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.
Highlights
- Highlights
Leivonmäki Mountain Biking Trail
Wanha Witonen Canoe Trail
Hiidenkierros Trail 5 km, Hiidenportti National park, Sotkamo Finland
Puumala Archipelago Route
Kayaking Linnansaari National Park, Oravi-Järvisydän
Värikallion kaarros trail in Hossa National Park
Kayaking Kolovesi National Park
Uiton kierto - a hiking trail in Tiilikkajärvi National Park
- Highlights
Discover the region
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.
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.
Jyväskylä Region
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.
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.
Saimaa
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.
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