Introducing The Lakeland
If you’re looking for quintessential summertime Finland, this is it. Eastern Finland is a romantic region of lakes, rivers, locks and canals. There’s more water here than terra firma – a glistening patchwork of waterways in summer where a highlight is canoeing or taking a lake ferry between towns. Lakeland encompasses the border region of Karelia, part of which was taken by Russia in the bitter Winter War, and the Savo region of which Savonlinna is the centre. If you’ve only got the time or money to visit one part of Finland outside Helsinki in the summertime, make this the place.
Activities in The Lakeland
Kuopio
One of the most likeable towns in Finland, Kuopio is a very satisfying place that seems to combine several Suomi essentials - ski-jumps, forest, lakes, saunas, - in one neat package.
Savonlinna
Lorded over by one of Europe's most dramatic castles, Savonlinna is as romantic a place as you'll come by, particularly on a summer's night when its world-famous Opera Festival is in full swing.
The Lakeland destination guides
Mikkeli
Mikkeli is a sizable provincial town on Lake Saimaa and an important transport hub for eastern Lakeland.
Hotels in The Lakeland
Heinävesi & Around
Entertainment in The Lakeland
The Seal Lakes
Shopping in The Lakeland