Saimaa by Misha Empty

Saimaa • Business thrives at lake Saimaa • Delicacies of Tertti Manor • The attraction of the summer cottage

Saimaa top 20 +115+

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WELCOME TO SAIMAA!

en thousand years ago, substantial climate change took place in northern Europe. Back then, the warming was not initiated by the actions of humans but by nature itself. The Ice Age, which had lasted for a long, came to an end. Slowly but confidently, the earth started to rise and reveal itself under huge masses of ice. The area which is Finland today gradually took shape. When the ice sheet melted, it formed thousands of lakes, rivers and streams. The largest and most beautiful of the lakes is Saimaa, the blue pearl of East Finland. Each year, its thousands of islands, bays and gulfs invite hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers from other areas of Finland, from Saint Petersburg, and from the whole world. South Savo region is located at the heart of Saimaa. The region’s capital is Mikkeli. Marshal Carl Emil Mannerheim, who led the struggle for Finnish independence, commanded his troops from this town during the Second World War. Thanks to its good location, our town is again a headquarters. The staff of the Finnish Army started operating in Mikkeli at the beginning of 2008. The Savo region has always been located on the border between East and West. The medieval castle of Olavinlinna in Savonlinna, the second largest town of the region, is the most visible landmark of this. Today the castle is the scene of a famous opera festival. Once upon a time, the castle was used to guard the border between Sweden and Russia. Today our region is known for its unique lakeside nature and for its international culture events. At Savo one can listen to worldclass music or watch the stars of international ballet. The famous Mariinsky Theatre, with Valery Gergiev as its director, performs at the Mikkeli music festival every summer. Travellers to the region can engage in many different sorts of activities. The clean and peaceful nature offers unforgettable experiences and opportunities for lakeside cruises, golf, packpacking, fishing, paddling or mushroom picking and hunting. In the winter, ice fishing, skating on a frozen lake and cross country skiing and snowmobile rides are pleasant activities. South Savo is not called the first region in Finland without good reason. There are approximately 45,000 high quality, usually fully furnished, vacation homes in the region. These can be rented for a weekend or a longer time both for family and company use. Organising a business meeting at Saimaa is always a better choice than a busy and routine meeting in a city. Many global companies that seek international partners also operate in Savo region. Foreign investors are welcome in our region. Savo has many strengths. It has the richest forests in Finland and the lowest level of emissions. Our strengths include environmental technology, renewable energy and material technology. Dear Reader! You are warmly welcome to visit, to vacation and to invest in South Savo! +

Contacts More information on Saimaa LAKELAND SAIMAA www.visitsaimaa.fi travel service of mikkeli www.travel.mikkeli.fi/ travel service of savonlinna www.savonlinna.travel travel service of saimaa www.saimaa.fi Lakeland Finland www.lakelandfinland.fi/ Puula-Kyyvesi -region www.puula-kyyvesi.fi/ Regional Council of Etelä-Savo www.esavo.fi Employment and Economic Development Centre in Etelä-Savo www.te-keskus.fi/etela-savo texts Elina Hakola photos Riitta Supperi, Ilpo Aalto, Paula Myöhänen

Matti Viialainen Regional Director European Union Regional Development Fund

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Saimaa Top 20

Lörtsys and Savonlinna Market Square

When visiting Savonlinna Market Square on a summer day, one must try the pies filled with meat or with different jams -- “lörtsy” that is. It is a local delicacy which was created in Savonlinna in the 1950s. The secret behind the popularity of lörtsy is that it can be filled with pretty much anything.

Rock-paintings narrate the past

Over 60 rock-paintings have been found in Finland. Most of these are near large aquifers at Lake Saimaa and Kymenlaakso. The Astuvansalmi rockpaintings at Ristiina are 15 metres tall and consist of about 60 images. They are the largest rock-paintings in the Nordic region. The images are from the Comb Ceramic time of the stone ages. It is possible to see the rock-paintings on a guided, three kilometre long trek in nature or by a boat.

World’s biggest wooden church

In the 1840s, the vicar of Kerimäki parish, Fredrik Neovius, wanted a local church that could accommodate half of his 12,000 parishioners. Ar-

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chitect Anders Granstedt drafted the plan, and construction works on the largest wooden church of Christendom started in 1844. The church became an example of workmanship of the time. Today Kerimäki church is in use only during the summer. However, on Christmas day, the locals gather in the church which is decorated with candles. They wear fur coats and gloves in accordance with tradition. >> www.kolumbus.fi/kerisk/

To the net from the side of a lake

A wireless broadband network was completed in 2007 in the scarcely populated South Savo area. Today it is just as easy to access the internet from your summer cottage as it is from your home or office computer. The network was built partly with the help of the European Regional Development Fund and covers 99 per cent of all households in the region, including 98 per cent in scarcely populated areas. The wireless broadband network has been an important milestone for people in this scarcely but evenly populated region. It is important in terms of competitiveness, accessibility and the equality of local citizens.

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Saimaa Top 20

The Saimaa Ringed Seal lives at Kolovesi National Park

Kolovesi National Park was established in 1990 to protect the archipelago of Saimaa, the natural habitat of the Saimaa Ringed Seal and of southern Finnish forests. The natural park has two nature trails and fine boating and canoeing opportunities. Power boats are almost completely banned. Kolovesi is a fisherman’s paradise and one of the last remaining habitats of the Saimaa Ringed Seal. >> www.saimaaholiday.net.

Training events and meetings on the shores of Saimaa

Meetings and training events can be atmospheric and interesting when organised at an attractive venue. There is a special venue at Rantasalmi; Esa Heiskanen has constructed the tourism area of HakoApaja from 2000 – 4000 year old wooden beams. This has been his life’s work over the past 30 years. The first 10 years he spent lifting the beams from the water, the following 20 years he worked on the construction of the cottages and the main building. This can accommodate as many as 100 people at the same time. At the end of a meeting, one can enjoy a smoky sauna and some roast game prepared at HakoApaja’s kitchen. >> www.porosalmi.net/hakoapaja

St. Olaf, the castle of many tales

The construction of Saint Olaf castle began in 1475 to defend the Savo area. The castle was supposed to repel Russian attacks from the east and to guarantee the control of the Savo region for the Swedish Crown. According to legend, Ingnel, the beautiful daughter of the Swedish lord of the castle, fell in love with a Russian officer. When she opened the castle gates to her beloved, the Russian army raided the castle. The attack was repelled but Ingnel had to pay for her betrayal with her life: she was buried alive in the ramparts of the castle. A rowan tree stemming between the stones of the castle walls was considered a sign of Ingnel’s innocence. The tree survived but was destroyed in an autumn storm in the 1950s. >> www.nba.fi/en/olavinlinna_castle.

