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Finland

Republic of Finland

CapitalHelsinki
RegionNorthern Europe
CurrencyEUR
Official languagesFinnish, Swedish
Access to the seaYes
Travel atlas

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All articles about the country, including other pages. Select a point to discover its guides.

2 articles

Kvarken Archipelago

Vaasa

Björkö

Panike

Lake Saimaa

Linnansaari National Park

Kolovesi National Park

Savonlinna

Bodvattnet trail through coastal woodland and wetland in the Kvarken Archipelago.
Finland · Place of interest

Björkö

Björkö offers a compact view of land uplift in Kvarken, with low moraines, inlets becoming isolated and trails beside shallow sea. Bodvattnet suits a shorter visit; Björkö–Panike requires a long day.

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Paddler wearing a life jacket near the cliffs of Kolovesi.
Finland · Region or area

Kolovesi National Park

Kolovesi National Park is a lake landscape for travelling by canoe, kayak or rowing boat through narrow channels, rock faces and forest. Motorboats are prohibited in much of the park.

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View from Saltkaret tower over moraines and Svedjehamn harbour in the Kvarken Archipelago.
Finland · Region or area

Kvarken Archipelago

A Finnish archipelago where post-glacial isostatic uplift continues to reshape the coast. From Vaasa, Björkö offers moraines, inlets, trails and views from Saltkaret.

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Forested islands and open water in Linnansaari National Park.
Finland · Region or area

Lake Saimaa

Lake Saimaa is an extensive system of waters, islands and channels. It is the only home of the threatened Saimaa ringed seal; seasonal restrictions and water conditions affect how the area can be explored.

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Forested islands and open water in Linnansaari National Park.
Finland · Region or area

Linnansaari National Park

Linnansaari National Park combines a lake crossing with walks on the main island, cultural landscape and places to rest. It suits visitors who want to explore Saimaa without relying entirely on their own boating skills.

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Savonlinna
Finland · City or town

Savonlinna

Savonlinna is a convenient base for exploring the Pihlajavesi archipelago on a guided outing, with less logistics than an independent water journey. Saimaa ringed seals may be seen, but sightings are never guaranteed.

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View from Saltkaret tower over moraines and Svedjehamn harbour in the Kvarken Archipelago.
Finland · City or town

Vaasa

Vaasa is an urban base for exploring Kvarken’s geological landscape. From the city, visitors can plan onward trips to Replot, Svedjehamn and Björkö, where land uplift has shaped low moraines, inlets and wetlands.

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Finland

Guides to this destination

View from Saltkaret tower over moraines and Svedjehamn harbour in the Kvarken Archipelago. Routes

Kvarken from Vaasa, with Björkö trails and rising land

In Björkö, west of Vaasa, sea and land sketch a landscape that changes slowly. This visit helps you choose between a short walk, a long hike and an outing that depends on the ferry.

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Forested islands and open water in Linnansaari National Park. Responsible travel

Choosing Where to Explore Saimaa’s Lakes and Islands

In Saimaa, the best decision is not to chase a sighting, but to choose the pace and means of navigation that place the least demand on the lake—and give your trip the most meaning.

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