Top 20 Lakes around Southwest Finland

Visitors particularly enjoy the lakes within Teijo National Park, such as Sahajärvi, where you can experience the unique Rope Ferry at Sahajärvi. The Beautiful wooden bridge, part of a lake circuit walk, is also a favorite, leading over water covered in water lilies. For swimming, the Swimming area in Teijo National Park is a popular spot to cool off.

Yes, Southwest Finland offers excellent hiking opportunities around its lakes. Teijo National Park alone features over 50 kilometers of trails, from easy forest paths to more challenging routes. Kurjenrahka National Park is known for its extensive mires and old-growth forests, with the popular 5.5 km Savojärvi Lake Loop featuring wooden boardwalks. For more detailed routes, you can explore the Easy hikes around Southwest Finland guide, which includes trails like the Lake Savojärvi Trail and the Lake Matildanjärvi Trail.

The lakes in Southwest Finland showcase diverse natural features. Lake Pyhäjärvi is known for its remarkably clear waters. In Teijo National Park, you'll find lakes surrounded by rugged cliffs formed during the last ice age, and Lake Matildanjärvi even has an island and smaller islets. Kurjenrahka National Park features extensive mires, old-growth forests, and numerous small ponds with clear water, particularly around Lake Savojärvi. Liesjärvi National Park offers tranquil waters ideal for canoeing and kayaking.

Many lakes in Southwest Finland are family-friendly. Teijo National Park offers accessible trails like the Kariholma Accessible Trail, leading to Lake Matildanjärvi with an accessible cooking shelter and pier. The Rope Ferry at Sahajärvi is a fun experience for children, and there are barbecue areas on the islands. Designated swimming areas like the Swimming area in Teijo National Park and the Melliläjärvi Beach are also great for families.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Lake Pyhäjärvi is renowned as one of Europe's richest fishing grounds, particularly for vendace, whitefish, and signal crayfish. In Teijo National Park, Lake Matildanjärvi is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, though a permit is required. Liesjärvi National Park also offers opportunities to catch local fish species. Remember to check local regulations and permit requirements before fishing.

Yes, the region combines natural beauty with rich history. Teijo National Park is home to three 17th-century ironworks villages (Teijo, Mathildedal, and Kirjakkala) that offer cafes, shops, and insights into the region's past. The Island Själö / Seili, accessible by ferry, has a fascinating history as the site of Finland’s best-known leper hospital and mental asylum from the 1600s to the 1960s, with its church and graveyard still visible today.

Near the lakes, you can find various options. The ironworks villages within Teijo National Park offer cafes and shops. On Island Själö / Seili, accommodation services and a restaurant are available. Liesjärvi National Park provides designated camping spots, and Kurjenrahka National Park allows wild camping in specific areas. For a public sauna experience, consider the Rantapiha Public Sauna at Lake Savojärvi.

Yes, the lakes and their surrounding environments are excellent for birdwatching. Kurjenrahka National Park, with its extensive mires and ponds, is a significant protected area providing a unique environment to observe diverse flora and nesting birdlife. The Observation tower overlooking the bay of Krottilanlahti and the Birdwatching Platform at Raisionlahti are ideal spots to observe local birdlife.

Beyond hiking, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. Liesjärvi National Park's tranquil waters are perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Many lakes offer swimming opportunities, such as the Swimming area in Teijo National Park. For cycling enthusiasts, the Road Cycling Routes around Southwest Finland guide features routes like the Teijo National Park loop from Salo. There are also Running Trails around Southwest Finland, including the Sahajärvi Trail in Teijo National Park.

The best time to visit the lakes in Southwest Finland largely depends on the activities you plan. The summer months (May to October) are ideal for hiking, swimming, boating, and enjoying the self-driven rafts at Kalasuntti and the Rope Ferry at Sahajärvi. Spring and autumn offer beautiful scenery for nature observation and quieter trails. Winter provides opportunities for activities like ice fishing or cross-country skiing if conditions allow, though specific winter activities vary by lake.

Yes, Teijo National Park offers accessible options, such as the Kariholma Accessible Trail. This trail leads to Lake Matildanjärvi and includes an accessible cooking shelter and pier, ensuring that a wider range of visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area.