Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Practically every town and village has a network of ski tracks
(latu or ladut)
around the
urban centre, in many cases illuminated
(valaistu)
. The one drawback to using these tracks
is that you'll need to bring your own equipment (or purchase some), as rentals often aren't
possible.
Cross-country skiing at one of Finland's many ski resorts is an easier option. Tracks are
much longer and also usually better maintained. Ski resorts offer excellent instruction and
hire out equipment. The best cross-country skiing is in Lapland, where resorts offer hun-
dreds of kilometres of trails. Keep in mind that there are few hours of daylight in northern
Lapland during winter - if you're planning on a longer trek, spring is the best time. Cross-
country skiing is best during January and February in southern Finland, and from Decem-
ber to April in the north.
Water Sports
Rowing, Canoeing & Rafting
With 10% water coverage, Finland has always been a boating country, and until relatively
recently boats were an important form of transport on the lakes and rivers. Every waterside
town has a place (most frequently the campground) where you can hire a canoe, kayak or
rowboat by the hour or day. Rental cottages often come with rowboat included that you
can use free of charge to investigate the local lake and its islands.
Canoes and kayaks are suitable for longer adventures lasting several days or weeks.
Route maps and guides may be purchased at local or regional tourist offices and at
Karttakeskus
, which takes orders via its website. Canoe and kayak rentals cost €25 to €45
per day, and €90 to €200 per week, more if you need overland transport to the start or end
point of your trip.
Where to Row & Paddle
The sheltered bays and islands around the Turku archipelago and Åland in southwest Fin-
land are good for canoeing in summer.
Finland's system of rivers, canals and linked waterways means there are some extensive
canoeing routes. In the Lakeland, the Kolovesi and Linnansaari national parks are excel-
lent waters for canoeing, and offer plenty of exploration opportunities. North Karelia, par-
