There are a huge number of lakes in Finland, about 188,000.
About 10% of the country’s land area is covered by lakes.
Saimaa is the largest lake in Finland.
Here I would like to introduce you to Saimaa.
If you are interested in the characteristics of Saimaa, the surrounding cities, and the creatures that live only in Saimaa, please read on.
About the lake Saimaa
Finland is known not only as the land of Moomin and Santa Claus but also as one of the greatest natural wonders in Nordic countries.
Forests and lakes cover most of Finland.
About 70% of the country is covered by forests and 10% by lakes and rivers.
Because of its grandeur and beauty, Finland is also called the Land of Forests and Lakes.
Japan also has many lakes, including Lake Biwa. However, the scale of Finland’s lakes is outstanding.
It is said that there are about 188000 lakes in Finland, including large and small ones.
Saimaa is the largest of these lakes in Finland.
Saimaa is located 350 km northeast of Helsinki in an area called Lakeland.
Saimaa covers an area of about 4,400 square kilometers. It is the largest lake in Finland and the fourth largest in Europe.
The unique ecosystem of Saimaa
Saimaa was created by the melting of glaciers during the Ice Age.
Saimaa, which was formed over a long period, is also notable for its unique ecosystem.
For example, Saimaa is home to seals called Saimaa ringed seals.
The Saimaa ringed seal is a rare freshwater seal found only in Saimaa.
In addition to the Saimaa ringed seal, the Saimaa salmon is also unique to Saimaa.
In this way, the ecosystem of Saimaa is extremely rich and diverse, thanks in part to its blessed natural environment.
On the other hand, the ecosystem of Saimaa has been threatened in recent years due to rapid climate change and habitat degradation caused by fishing.
The number of Saimaa ringed seals has also been rapidly declining.
As of the time of the 2008 survey, only 260 seals inhabited the lake.
As a result, the Saimaa ringed seal is now listed as an endangered species.
Savonlinna, a city on the shores of Saimaa
Saimaa covers an area of 4,400 square kilometers and spans four Finnish administrative regions, including South Savo.
Therefore, if you are visiting Saimaa as a Finland tourist, it is recommended that you head to the nearest city as a base.
Savonlinna is a city located on the shores of Saimaa that many tourists use as a base.
Savonlinna belongs to South Savo and is a medium-sized city with a population of about 40,000.
Savonlinna has a long history, with its origins dating back to 1475. It was first built as a fortress by Erik Axelsson Tott, the regent of Finland at the time.
In 1639 Savonlinna was established as an official town.
Savonlinna retains the atmosphere of the 17th century. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Finland.
In addition to Saimaa, there are many other places of interest in the city.
The most representative landmark of Savonlinna is Olavinlinna, which was built in the 17th century.
In addition to being a valuable medieval structure, Olavinlinna is also the site of the Savonlinna Opera Festival, a month-long musical event held every July.
Olavinlinna was also the model for the castle in the classic role-playing game Dragon Quest.
https://hokuou-info.com/2022/03/21/olavinlinna/Conclusion
Saimaa is the largest lake in Finland and the fourth largest in Europe.
It is a natural spot that symbolizes the richness of nature in Finland.
It is a must-see destination for visitors to Finland.
