Frequently asked questions about Lakeland

Where is the Lakeland Finland situated?

The Lakeland region is located in the central part of Finland, including the regions around the cities of Lahti, Tampere and Jyväskylä as well as the North Karelia region, Häme Region, Northern Savo Lakeland region, Arctic Lakeland region, and Lake Saimaa region.

To reach the Lakeland region in Finland, you have several options depending on your starting point and preferred mode of transportation:

1. By Air: If you are travelling from abroad, the easiest way to reach Lakeland is to fly to one of the major airports in Finland, such as Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) in Helsinki or Tampere-Pirkkala Airport (TMP). You can also reach the Lakeland region via domestic flights to airports in Kajaani, Kuopio, Joensuu, or Savonlinna. Lappeenranta Airport offers direct flights from Italy.

From there, you can continue your journey to the Lakeland region by train, bus, or rental car.

2. By Train: Finland has an extensive and reliable train network operated by the VR Group (Link: https://www.vr.fi/en). You can take a train from Helsinki or other major cities to reach towns within the Lakeland region, such as Tampere, Jyväskylä, Lahti, Hämeenlinna, Kuopio, Mikkeli, Joensuu, Kajaani, Lappeenranta and Imatra.

Trains offer a comfortable and scenic way to travel through Finland. You can purchase single tickets, multi-ride passes, or holiday tickets. Discounts are available for students, children, and pensioners. Additionally, you can bring your bike along for the journey.

3. By Bus: Buses are another convenient option for reaching the Lakeland region. There are regular bus services connecting major cities to towns within the Lakeland area. You can check the schedules and book tickets through the websites of bus companies like

Matkahuolto

Onnibus

Flixbus

Soon:

Flixbus operates international routes between Joensuu and Hamburg in Germany, between Tampere and Vilnius in Lithuania, and between Rovaniemi and Krakow in Poland. Stops along these routes, such as Lahti, Heinola, Jyväskylä, Kuopio, Joensuu, Tampere, and Hämeenlinna, are located within the Lakeland region.

4. By Car: If you prefer the flexibility of driving, renting a car is a great option. You can hire a car in most cities within the Lakeland region as well as at airports. Lakeland offers many scenic drives. You can book your car through a car rental company online, in person at rental offices, or through a travel agent. We strongly recommend booking in advance, especially during the summer season. If you have an EU or Swiss driver’s license, you can hit the road in Finland straight away.

Finland has a well-maintained road network, and driving allows you to explore the region at your own pace, discovering several roads with beautiful scenery.

Once you arrive in the Lakeland region, you can use local transportation options like buses or trains to travel between towns and explore the beautiful lakes and landscapes the region has to offer.

Plan Your Trip

  • You’ll find hundreds of reasons to fall in love with Lakeland Finland – whether it’s the people, the stunning landscape, nature, city, sauna or activities.

    Things to do
  • From the website Matka.fi you can conveniently see train and bus schedules from Helsinki to cities in Lake Finland.

    No matter how you choose to get there, Lakeland Finland is a beautiful destination with plenty to offer travelers.

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  • Lakeland Finland is a year-round destination, with something special to offer every season. 

    If you  want to experience a “real” winter, with snow and ice, then you should come to Lakeland during the cold season. 

    After a long winter, the Finnish spring is welcome and everyone is overjoyed to see the snow melt away, the days grow longer, and the sun appear more frequently.

    Lakeland Finland has always attracted visitors during the summer months. The summer months throughout Finland are known for their white nights. It’s the perfect time to unwind in a traditional Finnish way, leaving the stress and rush of daily life behind.

    Finnish autumn is colourful in Lakeland Finland. “Ruska” is the Finnish word for the season when the leaves of the trees turn yellow and red, transforming the forests into magical places to be explored by hiking or cycling.

    No matter the time of year, Lakeland cities and nature always have something interesting to see and do. And of course, it’s always sauna season. So whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Lakeland Finland is the perfect destination for a year-round getaway.

    Four seasons of Lakeland Finland
  • Finland is a Nordic country that’s located in northern Europe by the Baltic Sea. It has some 5.5 million inhabitants and has been recognized as the happiest country in the world for several years running.   

    Language
    The official languages are Finnish and Swedish. Most Finns are also fluent in English (nine out of 10 Finns speak it). German is also quite common, with three out of 10 Finns speaking Deutch.

    What’s Finland’s currency?
    The Euro is the Finland’s official currency.

    Major credit cards are accepted in most places in Finland, and tipping is not mandatory nor expected. However, you can still show your appreciation for exceptional service by leaving a tip, or simply make someone’s day with a little extra kindness.

    Time zone
    Eastern European Time (EET) UTC offset UTC+02:00

    Do I need a passport or visa to enter the country?  
    You need a valid national passport or another equivalent that satisfactorily establishes your identity and nationality. If you aren’t a citizen of Finland or another European Economic Area (EEA) country, you may also need a visa. Please check with your local Finnish Embassy, and they’ll be happy to help you.  
     
    The emergency phone number in Finland is 112  
    Please call 112 if you need urgent medical attention or help from firefighters or police.  

    What’s it like to drive in Finland?
    Finns drive on the right side of the road. The roads in Lakeland Finland are safe and well-maintained. In the summer, the maximum speed limit on major roads is 120 km/h, while in the winter it’s 100 km/h.

    Weather and the four seasons
    The winter months in Lakeland Finland are typically December to March and then temperature often drops below freezing, while during spring and autumn, the temperature typically ranges between +10 to +20 degrees Celsius. The summer months from June to August are usually warm, ranging from around +15 to +30 degrees Celsius.

    It’s important to consider dressing appropriately for the season when traveling to Lakeland Finland. 

    Is Finland safe?
    Finland can be considered one of the safest travel destinations in the world. Finns are renowned for their honesty. You’ll be pleased to find that the roads and infrastructure are very well-maintained, ensuring smooth travels throughout the country.

    What’s more, Finland boasts the best drinking water in the world, with Lakeland Finland providing an even more exceptional quality that is even enjoyed in the capital city of Helsinki. Corruption is practically non-existent in Finland, allowing for a fair and just society.

    With plenty of open spaces, Finland offers an abundance of natural beauty and clean air that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. And to top it off, the food is just as pure and wholesome as the country itself. Furthermore, Finland’s healthcare system is among the best in the world, providing peace of mind for both travelers and residents alike.

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