The caves of Retretti offer an art experience

The word “Retretti” comes from Latin and means rest, delay and retreat. Art Centre Retretti is indeed a good place to escape the bustle, and is also worth visiting for its architecture. Some 3,700 square meters of exhibition spaces and a concert hall have been quarried in underground caves. Above ground, there are 2,000 square meters reserved for art. Both Finnish and foreign art fits well in these premises, and there is an exhibition also for children. Retretti is one of the largest art centres in the Nordic region. >> www.retretti.fi.

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Saimaa Top 20

Travel in a painting

Artists and travelling scientists discovered the breathtaking views of Punkaharju in the 18th century. Others soon followed suit. Russian Czar Alexander I became so fond of the area that he banned cutting the trees on the forests of the ridge. The area has continued to be cherished since then, and is designated as a natural reserve. It is possible to enjoy the scenery of Punkaharju while paddling, cycling or climbing in the area. >> www.harjunportti.fi.

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Alternative accommodation

When one gets enough of staying in hotels, it is worth trying how life at a real farm is. At Mannila it is possible to lodge at a tent, a trailer, a shed or in the main building of the farm – depending on your own preference. Each morning kicks off with a breakfast prepared by the hostess, after which one can start living the countryside life. During the day it is possible to spend time with the cats and dogs, try riding or athletics or enjoy the surrounding nature. >> www.maatilamatkailumannila.com.

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Majestic lodging

According to a story, the Russian royal family, the Demidoffs, bought Anttolan Hovi Manor House to serve as a refuge of their family and the family of the Czar, the Romanovs, in the early 20th century. At the same time, 36 horses belonging to the princess were brought to Anttolan Hovi Manor House with their saddles decorated in rubies. Luxury is still present at Anttola: seven luxury villas with a beach of their own and six villas on the hillside will be complete during spring 2008. The villas are the results of a design competition for young architects. >> www.anttolanhovi.fi.

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Salad cultivation with high technology

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The consumption of fresh salad and herbs in Finland has quadrupled in the past 15 years. Finns want to eat more vegetables and more healthily so there is notable demand for fresh bowls of salad. Famifarm, a family owned firm located at Joroinen municipality, aims to fulfil this need. It produces 60,000 bowls of salad and herbs a day for Finnish kitchens and shops under the Järvikylä brand. The selection consists of 38 different salads and herbs. The Järvikylä brand holds almost one third of the salad and herb bowl market in Finland. However, the efficient cultivation method does not harm nature. All Järvikylä, plants grow without chemical agents. Their cultivation is based on a closed circulation system, where nutrients circulate in a cultivation channel from which the plant gets water and the nutrients it needs. The remaining nutrients are returned to the basin. One of the quality and efficiency advantages of Famifarm is logistics. The plants are frozen right after harvesting and transported in a cold case to shops. Most of the salad bowls are sold in

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Saimaa Top 20

shops the day after being harvested. Focusing on quality, cultivation conditions and logistics has been successful as Famifarm is the market leader in its product segment. >> www.jarvikyla.fi

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Where does the witty and sociable reputation of Savo people come from?

Let’s have a look at the past. During the Gustavian era in the 18th century, when French manners became the trend among the Swedish upper class, several Swedish officers who had served in the French military settled down in the manors of South Savo. The stylishly powdered officers danced minuets in their wigs and plaits, organised theatre shows and exchanged kisses on each other’s cheeks to the wonder of the ordinary man in Savo. Savo received a breath of wind from the distant yet glorious world of the court in Versailles. The manor areas of Joroinen, Rantasalmi and Mikkeli came even to be known as “Little Paris”. The French character of South Savo is still present in the culture and the food varieties of the manor area of the province. (Description by Osmo Pekonen).

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Information, technology and art

There is an interesting mixture of innovation, know-how and art behind the Savcor Group founded in Mikkeli. The Group started its operations by developing and selling corrosion preventive systems for the paper industry. In time, this family-owned firm founded by Hannu Savisalo expanded its operations to include consulting services for the forest industry and the design of covers for mobile phones. Savcor was recently listed on the Sydney Stock Exchange. The Savisalo family is also one of the main supporters of culture in Mikkeli – they run the Ballet Mikkeli event. This consists of performances by top Russian ensembles and international soloists, such as Vladimir Malahov, who has been named the world’s best dancer. >> www.savcor.com and www.balletmikkeli.com

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Golf in a historical scenery

The golf ball rolls around in the historical scene of the Battle of Porrassalmi in the lands of Annila Manor. These lands have been cultivated since the 1540s. But recently the cultivation had to make space for the 65 hectare golf course. The golfing lanes have been named after the houses nearby and people who played a role in the history of the area. It is possible to dine and lodge at the manor itself. This means that the visitor can get up, have breakfast and head straight to the golf course. www.annilangolfkeskus.net

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Jurassic Rock, event of a good mood

The first music festival of Mikkeli in 20 years took place in 2007. The goal was to bring together

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Saimaa Top 20

the listeners of heavy metal, hip-hop, rock and reggae music in a friendly atmosphere. This goal was achieved. Jurassicrock has been voted among the best ten festivals in the international survey of Finnish rock magazine Rumba. The rock event takes place at the well-known tourism centre of Visulahti. >> www.jurassicrock.fi and www.visulahdenmatkailu.fi.

