Credits: Mikko Nikkinen
There’s no shortage of pristine waterways in Finland. After all, this is the land of a thousand lakes and the home of the world’s largest archipelago! Finland has the biggest fleet of old sailing ships for passenger use. Whether your guests want to cruise the country’s largest lake or learn the secrets of sailing, Finland offers plenty of unique locations to hoist those sails and catch the breeze.
Kayaking and canoeing are both fun activities, and Finland has plenty of places to try them. From half day trips to longer trips with overnight stays in nature, guided kayaking trips can be tailored to the group’s needs.
Put teamwork to the test with an exciting day of river rafting. Rafting season runs from spring to autumn, but many consider April and May – when all the snow and ice in the north melt and flow south – the best time to hop aboard a raft. While the Tornio and Muonio rivers are best for expert rafters, Ruunaa rapids are the classic ride, and the Kitka River is perfect for beginners.
Rigid inflatable boats, or RIBs, are lightweight, aerodynamic vessels that are virtually unsinkable. And in Finland, RIB safaris are a popular and exciting way to ride the waves. The best part? These boats give travellers a unique opportunity to sightsee and fulfill their need for speed.
While many of Finland’s 50,000-plus islands are far-flung and uninhabited, they’re all charming in their own way, and many are also equipped with unique and interesting working lighthouses. Here are six lighthouse islands to visit. To get there, simply hop on a RIB, ferry or boat.
SUP is all the rage these days, and this full-body workout is a great way to explore Finland’s many waterways. From cruising the rugged coastline to paddling around a lake to floating near the city centre, there are tons of places to paddleboard in and around Finland.
Floating is a surreal experience. In the winter, guests jump into a large hole in the ice in a warm, insulated floating suit and let the cold water cradle them. In the summer, they’ll go with the flow as the current gently carries them downstream. While it might sound anti-climactic, peace and relaxation are the endgame of floating.
Why not treat your group to a private sightseeing cruise around the stunning archipelago? Or how about an intimate sunset sail in Lakeland? Whether you’re booking an incentive for a couple people or a couple hundred, Finland offers plenty of ways to hop aboard a boat and chart a unique course.
Sauna is essentially the Finnish national pastime – especially when coupled with a post-bathe swim. In fact, Finland’s love of sauna recently made the UNESCO World Heritage list of Intangible Culture. Interested in booking one for your guests? You’re in luck: Finland has 3 million saunas to choose from. We recommend completing the experience with a chilly dip in a lake, sea or pool.