Here’s a captivating experience tailored just for you: a unique opportunity to dive into the fishing culture of Lake Saimaa! Imagine sitting front row to witness the traditional trawl fishing of vendace, all while soaking in the breathtaking views of the Saimaa archipelago. This is more than a trip; it's a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, enjoy a cruise filled with fascinating stories, savor delicious local fish, and bask in the great atmosphere. Plus, the package includes a scrumptious lunch. The test day comes at a special price as we're fine-tuning our experience and capturing marketing images for the future. You can book individual spots for this excursion. It’s perfectly suited for international guests too, as we provide a skilled multi-lingual guide to enrich your journey. Don’t miss out on this exceptional adventure!
PROGRAM
Let's kick off with a delightful lunch at noon by the shore, right next to the departure pier at Nestorinranta's pancake bar.
The trawling cruise sets sail at 1 PM. We'll move to the fishing area where the net is cast into the water, and the entire trawling process, with all its activities, will last about two hours.
We'll return to the pier around 4 PM. The fishermen and the guide will express their gratitude, and if the day's catch has been good, you'll even get a bag of vendace to take home with you. This is the perfect way to savor the memories of your unique adventure!
HIGHLIGHTS
Unique Vendace Experience and Trawling Adventure
Vendace is the most prized catch in Finland's inland waters and a world-class delicacy, a true gourmet treat. Widely offered in restaurants and events around the Saimaa region, witnessing vendace fishing is an experience only a few have had. Professional fishermen trawl for vendace in the vast open waters of Saimaa, and now you have a unique opportunity to join them on their trawling vessel. You’ll get an up-close view of how trawling is done, with your guide explaining each step of the process. After this tour, you’ll be an expert on vendace, understanding how it goes from lake to plate.
Friendly and Expert Guide
Your local guide, Arto, will serve as your cruise host, entertaining you with fascinating stories about the Saimaa fishing culture and the intricacies of vendace trawling. While you observe the trawling, you'll learn about Saimaa's nature and the Saimaa ringed seal, for whom vendace is also a favorite treat. Arto ensures your comfort throughout the journey, providing entertainment, including playing the accordion for a few tunes, possibly even a vendace-themed waltz. Enjoy some traditional pulla (sweet buns) with coffee on board before returning to the pier.
Exceptional Nature Experience
The trip offers a splendid natural experience as you watch the professional fishermen at work. The most thrilling moment is when the net, hopefully full of Saimaa’s delicious vendace, is hauled into the fishing boat. Fishing has always been a crucial part of life in Saimaa, integral to the survival and livelihood of the people. The cruise ends with the guide demonstrating how to prepare vendace for the dining table, along with tips for cooking it.
Included Meals: Fish Soup, Pancakes, Coffee, and Vendace
Hunger won’t catch you off-guard on this trip. We start with a leisurely meal of Saimaa fish soup prepared by the hostess of Nestorinranta, followed by pancakes with jam and ice cream, accompanied by coffee or tea. Onboard, we also serve coffee with traditional Finnish sweet buns. If the catch is good, you can even take home a small bag of vendace.
Welcome to the Heart of Saimaa
The Puumala archipelago is among the most beautiful in Saimaa, offering breathtaking views that will leave you in awe. I recommend allowing ample time for your journey to Nestorinranta, as the route itself is dotted with stunning landscapes, including a ferry crossing at Hätinvirta. The area is also home to the rare Saimaa ringed seal, and with a bit of luck, you might spot one.
THE TOUR INCLUDES
- Fish Soup Lunch: Enjoy a hearty fish soup, pancakes with jam and ice cream, and coffee at Nestorinranta.
- About a 3-Hour Vendace Trawling Cruise: Immerse yourself in the experience with a cruise program that includes coffee and traditional Finnish sweet buns served onboard. The trawling adventure features two vessels – a fishing boat and a passenger boat, each fully crewed.
- Expert Multilingual Guide: Your host, guide Arto, is knowledgeable and fluent in both English and Finnish, ensuring a rich and informative journey. Arto also speaks some German and French.
- A Kilo of Vendace: If the catch is successful, you’ll get to take home a kilo of fresh vendace.
YOUR GEAR
- Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Be prepared for all weather conditions. There’s a spot in the cabin for everyone in case of bad weather.
- Camera and Personal Items: Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery and any personal items you might need during the tour.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Reservation: Secure your spot through our online store well in advance, as places are limited. After booking, you will immediately receive a confirmation email with instructions and details about the departure location.
- Departure Point: The cruise departs from the Nestorinranta pier, located at Lintusalontie 1661 A, 52200 Puumala, in the Puumala Lintusalo area. Cars should be parked at Nestorinranta's parking lot, from where it's about an 800m walk to the shore. Note that buses cannot reach the shore. Those with mobility issues can inquire in advance about the possibility of driving closer to the shore. [Open Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps)
- Arrival Time: Please arrive at the shore at 12:00 to have enough time to lunch before departure. Boarding begins after 12:50 PM, and the ship departs at 1:00 PM.
