Warmly Welcoming
Home of Nato forces since 2023
This leaflet is aimed at international NATO personnel. It provides information about Mikkeli, its services, and moving to Mikkeli. Happy reading!
Warmly welcoming you to Mikkeli!
Mikkeli is a Finnish city with over 50,000 residents, situated amidst a beautiful lake district.
Historically and in the present day, we hold strategic significance. Nestled on the shores of Lake Saimaa, we are easily accessible from Helsinki, just over a two-hour drive or train journey away. Encircled by pristine nature, Mikkeli is both a Finnish and international city.
We, the residents of Mikkeli, are delighted to greet our visitors. We approach opportunities with an open mind and are not daunted by challenges. We are keen to showcase our city’s wonderful aspects—of which there are many! In Mikkeli, there is room for dreams, and everyday life is smooth and peaceful.
Experts across various sectors deliver Mikkeli’s municipal services. We are committed to cooperation both nationally and internationally. We invest in various ways in safety, a clean environment, recreational opportunities, vitality, and high-quality services. We want you to feel welcome and at home in Mikkeli, and to become a part of our community, whether you’re here by yourself, with a partner, or with your children.
Mikkeli’s history, particularly its military leadership, is richly displayed, with the legacy of the World War II headquarters being a key feature. We honour this past through museums and memorials, believing that historical understanding is essential for both present comprehension and future preparedness.
We reclaim our historical role as an international headquarters city for comprehensive security. In Mikkeli, we actively pursue peace, security, and a good life, starting with the simplest of daily practices.
Mr. Janne Kinnunen Mayor of Mikkeli
Helsinki 230 km
Mikkeli
Four seasons in Mikkeli
The annual cycle in Mikkeli is clearly defined by four seasons. The coldest months are January and February, and the warmest are June, July and August.
A snowy winter usually begins in Mikkeli in November or December and ends in March. However, sometimes winter can be mild with little snow due to rain and fluctuating temperatures. Spring begins in April, and deciduous trees start to green after the beginning of May.
In summer, Mikkeli usually experiences several periods of hot days. The Finnish summer is known for its bright nights. Daylight lasts longest in June. Summer weather begins to cool down after August.
In heart of Saimaa
Lake Saimaa is the largest lake in Finland, and the fourth largest in Europe. It spreads accross Eastern Finland in small, crooked straits and larger open water areas. It’s unique shape makes for a fascinating landscape of rocky islands and hills. It is also the home of the Ringed Saimaa Seal, an endangered species of freshwater seal that doesn’t appear anywhere else.
Multilingual Mikkeli
Finland has two official languages: Finnish and Swedish. Mikkeli’s administration and services language is only Finnish, as the city has few Swedish-speaking residents.
In Finland, primary school students start learning their first foreign language, English, early. Most people have a good command of English and understand it well. English can be used for everyday matters, such as shopping, library visits, health services, housing and transport, and official issues. Many recreational activities in Mikkeli are also available in English.
The Sámi languages
In addition to Finnish and Swedish, three Sámi languages, indigenous to Europe, are also spoken in Northern Finland. There are only a few thousand speakers of these languages in Finland.
In Finland, the influence of English-language culture is strongly present in media, art, and entertainment. English-language TV series or films are not dubbed but subtitled, with some exceptions, such as children’s films. So, you can confidently go to our cinemas to watch Hollywood films: Tom Cruise speaks English, not Finnish!
The most significant linguistic minorities in Mikkeli are immigrants, refugees, or asylum seekers who speak Russian, Estonian, Thai, Ukrainian, or Arabic as their mother tongue. Their integration includes studying Finnish, which enables better employment opportunities and integration into our society.
Easy transport
The distance between Mikkeli’s city centre and the Karkialampi military area is about five kilometres.
Traffic in Mikkeli is smooth, and there are no traffic jams. In addition to private car use, cycling is also a popular mode of transport. The city centre’s distance is short, so many people enjoy walking. However, driving allows you to explore and conduct errands in places located further away.
Mikkeli’s local buses operate most frequently in the city centre and immediate neighbourhoods. Up-to-date information in English can be found in the Waltti public transport app.
The long-distance bus station is located next to Mikkeli’s railway station. Five or six daily train connections to Helsinki are available, and buses also frequently operate between Mikkeli and Helsinki.