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World’s biggest rowing competition

Some 8,500 participants compete in Sulkava Rowing Race each year. The race has become the biggest rowing competition in the world. The event first took place in 1968. Today it is a six day popular festival. If you feel like taking part, you can sign up with 15 friends or search for a place in one of the teams using the internet. It is possible to rent a boat when registering. In addition to rowing it is also possible to enjoy the festival atmosphere and free dancing and music events at Sulkava. >> www.suursoudut.net

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Information technology for demanding circumstances

Control Express Finland, based in Savonlinna, manufactures computers for extremely demanding circumstances including industry and defence. These computers will not wince from tremors, humidity or changes of temperature that would destroy a standard computer. The tight cooperation between Control Express Finland and Cisco, the electronics and information technology giant, guarantees that the firm always has the newest technological know-how at hand. >> www.controlexpress.fi

describes his feelings and first impressions. Hoikkala then started brainstorming and his Art Centre Salmela won the municipal competition. Awakening the place, however, needed more than just the kiss of a prince: a thorough repair. Now, Hoikkala admits that his taking a major financial risk was inspired by the idealist yearnings of a young man to see his dream come true. Although the project was fully financed by a loan, Hoikkala did not compromise his vision. The first exhibition at Art Centre Salmela was held in the summer of 1990 and already on its second year the centre was being used all year around. The number of visitors to the centre grows each year. But Hoikkala is interested in receiving enthusiastic visitors for other than financial reasons. “The goal is achieved when public and art meet. The high quality of the art is of primary importance. Finances should never step ahead of art and culture,” he vows. In the summers, Salmela Art Centre is open to the public with exhibitions of high-quality modern Finnish art. Concerts, art events, song contests as well as lectures on art by the artists themselves are also organised at Salmela. In the winter, the art centre functions as a residence for young artists who can live here and use the studio premises for free. When leaving Salmela, they donate one of their works to the centre’s collection as compensation for their accommodation. Young artists will be arriving in Salmela also from abroad in the near future. “For us this is an opportunity to find and track young artists. This is how Salmela will create an entourage of artists of its own. One needs most support when starting life as an artist,” Hoikkala says. + >> www.taidekeskussalmela.fi

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Top skier from South Savo

Virpi Kuitunen, a skier born in South Savo, started skiing and other sports whilst at kindergarten. Virpi chose skiing as her primary sport because the team at Kangasniemi Kalske was so good. Kuitunen won the World Championship in Lahti in 2001. She was also the most successful sportswoman in Sapporo World Championship in 2007. She won Tour de Ski in the season of 2006-2007 and in the 2007-2008 season came second in the same competition. >> www.virpikuitunen.net

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Art Centre Salmela, a dream come true

Art Centre Salmela at the municipality of Mäntyharju has an interesting history. In 1989 the municipality organised an innovative competition, the purpose of which was to find a new use for the old parsonage. The premises had deteriorated over the years but this did not prevent Tuomas Hoikkala from seeing the beauty of the place. “The vision was born when I saw the buildings. As if the place was the Sleeping Beauty,” says Hoikkala as he

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Enjoy the silence at monastery The centre of the Finnish Orthodox culture is located at Papinniemi in Heinävesi, far from any settlement. The site is the permanent residence of some ten monks and is perfect also for a traveller seeking a break from the hectic pace of everyday life. The Monastery of New Valamo follows the old tradition which says that a monastery must be self-sufficient. Earlier the monastery supported itself through agriculture, but in the 1960s rooms left empty by monks started to be refurbished as guest houses. Subsequently tourism became Valamo’s main source of livelihood. The monastery’s old cow stables have been turned into a restaurant and the shed for carts is now a guest house. A hotel, a library, a wine shop, a cultural centre and meeting room facilities have also been built on the hillside along the monastery.

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Valamo’s adult education centre offers guidance on self-development and manual skills. One can spend an hour or a week at Valamo and take part in the life of the monastery in different ways. Many people prefer the winter season when there are fewer visitors at the monastery and the chances for a quiet and calm stay are the best. In the summer, one can take part in Valamo’s life in a more independent way, as additional facilities become available. The summer programme consists of tea evenings, concerts, exhibitions and guided tours. There is also the possibility to enjoy the silence amidst nature. To encourage this, the rooms at the monastery do not contain television, radio or minibar. + >> www.valamo.fi

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Russian travel agent Sergei Enikeev enjoys cottage holidays in Finland so much that he drives from St Petersburg to the shores of Lake Saimaa every week. He is also constructing his own village of cottages in Puumala. He is especially attracted to the safety and calmness of the South Savo area.

Fascinated by cottage life

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Russian travel agent and businessman Sergei Enikeev jokes and smiles at the photographer in a relaxed way, even though he has worked all day at the Helsinki Travel Fair. The hectic event will continue tomorrow and this is the last meeting of the day for Enikeev. The reason for Enikeev’s good mood is his plan for next weekend. He will travel to Niinisaari in Puumala, to the Okkola village, which is one of his favourite places in the world. Enikeev is a man who loves cottage life in Finland so much that he drives from St Petersburg to South Savo every week to enjoy the peace and the nature on the shores of Lake Saimaa. He has also bought land in Puumala, where he is constructing his own village of cottages. Construction is expected to finish next year.

Good mood from Savo Enikeev’s love affair with Lake Saimaa started in 1989, when he visited Finland on a business trip for the Sfinks Joint Venture. The same trip eventually led to Enikeev’s starting a new career as a travel agent. His friends were wondering why he always returned from his Finnish trips relaxed and smiling. They wanted to share the good feelings so Enikeev started organising accommodation for his friends and distributing information about the places he had visited. He soon realised that this could become a real business opportunity. Enikeev established his travel agency, called Intermedius, in 1991. He had previously worked as a physics teacher and in the airplane maintenance industry. He had had enough of working for others. “However, I do see some common traits in all my jobs. I used to coordinate the operation of airplanes and now I coordinate the relaxation of my customers. I am also a bit like a teacher, as one must respond to the customers’ needs also on an intellectual level,” says Enikeev. Intermedius now organises tours to ten different destinations and eight of them are in Finland. Around half of the clients want to be accommodated in a cottage and the others prefer a hotel. Enikeev can give many reasons why Lake Saimaa is so popular with Russian holidaymakers. “Southern Savo is like a big national park. Here, it is possible to go to the sauna, which is important for Russians both at home and at the summer cottage. A cottage for us is a symbol of safety and peace, like a safety net which we do not have in our home country.”

