If you make a trip to Finland in the summer, you can notice for yourself two dominant shades of the local landscape - green and blue. Forest landscapes are just dotted with spots of water. In some areas there are so many that you can often hear how this state is called "land" or "country of a thousand lakes." In fact, this is to say the least, in total there are about 188,000 reservoirs in Finland.
Trip to Finland
No wonder the Finns feel a certain proximity to the elements of water, pure blue oases really are for many a source of livelihood. Inari Lake is known for its depth and crystal clear water, and in eastern Finland there is a large body of water called Saimaa. It is home to the seal, one of the rare and endangered species in the world. This species of seals is found only here. Thanks to conservation measures, their numbers have recently increased to about 300 individuals, but they are still in serious danger.
A large number of water activities
"The country of a thousand lakes" differs from other European countries in that most of it is covered with water. Many ponds are quite impressive in size. For lovers of relaxation by the water, a trip to Finland will seem like a real entertainment attraction, which will be remembered for a long time.
Pastime on the lake is an integral part of the Finnish summer, as most of the summer activities revolve around the water, it can be swimming and a bathhouse, fishing and canoeing, rowing and sailing, spearfishing and so on.
Inextricable relationship with nature
The lakes are part of the Finnish national identity, which is closely related to wildlife. Wherever the journey takes, vast green forests and shimmering blue lakes will prevail . Finland is a country of a thousand lakes and vast forests and beautiful islands of the Baltic Sea. Open to all Arctic winds, it provides a habitat for thousands of wildlife and birds. Some representatives can be seen on a specially organized tour.
For the most part, Finland’s wilderness remains intact and pristine. The king of the Finnish forest can rightly be called a brown bear. The vast territory is home to approximately 1,500 clubfoot. Although on land they can roam anywhere, usually bears try to avoid people.
Land of a Thousand Lakes
Finland is currently a favorite destination for nature and outdoor sports fans around the world. Approximately 8,000 km 2 of the entire territory are 37 protected national parks, which are a real paradise for bird watchers and those who would like to see an elk, deer, bear or wolf in their natural habitat. The breathtaking beauty of the archipelagos in the south and the mystical overflows of the Northern Lights, illuminating the sky in the north of Finland, can truly charm and soothe the soul.
According to the latest estimates, there are 187,888 lakes in the country. With a population of about five million people, Finland has one lake for every 26 people. Most lakes are located in a region that extends from the Kuopio region in the north to Lahti in the south, and from Tampere in the west to Punkaharju and the Russian border in the east.
An interesting feature of local landscapes is that almost everywhere where there are lakes, there are forests. Most often there are pine, spruce and birch. Finland, one of the most densely populated countries in the world, contains 10 times more forest per person than any other European state. Forests are a very important resource, it is the material for the construction of traditional Finnish houses, summer houses, saunas, boats, as well as an integral part of Finnish crafts, without which an ordinary Finnish way of life cannot be imagined.
The effects of melting ancient glaciers
Extremely large volumes of water are due to the geological features of the area, which existed thousands of years before the creation of the state. Despite the fact that a significant part of the country lies beyond the Arctic Circle, Finland does not have glaciers as such at present, although there are many traces of the effects of ancient glaciation.
About 10,000 years ago, the glaciers located here began to melt and leave physical traces of their stay in the form of mountains, valleys, depressions and numerous mineral deposits. Glaciers have the ability to radically change the surrounding landscape during their formation, movement, growth, and also melting. They helped create some of the most unusual landscapes in the world that continue to stun with their beauty, while the glaciers themselves have long been forgotten. All these processes have played a key role in creating the lakes that exist today in Finland - a state that has rightfully earned its proud nickname "the country of a thousand lakes."
Finland is a natural wonderland with more trees than people. This is a unique platform for skiers, fishermen, lovers of water sports and hiking. What special can Finland offer? Holidays on the lakes created by ancient glaciers, stunning natural landscapes, plenty of water activities and much, much more. Many lakes are difficult to access, as they are far from large urban centers and, therefore, are not considered as suitable excursion destinations for recreation.