Lakeland—a labyrinth of glassy water reflecting a mosaic of verdant emerald islands—is where Finns relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature. The region claims most of Finland's 188,000 lakes, so getting out onto the water, whether by kayak or historic steamboat, is a must. Lakeland is also a playground for outdoor adventure, from biking and hiking to skiing and sauna-hopping. Whether you want an adrenaline rush or to unwind slowly, you'll find no end of things to do in Lakeland.
The long, warm days of summer offer the best conditions for enjoying water activities in Lakeland, from paddling kayaks to swimming in the cool, clear water. However, you’ll need to plan, as summer is the peak season in Lakeland. Fall is another good time to see the forests painted in yellow and red. Winter promises cross-country skiing, skating on frozen lakes, and curling up in cozy cabins.
Lakeland is big, and public transportation is limited outside of the main settlements, so the best way to get around the region is by vehicle or guided tour. Of course, one of the most enjoyable ways to explore a watery region is by water, so look out for boat trips around Lakeland, whether by catamaran or steamboat or explore under your own steam on a paddling tour.
There’s nothing quite like jumping into a cool lake after getting steamy in a sauna. Little wonder, then, that the Lakeland region is home to several great sauna experiences. On the shores of Lake Kallavesi in Kuopio, Saana offers the opportunity to swim year-round, while Järvisydän overlooks Lake Saimaa in the heart of Lakeland. In the Pispala district in Tampere—said to be the sauna capital of the world—Rajaportti is Finland’s oldest still-active public sauna, dating back to 1906.