LAKELAND
Finland has over 188,000 lakes and around 180,000 islands, many located in the Lakeland district, the largest in Europe. Finnish Lakeland is a blue labyrinth of lakes, islands, rivers and canals, interspersed with forests and ridges, stretching for hundreds of kilometres in a placid and staggeringly beautiful expanse.
There is no scenery more Finnish than a summer cottage by the lake surrounded by emerald green forest. In fact, over 90% of Finland is covered in either forest or water. But it’s about much more than just an iconic view. Nature is a huge part our identity, and a significant source of wellbeing for millions of Finns. It is also something we treasure: Finland has the cleanest water in the world.
The best way to experience Lakeland and to slow down is to try the iconic Finnish triad of cottage, sauna and water. Swim, hop on a steam boat, try a SUP board and simply admire the view. Relaxation is guaranteed.
Explore Lakeland
Here’s a look the most interesting places to visit in the region:
SLOW DOWN BY ILKKA
“I have lived almost my entire life abroad with work and extreme sports. One might say that I never stay still. Many of my foreign friends, who have visited me here at our Lakeland cottage, are amazed to see me here – to see me go from an adrenaline junkie to someone who is quiet and relaxed. This is where I go offline.
During my childhood, we spent a lot of time here at our cottage. The nighttime trips to the nearby island are something that I will always remember and treasure. These days I come here every year, often multiple times.
When I arrive, I instantly leave all daily worries behind when I go fishing or start heating up the smoke sauna. Dabbling around – or ‘puuhastella’ as we say in Finnish – is an essential part of relaxation at a Finnish cottage. You can do all kinds of little things all day long. But always just one thing at a time. There is no rush.
The silence of this place puts me in such an awe that sometimes it is almost a bit scary. The difference between the cottage life and the city life is so huge. Each season brings its own unique feature. Spring comes with flowers and birds chirping. The scent of the autumn rain is magical. In the winter time, the snow and the frozen lake continue to astonish me.
The most important thing is to enjoy the fact that here you are in peace, in the middle of nature. That is really important to me when I need to find more balance in my life.”
-Ilkka
Getting there
Loving Lakeland and can’t wait to get there?
Tours and routes
Here are some tour suggestions in Lakeland
Be inspired
Articles from Lakeland:
Get to know the region
Areas in Lakeland
More places to visit in Lakeland
Find accommodation and more on My Stay
Bed and Breakfast Rooms
The master building at Niemilomat is a log house built in 1915 which was fully…
Kaidan Kiho – Villas at a Peaceful Lake
Kaidan Kiho's four ecological holiday cottages are located in the Mikkeli municipality. The cottages lie…
Spa Hotel Rauhalahti
Located 5 km from Kuopio City Centre, behind the nature reserve. Spa, hotel and hostel…
Unique Accommodation in Hunajakoto
A warm welcome to Hunajakoto - a lovely old house built in 1920 for the…
Relaxing Holiday in high-quality Villas at Peaceful and Safe Environment
The landscape sculptured by the glacial period reminds us of the balance in life and…
Boutique Hotel in Savonlinna
Lossiranta Lodge is a small boutique hotel in Savonlinna, close to Olavinlinna Castle. Each one…
Accommodation in Wanha Pappila
The history of Wanha Pappila - the old Parsonage - dates all the way back…
Hotel Saima
We warmly welcome you to enjoy a relaxed and memorable stay in our small, but…
Various Kinds of Rooms with Delicious Breakfast
Lomamokkila offers you accommodation in various kinds of rooms. You can choose either a romantic…
The Sense of History in Lakeland
Explore Finnish Lakeland at your own pace while accommodating in a first class summer house!…
4 Spas in Lappeenranta and Imatra region
A visit to the spa will refresh both your body and soul. In the Saimaa…
Sky Cabin and Saunaworld Experience at Ukkohalla Resort
Admire the magical hillside sceneries and the beautiful northern sky with stars at Arctic Lakeland.…
Holiday at Lakeside Villa
The villas of Härkäniemi Cottages are of high quality and equipped with all modern conveniences,…
Hotel Paljakka
This cozy family-owned hotel is located in the heart of the Paljakka resort. We offer…
You might also enjoy these
It may be hard to believe but ice swimming is healthy! It is said to improve one's immune system, reduce stress and relieve inconveniences such as rheumatism.
Read MoreIn Finland, nature is not only wild, it’s free to enjoy. Finnish law states that anyone living in or visiting Finland has the right to roam vast uninhabited forests and mires, forage mushrooms and berries, and enjoy the recreational use of natural areas. But this freedom comes with responsibility.
Read MoreFinnish national parks are protected areas with unique natural features. Accessing them is encouraged, and they present a number of recreational possibilities.
Read MoreWhat exactly do you do in a Finnish sauna and what not?
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 MoreIn Finland, you can find some of the world’s last wilderness regions, where you can experience the untouched nature with its rare wild animals.
Read More
