What if your summer holiday wasn’t about rushing from one place to another, but about slowing down, breathing deeply and truly enjoying the moment? In Arctic Lakeland Finland, this is how summer is meant to be experienced.
Far away from crowds and surrounded by pure nature, you can discover a different kind of luxury: space, silence and simplicity. This is where you learn how to chill like a Finn and get to experience how the happiest nation in the world spend their summer holiday.
Stay close to nature like the Finns do
For many Finns, the perfect summer holiday begins at a lakeside cottage. Waking up to the sound of birds, stepping outside into fresh morning air and spending long, light-filled days by the water – this is the essence of Finnish summer.
Whether you choose a traditional log cabin in the heart of nature, a lakeside camping site or a holiday apartment with a view, you’ll find yourself immersed in peaceful surroundings. Choose your ideal base for your stay and set off to discover the diverse summer experiences and natural beauty of the Arctic Lakeland region at your own pace.
Slow down in nature and discover wildlife
Finns have a deep connection with nature, and in Arctic Lakeland it’s always close by. Hike along scenic trails and pause to listen to the sounds of the forest around you. The countless lakes invite you to spend time on the water: canoeing, rowing, fishing or simply enjoying peaceful moments by the shore.
Summer is also the perfect time to experience Arctic Lakeland’s unique wildlife – from guided hikes to unforgettable wildlife watching and photography tours, with a chance to observe wild animals in their natural habitat.
These moments offer a deeper connection to the Finnish way of life and help you understand the Finnish relationship with nature.
Taste the forest and the lakes
In Arctic Lakeland, nature is not only something you see, but it’s also something you can taste. Forests offer an abundance of wild berries, mushrooms and herbs, while the lakes provide fresh fish. Thanks to the Finnish Everyman’s Right, you can gather many of these natural ingredients yourself and enjoy them at their freshest. For many Finns, this is the perfect way to relax.
There is something special about preparing an outdoor meal, sitting by the fire and enjoying the flavours of the forest in good company. And of course, local restaurants and cafés bring these ingredients to life in creative and delicious ways, offering you a true taste of nature on a plate.
Relax in a sauna – the traditional way or with a unique twist
No Finnish summer holiday is complete without a sauna. It’s an essential part of Finnish culture, wellbeing and everyday life in Finland, whether in daily routines or during holidays. The heat relaxes your body and a refreshing dip in a lake afterwards completes the experience.
In Arctic Lakeland, you can find both traditional saunas as well as some truly unique sauna experiences. How about a bear sauna, a lakeside sleigh sauna or an entire sauna world?
Experience local life through events
Summer in Arctic Lakeland is also a time for vibrant events and festivals that bring culture and community close to nature.
From top-quality festivals like the Kuhmo Chamber Music, to quirky sports events like the Swamp Soccer World Championships, and unique adventures like trail running in the Ärjä island and Hossa National Park, these moments offer a chance to experience the region’s authentic atmosphere.
Here, events are not about crowds, but about connection – with people, with place and with the rhythm of the season.
Embrace the simple moments
In Arctic Lakeland, summer is not about doing more – it’s about appreciating the little things.
Take a bike ride through quiet village roads, stop for a spontaneous swim in a nearby lake or enjoy a simple picnic in nature. Spend a slow evening watching the light soften over the landscape or sit outside with a cup of coffee and let time pass without a plan.
These everyday moments may seem simple, but they are at the heart of the Finnish way of life.
Are you ready to chill like a Finn and experience the Finnish summer at its most authentic? Start planning your summer escape and find your happy place in Arctic Lakeland Finland.