Cosy cottages to be built Safety and calm are values that will also be appreciated at Enikeev’s village in Puumala. This is why he has established a company called Torikko Oy in Finland. The company was named after Lake Torikko, a small lake on whose shores the cottages will be built. The village will consists of eight cot-

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tages in total, which will be available to local and foreign tourists. All the workforce will be local. All services, such as fishing, renting bicycles, guided tours and so on, will be provided by local businesses. The shores of Lake Torikko are beautiful, safe and quiet. There are almost no tourists yet. However, all the services and activities that may be required are within easy reach. The sports facilities, the spas and the nightlife of Mikkeli, Imatra and Savonlinna are all located nearby. “Russians do not mind even if they have to drive a short way to get to these services. We love our cars, but in St Petersburg it is not possible for anyone to completely enjoy driving. For example, my journey to work is only nine kilometres but it takes two and half hours because of the traffic. In Finland the roads are good and it is a pleasure to spend time with my car,” laughs Enikeev. Enikeev’s cottages will be based on construction specialist Honka’s “Heijastus” range. The work will be completed before they are handed over to Enikeev. The cottages are designed to be large, with large windows and views. There is also a terrace which goes around one side of each cottage. “The cottages correspond to my feelings for space, and you know how we Russians like flashy things,” Enikeev grins. However these will not be massive luxury houses; the aim is to create spaces with a cosy atmosphere. “Russian tourists do not only want luxury but they also want comfort and safety. They want to enjoy the peace of nature. That is why we drive 350 kilometres, each way, during the weekend. In a big city like St Petersburg, we live under continuous stress,” Enikeev says. Enikeev also dreams about building his own downhill skiing slopes here, but the negotiation for the necessary permits is still going on. However, he would not even consider building a cottage in his own country. Safety in Russia is not adequate. The owner of the cottage would always have to worry whether the holiday cottage was still standing before visiting the place. In Finland one can leave the cottage empty without worrying. “I am a patriot and I love my country, but there are many problems and much insecurity, which people want to leave behind when they go on holiday. A funny thing is that, in Russia, the Russians do not respect traffic rules or wait in queues. But when they cross the border into Finland, they begin to live according to the rules. Similarly, the Finns sometimes throw rubbish out of their cars when they drive in Russia, but they would not do the same here,” says Enikeev. +

“Southern Savo is like a big national park.”

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Sergei Enikeev’s tips for a successful cottage holiday: + Plan what you want to do and what you want from your holiday + Ask specialists or friends for advice so that you can find the most suitable vacation spot for your needs. + Do some research on the services and activities available in your destination so that you will get what you want from your holiday. + The cheapest accommodation is usually the one bought directly from the owner of the cottage. But this can be complicated. Use trustworthy companies to make your accommodation arrangements. + Ask in advance if you can bring pets to your cottage. They may be forbidden or you may have to pay extra because of them. + Check if the bed sheets and cleaning costs are included in the price. If the agreement requires you to clean the premises before leaving, then find out what this means exactly. + If you cancel your stay, check the deadline for informing the travel company. You may have to pay up to the full price, if you do not cancel the accommodation in time. + Remember that on the last day of your holiday, you must vacate the cottage before an agreed time. + A cottage is not a hotel. Bring your own shampoo, soap and towels with you. + Smoking is usually forbidden indoors. Also take off your shoes when indoors. It is the Finnish way.

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In the whirl of the dance What makes thirty-something urban Finnish people drive for hours in the middle of a forest just to go dancing? These dance parties – “lavatanssit” – which are organised in the summer have a spell of magic that cannot be found in city nightclubs.

The evening sun is shining, tango music is playing, eyes are closing and the dancers are getting closer to each other. This is the genuine atmosphere of the Finnish dance party, known as “lavatanssit”. The history of couples dancing in Finland goes back centuries when the only possibility for peasant men to approach the opposite sex was to ask a girl to dance. In the 21st century, following the retro boom, dance has become a really trendy sport. TV channels are broadcasting several dance programmes, such as the international programme format “Dancing with the Stars”. Radio channels also have programmes dedicated to dance music. Even specialist dance music channels have been launched. Traditional couple dances have motivated Finns, especially thirty-something Finns, to get up form the couch onto the dance floors. Ulla Torniainen and Harri Honkanen are regular and enthusiastic dancers. Ulla goes to dance a few times a week in the summer and Harri goes at least once a week. Sometimes they drive even 100 kilometres to listen to a good artist. “Dance combines sport, friends and good music,” Ulla says, summarising the magic of dance. Dancing is also a good way to meet the opposite sex. In what other sport can one get so close to an interesting person without being intrusive? Many people, however, come to these parties without any secret motives, just to enjoy dancing and the good atmosphere. Sociability and openness are fundamentals of the Finnish “lavatanssi” culture. “It often happens that we go there with a few friends, but towards the end of the evening the number of people in our party doubles. The best places to get to know other people are the water outlets,” Ulla suggests. Finns are well-known abroad for their excessive consumption of

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Harri’s and Ulla’s favourite dance floors in South Savo: + + + +

Metsälinna in Ristiina Syvälahti at Kangasniemi Pistohiekka, 60 kilometres from Mikkeli towards Puumala Tommola dance floor, from Mikkeli towards Kouvola.

alcohol. But alcohol is not a part of Finnish dancing culture. There are two reasons for this: dancing under the influence is difficult and no-one wants to dance with a drunkard. The point of dancing is genuinely only dancing and getting to know new people. Ulla became a “lavatanssi” enthusiast already when she was very young and visited the dance floors with her parents. Her mother and father taught her the steps, and later she trained herself. Harri found his way to the dance floor with a group of friends. “Dancing is a tolerant sport. You can interpret the music according to your mood and no-one will drive you away from the dance floor even if you take the ‘wrong’ step,” says Harri. Ulla and Harri are both talented dancers, but they are continuously studying new ways to dance. The perennially popular dances in Finland include the waltz, the tango, the fox-trot and various other dances that arrived in Finland from the salons of Europe since the Middle Ages. In time, most of these dances have adapted themselves to the Finnish countryside in terms of the landscape and the music. However, there are also new winds blowing across the dance floors of Finland. In recent times, Latin rhythms have become popular. For example, salsa classes for couples are now getting crowded. It is possible to enjoy the atmosphere of the party even if you don’t dance. In some places, you can sing karaoke or play bingo, although usually the programme includes only dancing. One way to entertain yourself, of course, is to observe the dancing couples while listening to the music. “It is worth coming to the dance with an open mind, to enjoy the music and the dance. The dance floor is not a place for the uptight,” Ulla and Harri declare. +

