11. The scenic regions of Finland

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11.1 Scenic regions
11.2 The Finnish Archipelago
11.3 Southern Finland
11.4 Finnish Lakeland
11.5 Ostrobothnia
11.6 Eastern Finland
11.7 Lapland

11.1 Scenic regions

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When studying a map of the world, Finland does not really distinguish itself from its surroundings in terms of its elevation and other geographical features.

When looking at a map of the world, the most recognizable features are the shapes of the continents, as well as the planet's vast high mountain ranges, deserts and inland plains.

Finland is a nation that consists mainly of flat lowland or low highland areas. Lowland areas are regions located at an elevation between 0 and 200 meters above sea level, whereas highland areas are located over 200 meters above sea level.

However, when looking at a map of Finland, we can distinguish various kinds of different environments. The nation can be divided into six scenic regions that differ from each other in terms of their topography, rock and soil types, climates and water environments. The six scenic areas are also home to different kinds of plants and animals.

The borders between the Finnish scenic regions are not completely clear. This is because different scenic areas blend into each other gradually.

All Finnish scenic regions consist of natural landscapes and cultural landscapes. Natural landscapes are the most plentiful in Northern and Eastern Finland. When humans have settled in a region and harnessed their natural resources, these natural landscapes have developed into cultural landscapes. For example, humans have cleared forests for agricultural use and built roads and villages. Most Finnish landscapes are a blend of cultural and natural lanscapes.

11.2 Finnish Archipelago

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The scenic region of the Finnish Archipelago consists of Åland and the islands between Åland and Turku. Located between the Bothnian Sea, the Sea of Åland and the Archipelago Sea, it is the southernmost of the Finnish scenic regions. It contains thousands of islands, only some of which are inhabited.

Traditionally, the livelihoods of archipelago folk have depended on fishing. Almost all Finnish fish are grown in the Finnish Archipelago. In addition to fishing, tourism is an important part of the archipelago's economy. Other important livelihoods in the region include the electronics and boat industries, as well as the paper industry.

Outer archipelago in Åland.

The Finnish Archipelago is mostly Swedish-speaking. Good Swedish skills are essential for visitors, especially in Åland. Boats and ferries are important features of the archipelago. They transport inhabitants and tourists alike from island to island.

11.3 Southern Finland

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The regions of Southwest Finland, Satakunta, Uusimaa, and Kymenlaakso comprise a relatively unified scenic area in the southern parts of the country. This scenic area is called Southern Finland. The area is characterized by vast fields, zigzagging rivers, large cities and smaller towns.

Southern Finland is the most populous area in the country. Helsinki, Espoo, Turku and Vantaa are the largest cities in the area, and among the largest in all of Finland. The largest population center of the nation, the Greater Helsinki region, is concentrated around the nation's capital city.

Study the map of Helsinki.
Study Helsinki with a 3D map.

The conditions of Southern Finland are advantageous for agriculture and farming. This is why the region has traditionally been one of Finland's agricultural centers. Nowadays, migration from the countryside to the Greater Helsinki region is high.

Photographs from Southern Finland

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: Raasepori in Tammisaari.
: Different cereals are grown in the fields of Southern Finland.
: Jokioinen is a typical small town in Southern Finland. It has grown alongside a river and is surrounded by vast fields.
: A farmyard in Tammela, Tavastia Proper. What is the season? Can you identify the spruce and the birch?
: When moving north from the archipelago, the amount of forests in the landscape begins to increase.

Photographs from the cities of Southern Finland

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: Helsinki is the capital of Finland. The most important governmental buildings are located in the capital. The picture shows the Finnish House of Parliament.
: Hanko is the southernmost city in Finland.
: Hämeenlinna is a famous, historical city.
: Many cities in Southern Finland have formed alongside rivers. The river Aura flows through the city of Turku.
: The Turku Cathedral is famous among tourists.
: A medieval church in Naantali. It was built in 1500 to function as an abbey. The city of Naantali gradually formed around this abbey.
: Porvoo is an old city on the shore of the Baltic Sea.
: Historical wooden houses can still be seen in Rauma.
: Rauma is an old coastal city.

11.4 Finnish Lakeland

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The scenic region of Finnish Lakeland (also known as Lakeland Finland) is located in Central and Eastern Finland. The region has received the name "Lakeland" because to its many lakes. In total, the area is about 350 km both in length and width. About half of the surface area of the Finnish Lakeland is covered by water. In comparison, water covers only one tenth of the surface area of the rest of Finland.

The average depth of the larger lakes is 10 meters, whereas the average depth of smaller lakes is only a few meters. The deepest lake in the Finnish Lakeland is Päijänne. At its lowest point, it is 95 meters deep.

