The beautiful Mikkeli by Lake Saimaa is an urban and boldly developing regional center in South Savo.
Believe it or not, it’s only a couple of hours' drive from here to the capital region, and several other central
cities are also close by. We are a popular leisure city, but we offer the conditions for a good life year-round.
With its historical roots, Mikkeli can call itself the birthplace of Savo. The city, founded in 1838, is named
after the archangel Michael. Many know Mikkeli as the headquarters city of Finland’s wars, where
Mannerheim and his generals were a familiar sight.
In Mikkeli, equality, sustainable development, education, safety, and pride in our achievements are the
foundations of life. Well-being, vitality, and inclusion create a safe place for Mikkeli residents to live and
innovate. Mikkeli has the courage and expertise in an urban environment, without forgetting the unique
surroundings and the nature we deeply love.
Mikkeli is a reliable platform for new ideas and innovations – we are particularly well known for our
expertise in digitalization, technology, as well as the organic, tourism, and forestry sectors. The city's
development is determined and pure, just like the waters that surround us.
Mikkeli in numbers
* Founded in 1838
* Total surface area 3,229.57 km²
* Water bodies 681.11 km²
* 52 001 residents