Lähteelä, Savonlinna, Finland

## Overview Lähteelä is a natural spring located along Route 14 near Savonlinna in the Finnish Lakeland region of eastern Finland. The spring draws its water from a deep underground aquifer beneath the area's characteristic sand ridges — glacial esker formations deposited thousands of years ago during the last Ice Age. These sandy ridges act as a natural filtration system, producing water that visitors describe as exceptionally fresh and cold. The spring water is connected to a pump and flows through a visible white pipe at the roadside. The flow is intermittent, so a bit of patience may be needed when filling containers. The site is publicly accessible around the clock, free of charge, and visitors are welcome to collect as much water as they like. The premises are well-maintained and protected. The full address is **Savonlinnan–Punkaharjun tie 648, 57210 Savonlinna, Finland**, and the GPS coordinates are **61.877983, 29.009352**. While the spring has historically been used as a source of drinking water by locals and travelers, the water has not been independently verified for safety. Visitors who wish to use it for drinking purposes are encouraged to have it tested or treat it before consumption. ## Directions ### From Lähteelä (heading south) 1. Head south towards Saukontie. 2. Take a **left turn** onto Saukontie. 3. Take a **right turn** onto Sauojärventie. 4. Immediately take **another right** to join **Route 14** (Savonlinnan–Punkaharjun tie). 5. Continue straight on Route 14 for approximately **0.3 km (0.2 miles)**. 6. The spring will be on your **right side** — look for the white pipe at the roadside. ### From Kivelä (heading south) 1. Head south towards Lampitie road. 2. Take a **right turn** onto **Route 14** (Savonlinnantie). 3. Take a **left** to continue on Route 14. 4. Drive straight for approximately **1 km (0.6 miles)**. 5. The pump will be on your **left side**. Since the spring is located directly alongside the road, you can simply pull over and park on the shoulder. No hiking or special access is required. ## What to Expect The spring is a simple, no-frills roadside water point — a white pipe connected to a pump emerging from the ground at the edge of Route 14. There are no elaborate structures or signage, so keep an eye out for the pipe as you drive. The surrounding landscape is typical of the Finnish Lakeland: forested esker ridges, quiet roads, and the serene atmosphere of rural Savonlinna. The water is reported to feel noticeably cold and fresh, consistent with deep aquifer sources filtered through glacial sand deposits. Because the pump produces intermittent flow, bring containers that are easy to hold under the pipe and be prepared to wait briefly between surges. The site is accessible year-round and at any hour. There are no fees or restrictions on the amount of water you can collect. The area around the spring is kept clean and maintained, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the Savonlinna region — particularly those heading to or from the famous Punkaharju Ridge, one of Finland's most celebrated natural landmarks, located along the same Route 14.