Imagine this: the sun shining on your face as you leisurely paddle across the sparkling Saimaameer. All around you are nothing but islets with majestic pine trees and an occasional cozy wooden cottage, until you spot a lovely spot to dock. On this small island, you enjoy a lunch of salmon soup and rye bread, and after a moment of rest, you take a dive into the refreshing water. With renewed energy, you paddle back to your hotel, where a wonderful heated sauna by the waterside awaits you. This is delightful for the muscles that have just worked so hard. This was an afternoon during my trip through South Finland this summer, and I can recommend it to everyone. Here are five reasons why you should definitely consider taking a summer vacation in South Finland.
Things to Do in Summer in South Finland
1. Discover the Thousands of Lakes Finland Has
A well-known nickname for Finland is “the land of a thousand lakes” and summer is the perfect time to explore them, as they are not frozen then. In summer, you can go kayaking or canoeing among the islets, or join a fishing boat and catch a fish yourself. You can try stand-up paddleboarding or wake up in the morning to a SUP yoga class. Rent a small boat and sail to one of the uninhabited islets with a private beach, or take a boat tour at sunset and learn about the beautiful surroundings. South Finland offers a range of water activities that you must experience.
2. The Perfect Time to Spot Seals
My personal favorite activity was the seal safari at sunset. In Saimaameer lives the Saimaa ringed seal, known in Finnish as “norppa.” This seal can only be found in this part of the world. About 8000 years ago, after the last ice age, they became separated from other populations of ringed seals and have since adapted to life in freshwater. This mammal only occasionally comes ashore, but when the ice melts in the lakes, their fur changes and they warm up on the rocks in the sun. May and June are especially the best months to spot one of the 400 seals in the area.
We set out at sunset with a guide from Oravi and encountered 3 of these unique, adorable seals! A bit of patience is required during this excursion, but even if you don’t see seals, you can still enjoy the lush nature and sunset with a cup of tea in hand. The Saimaa ringed seal is an endangered species, so safaris are always conducted with the interests of the seals in mind. We stay 200 meters away in the boat to disturb them as little as possible. Furthermore, we did not encounter any other safaris on the water. It was lovely to spot these gentle creatures in such a calm manner.
3. Enjoy Endless Summer Evenings on Your Terrace
When you travel to Finland in summer, something special awaits you: the midnight sun. This natural phenomenon ensures that the sun remains above the horizon after midnight, so it never gets dark. In southern Finland, the sun sets very slowly, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful golden glow for several hours. Even after sunset, the sun stays close enough to light up the sky. It’s a unique opportunity to enjoy the endless days and embrace the energy of summer. During my trip in Finland, I once set my alarm for 2:30 AM because I could hardly believe it would be fully light at night. It was tough to roll out of bed, but I can truly guarantee you that it did not get dark that night. So make good use of this and enjoy the summer evenings on your terrace for an extended period. And if you do need to go to bed, be sure to wear a good sleep mask.
4. Enjoy a Finnish Sauna Even in Summer
Saunas are an important part of Finnish culture. Finland has a rich sauna tradition and is known for its unique sauna experiences. In summer, you can enjoy a jump in the refreshing water, followed by a relaxing sauna session. It’s a great way to unwind after a day of outdoor activities in nature. You often don’t have to look far for this pampering, as there are more than three million saunas in Finland. In addition to all the public saunas, there are thousands in private homes, and of course, in every holiday cottage. During your vacation, you can surely enjoy the Finnish lifestyle.
5. The Perfect Temperatures to Be Active
Finland is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, with vast forests and rugged national parks. In summer, nature comes alive with lush green landscapes and blooming wildflowers. It’s the perfect time to explore by bike or on foot. During our trip through South Finland, we set off with e-mountain bikes in the Punkaharju nature reserve. We zipped over bridges and hills, and along the way, we stopped at a cute bakery for coffee and cinnamon rolls. We were amazed by the tranquility of this area. And the best part is that the temperatures here in summer are perfect for being active without it getting too hot. It rarely gets warmer than 27 degrees Celsius.
So what are you waiting for? Plan Your Trip to South Finland
I traveled to South Finland with Links12. They can also help you plan your dream trip to the high north. Act quickly and enjoy a summer full of adventure, nature, and relaxation!
Want to read more about Finland?
Also, read:
Discover the coolest attractions in South Finland.
Leave a Reply