As the first snow falls, Lakeland Finland transforms into winter’s paradise. The world softens, lakes turn to mirrors of ice, and pine forests wear crowns of white. The silence deepens, inviting you to rest, breathe, and simply be. Settle into a log cabin by the lake or a charming city retreat, and let time slow down. Outside, adventures await you: skiing through the snowy forests, skating across the frozen lakes, or gazing at stars or Aurora on a crisp, clear night. Discover how peaceful — and alive — winter in Lakeland can be.
Explore Winter in Lakeland Finland!
Sauna Like a Finn during winter season
Winter in Lakeland Finland is the ideal time to experience the essence of Finnish wellbeing — the traditional sauna. When the world outside is blanketed in snow and the air is crisp with frost, stepping into the gentle heat of a sauna feels almost magical. The soft hiss of steam, the scent of birch wood, and the flicker of the fire in the stove create a deep sense of calm. As you sit back and gaze across the frozen lake, time seems to slow down. It is common to alternate between the soothing warmth of the sauna and the refreshing chill of the outdoors — perhaps by slipping into a hot tub or taking a cool dip beneath the open sky. The contrast awakens one’s every sense and captures the essence of a true winter escape: peaceful, pure, and deeply restorative.
Ice swimming
Avantouinti — the Finnish art of ice swimming — is an experience that stirs both curiosity and courage. A small hole is cut through the thick ice, steam rises in the cold air, and the water below glimmers both dark and inviting. It takes a moment of bravery to descend the ladder and dipping your body below your head beneath the surface, but the reward is instant: a rush of clarity, a tingling warmth spreading through your body, and an indescribable sense of calm afterwards. The secret is to take it as slowly as you need— never stay in too long in the water at once, and keep a woolly hat on to stay warm.
From here you can read more about the ice swimming experiences in Lakeland Finland.
Snowshoeing in Lakeland
Snowshoeing is one of winter’s unique joys in Lakeland Finland — a chance to wander through snowy forests and across sparkling frozen landscapes in a way that feels both peaceful and playful. Strapped into snowshoes, your feet glide over deep snow, leaving gentle tracks behind as you explore places that would be hard to reach on ordinary boots. With each step, the world feels stiller, the air crisper, and the winter scenery more magical: frost-laden branches glint in the sunlight, and untouched snow stretches as far as the eye can see. It’s an activity that’s easy to pick up for beginners, yet for those seeking guidance or hidden trails, local guided tours provide stories, tips, and safe passage through the snow.
Taking a walk in the Winter Wonderland
Take a leisurely walk through the snow-dusted forests of Lakeland Finland, letting the crisp, clean air fill your lungs and the soft hush of winter surround you. No special equipment is needed for this simple yet deeply satisfying activity — just warm, comfortable clothing to keep you cozy from head to toe. Along the way, pause to notice the little details: the sparkle of frost on pine needles, the quiet tracks of wildlife in the snow, or the gentle crunch beneath your boots.
Snowshoeing with SeastarEvents in Kotkatharju Outdoor Recreation Area, Northern Savo
Joroinen Read more
Snoeshoeing trip in the dark in Koli – Experience the atmosphere of dark and wintry Koli!
Koli Read more
The Night Skies of Lakeland: Stars, Northern Lights and Milky Way
When night falls over Lakeland Finland, a world of wonder awakens. Far from city lights, the darkness deepens into a vast, velvety sky where stars shine brighter than you ever imagined. The still lakes below reflect the heavens, creating a breathtaking mirror of light and silence. And then if you are lucky, the auroras begin to dance in the sky. Waves of green and violet shimmer across the horizon, painting the night with celestial color. Here, under the northern sky, time slows down.
Experience the Northern lights and night sky in Lakeland Finland!
Ice Skating on Frozen Lakes
When winter freezes the lakes of Lakeland Finland, a whole new world opens up — ice open for ice skating on the frozen lakes that are silent and perfect for enjoying the outdoors. The smooth, glassy ice stretches across forests and frozen bays, inviting both gentle glides and playful spins. In many places, prepared skating tracks make it easy to enjoy the fun, and skates can be rented from the local providers. There’s a special thrill to moving across the ice, feeling the crisp air on your face and the winter sun sparkling on the snow-covered shores. Just remember: only venture onto the ice when it’s thick and stable, and bring a friend to share the adventure with.
Winter biking in Lakeland Finland
Winter biking in Lakeland, Finland, offers a truly unique way to explore the region’s peaceful winter landscapes. With its countless frozen lakes, rolling hills, and forest trails blanketed in snow, Lakeland becomes a paradise for cyclists seeking both adventure and serenity. Riders use specially designed fat bikes with wide tires that provide excellent grip on snow and ice, allowing them to glide smoothly along scenic routes that wind through pine forests, across open lakes, and into charming lakeside villages. Whether you’re an experienced biker already or just looking for a new way to enjoy the outdoors, winter biking in Lakeland combines the thrill of exploration with the calm beauty of Lakeland’s winter nature landscapes.
