Before the Winter War broke out, 45,000 Karelians, mainly from border villages, were evacuated from their homes. At the end of the war, 420,000 Karelians left their homes and property, and moved to the Finnish side of the new border. More than half of the migrants were farmers. When the Continuation War broke out, 70 per cent of Karelians returned to their homes, most of which had been destroyed.
After the major battles of summer 1944 and the interim peace treaty, the Karelians were again evacuated. There was not enough time to follow the evacuation plan: the departure was sudden and everyone had to fend for themselves. Following the experiences of the Winter War, people were better equipped to take their property with them.
Evacuees and their property were transferred inland along the waterways of Lake Saimaa. Steamships and large cargo ships were filled with people, cattle and property on the eastern shores of Lake Saimaa, where they sailed towards safer areas.
Mikkeli harbour has services for guest boaters, while the public can visit the harbour cafe and the Toivo restaurant ship in the summer. Various events are also held at the harbour.
