Have you ever dreamed of finding a place where nature, culture, urban life and a deep sense of calm come together in perfect harmony? Lakeland Finland might just be that place.
Whether you’re drawn by the call of nature, curious about Finnish traditions, or simply in need of a proper soul reset, this region has something special to offer. To help you fall in love with it (just like we have), here are six beautiful reasons to visit Lakeland Finland.
1. To Feel the Magic of a Thousand Lakes
Have you ever stood by a lake so still it mirrors the sky? In Lakeland Finland, you can do that every day. This region is the heart of Finland and home to the largest lake district in Europe, with thousands upon thousands of glistening waters stretching between forests and hills.
Some of Finland’s most iconic lakes are found here, including Lake Saimaa (the country’s largest), Lake Päijänne (deepest and longest lake in Finland), and Lake Pielinen. These lakes are not just stunning to look at, they are also central to life in the region. Those lakes offer endless opportunities for swimming, paddling, fishing, boating, and just soaking in the peaceful scenery.
The landscape is protected through 18 national parks and multiple UNESCO Geoparks and sites, offering visitors access to untouched wilderness, fascinating geological formations, and some of the most serene views you can imagine. Get to know the different areas that make up this vast and varied region on our Places to Go-page. Each corner of Lakeland has its own character, waiting to be discovered.
2. To Discover the Soul of Sauna
Did you know there are more saunas than cars in Finland? It’s true — and in Lakeland, the sauna is much more than just a place to warm up. It’s an everyday ritual for Finns. A space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself and nature.
In Lakeland Finland, sauna experiences are deeply rooted in local culture and can be found everywhere: from cozy lakeside cabins to floating saunas drifting peacefully over the water. There’s something magical about the quiet heat, the scent of birch, and the refreshing plunge into a cool lake afterwards.
Want to try it for yourself? Here are 10 ways to experience sauna in Lakeland Finland — from traditional smoke saunas to modern spa retreats. Whichever you choose, one thing’s for sure: you’ll come out feeling refreshed in body and mind.
3. To Live Like a Finn
What if your vacation didn’t feel like a journey, but more like coming home? In Lakeland Finland, visitors aren’t just tourists. You’re invited to live like a local, even if just for a few days.
The Finnish way of life is all about slowing down, enjoying nature, and finding joy in simplicity. It might mean drinking your coffee on a quiet pier, picking blueberries in the forest, or relaxing in your own private lakeside cottage. To truly immerse yourself, experience authentic Finnish cottage life in Lakeland Finland, where summer evenings stretch long and the lake is always just a few steps away.
Looking for a place that feels like it was made just for you? From glass igloos to traditional log cabins, Lakeland offers a variety of cottages and unique accommodations that bring you closer to nature without sacrificing comfort.
And if you’re visiting in summer, don’t miss the chance to experience it like a local. It’s the season of midnight swims, fresh strawberries, and spending every possible moment outdoors.
4. To Feel True Happiness
You’ve probably heard that Finland is the happiest country in the world. But what does happiness actually look like here?
It’s not flashy or loud. It’s quiet moments in a forest, laughter shared in a sauna, the joy of a good meal made with local ingredients, or the feeling of achievement after a day spent exploring the outdoors. Happiness here is built on connection to nature, people, and to yourself.
Want to see what we mean? Start with the 13 best things to do in Lakeland Finland – from peaceful hikes to cultural discoveries. Or take a deep dive into the top 10 secrets of Finnish happiness, rooted in everything from daily routines to national values.
If you’re travelling with loved ones, there’s nothing quite like our family-friendly trips that balance play and peace. And for food lovers, happiness might just be found in a creamy salmon soup or a berry pie made with care — taste the real Lakeland and see for yourself.
Whether you find your bliss while cycling quiet country roads, exploring magical forests, or standing under the aurora-lit sky, Lakeland has a way of gently reminding you what matters most.
5. To Embrace Every Season
In Lakeland Finland, every season tells its own story, and no two visits are ever quite the same.
Spring brings life back to the forests, summer fills the lakes with swimmers and canoes, autumn sets the trees ablaze with color and something the Finns call “Ruska”, and winter… winter wraps everything in peaceful white stillness. Instead of choosing the “best” time to visit, why not embrace them all? The Four Seasons of Lakeland Finland each offer something beautiful, surprising, and uniquely Finnish.
If you’re visiting in the colder months, there’s no shortage of snow-filled fun. From ice skating on natural ice to cross-country skiing through national parks, you’ll love these top winter activities in Lakeland — and you can find even more ideas in our list of the best things to do during winter.
Of course, summer here is just as special. One of the highlights? Celebrating Midsummer the Finnish way — with bonfires, lakeside picnics, and endless daylight.
And if you’re craving a bit of holiday magic, don’t miss the Christmas experiences in Lakeland: cozy markets, traditional foods, and twinkling snow-covered villages.
6. To Explore Finnish History, Art and Culture
Lakeland Finland may be known for its natural beauty, but a rich human story is woven through the landscape too. A history of innovation, resilience, creativity, and deep-rooted tradition and a culture you live, feel, and become part of.
Start your journey into the past in places like Tampere, where old factories have been reborn as museums, galleries, and cultural spaces. It’s a city where industrial heritage meets modern life — and it’s just one example of how history comes alive in Lakeland.
You can follow in the footsteps of Alvar Aalto and see how this legendary Finnish architect left his mark on towns and buildings throughout the region. Or explore UNESCO-listed heritage sites that tell stories going back thousands of years.
Lakeland is also a great place to experience Finnish values in action — like sustainable travel, which is deeply woven into how locals care for both people and place.
If you prefer something more guided, there are plenty of tours across Lakeland opening doors to local art, architecture, and traditions. And to get a full picture, don’t miss this overview on how history and culture shape everyday life across the region.
Whether you’re planning your first visit here or are returning, there’s always more to explore, more to experience and more reasons to fall in love with this unique region. We can’t wait to welcome you to Lakeland Finland, where happiness, culture, and nature meet.
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