In Central Finland there is an area dotted with lakes: the lakes region. A perfect place for those who love nature and outdoor activities, here's what to do in January.
In Central Finland there is an area dotted with dozens and dozens of bodies of water: the lakes region. A perfect place for those who love solitary nature and outdoor activities. Forests of pine and birch trees surround the area, giving the landscape a remote and irresistible charm.
Central Finland in January
Central Finland in January is practically all whitewashed. The treetops are covered in snow and a thick blanket of snow covers every surface.
You will be delighted to see the many lakes in the region completely frozen. And where in the summer you went by boat, in the winter you go by car or snowmobile. And then on many of these lakes real tracks are created cross country of skatingor, just like in the movies.
The area also hosts a number of national parks, where you may encounter moose and reindeer, typical animals of the Finnish region. If you want to spend the nights in the middle of the Finnish forests, you can rent a typical wooden cottage. You will feel like you are in a dream!
Itinerary in the Finnish lakes region
Perhaps the best way to discover the lakes region is to get organized by hiring a car and getting ready for one road trip.
You have several options for touring central Finland but whichever itinerary you decide to follow, you will find yourself in front of the majesty of thousands of lakes, forests and typical Finnish cottages. Landscapes that make winter even those who are not a big fan of winter love.
As a first stop you reach the city of Jyvaskyla, a rather well-known university center in Finland.
Here don't miss a visit to the bizarre Alvar Aalto museum, famous Finnish architect, who is among other things the author of the university campus of the city.
If you love saunas and spas, you can stay at the neighbor Peurunka resort, offering accommodation to suit all budgets and boasts a great spa with heated pools and various types of saunas.
What to do in Central Finland in January
To get a first taste of Central Finland in January, book a ride in the Finnish forest aboard a snowmobile or a sled pulled by huskies.
Consider that in January at 16 it is already dark, so the effect of being in the middle of the woods only with the light of the moon is really exciting.
The perfect end to the day here is in the sauna. In the lakes region there are many: some public, others part of hotels and resorts.
Not far from Jyvaskyla are the Laajis ski slopes, where you can try your hand at your favorite winter sport. Tobogganing, snowboarding, skiing or cross-country skiing: you just have to choose the one that's right for you.
To have a close encounter with the sweet moose and beautiful reindeer instead, move to the area of Jamsa. Here is the "Moose manor", where elk and reindeer are protected and studied and live peacefully in large enclosures.
You can really see them up close, caress them and feed them.
And if you still want snow, around Jamsa there are Himos ski slopes. You can also stay in the cottages of the homonymous resort which overlooks the slopes with a fabulous panorama.
