Finland often referred to as the land of a thousand lakes is a beautiful Nordic country, located in Northern Europe. Its beauty in the form of its pristine forests, the spectacular Finland lakes, and the contemporary cities, all attracts tourists from far and wide. Helsinki, the capital and the largest city of Finland, sees a lot of tourists every year. The natural landscapes and the various lakes in Finland are sights of attraction too there. Find below a list of some of the beautiful lakes in Finland. Talking about Finland, number of lakes is way more than you can count with fingers. You can, however, check out the best ones:
10 Best Finland Lakes
Finland, the land of lakes, has no dearth of lakes. But listed here are some of the main lakes of Finland. You can go on a Finland lakes tour if you want to know all the details.
- Lake Saimaa
- Lake Päijänne
- Lake Inari
- Lake Pielinen
- Lake Oulujärvi
- Lake Pihlajavesi
- Lake Orivesi
- Lake Haukivesi
- Lake Keitele
- Lake Kallavesi
1. Lake Saimaa
Located towards the southeast of the country, Saimaa is the largest lake in Finland. Lake Saimaa was formed as the result of the glaciers which melted at the end of the Ice Age and is a natural freshwater lake. It is also the fourth largest in Europe. Some towns on the shore of this lake are Lappeenranta, Savonlinna, Mikkeli, Imatra, Varkaus, and Joensuu.
Things to do: One can take boat tours and explore the islands here or even go fishing.
Must Read: Castles In Finland: 9 Citadels That Breathe Life Into The Forgotten Medieval History
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2. Lake Päijänne
This is the second largest lake in Finland, and it empties into the Gulf of Finland. Located in southern Finland, it is a recreational fishing location. The lake extends from the city of Lahti to Jyväskylä. One can also explore the Päijänne National Park there which is in the southern part of the lake. Enjoy the surreal scenery around the lake and have a great time fishing and relaxing at its shores.
Things to do: Lake Päijänne is frequented for sailing, boating, and canoeing.
3. Lake Inari
Nestles in the northern part of Lapland, Lake Inari is the third largest river in the country. Two of the famous islands here are Hautuumaasaari and Ukonkivi. When in the neighborhood, one can visit Siida, a museum in the village of Inari. Get to know of the Sami culture and if you like exploring places, then you can head to some of the islands in the lake.
Things to do: Visit the Wilderness Church of Lake Pielpa, go to the Husky farm if you are a dog lover or take the Aurora tour.
Suggested Read: The Snow Lover’s Ultimate Go To Guide For Finland In Winter
4. Lake Pielinen
Next, in size comes Lake Pielinen. The lake is frequented by travelers due to its scenic beauty and the Koli National Park which is located on the western shores of the lake. Go on wilderness treks and enjoy the pristine sites as you hike to various vantage points in the park. Also, try a meal or two at the famous cafe, Alamaja at the Koli harbor.
Things to do: One can enjoy skiing during the winters here and white water rafting.
5. Lake Oulujärvi
The best pike fishing destination, Lake Oulujärvi is the fifth largest lake in Finland. Apart from fishing, the beautiful beaches here are another attraction for the tourists. Spend some time basking under the sun and enjoying the views of nature. Stroll along the lake and spend some relaxing time at Lake Oulujärvi. And if you still want more, then the place has quite a few activities for you to partake in!
Things to do: Enjoy a swim or go boating. One can also try water skiing here.
Suggested Read: 10 Best Restaurants In Finland For The Gastronomer Within You!
6. Lake Pihlajavesi
Finland would never run out of natural charm as there is no end to the spectacular lakes that the land has. Another beautiful place to visit in Finland is Lake Pihlajavesi. It is a diverse landscape and one can explore keeping a Finland lakes map handy. Another interesting thing that one can do here, other than hiking and exploring the land is, go berry and mushroom picking. It is said, that this area has some really tasty berries.
Things to do: One can indulge in canoeing or row boating. If you do not feel like rowing then you can also enjoy the beauty of the lake on a motorboat.
