With 188 000 lakes and almost 3 million saunas, Finland is a country where people understand the value of getting in touch with water. Tampere, in the western lake district of Finland, is between 2 big lakes - Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi - and there are over a hundred more within the city boundaries. On almost every lake you can find a place to swim. If you’re feeling brave, you can try avanto (winter swimming), a traditional Finnish outdoor activity since at least the 17th century. If you do decide to take the plunge, why not combine ice swimming with a warming visit to a local sauna? In Tampere, Rauhis sauna is conveniently located close to a swimming beach and the city centre.
In 2023, Tartu hosted the Nordic Swimming Championships, bringing together swimmers from across the region. It was held in the Aura Waterpark, which is open to the public to visit the swimming pool and sauna. If you prefer to swim outside, Tartu has amazing urban swimming spots where locals love to go and cool off in the summer. One of the best known is Lake Verevi beach, or you can discover your own favourite. The city’s compact size makes it easy to get around on foot and visit the town’s sights, such as the Estonian National Museum. In 2020, it was awarded the Access City award special mention and Tartu is also European Capital of Culture in 2024.
Close your eyes and dream of the perfect beach. What do you see? Fine white sand and clean water? Let me introduce you to Liepāja beach, a popular swimming spot since the 1860s and a Blue Flag beach, meaning that it has reached high environmental and water quality standards. Don’t miss a visit to Lake Liepāja, a Natura 2000 protected area with nesting and migratory birds with a 1 km boardwalk. Or, if you’re feeling adventures, pay a visit to Karosta, a former military prison and the only one in Europe open to tourists. You’ll see that the prison remains almost unchanged since the time of the Tsar, see the cells and hear spooky stories about prison life.
Klaipėda is located on the Curonian Spit, a 98 km long, thin, curved sand-dune spit that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. It’s unique sandy and wooded landscape have granted it UNESCO World Heritage Site status. There are lots of nearby beaches where you can sunbathe, swim or immerse yourself in nature. Smiltynė, which can only be reached by a ferry, is one of the best. In the town of Klaipėda, you’ll find the Lithuanian Sea Museum, which has 24 aquariums that show 4 different ecosystems (freshwater, Baltic Sea, North Sea and tropical).
Aphrodite is said to have been born near Paphos. It’s an appropriate spot for the goddess of beauty, with its picture perfect beaches and clear water - Cyprus has some of the best water quality in Europe. Or, if you prefer to stay on dry land, there are wonderful coastal hikes near Paphos or you can explore the Akamas National Park, including the Avakas Gorge, which is known for its variety of plant life and birds. The area near Paphos is also rich in UNESCO World Heritage archaeological sites and Paphos was European Capital of Culture in 2017.