Local buses
Mikkeli’s bus network primarily serves the city centre and surrounding areas. For real-time schedules and routes in English, download the Waltti public transport app. waltti.fi/en
Regional & national connections:
Train tickets: VR offers online and station ticket purchases. vr.fi/en
Long-distance bus tickets: Matkahuolto and OnniBus provide bus travel options. matkahuolto.fi/en onnibus.com
Taxi services:
Let’s Go Taksi Mikkeli: +358 600 30 055
02 Taksi: +358 20230
Menevä: +358 800 02120
meneva.fi/en/service-areas/ southern-savonia/mikkeli
Renting an apartment in Mikkeli
Real estate agents operate in Mikkeli and serve their clients in English. The following real estate agencies are committed to helping NATO personnel find suitable rental homes. Feel free to contact them!
Aitoasunnot / Palhomaa Oy
mirkka.muhonen@aitoasunnot.fi
+358 442 376 038 aitoasunnot.fi/mikkeli-in-english
Kiinteistömaailma Mikkeli / Asuntoporras Oy mikkeli@kiinteistomaailma.fi +358 440 540 028 kiinteistomaailma.fi/in-english
Jalon Oy jussi.myllymaki@jalon.fi +358 452 259 050 jalon.fi/en
OP Koti Itä-Suomi opkoti.mikkeli@op.fi +358 10 258 8545
AK-asunnot LKV tarja.haukka@gmail.com +358 407 751 385
The city’s rental housing company Mikalo Oy also serves NATO personnel.
Mikalo Oy
tero.tuhkanen@mikalo.fi
+358 153 213 573 mikalo.fi/en
Rental homes can be also found at vuokraovi.com.
Early childhood education
In Finland, early childhood education is intended for children under 6. Mikkeli has over 20 municipal daycare centres and over 10 private daycare centres.
Bilingual early childhood education in Mikkeli is offered by Päiväkoti Enkku, where the languages of instruction are Finnish and English. The daycare centre is a private daycare run by the Mikkeli Finland-America Association. The City of Mikkeli cooperates closely with the daycare centre.
The daycare centre is located near Mikkeli, which enables a diverse learning environment every season.
Päiväkoti Enkku
Päämajankatu 18, 50100 Mikkeli paivakotienkku.fi/in-english
For more information about early childhood education opportunities in Mikkeli, please contact:
Ms. Taina Halinen, head of early childhood education +358 447 942 373
taina.halinen@sivistys.mikkeli.fi
Basic education
In Finland, basic education (comprehensive school) lasts for nine years. It is divided into a six-year lower school and a three-year upper school.
Pre-primary education, which lasts one year, precedes the first grade of basic education. In Finland, children start first grade at around the age of seven. Some schools have both lower and upper school grades. In Finland, these schools are called comprehensive schools (“yhtenäiskoulu”).
There are 14 basic education schools in Mikkeli, seven of which are lower, one of which is upper, and six of which are comprehensive.
Bilingual education in Mikkeli is offered to children by Rantakylä Comprehensive School, which is located about five kilometres from the city centre and close to excellent outdoor recreation opportunities.
Rantakylä Comprehensive School has approximately 700 students. In Mikkeli, as in Finland in general, most schoolchildren travel to school unaccompanied by bus, on foot, or by bicycle when the ground is not frozen.
At Rantakylä Comprehensive School, emphasis is placed on using technology to support learning. Students actively produce media; we use several electronic learning platforms alongside traditional books. Every learner receives the necessary support and assistance to complete their educational path with us.
Rantakylä Comprehensive School Vanhamäentie 2, 50600 Mikkeli
For more information about basic education opportunities in Mikkeli, please contact:
Ms. Seija Manninen, director of education +358 447 943 010 seija.manninen@sivistys.mikkeli.fi
Upper secondary school (lukio)
The upper secondary schools (“lukio”) operating in Mikkeli are Mikkelin lukio, Otavan Opisto’s adult upper secondary school, and Nettilukio (online upper secondary school). All of these provide instruction in Finnish.
In Finland, upper secondary school is traditionally completed in three years. It can be compared to high school and usually students attend upper secondary school between the ages of 16 and 19. Mikkelin lukio regularly has exchange students from different parts of the world. Students can apply to become exchange students for one or two semesters. Students can become familiar with high-quality Finnish education, local peers, and other exchange students during this time. Instruction is given in Finnish, which promotes learning the local language.
For more information about exchange periods at Mikkelin lukio, please contact:
Ms. Marja Ukkonen, principal of the upper secondary school +358 447 942 774 marja.ukkonen@sivistys.mikkeli.fi
Vocational education
The local vocational education and training provider in Mikkeli, Esedu, offers several long-term and short-term courses in English. All students are also provided with basic Finnish language skills. For more information, do not hesitate to contact us. You are warmly welcome to develop skills.
