Top 20 Lakes in Southern Finland
Lakes in Southern Finland are a defining feature of the region's landscape, characterized by a vast number of freshwater bodies formed by glacial activity. This area is integral to Finnish culture and recreation, offering diverse natural environments. The region's lakes range from large, expansive waters to smaller, clear-watered pools, providing varied experiences for visitors. Southern Finland lake regions offer a blend of natural beauty and accessible outdoor activities.
Best lakes in Southern Finland
- The most popular lakes highlight is Kallahdenniemi Beach, a beach that is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Helsinki. It offers shallow waters, facilities, and views of small islands.
- Another must-see spot is Karinsalmi Suspension Bridge over Lake Päijänne, a bridge offering lake views. This bridge is part of a popular cycling and driving route between Lahti and Jyväskylä, providing views of the lake's clear waters and islands.
- Visitors also love Bisajärvi Camping Area, a camping area with toilet facilities and a fireplace. The lake reflects the surrounding trees, and the spot is a short walk from Kuusijärvi, which offers lake swimming and traditional saunas.
- Southern Finland is known for its clear-water lakes, forest-covered shores, and unique natural phenomena like floating peat mats. Visitors can explore a variety of lakes, from large expanses like Lake Saimaa to smaller, exceptionally clear lakes suitable for diving and swimming.
- The lakes in Southern Finland are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 40 upvotes and over 20 photos shared by users.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Mustalampi Picnic Shelter
Highlight • Rest Area
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Kallahdenniemi Beach
Highlight • Beach
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Häme Castle
Highlight • Castle
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Fiskträsk Picnic Area
Highlight • Rest Area
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Aurinkolahti Beach
Highlight • Beach
You can see the water temperature and blue-green algae information of the swimming beach in summer in the ulkoliikunta.fi map service. Lifeguards supervise the beach during the beach season.
The beach has outdoor showers, changing rooms, toilets and a cafe. There is also a channel for light water traffic from Uimaranta, which can be accessed by canoe, kayak or paddle board.
Arrival: There is a large parking area and an INVA parking lot near the beach. In addition to this, you can get to the beach with public and city bikes.
Additional information about the place
Lifeguards
Services: cloakroom, outdoor shower, toilet, cafe, ice cream kiosk, outdoor gym, paddle board rental, light water transport channel
Source and more information about Helsinki Swimming Beaches here: liikunta.hel.fi
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Bisajärvi Camping Area
Highlight • Rest Area
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Säynäslahdenpuro Stormwater Wetlands
Highlight • Natural
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Island Själö / Seili
Highlight • Settlement
ostern.fi
M/s Östern has two restaurants onboard with full licensing for serving alcoholic beverages. The upper passenger lounge and the sun deck of the ferry offer a unique view of the archipelago. M/s Östern has a capacity for 146 passengers and 15 cars. Only if you're travelling by bus, book your ferry trip in advance.
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Iso Kallahti Beach
Highlight • Beach
You can see the water quality, temperature and blue-green algae information of the swimming beach in the summer in the ulkoliikunta.fi map service. Lifeguards supervise the beach during the beach season.
On the beach, in addition to a cloakroom, shower and toilet, you will find a volleyball court, a playground and the restaurant Maining nearby.
Arrival: The beach does not have its own parking area. However, you can get to the beach by e.g. public or city bikes.
Lifeguards available
Services: cloakroom, shower, toilet, volleyball court, restaurant and playground.
Source and more information about swimming beaches here: liikunta.hel.fi
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Sarvikallio
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tips from the Community
Kallahdenniemi Beach is a stunning shallow beach on the Kallahti Peninsula foreland. It is a very family-friendly beach with lifeguard supervision, dressing rooms, showers, and toilets, along with a nearby car park for easy access. It is a beautiful beach in the summer or winter.
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Gorgeous place, easy to access! Multiple campfire sites, toilet, a lot of firewood and if you go down the stairs there's a dock in case you want to visit using a boat. The lake water is a bit nasty so I wouldn't recommend swimming.
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Diverse vegetation is also resilient and adapts to changes in land-use and variation in weather conditions. The extent of the services that wetlands provide to people depend on wetland design and well-being, as well as on land-use within the contributing watershed and weather dependent pollutant loads. Constructed wetlands typically consist of a flow dissipating and heavy sediment settling inlet pond, a vast shallow emergent plant covered wetland, and a sediment settling outlet pond. The Säynäslanhdenpuro Wetland consists of three parallel research wetlands with flow and pollutant load monitoring facilitating outlet dams.
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A stormwater wetland is a constructed transitional landscape between water and dry land. Wetlands are natural water detention and purification landscapes. Constructed wetlands are thus established to compensate for challenges to water environment brought about by land-use change. Urban wetlands dissipate and detain runoff thereby preventing flooding and drought extremes. Water quality is mitigated through sediment settling, and purification of soluble pollutants by wetland plants, microbes and soils. Diversity of plants and their associated microbes is a key element in purifying urban waters.
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Land-use change in urban areas from natural to impervious surfaces such as roofs, paved yards and asphalt roads prevents water infiltration and storage within the watershed. Runoff travels quickly over impervious surfaces collecting and carrying everything from surfaces to catch basins and sewers. Impacts visible at the storm sewer outlets to urban streams include flooding, drought and erosion. Depending on land-use within the watershed, runoff carries harmful substances such as nutrients, heavy met- als, oils and rubbish. The receiving water body suffers from habitat degradation while the impervious and drained watershed often experiences draught and heat.
