Saimaa lake
General data
- Water type: Natural lake
- Progression: Vuoksi -> Lake Ladoga -> Neva -> Gulf of Finland -> Baltic sea -> Atlantic Ocean -> Planet Earth
- Climates: Continental, Subpolar
- Continents: Europe
- Countries: Finland
Description
Saimaa is a lake located in the Finnish Lakeland area in southeastern Finland. At approximately 4,400 square kilometres (1,700 sq mi), it is the largest lake in Finland, and the fourth largest natural freshwater lake in Europe. The Vuoksi River flows from Saimaa to Lake Ladoga. Most of the lake is spotted with islands, and narrow canals divide the lake in many parts, each having their own names (major basins include Suur-Saimaa, Orivesi, Puruvesi, Haukivesi, Yövesi, Pihlajavesi, and Pyhäselkä). Thus, Saimaa exhibits all major types of lakes in Finland at different levels of eutrophication. The Saimaa Canal from Lauritsala, Lappeenranta to Vyborg connects Saimaa to the Gulf of Finland. Other canals connect Saimaa to smaller lakes in Eastern Finland and form a network of waterways. These waterways are mainly used to transport wood, minerals, metals, pulp and other cargo, though tourists also use the waterways.