Saimaa 2024

Eastern Finland holds a treasure – the hidden gem – the enchanting Lake Saimaa with its pure nature. Saimaa engages all senses with its fresh wilderness, captivating silence, clean water, endless forests and the welcoming Eastern Finnish culture. For us, gastronomy is an everyday luxury as our forests and lakes serve us the purest food in the world. The largest lake in Finland is loved by many and several million guests visit the Saimaa region annually. Its cleansing waters and many bridges connect shores, towns, villages and people. People living in this area are known for their perseverance and hospitality. There is always room for guests at the table and food is a matter of honour for eastern Finnish hosts. Saimaa European Region of Gastronomy covers the three regions of Eastern Finland: South Savo, South Karelia and North Karelia. Our cuisine is based on seasonal harvests. We still have the skills of living in perfect harmony with nature. The long, white nights of the north create the perfect conditions for growing pure, aromatic ingredients. The forests of Saimaa are a treasure trove of wild vegetables, berries and mushrooms, full of rich flavours. In the Saimaa region, we have found creativity as a resource in beautiful and favourable, as well as in harsh conditions. In the European Region of Gastronomy year 2024, we aspire to combine food with art and culture in ways never seen before. That’s why our culture is unique – and worth discovering.

Follow Saimaa region

Tables crossing borders
Saimaa European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2024 Bid Book

Saimaa‘s Bid Book

IGCAT’s Regional Chef Ambassadors
from Saimaa region

Ambassadors
from Saimaa region

Awarded food gifts in IGCAT’s World Food Gift Challenge

World Food Gift Challenge 2023

Awarded as:
2nd PRIZE
NOKIAKKA JAMS

World Food Gift Challenge 2022

Awarded as:
3rd PRIZE
LUOMUS KOIVU PLATE
Winner of the category:
BEST PROMOTION OF THE REGION
D.O. SAIMAA DELICACY GIFT BOX

Awarded videos in IGCAT’s Food Film Menu

Food Film Menu 2023

1ST PRIZE

Winner of the category:
EDUCATING FOR OUR FUTURE

HARVESTING MEMORIES

Food Film Menu 2022

Winner of the category:
NOMINATED/CANDIDATE WORLD REGIONS OF GASTRONOMY – EUROPE
&
3rd PUBLIC’S FAVOURITE FILM FROM NOMINATED/CANDIDATE WORLD REGIONS OF GASTRONOMY – EUROPE

SAIMAA EUROPEAN REGION OF GASTRONOMY CANDIDATE 2024 JURY VISIT – PART 2

Awarded websites in IGCAT’s Top Websites For Foodie Travelers

Top Websites for Foodie Travelers 2023

ÄKSYT ÄMMÄT

News from Saimaa region

Saimaa region is 2024’s must-taste!

Saimaa region is 2024’s must-taste!

5 February 2024 – Foodies of the world sit up and take note: the Saimaa region in Finland will be 2024’s must-visit and must-taste! With a...

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Get ready for the new Saimaa 2024 revolution!

Get ready for the new Saimaa 2024 revolution!

12 December 2023 – Included in National Geographic’s Cool List 2024 and listed by The Wall Street Journal among the top...

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The Taste Saimaa network: supporting local food through cooperation

The Taste Saimaa network: supporting local food through cooperation

27 June 2023 – Around 50 food and tourism companies have signed up to the Taste Saimaa network with the aim to highlight genuinely local and...

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Tastes of Saimaa at the Internationale Grüne Woche 2023

Tastes of Saimaa at the Internationale Grüne Woche 2023

9 February 2023 – The unique flavours of Saimaa, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2024 were presented at the Internationale Grüne Woche...

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Saimaa 2024 supports local artisanal producers

Saimaa 2024 supports local artisanal producers

19 September 2022 – Saimaa, European Region of Gastronomy for 2024 has taken on the challenge to help its artisanal producers advance the...

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