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How to get to the “lavatanssit”? + “Lavatanssit” usually start at about 8 pm. It is good to be at the site at latest at 10 pm. The last dance takes place before 12:30 am. + There is usually transportation by bus from nearby large towns. + Dance announcements can be found in many newspapers on Thursdays and also at www.tanssi.net. + According to tradition, men and women sit in rows on different sides of the dance floor. Couples sit separately. If you want only to watch, it’s best not to sit down! + The orchestra always plays two songs in the same style of music. The custom is that couples dance both songs together. + The dance hall always has rules as to who invites whom to dance: either it is women, men or mixed. Often, both genders are allocated one hour each to ask the opposite sex to dance. The rules are written and displayed on the wall of the dance hall. + The orchestra plays in 45 minute sequences and then gives a break of 15 minutes. + Dance halls do not have food outlets, so it is advisable to eat before arriving on the scene. + It is not sensible to drink too much alcohol. Drunken fools do not get invited to dance. + Partners must dance close to each other because the man directs the woman with his body. This is not a sexual advance, though! + The music most often is melancholy and describes lost love. But Finns can still have fun! + Equipment: There is no dress code at the dances. Clothing can vary from shorts to long trousers or skirts. Note that you are likely to sweat while dancing. Men often bring additional shirts so that they can change during the evening. The temperature may also become cool. Remember to wear comfortable shoes that don’t pinch; however do not wear a pair of sandals or plimsolls.

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Pampering taste nerves Masterpieces of classical music are being played in the dining hall of Tertti Manor. Matti Pylkkänen, the host, pours champagne into a glass. “You are now at the mercy of my cooking skills,” he grins. It is good to be at Pylkkänen’s mercy. One really understands this when a velvety-soft artichoke soup spiced with truffle oil arrives on the table, steaming hot. Almost all the ingredients used in the kitchen here come from local producers or from the manor’s own land. The artichokes in the soup are from an organic producer at Juva. The main course, arctic char, was caught by a friend of the master. The root vegetables were grown on the manor’s own land. The berries in the blueberry pie were picked up by the hostess on her excursions to the forest. The meal is of international top-quality and prepared by purely Finnish ingredients. No wonder Tertti Manor won the Finnish Travel Quality Award in January 2008, for which the best hotels and spas in Finland competed. The manor previously functioned as a farm. When the farm was

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taken over by the younger generation, the owners Martti and Pepita Pylkkänen decided to focus on tourism in addition to agriculture. The couple prefer to make use of produce from their own land but the manor cannot supply everything they need. “We have a network of approximately 80 suppliers from whom we get even the most special delicacies. We are also looking to source products that suit our concept from abroad. Southern France has especially become our favourite,” Matti Pylkkänen says. During the cultural events of the summer season, many guests stop here to enjoy the delicacies of Tertti Manor. The dishes on offer during the summer include an ample selection of cold cuts, lamb entrecotê, salmon and pike steaks and oven-baked cheese as desert. In a few years, if the manor is lucky, the selection will include also truffles from the manor’s own garden. + www.tertinkartano.fi Tertti Mansion is part of the chain Saimaan Charmantit. www.saimaancharmantit.fi

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Saimaa business The Nation’s Race One can admire gallant horses at the races almost every day of the year. Tuula Pihkala, Managing Director of the Mikkeli race track, wants to develop various services for horse enthusiasts. However, the well-being of the horses remains her top priority. How to watch a horse race? Races start on weekdays at 6 pm, on Saturdays at 6 pm and on Sundays at 1 pm and 5 pm. Usually the entrance fee is about €5. Bigger events charge more. Horses and jockeys arrive on the track. They are introduced in accordance with their numbers. On average, there are ten races during one event. The competitions are categorised according to age, winning prize or level. Pony races may precede the actual horse races. The race can be in 1600, 2100, 2600 or 3100 meters. During the awards ceremony, the winning team can get a wreath, a cup and flowers. Race tracks have an information point that provides guidance for betting and other information on horse racing. One can book guided tours to the stables, which enable one to have a peek behind the scenes. Race tracks can also organize a guide to induct visitors into the world of horse racing.

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When one looks out of the window in Tuula Pihkala’s room, one sees a single horse running on the track with its trainer. They are only exercising, and one realizes that the horse can do even better on the day of an actual race. Measured on the basis of attendance, horse racing is the second most popular spectator sport in Finland. Only ice hockey is more popular. In Mikkeli, racing is in a special position; the international St. Michel horserace in mid-July is the second biggest event in South Savo after the Savonlinna Opera Festival. The event is expected to receive some 20,000 visitors this year. “Horseracing is a popular sport because it offers something for everyone. You see fast and beautiful horses, you have the chance to play “Toto”, or you can just sit and enjoy the festive atmosphere. If you know a horse owner or reserve a personal guide in advance, you can also have a look around the track,” Pihkala explains. In earlier days, horse racing was considered to be part of the masculine world, but Pihkala says that the sport is increasingly popular with women. The one thing that unites peo-

ple in the racing industry is their interest in horses; the gender of the horse enthusiast is not very important. “The most important duty of a race track is to organise races so that horse owners can be rewarded with prizes. This ensures that the horse breeding industry will do well and that services for the industry can be developed. The central issue, however, is the well-being of the horses. Also, the managing director of a race track must have genuine enthusiasm and interest in horses as well as the determination to work for the good of the races,” Pihkala says. The horse racing industry competes for a share of people’s leisure time. The competition becomes challenging especially during the summer months, when a wide variety of events is taking place in Finland. As a result, race tracks have invested in restaurant services, entertainment for children and tailormade programme packages. In Finland, it is possible to watch a horse race on almost every day of the year because at least one of the 43 Finnish tracks is likely to organise a race on any given day. + www.mikkelinravirata.fi

12.3.2008 08:43:56

Saimaa business

“The biggest domestic customer of Environics is the Finnish Defence Forces.”

Environics, a Front-runner in the Safety and Security Equipment Sector A small Mikkeli-based firm is solving the world’s most challenging safety and security problems. When the client base includes the defence forces of different countries, product development is meticulous work.

