Hiking trails are everywhere in Saimaa in Finnish Lakeland. The trails wind around striking and diverse terrain, through the boreal forests and by the shores Saimaa’s lakes, making it an ideal hiking area. In amongst the beautiful scenery when hiking in Finland, you’ll also see the tell-tale marks left by the Ice Age, from exposed bedrock and eskers leaping up out of the water, to the old sea shorelines high up in the hills.
When hiking in Finland, be the distance long or short, the journey is its own reward. You can choose what’s right for you; do you want to follow the marked and signposted routes or go off the trail and enjoy the right in Finland to roam where you please? In either case, maps are available at the local tourist information centres, as is local information such as for fishing and for Everyman’s Rights. Along the routes and dotted among the many lake islands are also maintained fireplaces and lean-to shelters known as “laavus”, each with its own character but generally with its own stock of firewood and outdoor toilet.
Saimaa’s stunning atmosphere – the land of emerald and sapphire
Lake Saimaa is the biggest lake in Finland and is in the biggest lake district in Europe. As a freshwater lake, the water is clean enough to drink, although of course it’s recommend that you purify it first. The water sparkles in the sun and reflects a blue cloudless sky. Hidden in the waves or camouflaged on a rock, you might just see a glimpse of the critically endangered Saimaa ringed seal.
