Top 5 Lakes around Varkaus
Best lakes around Varkaus are part of the expansive Finnish Lakeland, dominated by the Lake Saimaa system. This region features a network of interconnected waterways, numerous islands, and extensive shorelines. Varkaus itself is situated on the shores of Lake Saimaa, providing access to its natural features. The area is characterized by its pristine natural beauty, clear waters, and green forests, shaped by the last Ice Age.
Best lakes around Varkaus
- The most popular lakes is Linnanvuori Viewpoint, a viewpoint that offers views of the Haukivesi islands in Linnansaari National Park. It is accessible by boat and involves a hike to the mountain.
- Another must-see spot is View of Lake Saimaa from Linnavuori, a viewpoint offering expansive views over the lakes. The location requires a climb, including stairs, to reach the vantage point.
- Visitors also love SaimaaHoliday Oravi, a settlement with facilities including a restaurant and accommodation options. It serves as a base for exploring Lake Saimaa, offering boat tours and opportunities to observe local wildlife.
- Varkaus is known for large freshwater lakes, national park lakes, and rapids. The region offers a variety of lakes to explore, from the vastness of Lake Saimaa to the protected waters of Linnansaari and Kolovesi National Parks.
- The lakes around Varkaus are appreciated by the komoot community, with 17 upvotes and 3 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Sammakkoniemi Campsite
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Linnansaari National Park has 20 campsites, all accessible by boat.
The main campsite, Sammakkoniemi, has a kiosk with coffee service, a boat/guest harbor, a sauna, a fountain, an eco-hostel, as well as an accessible campfire site, a covered cooking area, and an outhouse. Tent fee: €12 per tent from Midsummer to the end of August. From Sammakkoniemi, it is approximately 1 km to the Louhimaa Museum Cottage and approximately 3.5 km to the Perpulanluhta campsite.
More information at:
oravivillage.com/de/Linnansaari/Campingplatz,-Hafen-und-sauna
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SaimaaHoliday Oravi
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Linnanvuori Viewpoint
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View of Lake Saimaa from Linnavuori
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Pyylinoja Campsite
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Tips from the Community
A strenuous climb, partly via stairs, but worth it for the view.
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Wonderful viewpoint of the lakes, you can take a boat to the island and take a nice circular hike there.
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Nice spot with a good view over the lakes.
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Lakeside campsite with restrooms, cooking facilities, and a sauna. Linnansaari National Park has 20 campsites, all accessible by boat. The main campsite, Sammakkoniemi, has a kiosk with coffee service, a boat/guest harbor, a sauna, a fountain, an eco-hostel, as well as an accessible campfire site, a covered cooking area, and an outhouse. Tent fee: €12 per tent from Midsummer to the end of August. From Sammakkoniemi, it is approximately 1 km to the Louhimaa Museum Cottage and approximately 3.5 km to the Perpulanluhta campsite. More information at: https://www.oravivillage.com/de/Linnansaari/Campingplatz,-Hafen-und-sauna
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You can also spend the night here with a mobile home. There is a restaurant with a nice terrace overlooking the water and a small shop.
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We did the tour in mid-June 2023 when it takes place at sunset time. The seals are then very shy, they lie individually on rocks and from a distance lay people can hardly see them. Nevertheless, our boat driver and guide discovered 2 specimens, which could only be photographed with a very large telephoto lens. There were also ospreys and a swimming beaver to see. The tour is highly recommended, even if you don't see any seals, because Lake Saimaa with its islands is beautiful during the evening. I would do that again at any time!
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The footpath that leaves to the right when looking at the campsite from the pontoon leads to Iso-Pyyly lake; allegedly there is even a sauna on the lake (but we didn't actually go there).
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You can take a rowing boat or church boat to Linnansaari and hike to Linnanvuori, the mountain with a view of the Haukivesi islands in Linnansaari National Park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main lakes and waterways in the Varkaus region?
The Varkaus region is dominated by the expansive Lake Saimaa system, which includes large parts like Unnukka and Haukivesi. The Ämmäkoski Rapids flow directly through the city, connecting these Saimaa watercourses. Additionally, Linnansaari National Park and Kolovesi National Park are situated on parts of the Saimaa system, offering pristine lake environments.
