IMAGES: ALAMY; LEHMONKÄRKI RESORT
LAKE ADVENTURES
BEST FOR FISHING: LAKE PÄIJÄNNE, FINLAND Finland, viewed from above, resembles a tapestry woven from forests and lakes. With almost 190,000 lakes scattered across the country, it’s almost impossible to explore without encountering these sprawling bodies of water. Among them, Lake Päijänne stands out as the second-largest, resembling a ford nestled within the expansive Finnish Lakeland. Located at the heart of the national park that shares its name, Lake Päijänne stretches for around 80 miles, its waters bordered by ancient spruce, pine and silver birch forests; speckled with islets and sandy esker islands, shaped during the last Ice Age. When the midnight sun burns, Finns come to slip back to nature in lakefront cabins or pitch tents on remote stretches of shoreline. Birds like herons, ospreys and lesser black-
backed gulls flock here for the fish, and whether casting lines from the shore, navigating the waters by boat or venturing out to the lake’s numerous islands, fishing enthusiasts, too, are rewarded with the chance to hook prized species such as perch, zander, pike and brown trout. The lake’s reputation as a prime fishing destination is boistered by its rich underwater ecosystem and the surrounding landscape. Don’t miss the chance to swim, with water temperatures rising to 20C in summer. HOW TO DO IT: Boats are needed to reach the best fishing spots and local outfits like Lucky Fish and Salpausselkä Pro Fishing offer experiences for every ability. Methods include trolling, casting and jigging. With a forest backdrop and Scandi-cool mirror houses reflecting the changing light on the lake, Lehmonkärki Resort is an enticing base with kayaks and standup paddleboards available for exploring.
visitpaijanne.fi lehmonkarki.fi WHILE IN THE AREA: Ospreys can often be spotted soaring over the lake on the circular three-mile nature trail along the Pulkkilanharju esker ridge, which starts at Karisalmi bridge and crosses numerous islets before winding through old-growth forest. Bring a picnic, binoculars and mosquito repellent.
visitpaijanne.fi
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BEST FOR HIKING: LAKE ATITLÁN, GUATEMALA With volcanoes, waterfall-filled tropical forests and richly cultured Maya villages hugging its shores, Lake Atitlán in Guatemala’s southwestern highlands is a hiker’s paradise. Measuring 1,120ft at its deepest point, the lake fills the crater of an enormous volcano that blew its top around 85,000 years ago. The three volcanoes that guard its shores are
ideal for trekking enthusiasts, and the oldest, San Pedro, last erupted around 40,000 years ago. The route to its summit is a five-and-a-half-hour hike that passes coffee plantations and avocado farms to enter cool cloud forest alive with exotic birds like the endangered horned guan. More challenging still is Volcán Tolimán, an ascent of 10,361ft that involves starting at dawn and trekking up forested slopes to a shallow crater and the remains of ancient lava flows. Hardest of them all, however, is 11,598ft-high
Volcán Atitlán, one of Guatemala’s most extreme hikes up steep, rugged terrain. The rewards are worth the climb: glimpses of rare birds like the electric blue-green quetzal and phenomenal summit views over Lake Atitlán and a ripple of volcanoes to the Pacific Ocean glimmering in the distance. HOW TO DO IT: Kayak Guatemala offers guided hikes in the area, including treks to the ‘big three’ with knowledgeable guides who delve into the lakes’ geology, history and wildlife. You’ll need a good level of fitness for these hikes, as well as sturdy shoes, plenty of water and sun protection.
kayakguatemala.com WHILE IN THE AREA: Leaping into Lake Atitlán’s piercing blue waters, which average a pleasant 21C year-round, is tempting, but before you do, check on current algae blooms and stick to less crowded areas, avoiding boat lanes and public piers. November to May is best for swimming, while kayaking and standup paddleboarding enable you to explore little-visited parts of the area, with the option to stop in some of the local Maya villages that dot its shores. Jaibalito is the smallest — and sweetest — settlement, home to around 200 people who welcome travellers with open arms.
Clockwise from top left: Hiking above Lake Atitlán in Guatemala; wooden riverside teepees in Finnish Lakeland; the village Jailbalito on the shore of Lake Atitlán
Did you know? In the little-explored wilds of southeast Siberia in Russia, UNESCO World Heritage Site Lake Baikal is the world’s oldest, coldest and deepest lake. Formed 25 million years ago, this 400-mile-long, 5,387ft-deep body of water is the world’s biggest freshwater lake, holding more water than all of North America’s Great Lakes put together. Bigger than Belgium, this vast rift lake is exceptionally biodiverse, with 1,500 species of animal, 80% of them endemic, including the nerpa (the world’s only freshwater seal). The lake is a major stop on the Trans- Siberian Railway. In winter, hikers flock to the Great Baikal Trail that circles its shores, while in winter it freezes over with a layer of ice up to six-feet thick.
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