- Meals Included: From 12:00 to 12:50 PM, a lactose-free and gluten-free tomato fish soup with bread, pancakes with jam and ice cream, water, and coffee/tea are served and included in the price. Additional beverages like sodas, sparkling water, beer, and cider can be purchased at the bar. Gluten-free desserts and options for vegans and those with milk allergies are available upon request.
- Facilities on Board: The boat is equipped with a cabin, an open upper deck, necessary safety equipment, and a restroom. During the trawling cruise, we'll enjoy coffee and traditional Finnish sweet buns, included in the price.
- Weather Conditions: The excursion operates if the wind speed does not exceed 10 m/s. In case of thunderstorms, we will wait at the pier until it passes.
- Cruise Host: Your host, the skilled local wilderness guide Arto, will entertain you with stories about the fishing culture, vendace, the Saimaa ringed seal, and the nature of Saimaa. If time allows, Arto might play a few tunes on the accordion. Guidance is provided in Finnish and English, with some German and French also spoken.
- Post-Cruise Bonus: After the cruise, each group receives a kilo bag of vendace to take home, assuming the day's catch has been successful.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- Full Refund: If canceled at least 7 days before the departure, you receive a 100% refund.
- 75% Refund: If canceled at least 48 hours before the departure, you receive a 75% refund.
- 50% Refund: If canceled at least 24 hours before the departure, you receive a 50% refund.
- No Refund: No refunds are issued for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the departure or in cases where the customer fails to arrive at the departure point on time.
- Date Change: A change of date is possible for a fee of €10 per person, provided the change is made at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a test day?
The guaranteed departure trawling cruise is a new tourism product being tested on Lake Saimaa in the summer of 2024. During two test cruises, we’ll evaluate how the product performs and also take photos for marketing purposes. Participants in the test cruise consent to the taking and use of photographs for the product's marketing. If you prefer not to have your photos used, arrangements can be made to ensure your face is not visible in the images.
Are trawling cruises available on other days?
The test cruises are scheduled for two days in July only. In August, a few more trawling cruises will be organized from Pistohiekka, but tickets for these are pricier than on test days. The test cruise offers a reduced price that does not cover all costs associated with the trawling cruise. For other times, you can book a private charter with the fisherman... for more details, visit the m/s Kaunis Veera website.
Is it possible to see the Saimaa ringed seal on the trip?
Yes, it is. In July, the seals swim in the water, and with some luck, they can be spotted at any time. However, the appearance of seals can scare the vendace away, which may affect the catch. The Puumala archipelago has a strong seal population, and seals are also fond of vendace.
Where does the cruise depart from?
The cruise leaves from Nestorinranta pier (Rapeikon pier), located at Lintusalontie 1661 A, 52200 Puumala. Arrival by car: Cars are parked in Nestorinranta's parking lot, and from there, it's about an 800m walk to the shore following the signs. Those with mobility issues can inquire in advance about the possibility of driving up to the shore.
Can I book just one spot?
Yes, individual spots can be booked for the open guaranteed departure.
What if it rains or there is a storm?
Light rain and wind are not a problem. The cabin of M/S Kaunis Veera provides shelter from wind and rain. If there is a storm and the wind speed exceeds 10 m/s, the trip may be canceled since trawling is not possible in stormy conditions. If the cruise is canceled, you will receive a full refund.
Are there life jackets on board?
Yes, the vessel is equipped with all necessary safety equipment.
Can I bring my pet along?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on these cruises.
When is my booking confirmed?
After making a reservation, you will immediately receive a confirmation email with instructions and details about the departure location. If you think you’ve made a reservation but haven’t received a confirmation, contact sales@lakelandgte.fi (usually this is due to a mistyped email address or an interrupted internet connection after payment but before the payment confirmation is sent to the online store).
How is the trip paid for?
You can pay with credit cards, bank codes, and Alipay in the online store. The trip is paid for at the time of booking.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Ensure your spot by booking well in advance as the number of places is limited. Reservations can be made up until 2 hours before departure time if space is available. The tour accommodates a maximum of 40 people.
Where can I find more information about the vessel?
Yes, check the m/s Kaunis Veera website for more details.
I tried to make a booking, but it didn’t go through, what should I do?
First, ensure you have accepted the online store's booking conditions. If the booking still doesn’t go through, contact sales@lakelandgte.fi. We will respond as soon as possible.
Other questions?
Contact sales@lakelandgte.fi. We will respond as soon as possible.
WELCOME TO A VENDACE-FLAVORED TRAWLING CRUISE IN PUUMALA!
Best regards, guide Arto, the Nestorinranta team, and the fishermen.
