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Travel Guide Finland Finnish Lakeland
  • Activities
  • Attractions
  • Trip planning
  • Destinations
  • Finnische Seenplatte im Winter
    Finnische Seenplatte im Winter Photo: Visit Saimaa
  • Koli
    Koli Photo: Jussi Helttunen, Visit Finland
  • Lakeland
    Lakeland Photo: Asko Kuittinen, Visit Finland
  • Saimaa Photo: Mikko Nikkinen, Visit Finland
  • Make your own picnic by a lake Photo: Harri Tarvainen, Visit Karelia
  • Berry picking in the Jyväskylä region Photo: Julia Kivelä, Visit Finland
  • Kayaking in Saimaa Photo: Mikko Nikkinen, Visit Finland
  • Arctic Lakeland, Wild Taiga, Hossa National Park Photo: TravelDudes
  • Jyväskylä is the biggest city of the region Photo: Julia Kivelä, Visit Jyväskylä
  • Discover Koli National Park Photo: Harri Tarvainen, Visit Karelia
  • Berry picking in the Jyväskylä region Photo: Julia Kivelä, Visit Finland
  • Cycling in Finnish Lakeland Photo: Juho Kuva, Visit Finland
  • Enjoy the tranquility Photo: Harri Tarvainen, Visit Karelia

Finnish Lakeland

This region is the reason why Finland is proudly called the "Land of a Thousand Lakes". A huge labyrinth of lakes, rivers, islands and canals stretches across the entire south-east of the country. In between, there are towns worth seeing such as Jyväskylä, Kuopio, Mikkeli, Kajaani and Savonlinna to discover.
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Activities in Finnish Lakeland


hikes
mountain biking trails
bike rides
nature trails
cross-country ski trails
canoe trips
scenic routes kayak trips long-distance hikes Crags bicycle tours snowshoe walks winter hikes city walks road cycling routes trail runs ski resorts motor bike routes

Attractions in Finnish Lakeland


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Mountain Biking · Joutsa
Leivonmäki Mountain Biking Trail
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 21.9 km
Duration 4:00 h
Ascent 30 m
Descent 31 m

Leivonmäki MTB takes you into the beautiful nature of Central Finland, where the esker landscape shaped by the Ice Age is dotted with kettle holes, ...

from Meri-Hilkka Mäkelä,   Visit Jyväskylä
Kayaking · Central Finland
Wanha Witonen Canoe Trail
Toprecommended route Difficulty
Distance 69.2 km
Duration 9:56 h
Ascent 17 m
Descent 38 m

Experience the versatile waters of Central Finland in a kayak or a canoe! The Wanha Witonen route includes it all: lovely lakes, rivers and small ...

from Upe Nykänen,   Visit Jyväskylä
Hiking Route · Hiidenportti Nationalpark
Hiidenkierros Trail 5 km, Hiidenportti National park, Sotkamo Finland
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 5.2 km
Duration 2:30 h
Ascent 63 m
Descent 62 m

The trail is located in Hiidenportti National Park, near the Vuokatti holiday resort. The circle trail rewards the traveler with a breathtaking ...

from Arto Heikkinen,   Outdoors Kainuu
Bike Riding · Puumala
Puumala Archipelago Route
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate Open
Distance 70.3 km
Duration 8:00 h
Ascent 607 m
Descent 606 m

Experience the most beautiful sceneries in Finnish Lakeland on the Puumala Archipelago Route. Cycle through beautiful islands and ridges with ...

from Johannes Sipponen,   Visit Saimaa
Kayaking · Linnansaari National Park
Kayaking Linnansaari National Park, Oravi-Järvisydän
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 19.7 km
Duration 4:00 h
Ascent 24 m
Descent 38 m

Experience an unforgettable kayaking adventure in Linnansaari National Park in the heart of Finnish Lakeland. This area is the home of the Saimaa ...

from Jannika Vahvaselkä,   Visit Savonlinna
Hiking Route · Hossa National Park
Värikallion kaarros Trail 8 km, Hossa National Park
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 7.2 km
Duration 3:00 h
Ascent 48 m
Descent 48 m

Värikallion kaarros trail takes you to the most famous sight in Hossa. Thanks to the walking platform, you will be able to explore the historical ...

Metsähallitus
Kayaking · Kolovesi Nationalpark
Kayaking Kolovesi National Park
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 33.4 km
Duration 6:00 h
Ascent 0 m
Descent 0 m

Kolovesi National Park offers you the best of Finnish Lakeland with a chance to spot the endangered Saimaa Ringed Seals. Welcome to the paddler's ...

1
from Johannes Sipponen,   Visit Savonlinna
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Accommodation
Places to eat & drink
Great places to visit with the family
Ideas for bad weather
mountain biking trails

The Lake District is a true heart of the Finnish identity. In addition to the countless standing waters with excellent water quality, rivers, canals, islands, forests and ridges define the landscape. The region provides a habitat for numerous wild animals, such as the Saimaa ringed seal and the marten-like wolverine.

You can find accommodation in the charming little towns and villages – or you can do like the Finns do and rent a cabin by the lake. Here you will find the ideal break from everyday stress and give your body the rest it deserves. A visit to a lakeside sauna is not to be missed – a dip in the refreshing water will provide the right cooling.