7. Lake Orivesi
How does a lakeside vacation sound to you? Lake Orivesi is just the place if you would like to spend a few days by the lake you can even rent a lakeside cottage here. Always dreamt of a quaint little cottage by the lake, nestled in lush green environs? Well, that is exactly what Orivesi has to offer to you. Also, it isn’t very far from the capital town of Helinski which is a mere 110 miles away.
Things to do: Rent a lakeside cottage and enjoy the rural Finland.
Suggested Read: Experience Christmas In Finland: A Snowy, Sensational, And Snuggly Affair!
8. Lake Haukivesi
Are you a nature enthusiast? If you are then you need to definitely explore this region when in Finland. Linnansaari National Park is in the middle of this lake, adding to the scenic charm of Haukivesi. Fishing here has restrictions, so do not get on the bad side of the law. You might spot the endangered Saimaa ringed seal here. This area again has edible mushrooms growing, and one can indulge in berries and mushroom picking when at Haukivesi.
Things to do: Explore the area in a canoe or go boating. If you are visiting during the winter, then you can also enjoy skating tours here.
9. Lake Keitele
In the center of Finland, is this large lake called Keitele. The water here is of good quality and quite clear, which makes boating pleasurable. The famous towns located on its shores are the towns of Äänekoski and Viitasaari. A famous artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela also made a painting by the name Lake Keitele, which today adorns the National Gallery, London.
Things to do: Relax and unwind by the lake, go boating, and you can also explore the lakeside towns.
Suggested Read: 12 Most Fascinating Places To Visit In Finland To Explore The Unspoilt Paradise
10. Lake Kallavesi
Situated around the town of Kuopio is this lake Kallavesi. It is in eastern Finland in the region of Northern Savonia. The lake is an amazing sight during the winters when there is ice all around. One can even go ice skiing here then. If you are not looking for outdoor activities, then you can head to the spas in town and relax and rejuvenate. Do you know where the world’s largest smoke sauna is? It is right here, in the town of Kuopio!
Things to do: Go ice skating, enjoy natural vistas or relax at the smoke sauna.
Further Read: Quaint Cottages In Finland To Experience A Lavish And Authentic Finnish Stay
Now that you know of all the exciting activities that you can enjoy at the Finland lakes, what are you still waiting for? Book a trip with TravelTriangle and head to Finland, the land of a thousand lakes is calling you! Explore as many lakes as you can, and we bet you won’t fall short of them!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Finland Lakes
What are all the recreational activities the tourists can go for once in Finland lake tours?
You can go for birding, boating tours, fishing, hiking the lakeside coniferous forest, lakeside walking, photography, and swimming while on Finland lake tours.
What are all the lake water activities the tourists can go for once in Finland holidays?
The tourists can go for water-sporting activities like canoeing on lakes, ice-skating, ice skiing, motorboat, rafting, and row boating in the lakes of Finland.
Which are the best months to explore the lakes in Finland?
Finland lakes are the best to visit in-between September to May. They are pleasant months for water sports and enjoying recreational activities in and around the lakes.
Which lake is the best to visit by honeymoon couples while on a honeymoon tour?
You must visit Lake Orivesi in Finland to spend your honeymoon by staying in a lakeside cottage. You can spend their privacy near the lakeshores and go swimming and boating on this lake.
Are the lakes in Finland safe to explore by tourists?
Yes, there are thousands of lakes in Finland. The lake water and lakefront do not have man-eater wild animals and in the lake water. Yet, you must not swim, where it is prohibited.
Are the lakes in Finland are the best to sight Northern Lights?
Yes, you must visit here in-between September to March to see the Northern Lights in Finland. It is advisable to camp near the lakeshore and see this natural wonder in the night skies.
Which is the best season to visit the Finland lakes for ice-skating?
You must visit in the winter season January to March for ice-skating on the lakes in Finland.
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A writer by choice, a photographer by passion, a seasonal sailor preferably monsoons and a pilot when the wind is just right! When not in the city, I’m often found chasing sunrises in the mountains or sunsets at the beaches!
