Discover the land of a thousand lakes.
Have you ever imagined gliding across crystal-clear waters, surrounded by Finland’s stunning landscapes?
The best places to paddle board in Finland are waiting for you.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the pristine Finnish waters. Are you ready?
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in Finland
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Näsijärvi
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Santalahti Beach, Tampere (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, occasional wind
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Perch, pike, whitefish
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Tampere city skyline, lush forests
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution during windy conditions, avoid boating areas
Näsijärvi is a beautiful lake located in Tampere, Finland. The vast expanse of water and scenic shoreline make it an ideal place for paddle boarding.
With stunning views of the Tampere city skyline and easy access to the water from many beaches, Näsijärvi is a fantastic location for both beginners and experienced paddle boarders.
#2 Päijänne
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Sysmä Island (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, mild winds
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Freshwater fish, birds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: National park scenery, wooden Vääksy Canal
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect national park rules, avoid swimming areas
Lake Päijänne, Finland’s second-largest lake, offers a multitude of fantastic paddle boarding spots. The lake’s sparkling waters and stunning National park scenery provide a picturesque and serene experience to every paddling enthusiast.
The wooden Vääksy Canal and nearby Sysmä Island offer historical charm to this remote Finnish lake. Paddle boarders are encouraged to respect National park rules and adhere to designated zones.
#3 Ruissalo Island
- Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Ruissalo Spa (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, moderate wind
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, occasional seals
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Turku Archipelago, oak forests
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect nature conservation areas
Ruissalo Island, located in the Turku Archipelago, offers a refreshing oceanfront paddle boarding experience. With its stunning coastline and oak forest backdrop, Ruissalo provides a picturesque and peaceful experience for all levels of paddle boarders.
The serene waters make it an appealing spot to explore the beauty of the Finnish Archipelago. Visitors are encouraged to watch for boat traffic and respect the surrounding nature conservation areas.
#4 Saimaa
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Savonlinna City Beach (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, occasional wind
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Saimaa ringed seal, freshwater fish, birds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Medieval Castle of Olavinlinna, labyrinthine waterways
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect wildlife, navigate carefully in narrow waterways
Lake Saimaa, Finland’s largest lake, offers a mesmerizing paddle boarding experience for both beginners and skilled paddlers. Nestled amongst labyrinthine waterways, visitors have the chance to encounter the endangered Saimaa ringed seal and explore the medieval Castle of Olavinlinna.
With its calm waters and stunning landscape, Lake Saimaa guarantees an unforgettable adventure. Paddle boarders are encouraged to respect the unique wildlife and navigate carefully in the narrow water passages.
#5 Hietaniemi Beach
- Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Hietaniemi Beach (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, moderate wind
- Popular Seasons: Summer
- Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, occasional seals
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Helsinki skyline, nearby parks
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for swimmers, respect beach rules
Hietaniemi Beach, located in Helsinki, provides urban paddle boarders with an easily accessible oceanfront experience. The beach offers stunning views of the city skyline, and nearby parks provide a refreshing atmosphere.
With its mild currents and moderate winds, Hietaniemi Beach is suitable for both beginners and more experienced paddle boarders. Visitors are encouraged to watch for swimmers and adhere to beach rules.
#6 Iso-Melkutin
- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Shell Loppi, Sarvilammentie (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, clear water, occasional wind
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Freshwater fish, birds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Scenic forest surroundings
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect nature, use caution in windy conditions
Iso-Melkutin, a clear-water lake surrounded by beautiful forests, offers paddle boarders a tranquil and scenic escape. With its calm waters, it is an ideal spot for beginners to experience the serenity of Finnish nature.
Visitors are encouraged to respect the surrounding nature and use caution in windy conditions. The pristine waters and peaceful atmosphere make Iso-Melkutin a perfect getaway from the daily hustle.
#7 Aurajoki
- Location Type: River
- Access Point: Turku waterfront, along the river bank (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, occasional wind
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Local birds, fish species
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Turku Castle, historic cityscape, bridges
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect riverside rules
Aurajoki River, located in Turku, offers a unique city paddleboarding experience. Paddling along the river, you will pass by Turku Castle and a variety of picturesque bridges.
The mild currents make it suitable for paddleboarders of all skill levels. Be sure to watch for boat traffic and adhere to riverside rules.
#8 Suomenlinna
- Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Suomenlinna Ferry Terminal (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, moderate wind
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, occasional seals
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Helsinki Archipelago
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, respect protected areas
Suomenlinna, an iconic sea fortress located near Helsinki, offers diverse conditions for paddleboarding.
The Helsinki Archipelago’s beauty and surrounding fortress walls make it an attractive spot for paddlers. Remember to respect the protected areas and watch for boat traffic.
#9 Lemmenlaakso
- Location Type: River
- Access Point: Lemmenlaakson Nature Reserve, Järvenpää (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm currents, occasional wind
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Local birds, occasional small mammals
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Scenic forest and river landscape
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect nature reserve rules, avoid restricted areas
Lemmenlaakso in Järvenpää provides a peaceful and scenic river paddle boarding experience.
The nature reserve is filled with lush forests and serene waters perfect for a relaxing paddle. Ensure you respect the nature reserve rules and avoid restricted areas.
#10 Yyteri Beach
- Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Yyteri Beach, Pori (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, moderate wind
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, occasional seals
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Sand dunes, Bothnian Sea National Park
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for swimmers, respect beach rules
Yyteri Beach in Pori offers an oceanfront paddleboarding experience near Bothnian Sea National Park.
The beach features sand dunes and mild currents, perfect for a day of paddling. Remember to watch for swimmers and respect the beach rules.
#11 Vuoksi Waterway
- Location Type: River
- Access Point: Imatra and Imatrankoski White-water route (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: White-water rapids, strong currents
- Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Local fish species, various bird species
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Imatrankoski rapids, scenic forest landscape
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Suitable for experienced paddlers, use caution in rapids
The Vuoksi Waterway and Imatrankoski White-water route provides an adrenaline rush for experienced paddleboarders. The route offers challenging rapids surrounded by stunning forest scenery near Imatra.
Due to the strong currents and white-water rapids, only experienced paddleboarders should attempt this route while following safety precautions.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Finland?
Popular locations for paddle boarding in Finland include the Helsinki Archipelago, Saimaa Lake District, and Nuuksio National Park.
Do paddle boards need to get registered in Finland?
No, there is no requirement to register paddle boards in Finland.
When is the best time to paddle board in Finland?
The most suitable time to paddle board in Finland is during the summer months, due to its warmer and longer daylight hours.
