Winter in Finland is not something to simply endure—it is meant to be lived. In the Lakeland region, frozen lakes and snow-covered forests offer many ways to enjoy the outdoors. You can skate on the ice, try ice fishing, go skiing, walk with snowshoes, or take a ride on a kicksled. The cold is part of the experience, and it shapes every activity.
Patience and Play on the Frozen Lake
Ice fishing is a hands-on way to enjoy Finland’s winter. It is much about the stillness and it is about catching fish. Groups of friends, families, or colleagues can turn the day into a friendly competition. Who catches the first fish? Whose catch is the biggest? Choosing the right lure is important. Drilling accurately and waiting patiently are also part of the challenge. Every success, whether a single catch or a full string, is celebrated.
Fishing under the ice
Fishing under the ice also teaches observation and technique. A guide can show where the fish gather and how they respond to different lures. Sitting on a reindeer skin in a tent, watching the line, and enjoying a snack brings a sense of calm and focus that only winter on a lake can offer.
Where to experience ice fishing in Lakeland
Ice Skating and the Finland Ice Marathon
When lakes freeze solid, they become open surfaces for skating, cycling, and kick sledding, even in some woods have a prepared skating track. Moonlight skating events, with fire logs illuminating the track, make the experience especially memorable. Local rental centers provide skates, poles, and safety gear so anyone can join. The sound is unforgettable. Instead of the dull scrape of indoor ice, you hear sharp, echoing glides and sometimes deep, humming or booming tones beneath you as the ice shifts. It can feel slightly surreal, like the lake is breathing under your feet. Skating on natural ice requires attention to surface conditions, balance, and warmth, and the views of snow-covered forests and wide lakes reward every careful glide.
Where to experience skating and ice marathons
Kicksledding, Skiing, and Snowshoe Adventures
Frozen lakes provide a flat, open surface for kicksledding, while snow-packed trails allow cross-country skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing. Trails often connect lakes and forests, giving opportunities to pause for photography, a snack, or even a short ice fishing break.
Kicksleds and snowshoes give a steady, low-impact workout. Skiing or fat biking lets visitors travel longer distances and see more of the winter landscape.
Where to experience kicksledding, skiing, and snowshoeing
Planning a Safe and Enjoyable Winter Adventure
Safety is essential on frozen lakes and snowy trails. Ice thickness varies, so always check local guidance before heading out. Dress in layers, wear insulated footwear, and bring hot drinks. For skating or kicksledding, gloves, hats, and traction devices are recommended. For ice fishing, a tent or wind shelter protects against sudden gusts.
Winter in Lakeland is energizing. Whether catching fish, gliding across ice, or trekking snow-laden trails, visitors connect directly with the rhythm of Finnish winter.
We welcome you to Lakeland Finland
Are you ready for your ice swimming adventure here at Lakeland Finland?
We hope to see you soon.
