When the first snow falls, Lakeland Finland turns into a magical winter wonderland. It gets even quieter than in summer – the perfect time to relax completely undisturbed. Book a cosy cottage or a comfortable city hotel and either take it easy or enjoy the many winter activities available here. We have put together the best suggestions for you.
1. Relaxing in the warmth of the sauna
Winter in Lakeland Finland is the perfect time of the year to enjoy the Finnish sauna with all your senses. When it is crisp and cold outside, taking a sauna becomes a very special pleasure. While the warming fire flickers in the sauna stove, creating a relaxing atmosphere par excellence, you let your gaze drift across the frozen lake. It is becoming more and more popular in Finland to sit in the pleasantly warm water of a hot tub or whirlpool after the sauna or in between and enjoy the moment. Here are the sauna experiences available to you during the winter months.
2. The adventure of ice bathing
“Avanto” is the name of a winter activity that not even all Finns dare to try. But if you are brave enough to climb a ladder into the ice hole and dive into the icy water, you will be richly rewarded. The feeling afterwards is simply indescribable, and you should definitely experience it once. The important thing is to approach it slowly, don’t stay in the water too long and ideally wear a warming head covering. After a few sauna sessions, it’s not that extreme and only takes a little effort.
3. Explore winter landscapes on cross-country skis
Lakeland Finland offers hundreds of kilometres of well-maintained and often even floodlit trails. The conditions could hardly be better for those who love cross-country skiing. Glide through winter landscapes on cross-country skis, which you can of course also rent. You can choose a route that suits you in terms of length and requirements.
The Salpausselkä ridges in Lahti are the most famous cross-country skiing location in Finland. They have a total of around 180 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, 70 kilometres of which have lighting.
4. Skiing and snowboarding
Although Lakeland Finland is generally considered to be flat, there are opportunities for downhill skiing and snowboarding here as well. Himos Ski Resort in the Jyväskylä Region offers the largest selection of slopes in Southern and Central Finland. In addition to 26 slopes and 16 ski lifts, there are also trails for cross-country skiing. It is possible to rent skis and equipment.
Here are some suggestions for downhill skiing and snowboarding!
The Messilä Ski Resort in the Lahti Region is the largest ski resort about an hour’s drive from the capital city of Helsinki. Messilä offers 10 slopes, of which nine are illuminated. There are a total of nine lifts. Messilä also provides access to the famous Salpausselkä cross-country skiing trails.
5. Ice skating on frozen lakes
When the lakes are frozen, it’s not just hikers who enjoy walking on the ice, it’s also a great place for ice skating. Prepared ice rinks can be found in many places in Lakeland Finland. You can also rent skates from numerous rental companies. Please note: Only go out on the ice if it is thick and stable enough!
6. A walk through snowy forests
You don’t need any equipment at all for a winter activity that will still make you feel incredibly good. Take a walk through the snow-covered forests of Lakeland Finland, breathe in the clear air and enjoy the little things along the way. Afterwards, the warm cup of tea or coffee in your accommodation will taste even better.
7. Snowshoeing in the Winter Wonderland
A fun winter activity that is becoming increasingly popular is snowshoeing. The difference between this and classic hiking is that your feet have more surface area due to the longer and wider contact surface area of the snowshoes. This means that you can also get through deep snow safely. Unique nature experiences are guaranteed on such a tour.
8. Go for a round of sledding fun
For the kids, speeding down a slope on a toboggan is great winter fun. When snow has fallen, Lakeland Finland offers such places on almost every corner. For example, you can find a newly opened sledding hill in Jyväskylä on the Harju ridge not far from the city centre. You can sledge down the slope between the trees at a rapid speed.
9. Stargaze and – with a bit of luck – see the northern lights
The low light pollution, due to the low population density, makes Lakeland Finland an excellent place for those who like to stargaze. The starry sky above the lakes presents itself in all its glory in winter. And if you are lucky, you can even see the magical northern lights dancing in the sky.
10. Discover the glow of city lights and Christmas markets
Especially during the Christmas season, the larger towns in Lakeland Finland present themselves in a delightful glow of lights. Whether in the cities of western Lakeland like Tampere, Lahti, Hämeenlinna and Jyväskylä or in the cities of eastern Lakeland like Joensuu, Kuopio, Kajaani, Mikkeli and Lappeenranta – fairytale Christmas markets invite you to enjoy moments of joy. In autumn, the City of Light Festival lights up the city of Jyväskylä.
