Saimaa ringed seal (Saimaannorppa)

We started off the month of June by staying in Imatra near Lake Saimaaa which is Finland’s largest lake. The lake has its own archipelago with hundreds of small islands dotting the lake. The attraction for us was an opportunity to see the Saimaa ringed seal which is a highly endangered freshwater seal. There are estimated to be only 400 or so seals – all of which are found in Lake Saimaa. We took a three hour evening cruise out of Puumala and we were fortunate to spot a single seal sunbathing on a rock. The adult seals are shedding their winter coats and sunbathe at this time of year.

We also saw small groups of black grouse which began “singing” as the evening wore on.

The lake has an extensive ferry service and is used by log ferries to transport lumber.

On our drive back to Imatra we were able to see a moose cross the road. The most remarkable thing about this sighting was how clearly we could see (but not photograph) the moose at 2320 (11:30 pm). We’ve noticed that twilight continues from the time the sun sets around 2230 and then rises at approximately 0330. It never seems to become fully dark at this time of year.