Get inspired by winter biking activities in Lakeland Finland!
Husky and reindeer safaris
Husky and reindeer safaris offer an unforgettable glimpse into Nordic life. Gliding through snowy forests and across frozen lakes, visitors can feel the thrill of huskies racing through the wilderness or the calm rhythm of a reindeer-pulled sleigh. These traditional experiences connect travelers to the serene beauty of the untouched nature of Lakeland during the winter season. Many tours include opportunities to meet the animals, feed them, and learn about their care from knowledgeable local guides or reindeer herders. Reindeer farms in the region often operate as both traditional livelihoods and tourist attractions. The northernmost part of the Finnish Lakeland area in Arctic Lakeland, fall within the designated reindeer herding region of Northern Finland.
Learn more about the huskies and the reindeer safaris in Lakeland Finland!
Exploring Dreamy Winter Landscapes on Cross Country Skis
During wintertime, Lakeland Finland becomes a paradise for skiers. Hundreds of kilometers of beautifully maintained ski trails wind through both snow-covered forests and across frozen lakes. Many trails are gently illuminated by floodlights, allowing the adventure to continue after dusk.
As you glide through the quiet, powdery landscapes of Lakeland Finland, the only sounds are the rhythm of your skis and the whisper of the wind in the trees. Whether you’re an experienced skier or trying it for the first time, you’ll find routes that match your pace and spirit. Equipment is easy to rent in Lakeland Finland, and guided tours offer the perfect way to discover hidden corners and local stories along the way for both beginners and experienced skiers.
Read more about our cross-country skiing products in Lakeland Finland!
Downhill skiing, snowboarding and sledding
When winter covers Lakeland in snow, the hills and ridges turn into a serene playground for skiers and snowboarders alike. Gentle slopes wind through the quiet forests, while open runs offer wide views of frozen lakes and sparkling valleys below. Whether you are gliding gracefully down an easy trail or carving your way through the fresh powder snow, each downhill skiing trip brings a sense of freedom and connection with the surrounding nature.
The ski resorts across Lakeland Finland combine well-groomed slopes with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere — perfect for spending unhurried days outdoors. Between your runs, warm up with a hot drink by the fire or simply take in the stillness of the winter landscape. Your next downhill adventure starts from Lakeland Finland.
Look up downhill skiing and snowboarding destinations in Lakeland Finland!
Sledding fun
Tobogganing, or sledding, is a beloved activity that offers pure fun and excitement for the entire family. With snow-covered hills and scenic landscapes around every corner, Lakeland is an ideal destination for winter fun enthusiasts.
Whether you’re seeking a quick, fun ride or a more adventurous descent, Lakeland’s numerous sledding spots promise memorable winter moments. Remember to dress warmly and bring along your rented sleds or some accommodations offer sleds to borrow, for a fantastic day of family fun amidst Finland’s pristine winter scenery.
Look up sledding activities for the whole family in Lakeland Finland!
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is an exhilarating and unforgettable way to discover the region’s vast winter wilderness. Lakeland offers ideal conditions for snowmobile adventures as it stretches across thousands of frozen lakes, hills, and snow-covered forests. Guided snowmobiling tours lead the riders along well-marked routes that wind through pristine nature, offering both high-speed thrills across open ice and peaceful moments in quiet woodland trails. Whether you’re seeking excitement or a deeper connection with Finland’s snowy landscapes, snowmobiling in Lakeland perfectly combines adrenaline and serenity in one unforgettable experience.
Animal watching, tracking and photographing
Animal watching and tracking offer a fascinating glimpse into the secret life of the winter wilderness. With the guidance of local nature experts, visitors venture into silent forests and across snowy meadows to follow fresh footprints and subtle signs left by the region’s wildlife. The snow acts as a natural canvas, revealing the movements of elk, foxes, wolverines, wolves and even the elusive lynx. In the stillness of winter, every track, rustle, and distant call becomes more distinct, allowing for a deeper connection to nature. These excursions combine peaceful exploration with the thrill of discovery, inviting travelers to experience the untouched beauty and quiet vitality of Lakeland’s winter ecosystems.
Winter landscapes offer unforgettable nature photography experiences. From a cozy photography hide, visitors can safely observe and capture wildlife up close. The Arctic Lakeland region is one of the best in Europe for photographing animals in their natural habitat, including the wild forest reindeer — of which only about 850 individuals remain in the area, 2500 all together in Finland.
Explore the animal watching experiences during winter in Lakeland Finland!
Are you ready for your winter adventure here at Lakeland Finland?
We hope to see you soon.
