Anttola – A Treasure Worth Discovering
The idyllic rural village of Anttola is located in South Savo, in the lake district of southeastern Finland. It is situated on the isthmus between two parts of Lake Saimaa, Vitjase and Luonteri. Administratively, Anttola is part of the city of Mikkeli.
Although our village is small, with about 1,800 residents, we have a wide range of public services. But above all, Anttola is a nature lover’s paradise, offering peace and tranquility far from the hustle and bustle.
One-third of Anttola’s area is water. Luonteri and many smaller lakes invite you to swim, paddle, row, and fish. The varied terrain attracts orienteering, hiking, and cycling. There are marked trails of various lengths for hikers. Maps for cyclists range from easy to demanding tours. You can even cycle around Luonteri.
As a testament to the stunning landscapes, there are several Saimaa Geopark sites in the Anttola area.
Summer is the busiest time in Anttola, when hundreds of holidaymakers come to their cottages. The harbor hosts markets, fair days, country fairs, and open-air concerts.
What to see in the village
The village center and the harbor are adjacent, forming a charming ensemble. Next to the harbor, there is a cozy park area with a children’s playground.
The Lutheran wooden church was originally built for the congregation of Juva in 1729. In the 1860’s it was donated to the young Anttola congregation. The building was moved from Juva to Anttola across the frozen Lake Saimaa. The interior was planned by Alvar Aalto, the famous architect.
The old stone granary is next to the church. It hosts various exhibitions during the summer.
Things to Do in Anttola Center
From the center of Anttola, the Hallavuori outdoor trail starts at the back of the yard of Seurojentalo Koivula, located at Vanhanpappilantie 7. This trail can be walked in the summer or skied in the winter.
Along the Hallavuori outdoor trail, there is a lean-to shelter that everyone can use. The shelter can be accessed via Harmolantie, where there are parking spaces for visitors.
Anttola’s beach is maintained by the city of Mikkeli and is located at Urheilutie 12.
The sports field is at the end of Urheilutie. There are outdoor exercise equipment along the edge of the field. Behind the sports field stands, along Urheilutie, begins a disc golf course. The course includes six baskets placed along the outdoor trail.
Experience the Nature
The best we can offer is our pristine nature. Luonteri, part of Lake Saimaa, with its islands and islets, is an inexhaustible treasure chest of nature. It is largely a protected natural area. The lucky ones might spot the Saimaa ringed seal, the most endangered seal in the world. You can explore the nature of Luonteri by kayaking or rowing. Luonteri is also rich in fish.
Neitvuori, a hill 184 meters high, is the highest point of our area. It is a protected nature monument. In the Neitvuori area there are sign-posted nature trails of different distances also offering campfire-sites.
The distance from Anttola centre is about 20 kilometers. At the bottom of the hill there is a small marina. The water route is marked on the Luonteri chart.
Right next to the village centre lies the Rakokallio nature reserve. Here you can find a deep and special cut in the bedrock. A nature trail of 5 kilometers zigzags in the area. The trail is sign-posted and also boasts a campfire-site.
Ancient rock paintings can be found in Pihlajasalo island in the south-western part of Lake Luonteri.
Services in Anttola Center
In the village center, there is a grocery store, a bakery, restaurants, an antiquarian bookstore, hair salons, a sports shop, a library, a pharmacy, and a gas station.
Anttola center offers excellent opportunities for sports activities.
Accomodation:
- Saimaanranta Resort by Anttolanhovi, www.saimaanrantaresort.fi
- Ollinmäen viinitila, www.ollinmaenviinitila.fi
- Cottages for hire, www.lomarengas.fi, www.huvila.net
- Lakeistenranta Camping, www.lakeistenranta.fi
Transport:
- Trains to Mikkeli railway station(25 km from Anttola) Timetables www.vr.fi
- Frequent buses from Mikkeli and Imatra on weekdays. Timetables www.matkahuolto.fi
By car you can reach us using road number 62 from Mikkeli or Imatra.
Canoe hire: www.guidetiina.fi
Emergency phone number 112