Six of the ten largest Finnish lakes can be found in the Finnish Lakeland: Suur-Saimaa, Päijänne, Iso-Kalla, Keitele, Iso-Längelmävesi and Puulavesi.

Jyväskylä, Kuopio, Mikkeli and Lappeenranta are the largest cities of the Finnish Lakeland.

The terrain of the Finnish Lakeland is relatively flat. It is comprised of fields, lakes and forests. The highest points of the Finnish Lakeland are found in the northern parts of the region.

The surface of the water in lakes Päijänne and Saimaa is located 75 metres higher than that of the sea. The waters from the lakes of the Finnish Lakeland flow down to the Baltic Sea through various rivers. The water of most lakes in the Finnish Lakelands is clear. Their shores accommodate thousands of cottages and summerhouses.

Photographs from the Finnish Lakeland

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: Lakes and forests are the common features of the Finnish Lakeland. In the picture, you can see an esker between two lakes. Eskers are ridges created during the last ice age.
: The Finnish Lakeland is beautiful during the summer months.
: Kuopio in early winter. Notice the old wooden houses!
: Olavinlinna is a castle in the city of Savonlinna.
: Tampere is located between two lakes.

11.5 Ostrobothnia

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Ostrobothnia is a region in Western Finland. It is located on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Bothnia. It is characterized by its flat terrain, plentiful fields and many rivers.

Oulu is the largest city in Ostrobothnia. It is also the largest city in the northern half of Finland. It is an important central hub for the surrounding regions. Other large Ostrobothnian cities include Vaasa and Seinäjoki.

Agriculture and industry are common livelihoods in Ostrobothnia. Human habitation and agricultural areas have developed on the banks of Ostrobothnia's many rivers. The typical Ostrobothnian village is concentrated along a narrow and long main road.

Some central and coastal areas of Ostrobothnia are primarily Swedish-speaking. Areas further inland and to the north are primarily Finnish-speaking.

Ostrobothnia is a region of rivers. Oulu.

Photographs from Ostrobothnia

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: There are sand beaches on the shores of the Bothnian gulf. The picture is from Oulu.
: Vaasa is a coastal city. Its beaches are shallow.
: In addition to its many fields, a number of bogs can also be found in Ostrobothnia.

11.6 Eastern Finland

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Like its name suggests, Eastern Finland consists of the easternmost regions of the nation, including Pohjois-Karjala and Kainuu.

The terrain of Eastern Finland varies greatly. It is characterized by high forested hills. These hills open magnificient views into large areas of forest and bogs. The most famous view of Eastern Finland is from Koli.

Forestry and agriculture have traditionally been the most important livelihoods in the region. Forestry continues to be significant in Eastern Finland to this day, whereas the importance of agriculture has steadily declined. This has led to many small villages dying out. As a result, the Eastern Finnish population has concentrated more and more to the region's largest cities. The region attracts many holidaymakers and tourists during the summer.

Eastern Finland is beautiful in the winter. Kuusamo.

11.7 Lapland

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The scenic area of Lapland can be divided into two smaller parts, Forest Lapland and Fell Lapland. As a whole, Lapland is the largest and the most scarcely populated Finnish scenic region.

Forest Lapland consists of vast taiga forests and bogs. Because of its northern location and short summer, the area is not very suitable for agriculture.

Fell Lapland is characterized by the lack of forests. Spruce does not thrive in the far north, whereas pine is only seen in river valleys. Small birches and shrubs grow on the mountaineous fells.

Rovaniemi is the largest city in Lapland. Lapland is also home to Finland's native Sami people, whose lifestyle is visible in many parts of the region.

Tourism, reindeer herding and animal husbandry are among the most important livelihoods in Lapland. Lapland's popularity among tourists is based on its beautiful landscapes, the midnight sun, the northern lights, and the excellent skiing opportunities.

Lapland is one of Finland's most important tourist attractions. Ylläs.

Photographs from Lapland

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: Winter in Lapland is reliably snowy.
: Rovaniemi is situated within the Arctic Circle.
: Lapland, e.g. Rovaniemi, is accessible by car, by train, and even by plane.
: Lapland has historically been popular among gold diggers.
: The reindeer is a common animal in Lapland.
: Santa Clause is said to live in Lapland.
: In the winter you can see aurora borealis (northern lights) in Lapland. They are a tourist attraction that draws many Asian visitors.
: Utsjoki is the northernmost point in Finland.
: A number of popular ski resorts are located in Lapland.

11. The scenic regions of Finland

Contents

11.1 Scenic regions

11.2 Finnish Archipelago

11.3 Southern Finland

Photographs from Southern Finland

Photographs from the cities of Southern Finland

11.4 Finnish Lakeland

Photographs from the Finnish Lakeland

11.5 Ostrobothnia

Photographs from Ostrobothnia

11.6 Eastern Finland

11.7 Lapland

Photographs from Lapland