Ms. Marika Auvinen, head of skills development marika.auvinen@esedu.fi +358 44 711 5511 esedu.fi/en
Mikkeli University Consortium
Mikkeli University Consortium is a network of units of three Finnish universities operating in Mikkeli, namely Aalto University, University of Helsinki and LUT University. The Universities conduct R&D activities and education in selected fields. The Consortium welcomes staff of other universities to join the university community in Mikkeli.
More information
Mr. Matti Malinen, secretary general matti.malinen@muc.fi muc.fi
Mikkeli in numbers
City founded in 1838
With approximately 52,000 residents, the 18th largest city in Finland
Finland’s 2nd most popular city for summer residents
In summer, Mikkeli’s population can even double
South-Eastern Finland
University of Applied Sciences
Study and learn at XAMK
South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences XAMK is a modern and innovative University of Applied Sciences with campuses in Mikkeli, Kouvola, Savonlinna, and Kotka.
XAMK offers a range of degree programmes and professional development opportunities, with a strong focus on practical learning, career advancement, and flexible study options, including online studies.
In addition to academic education, XAMK is deeply engaged in research, development, and innovation (RDI) activities, collaborating with businesses and industries to drive progress.
XAMK provides both degree programmes that lead to formal qualifications and continuing education courses that do not lead to a degree. XAMK’s diverse study options help you gain new skills, boost your career, and integrate smoothly into Finnish society.
Bachelor’s degree programmes
Practical, career-focused bachelor’s degrees in English are available on all campuses and online.
The Mikkeli campus offers four English-taught programmes:
• Bachelor of Engineering, Information Technology
• Bachelor of Engineering, Water Technology and Sustainability
• Bachelor of Health care, Nursing (Top-up)
• Bachelor of Hospitality Management, Tourism and Hospitality Business.
Online
• Bachelor of Culture and Arts, Game Art
• Bachelor of Culture and Arts, Game Design
Master’s degree programmes
XAMK offers a variety of master’s degree programmes designed for professionals looking to deepen their expertise. You can apply if you have a suitable higher education degree (such as a bachelor’s from a university of applied sciences or university) and at least two years of relevant work experience after graduation.
These flexible programmes can be completed alongside work and are offered at XAMK’s Kotka and Kouvola campuses in fields such as business, technology, disaster management, digital industry, and AI.
Continuing education courses
Various flexible study options are available for those looking to expand their skills or integrate into Finnish society, including online courses, professional development routes, and short courses tailored to multiple interests and needs.
XAMK’s Open University of Applied Sciences allows you to study single courses without committing to a full degree. This is ideal for professionals looking to upskill or family members exploring new interests. XAMK Pulse’s studies are open to everyone with a Finnish personal identity code.
Finnish language, culture, and integration courses: Learn the language, understand Finnish culture and communication, and build local connections. Flexible online options available, including topics in cybersecurity, business, and leadership.
Contact us for more information
XAMK is your gateway to education, career growth, and integration in Finland. Explore our study opportunities and make the most of your time in Mikkeli.
If you have any questions or would like more details about study opportunities at XAMK, please feel free to reach out.
Degree programmes: admissions@xamk.fi, by phone +358 40 585 6610
Open University of Applied Sciences: openstudies@xamk.fi xamk.fi/en/nato
Employment
Mikkeli Region Employment Services offers sustainable employment solutions.
You can access all employment services in your municipalities as a job seeker and employer in the Mikkeli region. Mikkeli organises employment services with Hirvensalmi, Juva, Kangasniemi, Mäntyharju, and Puumala.
More information at mikkeli.fi/employment
Local services for entrepreneurs
Mikkeli Development Miksei Ltd supports businesses whether they are starting up, securing funding, growing, or expanding internationally.
More information at mikseimikkeli.fi/en/
Entrepreneur networking
The Suomen Yrittäjät website offers you information, help and tips for the daily running of your business. As a member of Suomen Yrittäjät you are entitled to many services and benefits. The local branch is Etelä-Savon Yrittäjät.
More information at yrittajat.fi/en/
Diverse commercial offerings
Mikkeli’s city centre is compact but diverse. It has two shopping centres with specialty shops, restaurants, cafés, and pharmacies. The Graani area, east of the city centre, has two hypermarkets.
Beyond its supermarkets, Graani offers a range of specialty retail. Mikkeli further provides diverse hardware and furniture options. Postal and courier lockers are available at most large stores for convenient package pick-up.
In the summer, the city centre, especially Hallituskatu, a pedestrian street, is filled with restaurant terraces where you can enjoy summer days with good company, food, and drinks.
