The Story of Sulkava Suursoudut

The Story of Sulkava Suursoudut – A Journey Through Time and Generations. The story of Sulkava Suursoudut unfolds, quite literally, along the winding waterways and from one generation to the next, much like the best tales that have stood the test of decades. Let us return to the very beginning, to the waves of the great Lake Saimaa.

Did you know that our waterways have been ancient routes of passage? As an island municipality, Sulkava has plenty of them. For decades, timber has been floated acrosthese waters, and they have always been vital routes for travel and transportation.
It was on the shores of Saimaa, in Sulkava, that a young boy dreamed of rowing through the bright summer night around the vast Partalansaari island. The task seemed impossible, yet village tales spoke of a hardy man who had accomplished this feat—and even made time to woo a maiden onshore during the journey.

That young boy grew up to become our master boat builder, Kauko Miettinen, and his dream of a grand wooden boat rowing challenge never faded. It simmered in his mind for decades until the idea eventually reached the ears of the local government. Soon, the entire village was captivated by the ambitious concept, and they rallied together to make it a reality.

“Here in Sulkava, we’ve been rowing the 60-kilometer course for almost 60 years now. We’re approaching retirement age, but our pace hasn’t slowed down. Every summer, we row, and the starting line still welcomes everyone—from competitors to adventurers and
nature enthusiasts. We’ve worked hard to preserve the event’s original, unique vibe, which is why we dare say it’s the happiest and most relaxed summer event around”

We always greet our rowing guests with open arms—and sometimes, we even have the sauna warmed up and ready for them. Many visitors stay in local cottages, and the lively crowds bring a delightful change to the laid-back summer days. We suspect the secret to our popularity lies in the irresistible combination of self-challenge and enjoyment. Add the charm of a genuine rural setting, and stress levels are guaranteed to drop. For many attendees, the annual rowing festival is also an important gathering place, and laughter echoes through the village streets.

Preserving Heritage and Protecting Nature. We are proud to uphold the ancient traditions of boat building and celebrate our cultural heritage. We also take our responsibility as stewards of Lake Saimaa and the surrounding nature seriously. These values are at the heart of what we do, as we want to ensure our fishing waters and landscapes remain unspoiled for generations to come.
With great heart, a spirit of volunteerism, and Savo grit, we’ve transformed our small village into a rowing hub known across the nation. This is a source of immense pride for us! After all, we host the most authentic and Savo-spirited rowing festival on Lake Saimaa—since
1968.