The greatest natural wonder in South Karelia consists of the parallel dividers called Salpausselkä, which transect the region, and their large edge formations.

[citation needed] The variable terrain and great local height differences make South Karelia exceptional in Southern Finland.

As a contrast to the rugged rocky islands of Saimaa and flat pinewoods, the region features lush deciduous woodlands reaching out from the Ladogian Karelia around Parikkala, Imatra and Lappeenranta.

Bird wetland habitats of national importance are found in Siikalahti and Tarassiinlahti of Parikkala and Kuokkalampi in Ruokolahti.

[1] The EU's regional Objective Programmes for South Karelia have partly been prepared in the council as it also implements and coordinates various projects.

[citation needed][4] The region also features an interesting cross-section of churches that represent various centuries, architectural styles and denominations.

What also drew tourists all the way from St. Petersburg was the good fishing to be had in River Vuoksi, Imatra Rapids and Lake Saimaa.

[citation needed][6] The Rauha – Tiuruniemi area by the Lake Saimaa has long traditions in spa and hotel activities.

The clinic's services at the time were different kinds of baths as well as galvanic and bright light treatments.

Tourism in South Karelia went into a decline for some time after the First World War ended the flows of travellers from St. Petersburg.

Interest in domestic travel, which had arisen towards the end of the 19th century, increased as conditions became more settled in the newly independent Finland.

The unspoilt nature and Lake Saimaa attracted tourists especially from Central Europe and the Nordic countries.