And don’t forget the fresh produce and local food from the famous market square!
Public social, health, and rescue services
The South Savo Wellbeing Services County Eloisa provides social, health, and rescue services for the entire population of South Savo. In addition to the City of Mikkeli, South Savo includes ten other towns and municipalities. In Mikkeli, Eloisa’s largest units are the central hospital and the fire station.
Key Service Channels
General Emergency Number 112
Call 24/7 in emergencies, such as seizures, traffic accidents, fires, or other life-threatening or safety-threatening situations.
Emergency Assistance 116 117
Call 24/7 for acute health problems when you need healthcare assistance on the same day. Please call Emergency Assistance before arriving independently at the central hospital’s emergency department.
Health Advice +358 15 211 411
Call on weekdays from 8:00 to 15:00 for health problems or appointment needs. A trained nurse will answer at Health Advice and assess your treatment needs.
Oral Healthcare +358 15 194 4410
Weekdays from 7:30 to 15:00 for dental appointment booking. Weekends and public holidays from 9:00 to 10:00 for emergency dental care.
Social Emergency Services +358 44 794 2394
Call 24/7 in social crises, such as the death of a loved one, domestic violence, becoming a victim of an accident or crime, or other severe crises.
Veterinary services
In addition to municipal veterinary services, private veterinary clinics operate in Mikkeli. Municipal veterinary services are on call seven days a week, around the clock. The on-call service is intended for urgent cases requiring immediate treatment.
More information about public veterinary services can be found at mikkeli.fi/en/services/ veterinary-services/
Move like Mikkeli!
In Mikkeli, nature is present everywhere. And for us Finns, nature often means recreational opportunities.
Forest trails invite hiking, running, or mountain biking. Road cycling is also possible on minor paved roads throughout the city region. In winter, you can ski, and ice skating is possible, among other places, at Hänninkenttä in the city centre.
In Mikkeli, you can try various sports, both indoors and outdoors. Kalevankangas area offers modern facilities for many sports.
In addition to the local nature, Mikkeli has Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark sites, places with significant landscapes and geological history that inspire various activities and experiences. Visitors to Neitvuori are treated to a genuinely Finnish experience: a rugged landscape featuring pristine lakes and sprawling forests. mikkeli.fi/en/services/sports
Culture and history
From the thousands of years old Astuvansalmi rock paintings in Ristiina to the memories of the Battle of Porrassalmi and the headquarters operations during World War II, Mikkeli has various historical and culturally significant sites that tell our story.
Based on the latest research, the Muisti Centre of War and Peace tells about the causes and consequences of war, emphasising the human perspective. The same ticket also grants access to the traditional Headquarters Museum, where you can see Marshal Mannerheim’s authentic office. The Infantry Museum, with its historical collections, tells the story of wars from the standard soldier’s perspective and operations.
The Mikkeli Art Museum’s changing exhibitions showcase modern art, and St. Michel Strings plays classical music in the Mikaeli concert hall.
One of the most popular tourist destinations is Kenkävero, located near the city centre on the shore of Lake Saimaa, which was once a magnificent vicarage. Now, the area’s attraction is a high-quality restaurant in the beautiful main building, a souvenir shop, and lush gardens.
Tertti Manor and Landhaus Kekkola, located slightly further away, also offer a manor atmosphere and extraordinary culinary experiences. The Mikkeli region is indeed an old and esteemed manor region.
The Muisti Centre of War and Peace: muisti.org/en Infantry Museum: jalkavakimuseo.fi/en/
Other museums in Mikkeli: mikkeli.fi/en/services/culture-and-leisure/museums/ Kenkävero Vicarage: kenkavero.fi/english
Tertti Manor: tertinkartano.fi/en
Headquarters city and Marshal Mannerheim
Mikkeli has been a centre of military administration since the late 18th century. The Defence Forces Headquarters operated in the town during all four wars fought during Finland’s independence. In these wars, Field Marshal Mannerheim, as commander-in-chief, led the Defence Forces from the headquarters town of Mikkeli.
Do you have any questions? We can help!
Ms. Riikka Hälikkä, head of international affairs (available from May 19, 2025) +358 406 197 766 riikka.halikka@mikkeli.fi
Mr. Petri Mattila, director of human resources, (contact person until May 19, 2025) +358 405 772 670 petri.mattila@mikkeli.fi
You can find more information about the city’s services on our English websites: mikkeli.fi/en liveinmikkeli.fi
Social media: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
Mikkeli video can be found at:
Saimaa
Astuvansalmi
Ristiina
Suomenniemi
Anttola
Haukivuori
Otava
City centre