Päijänne facts for kids
Päijänne is the second largest lake in Finland. It is a huge freshwater lake located between two regions: Central Finland and Päijänne Tavastia. The lake covers a massive area of about 1,100 square kilometers (420 square miles). Imagine a lake so big!
Lake Päijänne is an important part of Finland's water system. Its waters flow south into the Gulf of Finland. This journey happens through a river called Kymijoki. The water in Lake Päijänne is known for being very clean and good quality. It gets even cleaner as you go further south from the town of Jämsä.
Many towns and communities are located right next to Lake Päijänne. These include Kuhmoinen, Jämsä, Joutsa, Luhanka, Muurame, Toivakka, and Jyväskylä in Central Finland. In the Päijänne Tavastia region, you'll find Padasjoki, Asikkala, and Sysmä along its shores.
Islands of Lake Päijänne
Lake Päijänne is not just one big body of water. It's home to a huge number of islands! There are almost 1,900 islands scattered across the lake. Each island adds to the lake's beautiful scenery.
Some of the biggest and most well-known islands include Virmailansaari, Salonsaari, Judinsalo, Onkisalo, Paatsalo, Muuratsalo, Haukkasalo, and Vuoritsalo. These islands are often popular spots for nature lovers and boaters.
Exploring Päijänne National Park
In the southern part of Lake Päijänne, you can find a special protected area called Päijänne National Park. This park was created in 1993 to protect the unique nature of the lake's islands and shores.
The national park includes about 50 different islands. It stretches across the areas of Padasjoki, Asikkala, and Sysmä. One of the most famous islands in the park is Kelvenne. This island is quite long, stretching for about 8 kilometers (5 miles). It varies in width from 50 to 800 meters (160 to 2,600 feet).
The many bays and coves within the national park are very popular. People love to visit them for boating, swimming, and enjoying the peaceful Finnish nature.
Images for kids
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The Vääksy harbour at the southern part of Lake Päijänne in Vääksy, Asikkala.
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Sailing boats near Kärkinen bridge in Korpilahti, Jyväskylä during a sailing event.
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The MS Suometar boat in the Kalkkinen canal, which connects Lake Päijänne to other waterways.
See also
In Spanish: Lago Päijänne para niños
