Finland: camping in the Land of a Thousand Lakes
You will see mountains, waterfalls, fjords and, possibly, even the aurora borealis: Finland is very beautiful. Relax by one of Europe’s largest freshwater lakes, visit Santa Claus in Lapland, wander through the bustling capital city of Helsinki. Despite the many attractions, a camping holiday in Finland is surprisingly affordable, especially if you make use of the CampingCard ACSI in the low season.
The tranquillity of the Finnish lake district
An extraordinary nature reserve lies in the centre of Finland, strewn with numerous lakes, islands, rivers and meandering canals. You will also find Lake Saimaa, Finland’s largest freshwater lake, here. This reserve stretches from just above Helsinki along the Russian border up to and including the city of Kuopio. This is a photogenic landscape that is more than worth a visit during your camping holiday!
This natural beauty originated during the last ice age, about 10,000 years ago. The snow and ice retreating to the north left behind traces in the Finnish landscape. The landscape had been worn down, leaving behind large basins and gorges that filled with meltwater. Today this thickly forested area is the perfect place to go ‘offline’ and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Canoes and boats
Life in the Finnish lake district largely takes place on the water. The primary means of transport here is canoe or boat. If you want to experience the local culture while on holiday at a campsite in this area, then go on a canoe or boat trip yourself! It is the best way to enjoy the glistening water surface and truly discover the local lifestyle.
What are the campsites in Finland like?
In Finland, it is possible to camp surrounded by nature. Campsites are often next to a lake or river, which means that activities such as canoeing and fishing are very popular. What is striking is the tranquillity. Pitches are generally very spacious and offer plenty of privacy.
A typical Finnish campsite has basic facilities such as showers and kitchens but, in contract to the more luxurious campsites in Denmark or Germany, the campsites are often simple and focus on experiencing nature. Unique to Finnish campsites, however, is the sauna that is often present – an important component of the culture.
In the winter, some campsites transform into hubs for winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. While many campsites in Europe close for the winter, by contrast, in Finland you can still go to many campsites for a white camping holiday.
Low season temperatures
Because of its northern location, it is generally cooler in Finland than in other parts of Europe. With temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius, the summer is pleasant. During the winter, large parts of the country are covered with a thick layer of snow (40 to 60 cm in the south and the east, 1 to 2 metres in Lapland). Luckily, this does not mean that all campsites are closed in Finland during the winter months.
The average temperatures during the off season are as follows:
- January: -6 degrees
- February: -6 degrees
- March: -2 degrees
- April: 4 degrees
- May: 10 degrees
- June: 15 degrees
- High season: 18 to 20 degrees
- September: 10 degrees
- October: 5 degrees
- November: 0 degrees
- December: -4 degrees
