Finland is often called the land of a thousand lakes, and the real number is far higher. In summer, the lakes are where Finnish life happens: swimming from wooden piers, lake cruises in the evening light, saunas by the water and long walks along the shore. For travellers who want to experience this side of the country, choosing lakeside hotels in Finland is the easiest way to keep the water close throughout the trip.
This guide follows the lakes from west to east, from Tampere’s two lakes to Kuopio’s Kallavesi and the vast Lake Saimaa, with one hotel highlighted in each stop.
Tampere: A City Between Two Lakes
Tampere sits on a narrow strip of land between two large lakes, with the Tammerkoski rapids running through the centre. It combines city life with easy access to beaches and lakeside walks.
Scandic Rosendahl
This lakeside hotel stands on the shore of Lake Pyhäjärvi in the green Pyynikki area, about two kilometres from the city centre. Pyynikki beach is only about 200 metres away, and the open-air Pyynikki Summer Theatre is a short walk. Inside, there is a 20-metre indoor pool, a sauna, a gym and even a squash court. The Panoraama restaurant serves breakfast with lake views, some rooms look out over the water, and families will appreciate the kids’ playroom. Bikes and Nordic walking poles can be borrowed for exploring the shoreline.
Kuopio: The Heart of the Kallavesi Lake District
Kuopio is surrounded by Lake Kallavesi, and its passenger harbour is the starting point for summer cruises across the lake.
Scandic Kuopio
Set in the Kallavesi lake district about one kilometre from the city centre, the hotel has the passenger harbour and a beach right next to it. Väinölänniemi beach is about 400 metres away. Guests can swim in the 14-metre indoor pool, relax in the sauna and book a Superior Best View room for lake views or a Junior Suite with its own sauna. Puijo Tower, with its views over the lakes, and the market square are both easy to reach. In winter, ski tracks start just outside the door.
The Saimaa Region: Finland’s Largest Lake
Lake Saimaa stretches across eastern Finland, with thousands of islands, quiet shores and towns that come alive in summer. Lappeenranta and Mikkeli are two good bases for exploring it.
Scandic Patria, Lappeenranta
This quiet, stylish hotel is in the middle of Lappeenranta, about 200 metres from the centre and close to the harbour. The 18th-century fortress, where the city first grew, is about 400 metres away, and the Summer Theatre and Market Hall are nearby. Guests can borrow bikes to explore the hiking trails along the Saimaa shore, then return to a sauna or a room with its own private sauna.
Scandic Mikkeli
In the centre of Mikkeli, about 500 metres from the harbour, this charming hotel has a 12-metre indoor pool and a sauna. The Superior Sauna room is spacious enough for a family, and in summer the large terrace is a favourite spot for guests and locals alike. Saimaa cruises are a popular day out, and the marketplace cafés and Naisvuori Observation Tower are a short walk away.
Summer Lake Activities Worth Planning
- Lake cruises: Departures from Tampere, Kuopio, Lappeenranta and Mikkeli harbours.
- Swimming: Public beaches at Pyynikki and Väinölänniemi are close to the hotels.
- Cycling: Several hotels lend bikes for shoreline routes.
- Sauna evenings: End the day the Finnish way, ideally with a swim afterwards.
- Viewpoints: Puijo Tower and Naisvuori offer wide views across the water.
Lake hotels in Finland are also year-round bases. In winter, the same shores turn into skating routes and ski tracks, and a hot sauna feels even better after a day in the snow.
Before You Pack
Finnish summers bring long, light evenings, so pack layers for cool nights by the water and light clothes for warm days. Combine two lake towns in one trip, for example Tampere and Kuopio, to see different sides of the lake district. Whichever route you choose, a hotel by Lake Saimaa, Kallavesi or Pyhäjärvi puts the water at the centre of your Finland lake holiday.
All four hotels in this guide are part of Scandic. For more travel inspiration from Finland and beyond, explore BlogsBuddy.