Attractions - Finland

Attractions - Helsinki

The Lakeland, Finland

The huge lakeland region of Finland is a magical area of charming waterways, islands, canals and beaches and is immensely popular with the Finns themselves. It is Europe’s largest lake district and is simply breathtaking. It is impossible to cover it all here but we have picked out the highlights.

The region is home to two of Finland’s most attractive cities - Savonlinna and Tampere. Beautifully situated on two islands between Lake Haapavesi and Lake Pihlajavesi, Savonlinna is a striking town with an imposing medieval castle and a lively opera festival every July. Tampere is the third-largest city in Finland and is one of its most popular tourist attractions. Lying between the Nasijarvi and Phyajarvi lakes, it is home to the Sarkanniemi amusement park, the fascinating Lenin Museum and an annual international film festival. The most stunning part of the Lakeland is the area around Savonlinna. Explore its scenic islands, peninsulas and bays and check out the Linnansaari National Park. Consisting of Lake Haukivesi and 130 uninhabited islands, the park’s main attraction is the island of Linnansaari itself which offers interesting walking trails and a museum of natural history. Many rare birds make their home here. The Kolovesi National Park is also well worth a visit, encompassing cool pine forests, spectacular cliffs and caves complete with prehistoric paintings. Head for the town of Jyvaskyla, north of Tampere. The town is renowned for its architecture with many of its buildings having been designed by Alvar Aalto. There is also a museum in the town dedicated to Finland’s most famous architect. Jyvaskyla is also a great base from which to enjoy a cruise.

Take a ferry from Tampere to Hamenlinna, the oldest inland town in Finland. It is home to the medieval Hame castle built by the Swedish in the 13th century. The famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius was born here and his childhood home at Hallituskatu 11 is now a museum. The town of Kuopio right in the centre of the region is a relaxing city set among cool forests and sparkling lakes. Visit the world’s largest smoke sauna just south of the town. It is known as a smoke sauna as it is heated by a huge indoor bonfire. End your Lakeland adventure with a spectacular cruise from Lappeenranta in South Karelia to the Russian town of Vyborg.

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