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The Finnish Lakeland

Most of Finland could be dubbed lakeland, but around here it seems there’s more aqua than terra firma. Reflecting the sky and forests as clearly as a mirror, the sparkling, clean water is likely to be one of your most enduring memories of Finland. When exploring the region, it's almost obligatory to get waterborne, whether it be while practising your paddling skills in a canoe or by hopping aboard a historic steamboat for leisurely progress down canals and across lakes.

On land, there's just as much to do. Architecture buffs from around the globe make the pilgrimage here to visit Alvar Aalto's buildings, opera aficionados arrive en masse to attend the world-famous Savonlinna Opera Festival and outdoor enthusiasts shoulder their packs and set out to hike through tranquil forests of spruce, birch and pine. And at the end of active days, there are always saunas to relax in.

Explore The Finnish Lakeland

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout The Finnish Lakeland.

  • Notable Building

    Säynätsalon Kunnantalo

    One of Aalto's most admired works, this town hall was conceived as a 'fortress of democracy' and constructed between 1949 and 1952. Its sturdy brick tower…

  • Castle

    Olavinlinna

    Built directly on rock in the middle of the lake (now accessed via bridges), this heavily restored 15th-century fortification was constructed as a…

  • Museum

    Lusto Suomen Metsämuseo

    'Lusto' is the Finnish word for a tree’s annual growth ring, and this well-curated and cleverly presented museum is all about forests and the growth of…

  • Architecture

    Muuratsalon Koetalo

    Connected to Säynätsalo by bridges, peaceful Muuratsalo islet was the summer retreat of Alvar and Elissa Aalto. Aalto built his Experimental House – a…

  • Convent

    Lintulan Luostari

    Finland’s only Orthodox convent is particularly lovely in early summer, when the many flowers in its beautifully tended gardens bloom. The order was…

  • Monastery

    Valamon Luostari

    Finland’s only Orthodox monastery is idyllically located on an island in Juojävi. Visitors are free to roam the site and enter the churches. The first…

  • Church

    Kerimäen Iso Kirkko

    Kerimäki may be small (pop 5000), but its Lutheran church certainly isn't. Built in 1847, the building was designed to accommodate 5000 and is commonly…

  • Historic Site

    Kenkävero

    A picturesque 19th-century timber parsonage estate 1.3km southwest of the city centre on the shore of Lake Saimaa, Kenkävero is now Mikkeli's most popular…

  • Museum

    Riihisaari

    On an island that was once a naval port, this museum housed in a handsome 16th-century granary recounts local history and the importance of water…

  • Hill

    Puijo

    Even small hills have cachet in flat Finland, and Kuopio was so proud of Puijo that it was crowned with a tower. Views from the top of Puijon Torni are…

  • Museum

    Alvar Aalto Museo

    The town's most famous son and the subject of this museum was a giant of 20th-century architecture. Schooled in Jyväskylä, Aalto opened his first offices…

  • Museum

    Kuopion Korttelimuseo

    This block of 11 wooden townhouses dating from the 18th and 19th centuries includes several period-furnished homes representing family life between 1800…

  • Church

    Petäjäveden Vanha Kirkko

    This wonderfully gnarled Unesco-listed wooden church is located in Petäjävesi, 35km west of Jyväskylä. Finished in 1765, it’s a marvellous example of 18th…

  • Natural Feature

    Punkaharju

    During the ice age, formations similar to this 7km-long sand ridge were created all over Finland. Because it crosses a large lake, it’s always been an…

  • Gallery

    Kuopion Taidemuseo

    Occupying an old bank building in the centre of town, this museum focuses on Finnish art created from the late 19th century to present times. Look out for…

  • Museum

    Kuopion Museo

    In a castle-like art-nouveau mansion, this museum has a wide scope. The top two floors are devoted to cultural history, but the real highlight is the…

  • Tower

    Puijon Torni

    The views from the top of the 75m Puijon Torni are very impressive; the vast perspectives of lakes and forests represent a sort of idealised Finnish vista…

  • National Park

    Linnansaari National Park

    This scenic national park consists of Haukivesi Lake and hundreds of uninhabited islands; the most activity takes place on the largest island, Linnansaari…

  • Museum

    Suomen Ortodoksinen Kirkkomuseo

    Over 800 religious icons and 4000 textiles, along with documents, maps, drawings and photographs depicting Orthodox history in Finland, are displayed…

  • Museum

    Keski-Suomen Museo

    Adjacent to the Alvar Aalto Museo and also designed by him, this museum building was temporarily closed for a major restoration when we last visited. When…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in The Finnish Lakeland.

  • Activities