Lakes in Lapland

Finland's Lakes and Ponds

Lapland’s aquatic landscape ranges from the vast, island-studded expanse of Lake Inari, the third-largest in Finland, to unique geological formations like the Pakasaivo canyon lake. This collection features diverse water bodies including Livojärvi, known for its extensive white sand beaches, and the man-made Neitokainen, which is shaped like the map of Finland. These lakes and ponds are central to the region’s geography, serving as historical Sámi sacred sites and key components of the Arctic wilderness ecosystem.

Finland's Lakes and Ponds — Map

A

Livojärvi

Known for its exceptionally clear water and extensive white sand beaches, this large lake is often referred to as the 'Riviera of Lapland.'

Francisco M. Marzoa Alonso / CC BY-SA 2.5

B

Lake Inari

Lake Inari is the largest lake in Sápmi and the third-largest lake in Finland.

C

Menesjärvi

A serene lake located in the Lemmenjoki region, traditionally significant to the local Sámi culture.

WikiCraft / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Pakasaivo canyon lake

A narrow canyon lake formed in a tectonic fissure, reaching depths of 60 meters. Historically a sacred Sámi site, it is known for its steep rock walls.

Ari Mure / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Pitsusjärvi

Located in the Käsivarsi Wilderness Area, this remote lake sits near the Pihtsusköngäs waterfall, one of the highest in Finland.

F

Lake Kemi

Kemijärvi is a lake in the town of Kemijärvi, northern Finland.

G

Lake Kilpisjärvi

Kilpisjärvi is a medium-sized lake located at the north-western tip of Finland and northernmost Sweden.

H

Yli-Kitka

Yli-Kitka is a lake in Finland, in the municipalities of Kuusamo and Posio. The lake is connected to Ala-Kitka at Kilkilösalmi strait.

I

Luirojärvi

Luirojärvi is a rather small lake of Finland. It is located in Urho Kekkonen National Park in Lapland region.

J

Lake Iijärvi

Lake Iijärvi is a medium-sized lake in Lapland in Finland. It is located in Kaldoaivi Wilderness Area.

K

Nitsijärvi

Nitsijärvi is a medium-sized lake in the Lapland of Finland. It is situated only 68 km from the Norwegian border, in the village of Näätämö.

L

Saanajärvi

A clear-water lake situated at the foot of the iconic Saana fell in Kilpisjärvi, positioned over 600 meters above sea level.

M

Sompiojärvi

Located within the Sompio Strict Nature Reserve, this lake is part of the Lokka reservoir system and offers views of the Nattaset fells.

N

Kivilompolo

A lake situated on the border between Finland and Norway, near the northernmost customs point in the Enontekiö region.

O

Saksalompolo

A small lake in the Torne River catchment area, located in the remote wilderness near the border of Finland and Sweden.

P

Seipäjärvi

A remote lake located in the Sodankylä region of central Lapland.

Q

Kaarantojärvi

A lake situated in the Muonio municipality, close to the Swedish border in western Lapland.

R

Neitokainen

An artificial pond in Kittilä excavated in 1991, uniquely designed to precisely match the geographical shape of Finland.

S

Korvakkojärvi

A lake located in the border region between Finnish Lapland and Swedish Norrbotten, part of the Torne River basin.

T

Saksajärvi

A wilderness lake located in the far northwest, part of the Torneälven water system near the Swedish border.

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Lapland's Absolute Essentials Wilderness Huts & Shelters Finnish Peaks and Vistas Wilderness Huts and Cabins Lapland's Sacred Sites