Exploring Lakes in Finland:
Nature, Calm, and Culture

The lakes in Finland are more than simply stretches of water; they are the arteries of the nation’s landscape and the soul of its people. Shaped by ancient glaciers that once covered the region, each lake, shore, and island tells a story of time immemorial. The surrounding landscape, with its forested expanses, rocky shores, and gently rolling terrain, is peppered with both large and small lakes, forming a network that shapes the region’s environment and lifestyle. Finland’s many lakes, stretching from the north to the south and east to west, create both challenges and opportunities for those who live here, fostering a close-knit relationship with nature and the water that defines it.

Lake Saimaa, majestically located in the south-east, is an iconic destination for locals and international visitors alike. Known for its labyrinthine network of islands and forested shores, Saimaa’s environment is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The city of Lappeenranta serves as a lively gateway to the lake, while the nearby town of Savonlinna, famous for its medieval castle, is perched on the lake’s interconnected islets. The lake’s natural beauty is undeniable, with opportunities for kayaking, boating, and fishing for species like pike and trout. It is during the peak season—summer—when Saimaa’s lakeshore is at its liveliest, and the abundance of recreational activities brings the lake to life. Yet, in winter, Lake Saimaa transforms again, offering ice skating and ice fishing on its frozen surface.

Lake Päijänne, elegantly stretching from north to south, is a lifeline for vast swathes of southern Finland. Its reputation as the deepest lake in Finland is well-earned, with certain points plunging to over 95 meters. Location-wise, Lake Päijänne lies within easy reach for residents of the capital region, making it a preferred destination for city dwellers seeking the peace of nature. The lake is closely tied to the country’s essential water infrastructure, as drinking water from Päijänne is channeled through the Päijänne Tunnel, the longest water tunnel in the world, directly supplying Helsinki and neighboring cities. Its shores and beach areas are popular for summer cottages, where many Finns escape the bustle of urban city life to reconnect with the tranquility of water, forest, and sky.

Lake Inari stands as the largest lake in Finnish Lapland and the third largest in Finland. Located far in the north, Lake Inari is distinguished by its crystal-clear water and the more than 3,000 islands that dot its serene surface. This region has been the home of the Sami people for centuries, and to this day, their culture is intimately woven into the fabric of life around the lake. Inari is also renowned for its unspoiled scenery, mystic midnight sun, and fantastic opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Whether through traditional Sami boats or modern kayaks, exploring the islands and shores of Inari is an invitation to the natural world at its most pristine.

In the east of the country, Lake Kallavesi is a heart of the city of Kuopio and the surrounding region. Known for its significant size, Lake Kallavesi is central to the local lifestyle, offering a wide array of recreational opportunities. Visitors and locals alike favor boating, and in winter, extensive ice roads cross the lake, connecting communities even when the surface is frozen solid. The surrounding forested land provides an idyllic backdrop for hiking and nature walks, while the city hosts annual events on the lakeshore, drawing guests from across Finland and Europe.

Lakes are inseparable from Finnish culture. They are where many Finns learn to swim, paddle a boat, or spend summers at a cozy summer cottage, surrounded by water and forested shores. Lakes also hold deep significance for the Sami people in the north, whose lives and beliefs have revolved around these landscapes for millennia. The traditions of fishing, sauna by the lakeside, and winter ice skating or ice fishing are all deeply enmeshed in the nation’s sense of self. Whether in a bustling city or a quiet lakeshore town, the calm, rhythm, and sense of belonging that the lakes in Finland provide is a common, cherished theme.