A very ordinary looking office building stands at the Graani suburb in Mikkeli. However, Environics – which is based in this building together with Mitech (a local technology centre) and a few smaller firms – is an extraordinary case in Finnish circumstances. Environics develops and manufactures chemical detectors and safety systems for civilian and military use. Product development, manufacturing and sales are managed from Mikkeli. The firm’s list of clients consists of significant names. In the safety and security industry, the details of the client base and of the systems remain a guarded secret. However, we can mention that Environics won a tender when the Dutch Defence Forces were looking for a provider of chemical detectors. Environics ChemPro©100 detects chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals. Its efficiency is based on an ion mobility cell, which improves the separation of agents and the detecting ability of the equipment. In the international market, the sensor technology of Environics is in a class of its own. In addition to gas detectors, bio, radiation and weather detectors linked to each other are part of security management systems. At the moment this kind of countrywide CBRN system is being delivered to a country in the Middle East. Initially Environics was aiming for the big markets of chemical detection systems in the United States. This goal was not fully achieved, but the firm’s investment in product development was worth the effort. Environics technology corresponded to the standard requirements of its customers and the company gained a good market position. The US market is still significant for the firm; its local subsidiary has operated there since year 2002. Today the biggest domestic customer of Environics is the Finnish Defence Forces, with whom the firm cooperates closely. Nevertheless, 70 per cent of the firm’s products are exported. “Our advantage is that we are a small and a flexible firm. The challenge of the market is that all competitors take part in tenders. One has to develop unique knowhow and study carefully the needs of the customer,” says Juha Väisänen, marketing manager at Environics. The market share of civilian consumers in the security industry has grown. The terrorist attacks of past years have proven that the threat of chemical poisonous gases can be real. For Environics this means more product development and new patent technologies to protect civilians. + www.environics.fi

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12.3.2008 08:44:01

Saimaa business

“Money has been given too much power. The results of a company can be measured in many other ways.” Enjoying work, maintaining social values, environment and quality. These are the values and measures of success at Ekin Muovi. “Money has been given too much power. The results of a company can be measured in many other ways. My business philosophy is not money, but creating a successful product,” says Erkki Lappi, managing director of Ekin Muovi. Lappi can explain his philosophy. He became a full-time businessman and resigned from his post as a teacher of wood crafts at an adult education centre in 1991 when economic slowdown started in Finland. Lappi had six employees at the time and had recently bought an industrial workshop. But when orders came to a halt, he had to make all his employees redundant. “It was the most difficult time in my life,” he sighs. The ex-teacher came up with the idea of organising training sessions for his ex-employees during their redundancy. In time, when the plastics arm of Neste needed to export pipes for combustion gas washers, Ekin Muovi made a new start. Later Lappi founded another firm, RST-Lapit, which manufactures stainless steel products to be used in the food industry. Lappi’s companies do not simply develop products which they then try to market to potential customers. Instead, the products are manufactured and developed according to the customers’ existing needs. For this reason, Lappi’s product range includes a variety of items - from flower basins to safety structures for windmills. “I have never had to run around looking for subcontracts. I haven’t started making products that someone else already manufactures. We develop products to fulfil our customers’ needs, using the very basic things all by ourselves. This is an opportunity to challenge ourselves and come up with new ideas,” Lappi says. Lappi today employs some 50 people. The growing use of wind energy is increasing the sales of his WinWind power stations. It is also doubling the number of personnel at Ekin Muovi. Research and product development for the Finnish Defence Forces is also a growing business. Lappi is now 57-years-old and preparing for a generational change at his firms. He is going to focus on product development in the future. His daughter and son-in-law are working for his firms and they will take over from him in a few years. “I intend to spend more time with my grandson Werneri in the future. I came up with a new product and made him a decorated cradle of birch wood. One never knows; maybe the third generation will also work for this firm one day,” he laughs. + www.ekinmuovi.fi

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Multiskilled businessman does things his way Erkki Lappi launched his own business when Finland was hit by an economic slowdown. Nevertheless, money does not set the pace at his firm. Instead, unique products and satisfied customers have the leading roles.

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Saimaa business

Know-how in Many Hands Savonlinna is located in the heart of Finland’s wood and forest industry. There is plenty of high-quality expertise in the town. This is also why Andritz, an international company that has activities around the world, operates in Savonlinna.

The cultural journey of “green gold” from Helsinki to Savonlinna goes across forests along the shores of Lake Saimaa. During a journey of approximately 350 kilometres, one understands where the name of the road derives from. The green forests around the road are endless. At the destination of the journey, the term “green gold” has a second meaning in addition to the scenic one. The wood and paper industry is the third largest industrial sector in Finland. This is why Andritz, which manufactures machinery for the paper industry, and its subsidiary, Savonlinna Works, operate here. When looking at the map of Finland, one can ask why an international conglomerate has located its production of fibre cords and its factory maintenance business at Savonlinna. It is actually easy to reach Savonlinna by car or by train, but there is still room for development in terms of flight connections. And looking at the map again, from the perspective of the paper industry, the location makes sense. “Our location in Savonlinna is ideal because it means that we are in the middle of numerous pulp and paper factories at Varkaus, Imatra, Joutseno, Kotka, Lappee nranta, Uimaharju, Kuopio and Äänekoski. The surrounding

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regions produce 7 million tons of paper and 3.5 million tons of pulp each year,” says Harri Qvintus, director of North European region at Andritz. The Andritz group is headquartered in Graz, Austria, and started operating in Savonlinna at the start of the millennium when it bought the engineering workshop of Ahlström. Alhström was skilled in serving the pulp and paper industry and had the know-how that enabled Andritz to complement its own competencies. Later, the workshops were hived off as Savonlinna Works under the ownership of Andritz. New companies have been born around the pulp and paper machinery industry – including maintenance, automation, mechanics and engineering. This has provided Andritz with a vast network of subcontractors. “We have skilled and demanding customers who have trained us to be a cost-effective and a high-quality player. We have managed to gather a team of experts, for which there will be a notable shortage in the future around the world. Experience cannot be gained in a moment. The fact that our network of partners has expertise brings a lot of flexibility to our own operations,” Qvintus says. Andritz and Savonlinna Works together employ some 450 people. In addition, there

are many welding, mounting and machinery firms that make their living through Andritz. The firm invests considerably in training its own personnel and supports young engineering students to take root in the town so that skilled labour can stay in the region. Cooperation with universities is close. The Savonlinna municipality has also invested in developing expertise in the region. It has played a significant role in the completion of a fiber laboratory, where new processes are being continuously developed. The laboratory, which was founded with development funds from the region, cooperates closely with the professors and researchers at Lappeenranta Technical University. The laboratory also assists Andritz in developing its own operations. In sum, Andritz is a leader in developing new technology in most of its fields of operation as well as being a market leader. “Behind our success lies our understanding of the value that the client gives to each item. One must know what the customer is prepared to pay for a product. This requires continuous development of products and staff, as well as contact with academia,” Qvintus explains. + www.andritz.com

