Meet Ari - the Steamboat Captain
Finland’s lake district is a dream destination for sailors. Ari Juva has been sailing his own steamboat on Lake Saimaa for decades.
There’s a popular Finnish song that says sailing is the only thing in life worth doing. For most of us Finns, the lyrics are only a joke. As far as we’re concerned all you need for a summer holiday is a cottage with a sauna in the middle of the woods somewhere. Sailing boats are not essential. However, there are some for whom enjoying the view of the water from the shore is simply not enough and whose holidays only begin once the bow of the boat pushes off from the jetty. One of them is the commodore (chairman, in other words) of the Finnish Steam Yacht Association, Ari Juva.

Lakeland
The largest Lake District in Europe: In a scarcely populated country there’s enough scenery and shoreline for all, allowing you to easily lose yourself in thought or be inspired by the vast clear lakes, intricately splintered by islands, isthmuses and green spits.
Related Links
You might also enjoy these
Lakeland
Sailing and boating are both very much family activities in Finland. Especially during the holiday season, most Finnish boats carry crews of eager youngsters. Here are the six top reasons why you should bring your children too!
Read MoreLakes have always been an important part of life in central Finland, and exploring from the water is still one of the best ways to experience the heart of the country.
Read MoreExperience Helsinki and Finnish Lakeland through a road trip you will never forget.
Read MoreThis Lakeland town comes into its own in the summer when it plays host to a major dance festival, as well as a lively wine festival.
Read MoreThe forested landscape is dotted with patches of water so numerous they have earned Finland the nickname “the land of the thousand lakes”.
Read MoreCycling is becoming more and more popular around the world. One of the most up-and-coming and versatile locations for biking is Finland.
Read More