Malonsaari: A Serene Island Escape

Getting There

• Car

  If you're traveling by car, start your journey from the nearest major town or city around Lake Saimaa. For instance, if you are in Imatra, head southwest on the E18 highway. Continue for approximately 15 kilometers until you reach the turn-off for Malonsaari. Look for signs indicating 'Malonsaari Island' or 'Saimaa'. After turning off the highway, follow the local roads which will lead you to the ferry terminal. The ferry ride to Malonsaari takes about 10 minutes and there is a small fee of approximately €5 per car and driver, with additional costs for extra passengers.

• Public Transportation

  If you prefer to use public transportation, take a bus from Imatra to Ruokolahti, which runs several times a day. After arriving at Ruokolahti, you'll need to catch a local taxi or arrange for a shuttle service to the Malonsaari ferry terminal. The taxi ride from Ruokolahti to the ferry terminal is about 10 kilometers and may cost around €15-€20. Once at the ferry terminal, purchase your ferry ticket for Malonsaari, which should cost around €5 per person. The ferry ride will take approximately 10 minutes.

• Bike

  For adventurous travelers, biking to Malonsaari is a great option if you're already in Imatra or nearby. Follow the bike paths along the E18 highway towards the ferry terminal. The distance is about 15 kilometers and could take roughly 1 hour depending on your cycling speed. Once you reach the terminal, you can take your bike onto the ferry for an additional fee of €2.