What unique wildlife can I find in the lakes around Varkaus?
The most notable and critically endangered species is the Saimaa ringed seal, an Ice Age relic unique to Lake Saimaa. You can find it in Linnansaari and Kolovesi National Parks. The Kämäri Nature Reserve is also a vital habitat for the extremely endangered Saimaa lake salmon and the Varkaus namesake animal, the otter.
Are there good fishing opportunities in the Varkaus lakes?
Yes, the Ämmäkoski Rapids, flowing through Varkaus, have been a valuable fishing spot since the 1500s. After extensive restoration, it's excellent for catching trout, grayling, lake trout, rainbow trout, and pike perch. Lake trout, lake salmon, and grayling are strictly catch-and-release. Fishing is permitted almost year-round, with a closed season from September to November. For more details on fishing, you can visit visitvarkaus.fi.
What water-based activities are popular on Lake Saimaa?
Lake Saimaa offers extensive opportunities for recreation. Popular activities include boating, fishing, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Visitors can rent boats, find lakeside cabins, and take boat tours to explore the numerous islands. The tranquil waters of Kolovesi National Park are ideal for silent paddling by canoe or kayak.
Are there hiking trails near the lakes in Varkaus?
Yes, there are several hiking trails. The Kämäri Nature Trail offers easy paths through deciduous trees and over wooden bridges in the city center. In Linnansaari National Park, you can find trails like the Linnavuori Trail and Linnonpolku Nature trail. You can explore more hiking options in the Hiking around Varkaus guide.
Where can I find the best viewpoints of the lakes around Varkaus?
For magnificent views, consider visiting the Linnanvuori Viewpoint in Linnansaari National Park, which offers views of the Haukivesi islands. Another excellent spot is the View of Lake Saimaa from Linnavuori, which provides expansive views over the lakes, though it requires a climb, including stairs.
Are there family-friendly options for visiting the lakes around Varkaus?
Yes, SaimaaHoliday Oravi is a family-friendly settlement with facilities, a restaurant, and accommodation, serving as a base for exploring Lake Saimaa. The Pyylinoja Campsite is also noted as family-friendly. The Kämäri Nature Trail offers easy paths suitable for families.
Where can I find accommodation or facilities near the lakes?
You can find accommodation and facilities at SaimaaHoliday Oravi, which includes a restaurant and lodging. In Linnansaari National Park, the main campsite, Sammakkoniemi Campsite, offers restrooms, cooking facilities, a sauna, a kiosk, and an eco-hostel. The Pyylinoja Campsite also provides facilities.
Which national parks are located within the Varkaus lake district?
The Varkaus lake district is home to two significant national parks: Linnansaari National Park and Kolovesi National Park. Both are key protection areas for the valuable archipelago nature of Lake Finland and sanctuaries for the Saimaa ringed seal.
Are there easily accessible natural areas or trails near the lakes?
Yes, the Ämmäkoski Rapids are easily accessible, flowing directly through the city of Varkaus. The Kämäri Nature Reserve, also in the city center, features easy paths through deciduous trees and over wooden bridges. Sammakkoniemi Campsite in Linnansaari National Park offers an accessible campfire site.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Varkaus?
The lakes offer activities year-round. Summer is ideal for boating, fishing, canoeing, and nature walks. Winter provides opportunities for snowshoeing on the frozen lakes. Fishing at Ämmäkoski is possible almost year-round, except for a closed season from September to November.
Can I go cycling around the Varkaus lakes?
Yes, the area around Varkaus offers various cycling routes. You can find easy to moderate bike loops, such as the Canal and Lock System – Ämmänkoski Rapids Viewpoint loop. For more cycling options, refer to the Cycling around Varkaus guide.
What makes Kolovesi National Park unique?
Kolovesi National Park is characterized by rugged rocky cliffs, some rising up to 40 meters vertically from the water, shaped by the last ice age. It's one of the last remaining habitats for the Saimaa ringed seal. To preserve its tranquility, the use of internal combustion engine boats is largely prohibited, making it ideal for silent paddling.
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