Päijänne, Mainland Finland, 19700, Finland
Lake Päijänne, the second-largest lake in Finland, holds a significant place in the Finnish landscape and culture. Covering an area of approximately 1,080 square kilometers, it is renowned for its vast expanse and deep waters, with the deepest point reaching 95.3 meters, making it the deepest lake in Finland.
Geographic Features and Islands
The lake stretches through several Finnish municipalities, including Asikkala, Jyväskylä, and Lahti. Its extensive shoreline is dotted with numerous islands, the largest being Virmailansaari, along with others like Salonsaari and Judinsalo. The lake’s primary outflow is the Kymi River, which drains into the Gulf of Finland, linking Lake Päijänne with the Baltic Sea.
Historical Significance
The name ‘Päijänne’ is thought to have originated from a Pre-Finno-Ugric substrate language. Historically, the lake served as an important transportation channel in Central Finland, particularly before the 1940s, when it facilitated passenger and freight transport.
Modern Transportation and Tourism
Today, Lake Päijänne is a popular destination for boating, canoeing, and sailing, featuring a 119-kilometer-long waterway connected by canals to other significant lakes and the Baltic Sea. While plans to connect Päijänne directly to the Baltic Sea through canals have been discussed, they have yet to be realized.
The lake’s tourism appeal is enhanced by the presence of over 16,000 cottages along its shores, many with private saunas, making it a haven for cottage tourism. In addition to this, the lake attracts numerous visitors for activities such as fishing, sailing, canoeing, and various winter sports.
Water Supply and Environmental Recognition
An important aspect of Lake Päijänne is the Päijänne Water Tunnel, an underground aqueduct that supplies water to the Greater Helsinki area, signifying the lake’s importance beyond its immediate vicinity. The lake’s pristine water quality was recognized in 1995 when the Clear and Drinkable Lake Päijänne South Association received a Tourism and Environment award from the European Union Commission.
National Parks
Lake Päijänne is also known for its natural beauty, encompassed in part by the Päijänne National Park, which includes several unbuilt islands and was established in 1993. In addition, the nearby Leivonmäki National Park offers visitors a chance to experience the unique natural environment of the Finnish lakelands.