Forget canoes and other boats! Are you ready walk on water… plus snowmobile, mush huskies, snowshoe and perhaps fish?

Of course, we’re talking about frozen water. Finland is known as the ‘land of a thousand lakes’ but the actual number is over 187,000, with nearly 650 rivers. Almost 10% of the country’s total surface area is covered by them. 

Most of our Lapland adventures are based in Finland’s northwestern arm, so we have a special relationship with several of these silvery-tinged beauties. 

Here we’ll tell you more about the country’s fantastic frozen waterscapes and share five of our favourites too. 

In a word...

The Finnish word for lake is jarvi and for river is joki. You’ll often notice these appended as the suffix in place names.

For example, the village of Inari is on the edge of beautiful Inarijarvi. Home to over 3,000 islands, it is the country’s third largest lake and also the largest lake in Sapmi, the region inhabited by northern Lapland’s indigenous Sami people. Inarijarvi is such an important, well-known lake that everyone simply refers to it as ‘Jarvi’.

The longest river in Finland is the Kemijoki. It stretches south for 550 kilometres, flowing through the village of Kemi before reaching the Gulf of Bothnia. Kemijoki plays a huge role in the country’s production of hydroelectric power.

All kinds of lakes and rivers!

Lakes in Finland come in every shape and size, encompassing every possible categorisation. 

The country’s largest lake is Saimaa with a surface area of about 4,400 square kilometres. Situated in the southeast, it boasts historical sites including ancient rock paintings and the medieval Olavinlinna Castle (aka St. Olaf’s Castle), which is built on an island. In summer, steamboats cruise this lake, plus it is home to the only existing population of the Saimaa ringed seal.

With so many lakes in Finland, we couldn’t begin to identify the smallest, but there are countless lakes that fall into the 1 square kilometre range. 

Juojarvi in the North Savo region is considered one of the cleanest lakes in the country. Its surface area is 297 square kilometres. A monastery sits on Juojarvi’s shore and its waters are typically full of perch, pike and trout.

When it comes to rivers, the 361-metre Tenojoki, near Finland’s northernmost tip, can be counted among the largest salmon rivers in Europe. In the Sami language, it is called Deatnu meaning ‘Great River’. 

The 204-metre Kymijoki in the south of Finland has a colourful history, once serving as a route to the sea for Vikings. At each of its five forks, there are deltas offering unique nature viewing as well as fishing and rapids. In the late 18th century one of Kymijoki’s branches formed the border between Sweden and Russia, and later between the Grand Duchy of Finland and Russia.

Our five favourite Finnish bodies of water

Because we explore the pristine wildernesses in and near Enontekio, our passions run high for the lakes and rivers located here. Whether part of the national parks or tucked away in remote corners, you’ll feel serenity all around while delighting in a wide range of winter experiences on these glass-like wonders.

Kilpisjarvi

What truly defines this clear-watered lake is the grandeur of its landscape and the overwhelming sense of remoteness. 

Lying near the foot of the 1,029-metre Saana Fell, the largest fell in all of Finland, Kilpisjarvi has been the source of time-old legends. We especially love the story about how it was formed from the tears of a giant whose wedding had been ruined by her jealous suitor.

You can discover the beauty of this rugged lake for yourself. Our snowmobile excursions depart from a spot along Kilpisjarvi’s shoreline, so you pull out and are right on it! Glide across its frozen surface to marvel at the scenery as well as hunt for the Northern Lights… or find a place to stop and hand-drill a hole for traditional Arctic ice fishing. 

Among our resorts, Tundrea is situated on Kilpisjarvi’s edge and during the winter months there’s an ice hole for brave guests to plunge into. After taking a frigid dip, it’s just a 30-second walk (or rather run) to the steam-filled sauna in the shoreside spa building. 

Two of our other resorts, Cahkal Hotel and Hotel Rakka, are also located a short distance from Kilpisjarvi, where guests can bask in splendid views and enjoy easy access to the vast icy expanse.

Koltajarvi (aka Golddajavri in Sami)

Situated at the top of a valley, this lake is nestled amongst the Scandinavian Mountains. Though mostly in Norway, it spills into Sweden as well as into Finland’s thumb. 

Koltajarvi is the destination for our popular Three Borders Snowmobile Safari and home to the Three-Country Cairn, a landmark with a fascinating history that sits on a small man-made island. Guests zoom across Kilpisjarvi and along the frozen waters lining the Sverige / Suomi (Swedish / Finnish) border to reach it – the northernmost international tripoint in the world. 

The feeling of zipping around the yellow concrete cairn and through three countries in under 30 seconds is absolutely exhilarating!

Ounasjarvi 

The quaint village of Hetta unfolds around the northern shore of this narrow lake, and the resorts in which we stay – Hetan Majatalo and Hotelli Jussantupa – are less than 500 metres from its edge.

At 13 kilometres in length and only 1 kilometre in width, recreational opportunities abound. There’s even a long-distance snowmobile route that starts in Kilpisjarvi and goes to Hetta via the centre of Ounasjarvi. Signposts are added on the its surface early every winter to guide riders.

In addition to snowmobiling on Ounasjarvi by day and night, we love to venture across it on snowshoes. The shores are lined by stunning snow-covered fells and birch forests. On our treks, we head to an elevated vantage point to take in panoramic views across this frozen water wonderland toward the silhouette of Hetta’s lovely church. 

Jerisjarvi

The largest lake in the Muonio region, it’s adjacent to the Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park. Jerisjarvi is sacred to the Sami because it has supplied them with an abundance of fish throughout their history. 

The cabins we stay in at Jeris Lakeside Resort are dotted amongst the pine trees beside the lake. Jerisjarvi plays host to many of our activities as it’s a wonderful place for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing. At night, the lake also supplies the perfect wide-open arena for viewing Mother Nature’s most magnificent light show. 

The popular Arctic Sauna World attraction is also perched on its shore – complete with an ice hole. You can take a frosty dip in Jerisjarvi, with four themed saunas waiting to warm you up afterward.

Muonionjoki

The 555-kilometre border between Finland and Sweden is mostly formed by rivers, and Muonionjoki is one of them. 

Generally large and wide, it splits the tiny northwestern village of Karesuando into two different countries and time zones. The Davvi Arctic Lodge lies on the Finnish side while the Davvi Arctic Star is on the Swedish side. At both you’ll be immersed in breathtaking natural beauty and can revel in an off-the-grid tranquillity. 

The Muonionjoki and nearby lakes provide the setting for much of our winter fun. Snowmobilers coming from Davvi Arctic Lodge are just a few short minutes from pulling onto the frozen riverbed. After gliding under the bridge that connects the village, you’ll speed down the river to explore and possibly search for the Northern Lights – with the graceful outline of Karesuando Church etched on the horizon.

Whether massive or intimate, Finland’s frozen waters are as beautiful as they are unique. In the northwestern region through leisure activities, history and local culture, they connect you to the spirit of True Lapland. It’s among our greatest joys to share experiences on them with guests – as they always leave a lasting impression!

Find out how you can enjoy the frozen waters of Finnish Lapland with us here