FINLAND-THE LAND OF THOUSAND LAKES

Finland enjoys some of the most extensive and unspoilt natural environment in Europe. It is sometimes referred to as the 'land of the thousand lakes', but in fact there were a total of 187,888 at the last count.

A veritable maze of inland waterways, with a profusion of bays, headlands and islands, sometimes opening out into broader waters, extends across the country but is especially dense across the eastern areas. The lakes are linked by rivers, straits and canals and offer opportunities for a variety of recreation.

From June to August swimming and boating are popular, while a network of lakeland steamer routes, linking many of the larger towns, provides a leisurely option for touring the country. In winter, the frozen lakes are transformed into a giant playground for skiers and skaters. The other main element of nature is the forest, which extends to all parts of the country but for the highest fells in northern Lapland. Pine, spruce and birch are the most common tree species.

188,000 lakes
33,000 square kilometres of inland waters
52,760 square kilometres of sea
647 rivers
314,000 kilometres of sea and lake shoreline
750,000 boats
465,000 summer cottages
1,8 million saunas
Almost all Finnish cities are located by lake, sea or river
One of world's biggest archipelagos