Finland is one of the northernmost countries in Europe. Finland has 200,000 lakes, so it's no surprise that they play a key role in Finnish culture and recreation.

The beautiful lake is a great place to experience a steaming hot sauna, Finland's most famous outlet. Soaking in icy lakes is said to benefit blood circulation. When traveling to Finland, be sure to visit these 5 most beautiful lakes.

1. Saimaa Lake

For those looking for a classic Finnish holiday experience, Lake Saimaa is worth a visit. From its various spring and summer festivals to its natural beauty and popular sauna destination, Lake Saimaa really does it all.

It's located in Finland's horse racing region, and despite its high annual visits, it's still possible to find quaint huts on lonely shores that seem as far away as the inaccessible lakes.

2. Lake Payne

Lake Payan is the second largest lake in the country and its proximity to several of Finland's most popular and stunning national parks makes it a convenient destination for savvy travelers looking for the most bang for their buck.

Much of the surrounding landscape consists of stark rocky cliffs and mixed forests, making it feel like it's farther away from civilization than it really is.

Due to its enormous size and pure water quality, it is the source of drinking water for millions of citizens in the country, and it passes through the longest rock tunnel in the world on its way from source to extraction.

3. Lake Wanahavesi

Located in south-central Finland, just above the horizontal line between Stockholm, Helsinki, and St. Petersburg, Lake Wanahavesi is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

While it remains a destination for outdoorsmen and nature lovers, its real claim to fame lies in the fact that world-class amenities such as restaurants, resorts, hotels for athletes, and even conference facilities are just around the corner. About half an hour north of Hameenlinna, the lake offers a variety of summer and winter activities that keep visitors coming year-round.

4. Kallavesi Lake

Located in the Northern Slavonia region of eastern Finland, Kallavesi Lake is not large by Finnish lake standards, but its numerous islands and wooded and rocky coast make up its medium size. Kallavesi Lake is found among the many other lakes in the region, collectively known as Iso-Kall, a great place to easily visit multiple sites in a day.

The lake is full of islands of various sizes and is a favorite spot for boaters and fishermen to camp under the stars for a night or two before returning home. Kallavesi Lake, known for its classic Finnish architecture and many nearby towns, is also popular for those interested in learning about Finnish culture, in addition to its natural beauty.

5. Lake Pihajarvi

Unlike most other Finnish lakes, which are filled with crystal-clear glacial water, the water of Lake Pihajarvi is rich in peat and the land is often colored with tea.

Translated into English, it means "holy lake", with the caveat that many lakes in the country have the same name, so be careful when planning your itinerary.

The lake is located about 125 kilometers northwest of the capital of Helsinki, and its far eastern coast meets the town of Tampere, making a fusion of natural and man-made landscapes a favorite of artists and photographers.