Lakeland Finland: From boutique resorts to wilderness adventures

Header: Visit Karelia © Harri Tarvainen

Experience the diversity of Finnish Lakeland and meet its suppliers in Cologne and Amsterdam

From serene spa retreats to wild ridgeline adventure: Lakeland Finland offers an astonishing variety of travel experiences within one connected region. It’s where you can step from sauna to snow, from local markets to moonlit lakes, and from the hum of a vibrant town to the silence of untouched nature in just a few moments.

This November, the essence of Lakeland Finland will be within easy reach at the Visit Finland Lakeland Sales Workshops in Cologne (12 November) and Amsterdam (13 November). Buyers and tour operators will meet the people behind the region’s most authentic stays, outdoor experiences, and culinary stories.

Why Lakeland Finland stands out

From design-led resorts to wild adventures, from traditional saunas to modern sustainability, Lakeland Finland combines everything travelers love about Finland in one region. Its suppliers share one vision: to grow responsibly, tell authentic stories, and create experiences that truly connect people with nature.

© Jaakko Tähti / Lakeland Saimaa area

Stay & relax: lakeside luxury with a Finnish soul

The Lakeland experience begins where the water meets the woods, in peaceful hideaways and stylish resorts built for slowing down.

• PihlasResort – A haven of sustainable luxury, blending architecture, design, and Finnish wellbeing at its finest.
• Boutique Hotel Kivennapa – A family-run lakeside boutique where craftsmanship and calm define every detail.
• Tahko Lakeside Villas and Tahko – A year-round playground combining lakeside living, slopes, and saunas.
• North Karelia Sokos Hotels and Sokos Hotels – Lakeland / Eastern Finland – Trusted Finnish hospitality across cities and nature resorts, where comfort meets local flavour.
• Kägöne Hotel & Villas – A peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, known for its heartfelt service and homely atmosphere.
• Hotel Lähde & Hotel Rakuuna – two unique properties in Lappeenranta, offering a blend of city comfort and Lakeland character. Perfect for guests who enjoy Finnish hospitality with an urban twist.

Each accommodation tells its own story, connected by Finnish design, local ownership, and an unhurried rhythm of life.

© Sokos Hotels North Karelia

Adventure & nature – for the active and curious

In Lakeland Finland, nature isn’t a backdrop, it’s the main attraction. Across hills, islands, and frozen lakes, the region invites travelers to explore all year round.

• Ukkohalla Resort – A wilderness gem for active travellers, from skiing and snowshoeing to forest bathing and spa escapes.
• Vuokatti Finland Arctic Lakeland – A four-season sports destination offering endless trails, activities, and wellness experiences.
• Koli in Finnish Lakeland and Koli Experience – Finland’s national landscape, combining breathtaking views with guided nature adventures and cultural storytelling.
• Kanava Resort (Savonlinna / Oravi) – A new destination on Lake Saimaa connecting authentic lakeside living with modern comfort.
• Destination Savo, Lakeland Finland – A region where pure nature meets creative entrepreneurship, perfect for tailor-made travel programs.

Every destination reflects Lakeland’s balance between serenity and exploration, where guests can disconnect without feeling far away.

© Harri Tarvainen / VisitKarelia / North Karelia

Culture & culinary – stories by the fire

Lakeland Finland is known for its warmth, not just in saunas, but in people, food, and shared moments. From forest-to-table dining to regional traditions, these suppliers bring the flavours of Finland to life.

• Hotelli Kalevala / VisitKuhmo (Kainutlaatuinen-hanke) – A legendary setting where folklore, local food, and wilderness hospitality meet.
• Visit Lake Saimaa – Savonlinna, Mikkeli & Varkaus, and Visit Lake Saimaa – Imatra and Lappeenranta Region – The iconic heart of Finnish lake culture, known for floating saunas, local fish, and relaxed island life.
• Southeast Coast of Finland (Visit Kotka-Hamina) – The coastal edge of Lakeland, blending maritime heritage with archipelago nature.
• VisitKarelia – The cultural soul of Eastern Finland, rich in crafts, food, and heartfelt traditions.
• Hugo Villas & Smoke Saunas – Authentic lakeside living combined with private smoke saunas and architectural charm.

These are places where food, folklore, and friendship are part of the travel experience and sustainability is lived every day.

© Harri Tarvainen / VisitKarelia / North Karelia

Travel connections & DMC expertise

Behind many of these products stand strong partners ready to design seamless travel experiences.

• Finnair – Connecting Finland with the world through reliable flight routes and sustainable aviation initiatives
• Finland DMC Oy – Experts in tailor-made itineraries, combining premium accommodation and authentic local encounters across Lakeland and beyond.

Whether you’re planning small-group programs or luxury packages, these partners make Finland easy to sell and even easier to love.

Meet the Lakeland suppliers in person

All these suppliers will be part of the Visit Finland Lakeland Sales Workshops 2025. The events are designed to foster meaningful connections through one-on-one meetings and informal networking dinners. Ideal for building partnerships.

📍 12 November 2025 – Cologne, Germany (Villa Bodinus, Cologne Zoo)
📍 13 November 2025 – Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam Airport, Netherlands

This action is part of Eastern Finland Sustainable Tourism Growth Program and is funded by South Savo Regional Council from Appropriation for Sustainable Growth and Vitality in Regions (Finnish AKKE funding).