Finns love spending time outdoors. With 188,000 lakes, hundreds of rivers, and an extensive coastline, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature. Finland’s lake district is the largest lake region in Europe.
Kayakers and SUP boarders paddle on a lake near the shore, where the residential area of Tampere, located in central western Finland, stretches out.
Finland has many natural water bodies suitable for swimming, both on the coast and in lake regions. In summer, the water temperature in the lakes of southern Finland is usually around 20 °C. Enjoy swimming amid the beauty of the peaceful northern nature.
Almost a third of Finns are keen fishermen, and tourist fishermen will find plenty to interest them here. For example, you can take an unforgettable trip to Lapland, a true paradise for fly fishing for salmon.
Or head to the Lake District, home to pike, perch, and zander. If you are staying in Helsinki, you will find plenty of interesting options on the coast. Try ice fishing, for example. A small hole in the ice, a fishing rod, and dazzling white snow sparkling in the winter sun — what could be more beautiful?
Enjoy the serenity of the lakes, explore the islands of the archipelago, or test your skills at rafting on a rapids-filled river. Feel the silence of the pristine lake region or go on a guided river tour. No permits are required, just appropriate clothing, a life jacket, a map, and a compass.
Finland is a wonderful country for sailing, motorboating, and rowing. Boats can be rented in many lakeside and coastal towns, with or without a captain. Lakes, rivers, and the sea offer a multitude of picturesque routes with landscapes that will remain in your memory for a lifetime.
Whatever type of boat you prefer, you will find plenty of interesting options for trips along rivers and islands. And don’t forget to stop by the cozy guest harbors along the way.
If you are into wakeboarding, then the Finnish coast and lakes will definitely suit your taste. The necessary equipment can be rented in many cities across the country.
In addition, a more environmentally friendly version of the sport is actively developing — cable wakeboarding. No boat is needed here. Wakeboarders move across the water using a cable system. More experienced extreme stunt performers can test themselves on tracks resembling skate parks, with jumps and other obstacles.
And Vuokatti Water Park has one of the longest cable water ski tracks in Finland, stretching 280 meters.
The Baltic Sea archipelago is strikingly beautiful, and many of its islands offer excellent diving spots. For long, deep dives, you will need a full wetsuit with a hood, gloves, and socks. Many divers also enjoy lakes with clear water and excellent visibility. For more information, contact your local diving clubs or the Finnish Divers’ Federation.
SUP surfing is a kind of “walking” on water. Finland’s rivers, lakes, and archipelago are perfect for this hobby, as strong currents are rare in the Baltic Sea. In many cities, you can rent SUP boards and paddles to enjoy the cityscape from a new angle.
Finland has hundreds of outdoor hockey rinks where children learn to play and adults keep up their skills. Some even prefer to play on natural ice, mainly on lakes. Join in the game and enjoy a sea of exciting experiences in the open air.
The Save Pond Hockey organization and movement was founded in Finland. This initiative unites the global hockey community in the fight against climate change. Proceeds from Save Pond Hockey tournaments go to support projects aimed at overcoming the climate crisis.
Depending on the weather, Finnish lakes and the Baltic Sea usually freeze over in winter. “Walruses” enter the icy water (around 3 °C) through a hole in the ice, usually a couple of meters in diameter. Most bathers spend less than a minute in the water and then head to the sauna. All you need is a swimsuit, towel, hat, and a lot of courage. But afterwards, you will feel incredibly relaxed and slightly euphoric.
The first official community of “walruses” in Finland was founded in 1924 in Helsinki, and walrus swimming remains a popular hobby among people of all ages to this day. Local communities make sure that the hole in the ice does not freeze over and that the sauna remains warm.