiet rhythm of the steam engine make a cruise an experience that can't be experienced anywhere else.
Heinävesi Canal Route – Finland's most beautiful inland water experience
The cruise passes through four historic locks and 1 open canal, through narrows, and through almost natural landscapes. The route is officially a nationally valuable heritage landscape area and one of Finland's most prestigious waterways.
Scenic cruises in Kuopio – The best views of the city from the water
During the summer season we also cruise in Kuopio!
Take a relaxing scenic cruise along the beautiful shores of Lake Kallavesi and enjoy the city skyline, archipelago views and historical stories. Children will be entertained by the program-driven little skipper cruises
Kuopio scenic cruises are the perfect experience for travelers, families and groups.
45 years on the s/s Heinävesi Tuuliajo and s/s Heinävesi 120 years theme cruises Wednesdays in Savonlinna
Join us for a unique experience Windsurfing-theme cruise, where the Saimaa phenomenon, music and stories come to life on the historic s/s Heinävesi. The cruises feature interviews, stories and expert perspectives, and a live program that takes passengers into the atmosphere of the Tuuliajolla tour – right in the middle of Saimaa's most beautiful lake nature.
These cruises offer the perfect combination of culture, history and lake scenery.
s/s Heinävesi – cruises Oraviin, Linnansaari and Valamoon
Set off on the iconic s/s Heinävesi to explore the most stunning sites of Lake Saimaa. The steamer's peaceful passage takes you deep into the heart of the lake's natural beauty – the home of the ringed seal, labyrinthine archipelagos and historic canals. Along the way, you'll encounter narrow inlets, rugged rocky shores and quiet ridges that make the route unforgettable.
Our cruise itineraries will take you Oravito the idyllic village harbor, To the unique island nature of Linnansaari National Park and Valamoto the cultural and historical peace of the monasteryEach destination offers its own story, landscape and experience – and s/s Heinävesi transports you to them in a traditional way, just like over 100 years ago.
Charter cruises – private events on Lake Saimaa
We organize private and corporate cruises in Savonlinna, Kuopio and the waters of Heinävesi.
A charter cruise is perfect for:
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for corporate events
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customer and stakeholder days
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for summer parties and birthdays
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for weddings and parties
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for small and large groups
S/S Heinävesi takes you and your guests to the beautiful waters of Savonlinna, offering a unique atmosphere and beautiful landscapes of Lake Saimaa.
Theme cruises - flavors, culture and events on Lake Saimaa
Seasonal theme cruises offer new experiences for everyone:
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Music cruises & concerts
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Nature & seal cruises
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Midsummer and autumn cruises
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Winery cruises
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Tasting cruises
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Tuuliajolla cultural cruises
Theme cruises are popular — reservations fill up quickly.
s/s Heinävesi – Finland's oldest passenger ship on its original route
In operation since 1906 s/s Heinävesi is Finland's oldest passenger ship, still operating on its original routes.
It is a living part of the history of inland waterway transport — and at the same time one of the most attractive experiences in Lake Saimaa.
Welcome to experience Lake Saimaa as it has been for over a hundred years – clean, peaceful and unforgettably beautiful.
Historic steamship S/S Heinävesi
Experience an unforgettable cruise on the S/S Heinävesi between Savonlinna and Kuopio along the historical route of Heinävesi
Cruise season 25.6.-20.8.2026:
The ship departs at 9:00 AM. From Kuopio on Tuesdays ->
Heinävesi canal cruises
Cruises in Kuopio
Experience unforgettable experiences on S/S Heinävesi: Charter cruises, Little Skipper cruises and Bellanrannan cruises!
Step aboard the historic steamship S/S Heinävesi and explore the blue landscapes of Kallavesi! The historic steamship, which began operating in 1906, S/S Heinävesi offers exciting charter cruises, fun Little Skipper cruises for the little ones in the family, and relaxing afternoon cruises. Bellanrannan cruises.
