Finland might be known as the land of thousands of lakes but not so much as the land of clear water lakes. Even though the lakes and surroundings are really beautiful the waters are not in the same category as for example the Mediterranean.
There are some exceptions, however. These are usually lakes that not have agriculture around them and may not even have any rivers feeding them. For many of these, the water originates from natural springs. These lakes are some of the clearest in Finland.
Location
Kiikunlähde
Location
Located in Hollola, Kiikunlähde is a rare sight in Finnish nature, a turquoise lake! It is 400m long and 100m wide and all of the water comes from the springs in the bottom. There are altogether 14 springs that produce 7000M3 of water per day. The lake is very popular, and unfortunately, some of the surroundings have suffered due to the huge number of visitors. The lake is located on private land and swimming in it is not encouraged.
Sääksjärvi
Location
Sääksjärvi is actually based on a spring that has formed a lake in a kettle hole. Due to the lake being spring water, it is very clear and it is one of the few lakes in Finland where you can see the bottom even in the deepest point when the weather is good. The lake is located quite near Helsinki and is very popular during the summer months. There is a large beach, cafeteria, camping area, and possibility to rent SUP boards, boats and canoes.
Sonnanen
Location
The water of the Sonnanen lake is unusually clear and according to some, it is the second clearest lake in Finland. Sonnanen is popular among freedivers and the world record under ice free diving has been made here.
Like many clear lakes in Finland, Sonnanen is also based on a natural spring. On the south side of the lake, there is a public beach but no facilities.
Valkiajärvi
Location
Valkiajärvi is popular among scuba divers due to the very good visibility and lively lake life. The visibility is typically over 10 meters and can be up to 30 meters on the best days. When scuba diving or snorkeling, you are quite likely to spot some pikes and perches. The fish are quite easy to approach and it is recommended not to fish or harpoon them to maintain the atmosphere of mutual trust.
A good place for swimming is the local divers club spot that has a pier, some benches and campfire place. The lake is 34 meters deep at deepest and based on a natural spring.
Iso-Valkee
Location
Unlike its name Finnish name (Big-White) suggests Iso-Valkee is not very big and not very white. It is however perfect for some easy hiking, camping, swimming, or scuba diving. The water is very clear with visibility ranging from 3 to 8 meters.
There is a 3km long nature path around the lake and several places for swimming. You can even spend a night by the lake in one of the two lean-to´s, which also have campfire places for preparing food. On the East side of the lake, there is also an old sauna and rowing boat which you can rent from the city of Somero.
Heramaanjärvi
Location
Heramaanjärvi is a rugged lake in Kangasala, 27km from Tampere. In Finnish standards, it´s water is clear with visibility from 4 to 10 meters. Popular among scuba divers for underwater filming and underwater wildlife watching. Especially perches are common to bump into.
A path goes around the lake and offers several places for swimming.
Iso-Melkutin
Location
Iso-Melkutin seems too clear of a lake to be located in Southern Finland. Also the surroundings are more familiar from Lapland. Iso-Melkutin is a go-to destination for day hikes, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, SUP boarding or anything else best done on a small wilderness lake. An easy to walk 7,1 km hiking path goes around the lake and there are two campfireplaces along the way, in east & west ends. Small beaches are scattered around the lake and it´s possible to go swimming from almost anywhere.
The water is very clear with visibility 4-8 meters which makes it popular among scuba divers as well.