12.3.2008 08:44:08

Spend an evening in the company of Mannerheim Field Marshall Mannerheim had his meals on a daily basis at the premises of Mikkeli Club with the top leadership of the Finnish Army during the Continuation War between the years 1941-1944. Today it is still possible to dine in the spirit of Mannerheim at these premises, which are available by reservation. There are always many stories about the achievements of the great men of history. Few, however, are concerned with every day life. Field Marshall Mannerheim led the Finnish army from Mikkeli during the Continuation War between 1941 and 1944. His daily routine during those years is known with an accuracy of minutes. Mannerheim did the same things every day for over three years. He ate his lunch and dinner every day at his office in the traditional hall of Mikkeli Club. There he was accompanied by the brains of Finnish warfare and by foreign figures such as the Swedish prince Gustaf Adolf and Heinrich Himmler of Nazi Germany. Mikkeli Club was initially a gentlemen’s club where educated upper-class men gathered to talk, read the newspapers and play cards. Women were not allowed in the club and still aren’t. “Men, who are in leading positions and who can submit two references are eligible to become members at the club. But the applicant does not have to hold a particularly high position because even hobbies such as volunteer fire-brigade are noted. We could playfully say that also football merits will be taken into account,” says Mikko Pöyry, chairman of the club. A common hobby of the club members is an interest in history and Mannerheim. When Mannerheim was the host here, the club followed

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a strict etiquette. This included a detailed seating arrangement. During the first course, guests drank a shot of vermouth, gin and aquavit, known as “Marskin ryyppy” – the shot of Mannerheim. The guests started dining at the same time and stopped when Mannerheim had finished his meal. Mannerheim led the conversation, meaning that if he was quiet, no one else spoke either. The interior design of the traditional hall of Mikkeli Club is the same as it was during the time of Mannerheim. The same paintings are still decorating the walls, and even some of the plants are from those years. Pictures and mementoes from the war have been added to the decoration. The club is like a living museum. In addition to club activities, a restaurant which is open by booking operates in the traditional hall. The service is pretty much operated in the same way as during Mannerheim’s times. The three course menu includes Mannerheim’s favourite dishes, such as game, fish and berries, although it is possible to change them according to one’s preference. The most certain way to experience the war atmosphere is to book an actor who has imitated Mannerheim for years to lead the evening entertainment. The restaurant is open also to women. + www.mikkelinklubi.fi

12.3.2008 08:44:14

Following the recent structural reform of the Finnish Defence Forces, the Finnish Army was established as an independent service, distinct from the Navy and the Air Force. The headquarters of the Army Command Finland, located in Mikkeli, became operational in January 2008.

Headquarters Town The recent structural reform of the Finnish Defence Forces is the most comprehensive that has taken place after the Second World War. Previously, the Army did not have its own separate Defence Command although it is the biggest part of the Defence Forces. The Finnish Army was divided into three regional Commands and twelve Military Provinces, which were all managed from the Defence Command. Each region had its own tasks and resources. “Now, Finland has three independent services: the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, following standard international practice. This change clarifies the management of the Defence Forces as a whole,” says Lieutenant-General Ilkka Aspara, Commander of the Army. The most visible duty of the Army today is the training of conscripts in peace time. All 18 to 60 year-old males in Finland are liable to national service. The Defence Forces also train reservists. In 2008, the Army will train 23,000 conscripts and 17,000 reservists. This constitutes more than three quarters of all training in the Finnish Defence Forces. The structural reform strengthens the defence of Finland, but it also improves cost-efficiency. The Defence Forces will save resources and make their operations more effective, when overlapping functions are eliminated. Previously, the Army had its Command at Mikkeli for a while during the interim peace in 1940. The command was established on the orders of Marshal Carl Gustav Emil Mannerheim so as to reorganise the troops on the field. However, the command was abolished only after five months. Mikkeli has, also in other ways, a traditional place in the military history of Finland. In the last stages of the Finnish Civil War, which

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started in 1918, the headquarters of the Finnish government were in Mikkeli. The troops were then commanded by Lieutenant-General Mannerheim. Mikkeli also played a part in the Second World War. First during the Winter War against the Soviet Union (1939–1940) and then during the Continuation War (1941–1944), the headquarters of the Finnish Defence Forces were in Mikkeli. The commander was again Mannerheim, first under the esteemed title of Field Marshal and then as Marshal of Finland. One continuously comes across the legacy of Mannerheim in Mikkeli. Even the Mikkeli coat of arms includes the cross of freedom and the batons of the Marshal to commemorate the hardships that the town had to endure during these wars. Today the placement of the Army Command in Mikkeli is important for the town also from an economic perspective. The Army constitutes more than half of the Finnish Defence Forces. The Army command has 260 employees. The Defence Forces are creating a total of 500 jobs in the Mikkeli area. Business life will also get a boost when people from elsewhere start holding meetings in Mikkeli and visiting the town. There will be demand for accommodation services and restaurants. The municipality has supported the establishment of the Army command in Mikkeli by offering rented apartments and finding employment for the spouses of military staff. “The selection of Mikkeli Army command is the sum of many factors. One of these is that good premises were available in Mikkeli, meaning that no major rebuilding process was needed,” Aspara says. + www.mil.fi/english

12.3.2008 08:44:21

Memories from South Savo Olli Rehn, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, has been interested in European affairs since he was a young man. Nevertheless, memories from his birth town Mikkeli are still close to his heart.

