Mikkeli is a city in Finland and the regional capital of South Savo. It is located in the Finnish Lakeland. The population of Mikkeli is approximately 52,000, while the sub-region has a population of approximately 68,000. It is the 18th most populous municipality in Finland, and the 19th most populous urban area in the country.

Saimaa is a lake located in the Finnish Lakeland area in southeastern Finland. At approximately 4,279 square kilometres (1,652 sq mi), it is the largest lake in Finland, and the fourth-largest natural freshwater lake in Europe.