As Finland's largest lake basin, Lake Saimaa with its waterway systems has been a popular tourist attraction since the 19th century. The Rauha Sanatorium on the shores of Lake Saimaa was a renowned recreation and spa resort, particularly favoured by the Russian elite from the not-so-far-away St. Petersburg.

In the mid-1790s, the Russians (under the direction of General Suvorov) built four canals in the vicinity of Lake Saimaa. The canals formed part of a fortification system designed to defend St. Petersburg.

Read more about South Karelia's history in the regional brochure.