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Sarvikallio, on the western shore of Lake Tuusulanjärvi, is a scenic spot ideal for a short nature break with a great view. The cliff rises 25 metres above the lake and was a favourite of the local artist community in the early 1900s. The Seittelinreitti trail, suitable for both walking and cycling, leads through varied forest and open landscapes to the viewpoint. While the area is family-friendly, cyclists should be prepared for some hilly terrain. It’s a great place for a picnic or to enjoy peaceful lake scenery along a relaxed ride.
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The cooking shelter, lean-to shelter, firewood shed and dry toilet at the Fiskträsk rest area which is located slightly east of the trail on the shore of Fiskträsk Lake. There is also a campfire site in connection with the lean-to shelter. There is a camping area next to the cooking shelter. There are duckboards on the wet sections of the Fiskträsk Trail. There are no campsites outside Fiskträsk.
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The cooking shelter, lean-to shelter, firewood shed and dry toilet at the Fiskträsk rest area which is located slightly east of the trail on the shore of Fiskträsk Lake. There is also a campfire site in connection with the lean-to shelter. There is a camping area next to the cooking shelter. There are duckboards on the wet sections of the Fiskträsk Trail. There are no campsites outside Fiskträsk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly lakes in Southern Finland?
Yes, Southern Finland offers many family-friendly lake destinations. For example, Kallahdenniemi Beach in Helsinki is known for its shallow waters, facilities, and play areas. Iso Kallahti Beach and Hietaranta Beach also provide amenities suitable for families. Additionally, Sääksjärvi is highly regarded for its crystal-clear water, fine sand, and beautiful pine ridges, making its beach a popular family swimming spot.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around Southern Finland's lakes?
The lakes in Southern Finland are surrounded by diverse natural features. You'll find forest-covered shores, rocky cliffs, and vast open waters. Unique phenomena include the floating peat mats at Mustalampi, which provide safe nesting sites for birds, and the rare turquoise springs feeding Kiikunlähde. Many lakes, like Iso-Melkutin, are known for their exceptionally clear waters.
Are there historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, some lakes are rich in history and culture. Lake Tuusulanjärvi, for instance, attracted many artists during the Finnish National Romantic era. You can explore museums in the region, such as Ainola, the former home of composer Jean Sibelius. The Island Själö / Seili is another notable historical site.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes in Southern Finland?
Southern Finland's lakes are ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy boat tours, fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Lake Saimaa offers extensive opportunities for exploring its numerous islands. For those interested in more structured activities, there are numerous routes available. You can find hiking trails, MTB trails, and running trails throughout the region.
Are there good places for swimming and water sports?
Many lakes in Southern Finland are excellent for swimming and water sports. Iso-Melkutin is a prime destination for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and stand-up paddleboarding due to its clear waters. Lakes like Sonnanen and Valkiajärvi are also known for their exceptional visibility, making them popular for freediving and scuba diving. Traditional Finnish experiences like lakeside saunas followed by a dip in the cool lake waters are also a highlight, especially near Kuusijärvi.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints around the lakes?
Southern Finland offers several stunning viewpoints. The bridges over Lake Päijänne in the Pulkkilanharju area, including the Karinsalmi Suspension Bridge, provide breathtaking lake views. Sarvikallio on the western shore of Lake Tuusulanjärvi is another scenic spot ideal for a nature break. Lake Ruovesi also offers picturesque views, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
Are there camping facilities near the lakes?
Yes, camping is a popular activity. The Bisajärvi Camping Area in Sipoonkorpi National Park provides toilet facilities and a fireplace. Also within Sipoonkorpi, the Fiskträsk Picnic Area offers picnic tables, public toilets, shelters, and a designated camping area, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the region.
Which lakes are good for fishing?
Several lakes in Southern Finland are popular among anglers. Lake Saimaa offers excellent fishing opportunities, and Lake Päijänne is a well-known spot for recreational fishing. Lake Ruovesi is a favorite among local anglers for its massive pike, trout, and zander.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in Southern Finland?
The best time to visit Southern Finland's lakes largely depends on the activities you're interested in. Summer (June-August) is ideal for swimming, boating, and hiking, with long daylight hours. Spring and autumn offer beautiful scenery for photography and quieter nature experiences. Winter provides opportunities for ice skating, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing on frozen lakes, though access and conditions vary.
Can I find accessible trails or facilities near the lakes?
Some lake areas in Southern Finland offer accessible options. Kallahdenniemi Beach and Aurinkolahti Beach are noted for being wheelchair accessible and having facilities. When planning your visit, it's always recommended to check specific location details for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
What makes Lake Saimaa a unique destination?
Lake Saimaa stands out as Finland's largest lake and the fourth largest in Europe. It's renowned for its untouched nature, breathtaking landscapes, and pristine, clear waters. It is also home to the endangered Saimaa ringed seal, making it a significant ecological site. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, explore its numerous islands, and engage in various water activities.
Are there any lakes known for their clear water for diving or snorkeling?
Yes, Southern Finland has several lakes celebrated for their exceptional water clarity. Iso-Melkutin boasts visibility ranging from 4 to 8 meters, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Sonnanen is considered one of Finland's clearest lakes, popular for freediving, and Valkiajärvi also offers excellent visibility for scuba diving.
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