This Country With The Most Lakes In Europe Is Known For Outdoor Fun, National Parks, And Charming Towns

Finland tends to keep quiet and is rarely in global headlines, yet that's often what draws people to explore it, and they tend to end up loving it. Among thousands of lakes and stunning national parks, the land is dotted with cozy, lovely towns. One can enjoy horseback riding, lakeside camping, and park exploring, and then cozy up in front of the television with a warm drink and a smile.

Tucked between Sweden and Russia, this Nordic country boasts more lakes for its size than any other country in Europe, per Visit Finland. With about 188,000 lakes, its nickname "The Land of a Thousand Lakes" vastly underestimates the endless swaths of blue that seem brushed into the green of the forests when seen from the sky. It's no wonder there's such a strong fishing culture when the lakes' fresh waters and the salty vastness of the Baltic Coast are seemingly in equal abundance. One can have a plate of salmon and prawns from the sea, with each being equally fresh.

The 5.6 million people of Finland share a culture associated with pragmatism, straightforwardness, and a strong emphasis on equality, according to InfoFinland. A deep affinity for its vast forests ties into its folklore, where many of its folktale figures reside. The country's length gives it a fairly wide range of temperatures, with average winter lows ranging from around 21 degrees Fahrenheit in the south to about 3 degrees Fahrenheit in the north. Average summer high temperatures vary between roughly 58 degrees Fahrenheit in the north and almost 65 degrees Fahrenheit in the south, per Climates To Travel.

Finland is replete with lush national parks filled with wildlife and beauty. Hiking and camping options are everywhere, and one can spend the day fishing and, at night, witness an ocean of stars and the mesmerizing colors of the aurora borealis. The Lapland region is ideal for viewing it, due to much of it being situated within the Arctic Circle, and its many ski resorts mean winter fun abounds on skis and snowboards, or on skates on frozen lakes.

The national parks in Finland are natural treasures, with one of the most popular being Oulanka National Park. Miles of hiking and snowshoeing trails are spread throughout the park, like the Könkääs Keino Trail, which takes you nearly 5 miles along the scenic Oulankajoki River, where you can view the rushing Kiutaköngäs rapids. It has two rest areas that allow overnight camping so you can rest with breathtaking forest views and the sounds of the river lulling you to sleep. Both provide simple toilets and fire pits, but you'll need your own camping supplies. The river and its rapids are excellent for canoeing and kayaking, and there are options for rentals and tours, including Kuusamo Safaris and Basecamp Oulanka.

In the southern region, Teijo National Park is a protected area covering 62 square miles of outdoor fun alongside 17th-century villages that were once centers of ironworking and craftsmanship. Lakes like Lake Matildanjärvi and Lake Puolakkajärvi make this a fishing haven, where you can catch perch, pike, and crayfish, provided you've paid the Fisheries Management Fee. Fishing and boating options are plentiful, with watercraft for rent at Natura Viva, and you can paddle to a wooded island named Isoholma that is covered in trees and surrounded by wild beachfront.

When it comes to Finland's cities, towns, and villages, most will have heard of the capital, Helsinki, but many other charming destinations merit a visit. The country's oldest city is Turku, located less than two hours west of Helsinki, and so filled with cuisine, art, and culture that Finns coined the phrase "Why visit Paris when you have Turku?" This beautiful city straddles the Aura River, with creative sculptures alongside historic buildings. Tour the 13th-century Turku Castle and learn about its history and construction through engaging exhibits, then enjoy a stay at the historic Scandic Hamburger Börs, whose hotel tradition dates back to 1894.

The second-oldest town, Porvoo, is just as intriguing and historic. Sample sweets at Brunberg, the longest-running maker of confectionery in the country (per Visit Porvoo), where you can join a tour to see the treats being made. Buy some chocolate for a dessert after enjoying Finnish homestyle cooking at Hanna-Maria, which offers hearty comfort food in sizeable portions. The 15th-century Porvoo Cathedral is a beautiful example of medieval architectural artistry. The iconic red houses on the Porvoo River have been around since the 1760s and are often featured in photos as a representation of Finland.

Saunas are also woven into Finnish culture, and the best way to experience them is in Tampere, the underrated "Sauna Capital" located between two lakes. With dozens of saunas around the city, there are many options. You can choose to soak in a place that's over a century old, like the highly rated Rajaportti Sauna, or a modern sauna with a restaurant at Saunaravintola Kuuma, where you can enjoy contemporary Finnish fare and a cocktail overlooking the Tammerkoski rapids after your steam bath.