There are a staggering 188,000 lakes in Finland. A quarter of them are located in Lakeland, a hilly, forest-covered region that remained after glaciers receded around 10,000 years ago. That includes Lake Saimaa, the largest in Finland and the fourth-largest natural freshwater lake in Europe.

Not surprisingly, Lakeland becomes a wonderland in winter, with residents and visitors (safely) taking to the ice and snow and taking in that swoon-worthy scenery. Here are some ways to enjoy this unique place:

© Visit Finland

Catch Your Dinner

Want to try ice fishing, a popular way for Finns to personally snag the catch of the day? You can during a stay at Hotelli Kalevala, a small, private hotel by the lake near Kuhmo designed to look like an ancient wooden fortress. During an excursion, staff take guests out via snowshoes, skis or on foot to try their hand at fishing with nets and a jig through a hole cut in the ice. Even if you aren’t lucky enough to get any perch, pike, whitefish or Arctic char, no worries — lunch is included.

Glide Along on a Sustainable Snow Scooter

Picture the Razor Scooters loved by kids, but with a ski instead of wheels and a platform on which to stand, and that’ll give you an idea of an electric snow scooter. It’s a comfortable way to get around on the frozen lake that’s also as easy as riding a bike. Helmets and vests are included, as it’s safe for anyone 10 years of age or older. During a 90-minute guided scooter safari in the bright sunshine or the pitch black under the stars, you can explore Lake Saimaa, stopping from time to time to take sips of a warm beverage, enjoy the scenery or listen to your guide tell you more about your surroundings.

© Visit Finland

Float in a Dry Suit
If you love river tubing, give dry-suit floating a try. This year-round activity involves donning a waterproof suit, hood and gloves, then gently floating down the Vuoksi River (or on Lake Saimaa). In the colder temperatures, the suit wards off some of the chilly water, though warm clothes underneath are still recommended. Stare up at the piercing blue sky, watch the landscapes float by and breathe in the clean winter air; you can also do some breathing activities or even engage in a little mindful meditation. It’s quite a unique experience.

© Mikko Nikkinen

E-Bike on the Snow

You might think you need to wait until spring thaw to engage in bike riding. Not if you jump on an e-bike outfitted with fat tires, allowing you to effortlessly navigate maintained routes, even when they are completely covered with snow. There are almost 100 miles of cycling trails in the national parks of Hossa and Martinselkonen, including the Julma-Ölkky winter trail, on which you can see the famous rock paintings, the Pirunkirkko cave and an incredible icefall.