Top 9 Lakes around Turku
Best lakes around Turku offer diverse recreational opportunities within the region's natural landscape. The area, known for its vibrant city life and the Aura River, also features several notable lakes. These bodies of water provide settings for various outdoor activities and showcase the natural beauty of southwestern Finland. Visitors can explore both natural and artificial lakes, many of which are easily accessible.
Best lakes around Turku
- The most popular lakes is Observation tower, a viewpoint that looks out across the bay of Krottilanlahti and provides great views across the island of Ruissalo. It is an ideal place to spot local birdlife.
- Another must-see spot is Rantapiha Public Sauna at Lake Savojärvi, facilities with a sauna house near Rantapiha. Visitors can use the sauna and cool off in Lake Savojärvi.
- Visitors also love Haunisten allas, an artificial lake built in 1973. Originally a raw water storage, it is now used for recreation.
- Turku is known for natural lakes, artificial lakes, and lakes within national parks. These offer diverse recreational opportunities, from swimming and fishing to hiking and birdwatching.
- The lakes around Turku are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 15 upvotes and 7 photos shared.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Rantapiha Public Sauna at Lake Savojärvi
Highlight • Rest Area
The sauna is open to the public from noon to 8:00 PM. The cost is €2 per adult, which is simply dropped into a box. The stove must be heated with wood, which is located in an adjacent shed. You can easily cool off in Lake Savojärvi. Those who prefer to be on their own can book the sauna in the morning or from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
There is a drinking water tap outside the sauna house.
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Observation tower
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Birdwatching Platform at Raisionlahti
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Haunisten allas
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Lake Kurjenrahka
Highlight • Lake
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the cultural city of Turku for a few hours of day trip or overnight trip to the nature of Kurjenrahka. Kurjenrahka National Park is an oasis for nature lovers in southwestern Finland, and it is worth coming from further afield. The park’s most wonderful feature is its marshland. As its name suggests, Kurjenrahka is the home of cranes, where those lucky enough to hear their cries echo. Here you can also experience the spring euphoria of owls. In good snowy winters, the ski track takes you to the middle of the peaceful marshland. The marked trails in the national park connect well with the Kuhankuono hiking trail outside the area. Together, they form a trail complex over 150 km long.
luontoon.fi/fi/kohteet/kurjenrahkan-kansallispuisto
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Tips from the Community
Kurjenrahka National Park, access via Savojärventie 102. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the cultural city of Turku for a few hours of day trip or overnight trip to the nature of Kurjenrahka. Kurjenrahka National Park is an oasis for nature lovers in southwestern Finland, and it is worth coming from further afield. The park’s most wonderful feature is its marshland. As its name suggests, Kurjenrahka is the home of cranes, where those lucky enough to hear their cries echo. Here you can also experience the spring euphoria of owls. In good snowy winters, the ski track takes you to the middle of the peaceful marshland. The marked trails in the national park connect well with the Kuhankuono hiking trail outside the area. Together, they form a trail complex over 150 km long. https://www.luontoon.fi/fi/kohteet/kurjenrahkan-kansallispuisto
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This is an artificial lake built in 1973, which was originally a raw water storage, but is now used for recreation.
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This observation tower looks out across the bay of Krottilanlahti and provides great views across the island of Ruissalo. It's an ideal place to spot the local birdlife.
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Beautiful viewpoint over moorland
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Sauna house near Rantapiha with two changing rooms and a sauna room. The sauna is open to the public from noon to 8:00 PM. The cost is €2 per adult, which is simply dropped into a box. The stove must be heated with wood, which is located in an adjacent shed. You can easily cool off in Lake Savojärvi. Those who prefer to be on their own can book the sauna in the morning or from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. There is a drinking water tap outside the sauna house.
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Great vantage point for bird watching. In any case, you should have binoculars with you, otherwise you can only see the birds from afar.
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Here you have a beautiful view of the water with birds and 🐑.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go birdwatching around Turku's lakes?
The lakes around Turku offer excellent birdwatching opportunities. You can spot diverse birdlife at Observation tower overlooking Krottilanlahti bay, at Birdwatching Platform at Raisionlahti, and around Haunisten allas. Lake Savojärvi in Kurjenrahka National Park is particularly known for cranes and owls, especially in spring.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes near Turku?
Yes, there are several hiking trails. Littoistenjärvi features lovely nature trails. Around Lake Savojärvi, a popular 6-kilometer trail encircles the lake, with sections of duckboards over marsh areas. Haunisten allas has a 3.5-kilometer circular nature trail, and Maarian allas offers an extensive network of paths, including the approximately 6-kilometer 'Maarian kivikautinen polku' (Stone Age trail). For more options, you can explore the hiking routes around Turku.
Can I swim in the lakes near Turku?
Yes, Littoistenjärvi is suitable for swimming and features a large sandy beach. At Lake Savojärvi, you can enjoy a refreshing dip after using the public sauna at Rantapiha Public Sauna at Lake Savojärvi. It's always advisable to check for blue-green algae, particularly during summer months.
Are there public saunas available near the lakes?
Yes, Littoistenjärvi has public saunas. Additionally, Rantapiha Public Sauna at Lake Savojärvi offers a traditional Finnish sauna experience, where you can cool off in the lake afterward. The sauna is open to the public during specific hours, and private bookings are also possible.
Are the lakes around Turku family-friendly?
Many lakes are family-friendly. Littoistenjärvi offers a large sandy beach, barbecue grills, and outdoor fitness equipment, plus a dedicated dog park and swimming area. Lake Savojärvi has accessible routes suitable for strollers with assistance, and resting places with cooking shelters. Haunisten allas also provides a circular nature trail and shelters with fire pits, making it suitable for family outings.
How can I reach the lakes by public transport?
Littoistenjärvi is conveniently close to Turku and easily accessible by public transport. Maarian allas, located about ten kilometers northeast of Turku's city center, is also reachable by bus or bicycle. Kurjenrahka National Park, home to Lake Savojärvi, can be accessed via Savojärventie 102, and public transport options are available to the park area.
What kind of water activities can I do on Turku's lakes?
Besides swimming, you can enjoy non-motorized boating, such as rubber boats and stand-up paddleboards, on Maarian allas. Fishing is also a popular activity, especially at Maarian allas and Kakskerranjärvi, which is known for Northern pike, European perch, and Zander. A national fisheries management fee is typically required for fishing.
Are there accessible trails for wheelchairs near Turku's lakes?
Yes, Lake Savojärvi within Kurjenrahka National Park offers sections of its 6-kilometer trail that are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, though assistance may be needed in some areas. These routes often feature duckboards over marshland.
Are the lakes dog-friendly?
Yes, Littoistenjärvi features a dedicated dog park and a swimming area for dogs. Dog walking is also permitted around Haunisten allas, making these good options for visitors with pets.
What winter activities are available around the lakes?
In snowy winters, Lake Savojärvi in Kurjenrahka National Park offers an 8 km cross-country skiing track maintained on the marshland, providing a peaceful winter experience.
Where can I play frisbee golf near the lakes?
An 18-hole frisbee golf course is located in the area around Haunisten allas, offering another recreational activity alongside the lake's nature trail.
What are some unique natural features to see around Turku's lakes?
You can explore the pristine marshland scenery at Lake Savojärvi in Kurjenrahka National Park. Maarian allas's surroundings include ancient dwelling sites, rocky outcrops, and dense spruce forests, where you might even spot flying squirrels. The Observation tower provides views across the bay of Krottilanlahti and the island of Ruissalo.
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