Commissioner Rehn has held many important positions during his career. He has served as Member of the Finnish Parliament, Member of the European Parliament and Head of Cabinet at the European Commission. Rehn has also worked as professor and research director at the University of Helsinki, and acted as economic policy adviser to the Prime Minister of Finland. Today, however, Commissioner Rehn believes that the summer job he had in his youth as a car parts salesman was the most educational experience of his career. “I have had jobs in the business world, in science and research, as well as in political decision making. In my teenage years, working for a family-run enterprise as a spare parts salesman taught me to appreciate every customer. It is a skill which has been useful later in my career,” Rehn says. Rehn’s duties as Commissioner responsible for EU enlargement include promoting regional peace, freedom and welfare, so his skills in meeting and listening to people are crucial. His primary responsibility is to support the progress of the Western Balkan countries and Turkey towards membership in the European Union. European affairs have been part of the Commissioner’s life for a long time. As a young man, he was actively involved in European student and youth cooperation. This background is evident also in his academic achievements. Rehn’s PhD thesis focused on the industrial competitiveness of small states in Europe. Although Europe has “taken over” his political career, Olli Rehn has not forgotten his roots in Mikkeli. His summer cottage by the lake is equipped with modern telecommunications so that the Commissioner can spend his holidays and longer breaks in his home region. “I enjoy the sauna and the lake and working from home,” he sums up. Rehn’s dearest memories of this region are from his youth. Rehn was then an avid football player. “I played in the youth teams of Mikkelin Palloilijat and continued in our first team at national level for a few years. I started in the ‘European League’ of Mikkelin Palloilijat at the age of six, playing for ‘Manchester United’. I retired at the age of 11 as captain of ‘Real Madrid’. My best memory is the league championship in 1973. After that, I could say my football career has gone mainly downhill,” Rehn reminisces. Nonetheless, football has remained the Commissioner’s hobby outside his political career. Rehn still plays in the Finnish football team of Brussels. It is of course called “Finland United”. +

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Olli’s favourites in South Savo: What do you miss most from South Savo? - The sauna at our summer place, the lake scenery and the best rye bread in the world. What comes to your mind first when you hear the word Mikkeli? - Golden youth! What is a special characteristic of people in South Savo? - Straightforwardness. What should one definitely see, experience and taste at Mikkeli? - One should taste fried whitebait and fresh rye bread. Of course, one should also see Mikkeli Market Square, the statue of Mannerheim and the Headquarters Museum.

12.3.2008 08:44:22

Music connects St. Petersburg and Mikkeli The Mikkeli Music Festival could be called the Music Festival of Valery Gergiev. He is one of the world’s most popular conductors and he has lead the music festival in Mikkeli for the past 15 years.

Russian-born Valery Gergiev is the general director and artistic director of the renowned Mariinsky theatre of St. Petersburg. In addition, he has worked as the conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the London Symphony Orchestra and, most recently, the Symphony Orchestra of the Swedish Radio. Besides the Mikkeli Music Festival, he has founded the White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg, the Red Sea Festival at Eilat in Israel, the Rotterdam Gergiev Festival in the Netherlands and the Moscow Easter Festival in Moscow. Gergiev became director of the Mikkeli Music Festival when Seppo Heikinheimo, the Finnish novelist, music expert and critic, invited him to his summer cottage at Hirvensalmi following the conductor’s first concert in Finland in 1992. In the charming peacefulness of the summer cottage, Heikinheimo told Gergiev about Mikael, the new concert hall in Mikkeli. Gergiev became enthusiastic about the idea of founding a music festival in Russia’s neigh-

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bouring country and near St. Petersburg. Already the following year, he was the artistic director of the Mikkeli Music Festival. Gergiev has brought his friends to perform at Mikkeli. They are already big names or rising stars, such as soprano Anna Netrebko and baritone Dmitry Hvorostovsky. Finnish celebrities of classical music and opera have also visited Mikkeli. They include, for example, bass Jaakko Ryhänen, conductors JukkaPekka Saraste, Susanna Mälkki and Esa Pekka Salonen and soprano Soile Isokoski. The programme of the festival forms a tight link between St. Petersburg and Mikkeli. Sometimes, performances that were prepared in St. Petersburg are performed in Mikkeli. At other times, Mikkeli is the practice stage for Gergiev’s future performances. In the summer of 2008, young stars such as violinist Sergei Khatchatrian and pianist, the winner of The Internationa Tsaikovski Competition, Miroslav Kultyshev will appear on the stage of the festival. The programme will

include Sibelius, Prokofiev and other popular classics. Gergiev has been awarded The Lion of Finland for his work in improving Finnish musical culture and strengthening FinnishRussian relations.In 2006, Mikkeli town also gave Gergiev its highest possible reward, the Pro-Mikkeli medal, the recognise his contributions to the town. The famous Russian conductor, who tours the world, has been asked many times to explain what makes him come to Finland year after year. “I love Finland, the sauna, the lakes and the forests. Finland is a very quiet country. My family and I have a habit of spending a week to ten days each year in South Savo,” Gergiev says. Gergiev has compared his work as an orchestra conductor to being the thermostat of a sauna, which regulates the temperature. “I turn the heat up when it is necessary and I may throw more water on the stove, keeping a steady and safe pace: Pow!” + www.mikkelinmusiikkijuhlat.fi

12.3.2008 08:44:24

Opera Festival in the middle of pure nature Savonlinna Opera Festival is holding the trumps: excellent programme, impressive site at St. Olaf’s Castle and beautiful environment. In 1907 Finland was part of Russia. The second period of oppression was about to begin and Russia was tightening its grip of Finland when internationally acclaimed Finnish soprano Aino Ackté visited 15th century St. Olaf’s Castle. She became fond of the site and realised how well-suited the castle was to host an opera festival. The first opera festival at Savonlinna in 1912 was called St. Olaf’s Castle Opera Festival. It took place under the leadership of Ackté. The festival’s vision was to perform opera in an easily comprehensive manner. World Wars interrupted the festivals for several decades. They were relaunched in 1967. Now the Savonlinna Opera Festival lasts

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one month. Ackté’s vision lives on in the sense that St. Olaf’s Castle remains a place where many Finns have their first opera experience. At the same time the festival is directing its look into the future. ”The goal in the minds of the staff is to make the festival one of the most interesting three in the world,” says director of the festival Jan Hultin. In order to achieve the goal the festival is emphasising the high quality of its performances and the St. Olaf’s Castle, which is a visually and acoustically functioning concert hall. ”The third factor we emphasise is the clean nature of Savonlinna and its beautiful environs. These make the whole opera experience unforgettable. We tend to say that in Savonlinna the curtain never comes down,” Hultin says. +

HOW TO

Savonlinna Opera Festival 2008 + Savonlinna Opera Festival takes place between 4 July and 2 August 2008. + The performances of 2008 are: Mefistofele, Rigoletto, Aida, The Flying Dutchman, Othello, Wager – The Gambler, Seven Dog Brothers. + The Shanghai Opera will be the guest performer of the festival this year. + All necessary information about booking tickets, accommodation and transport links is available online at www.operafestival.fi/en/ index.html.

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Welcome to Saimaa!

South Savo

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