Holiday in Finnish Lakeland

What makes Finnish Lakeland special as a destination?

The Finnish Lakeland is one of the largest interconnected lake regions in the world – a breathtaking mosaic of 188,000 lakes connected by rivers, canals, and narrow land bridges, creating a water area larger than Belgium. For German travelers seeking absolute tranquility, unspoiled nature, and the authentic Finnish way of life, the Lakeland is the perfect destination – here you find the Finland of postcards: red wooden cottages (Mökkis) by the lakeside, a private sauna with a dock for ice bathing, and hours of silence interrupted only by the calls of diving ducks. The center of the Lakeland consists of the large lakes Saimaa, Päijänne, and Pielinen. Saimaa is the largest lake in Finland, covering over 4,400 square kilometers and home to the extremely rare Saimaa ringed seal, of which only about 430 individuals remain. The landscape around Saimaa is a labyrinth of islands, bays, and isthmuses best explored by canoe, kayak, or on one of the many steamships. The cities in the region – Savonlinna, Kuopio, Jyväskylä, and Tampere – offer surprisingly rich culture: The Savonlinna Opera Festival in July, where international stars perform in the medieval Olavinlinna Castle, is one of the cultural highlights of Scandinavia. Kuopio attracts visitors with the legendary Kalakukko fish pie and the best marketplace in Finland. Tampere, the country's third-largest city, delights with its industrial culture, Moomin World, and a vibrant craft beer scene. The best way to experience the Lakeland is through a Mökki vacation – renting a traditional Finnish wooden cottage right by the lake, with its own sauna, rowing boat, and often without Wi-Fi, but with absolute peace of mind. For German travelers, the region is easily accessible by flight to Helsinki and then a domestic flight to Savonlinna/Kuopio or by train (3-5 hours from Helsinki).