Saimaan Wanhat Laiwat Summer Regatta in Kuopio

Kuopio Passenger Harbor will be filled with the atmosphere of traditional waterway heritage as the Saimaan Wanhat Laiwat Summer Regatta takes place in Kuopio from 17–19 July. The event, held in front of Luoto, brings together historic vessels from across the Saimaa region. 

The regatta boats will arrive at the breakwater quay of Kuopio Passenger Harbour on Friday, 17 July, in a ceremonial regatta parade beginning at 4:30 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch the arrival and the docking of the vessels in the harbor. 

During the same weekend, the harbor will also host the Vuoksi Watercourse Wooden Boat Summer Regatta, creating a unique atmosphere of traditional vessels and classic wooden boats. The wooden boats will be moored at the piers next to Luoto. 

The audience will have the opportunity to explore the historic vessels of the Saimaan Wanhat Laiwat Summer Regatta during open-ship hours on Saturday, 18 July, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Crew members will present their vessels and share stories about their history and their role in Saimaa’s waterborne transport and inland waterway culture. Free entry. 

The Saimaan Wanhat Laiwat Summer Regatta is an annual event dedicated to preserving and promoting Finland’s inland waterway cultural heritage. The regatta brings together historic vessels from across the Saimaa region and offers visitors a chance to experience vessels that have been carefully restored and preserved. 

The event ends on Sunday, 19 July, when the vessels depart from Kuopio and return to their home ports.