Even in winter, the lake district is an extremely rewarding destination. The ice layer on the lakes is not only thick enough for skating – you will even find cross-country ski runs and routes for snowmobiles. If you want to take it a little easier, you can try ice fishing.

View over the Finnish Lakeland
Photo: Harri Tarvainen, Visit Finland

Destinations in Finnish Lakeland

Central and Western Lakeland

In the south you will find the city of Lahti, the gateway to the Finnish Lakeland – only an hour's drive from Helsinki.

Lake Päijänne in the centre of the Lakeland is Finland's second largest and richest water body. Jyväskylä, a student town with a youthful flair and home to the famous architect Alvar Aalto (1898-1976), is located on the north side of the lake.

The two lakes Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi extend around Tampere, a former industrial centre that has long since blossomed into new charm.

Commune · Central Finland, Finland
Jyväskylä

Located amidst the scenic Finnish Lakeland, the Jyväskylä Region is known for its natural assets, culture and rich sauna ...

Ellare Oy

Northern Lakeland

The Northern Lakeland around the city of Kuopio is characterized by a wonderful, varied natural landscape. Thousands of lakes surround islands and islets, wooded ridges and barren cliffs alternate with small villages and offer the perfect environment to switch off, forget about everyday life and devote yourself completely to nature. On hiking trails, mountain bike trails or canoeing on the water you can discover the Northern Lakeland in all its diversity.

Kainuu is the northernmost region of the Finnish Lake District on the border with Lapland. Of the three national parks in Kainuu, the Hossa National Park is particularly worth seeing. In the capital Kajaani as well as in the eastern situated Kuhmo there is the possibility to get to know cultural aspects of the region.

Northern Savo - Lakeland
Province Northern Savo - Lakeland
Arctic Lakeland Kainuu
Province Arctic Lakeland Kainuu

Lake Saimaa

At the largest Finnish and fourth largest European lake you will find a selection of scenic attractions: The meanders of the narrow canals, bare granite cliffs, dense pine forests and sandy beaches invite you to linger – as does Repovesi National Park. Around Lake Saimaa there are a number of towns worth visiting, such as Mikkeli, Lappeenranta, Imatra and Savonlinna.
Geographic region · Finland
Visit Saimaa

The Saimaa Lake District in Eastern Finland comprises the largest lake in the country and the longest shoreline in the ...

Ellare Oy

National Parks in the Lakeland

The Finnish Lake District provides a habitat for numerous wild animals, such as the Saimaa ringed seal and the marten-like wolverine. If you want to immerse yourself completely in the world of fauna, don't miss a visit to the numerous national parks – above all Koli, Leivonmäki, Linnansaari, Hiidenportti and Hossa.

The freedom to roam gives you all the opportunity to roam and camp, pick berries and mushrooms and go fishing. This will make your explorations even more enjoyable.

  • Koli National Park
  • Leivonmäki National Park
  • Linnansaari National Park
  • Hiidenportti Nationalpark
  • Hossa National Park

Authentic Experiences and Guided Tours

  • from €150.00
    Animals · Arctic Lakeland Kainuu
    The Big Three-wildlife watching overnight tour in Kuhmo, Finland
  • from €145.00
    Canoeing · Arctic Lakeland Kainuu
    Self-guided canoeing and wilderness cabin holiday in Kuhmo, Finland
  • from €1,225.00
    Long Distance Cycling · Arctic Lakeland Kainuu
    Summer specialities in the wilderness of Suomussalmi, Arctic Lakeland
Show all offers in Finnish Lakeland

Trip planning


Weather

Webcams

  • Webcam · Finnish Lakeland
    Hervanta: Tampere - POAS
  • Webcam · Finnish Lakeland
    Kangasalan asema: Tie 12 Kangasala, Kiveliö - Tampereelle
  • Webcam · Finnish Lakeland
    Kangasalan asema: Tie 12 Kangasala, Kiveliö - Lahteen
  • Webcam · Finnish Lakeland
    Ikaalinen: Tie - Luhalahti - Vaasaan
  • Webcam · Finnish Lakeland
    Hollola: Tie - Okeroinen - Lahteen
  • Webcam · Finnish Lakeland
    Hollola: Tie - Okeroinen - Tampereelle
  • Webcam · Finnish Lakeland
    Hollola: Tie - Soramäki
  • Webcam · Finnish Lakeland
    Jyväskylä sub-region: Tie 624 Jyväskylä, Tikka-Mannila - Ouluun
  • Webcam · Oulu Region
    Oulunlahti: Tie 4 Oulu Zatelliitti - Ouluun
  • Webcam · Finnish Lakeland
    Lahti: Tie - Patomäki, Okeroinen, Puomi
  • Webcam · Finnish Lakeland
    Lahti: Tie - Kujala
  • Webcam · Finnish Lakeland
    Lahti: Tie - Liipola, Puomi, Itä
Show all webcams in Finnish Lakeland

Reviews

  67
Tuulimylly Nature Trail, Lemi by Birte
February 24, 2023 · Community
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Photo: Birte Brand, Community
Photo: Birte Brand, Community
1 comment
Kanavuori Nature Trail, Jyväskylä by Meeri
February 10, 2023 · Community
When did you do this route? June 09, 2022
Photo: Meeri Niemi, Community
Comment
Haimila-Kypäräsaari- Vuoriniemi by Krisu
January 31, 2023 · Community
When did you do this route? January 29, 2023
Comment
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Destinations in Finnish Lakeland


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