Cruises in Savonlinna
Unforgettable moments on S/S Heinävesi – Charter cruises in Savonlinna
Make your event memorable on the historic steamship S/S Heinävesi! This unique steamship offers the perfect setting for parties, corporate events, or even a quiet gathering with friends and family. S/S Heinävesi, a historic passenger ship commissioned in 1906, cruises the beautiful waters of Lake Saimaa around Savonlinna, offering stunning scenery and an atmospheric way to travel.
Frequently asked questions
Heinävesi & Saimaa cruises
How do I book tickets?
You can easily book tickets on the website by clicking the “Buy Tickets” button.
If necessary, we will also help by phone and email.
- Phone: + 358 15 250 250
- Email: info(at)saimaanlaivamatkat.fi
Where do the cruises depart from?
Cruises depart from Kuopio:
- Kuopio Passenger Port, Makasiininkatu 1, s/s Heinävesi The boat departs from the end of Minna Canthi Street.
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Savonlinna Passenger Port, Satamapuistonkatu 57130 Savonlinna, s/s Heinävesi The ship's departure point is at the Rantakatu end of the passenger port.
How long is the cruise?
We offer several options:
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Scenic cruises in Kuopio 2 hours
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Canal cruises Kerman for the channel and Valamoone.
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Kuopio–Savonlinna and Savonlinna–Kuopio full-day route (approx. 12 hours)
Schedules can be found in the itineraries menu.
Who is a cruise suitable for?
S/S Heinävesi is a traditional passenger steamship that runs calmly and steadily.
The ship is also well suited for older passengers and people who wish to travel peacefully.
Is the ship accessible?
It is possible to board the ship with assistance, and our staff will be happy to help.
Please note that the ship was built in 1906.
If necessary, ask for additional information about transportation and toilet arrangements.
Can I bring my bike?
Yes, you can bring a bicycle on the cruise. The cost of transporting a bicycle is €15.
Places are reserved in advance, please provide more information when booking.
Can I eat on the ship?
Yes. There is a pool on board throughout the cruises. cafe and restaurant services.
Available are:
On itineraries:
- Lunch €19,90, served at 11 am, 12.30 pm and 13.30 pm
- Dinner €39,90, table service at 4:00 PM, 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM.
On all cruises:
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coffee and refreshments
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sweet and savory pastries
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Finnish flavors from Lake Saimaa
Special diets are catered for where possible. The café offers gluten-free and vegan options.
Does the weather affect the cruise?
Cruises will operate normally regardless of the weather.
It is worth considering dressing according to the weather and preparing for changes in weather.
What to bring on a cruise?
We recommend:
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comfortable shoes
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clothing appropriate for the weather
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camera or phone for taking pictures of beautiful landscapes
- your own seat cushion if you wish
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome. on the outer deck.
Assistance service dogs are also welcome indoors.
Can I book the entire ship for a private event?
Yes. We organize private cruises for groups, companies and parties.
Request a quote and tell us your wishes – we will be happy to organize an unforgettable event.
Will I receive the tickets by email?
Yes. Tickets will be delivered by email immediately after booking.
What if I need to cancel my reservation?
Cancellation conditions are shown in the booking confirmation.
You can cancel your reservation free of charge up to 2 days before the cruise. For shorter scenic cruises, the cancellation period is 1 day.
Tips for cruising
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For scenic cruises: Come to the port 15–20 minutes before departure
- For a cruise: Come to the port an hour before departure
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You can leave your car in the parking lots near the port.
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Feel free to ask our staff – we will be happy to help.
Additional help & contact information
If you need help with your booking or have any questions before your trip:
Phone: +358 15 250 250
Email: info(at)saimaanlaivamatkat.fi
WhatsApp chat: +358 50 5173 040
Contact
info(at)saimaanlaivamatkat.fi
Call
+ 358 15 250 250
+ 358 50 5173 040