population: 0.05 million

extension: 2,548.58 square kilometers

Museums

A great museum to visit in Mikkeli is the Finnish Infantry Museum, which showcases the history and artifacts of the Finnish military and infantry. Other museums in Mikkeli that you may be interested in visiting include the Mikkelin Taidemuseo (Mikkeli Art Museum), the Mikkelin Maakuntamuseo (Mikkeli Provincial Museum), and the Mikkelin Luonnontieteellinen Museo (Mikkeli Natural History Museum). If you're looking for similar museums nearby, you may want to check out the Lahti Historical Museum or the Hämeenlinna Art Museum.

Food

Some popular and typical dishes to try in Mikkeli and the surrounding region of Southern Savonia include:

1. Kalakukko: a traditional Finnish pastry filled with fish (usually vendace or whitefish) and pork fat, baked inside a rye bread crust.

2. Lihapullat: Finnish meatballs made from ground beef or pork, served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and pickles.

3. Hernekeitto: a classic Finnish pea soup made with ham or pork hock, often served with rye bread and mustard.

4. Karjalanpaisti: a hearty meat stew made with beef or pork, potatoes, carrots, and sometimes turnips or rutabagas, simmered slowly for several hours.

5. Mustikkapiirakka: a sweet blueberry pie made with a buttery crust and a thick, creamy filling of fresh or frozen blueberries and vanilla custard.

6. Vispipuuro: a traditional Finnish dessert made from semolina, whipped lingonberries, and sugar, served chilled with milk or cream.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes you can enjoy while in Mikkeli and Southern Savonia.

Activities

Here are a few fun activities that locals in Mikkeli, Finland enjoy:

1. Hiking: There are many beautiful hiking trails around Mikkeli, including the popular Annilanpolku Nature Trail and Urpolahti Nature Trail.

2. Swimming: Many Finns love to swim, and there are several great swimming spots near Mikkeli, including Rantakeidas Beach and Kyyhkylä Beach.

3. Ice skating: During the winter months, ice skating is a popular activity in Mikkeli. You can skate on the frozen lakes or at the Mikkelin Jäähalli (Mikkeli Ice Hall).

4. Visiting local markets: Mikkeli has several markets where you can buy fresh produce, handmade crafts, and other local goods. The Mikkeli Market Square is particularly popular.

5. Attending cultural events: Mikkeli hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals, theater performances, and art exhibitions. Check out the Mikkelin Teatteri (Mikkeli Theatre) or the Mikkelin Musiikkijuhlat (Mikkeli Music Festival) for upcoming events.