By Admin 
Think of sailing upon smooth water, and of the long, golden rays of a summer sun setting up the sky. You are enclosed in green very thick islands and the noise of waves on a wooden boat. This is not a mere boat ride but rather an adventure known as veneajelu, a loved tradition of Finns which is a sense of attachment to nature. This adventure of scenic boat tours provides a special route to the beautiful lakes and archipelagos in Finland. Veneajelu makes you forget all that surrounds you: either with peace and calmness, adventure, or a bit of the local tradition.
What is Veneajelu?
The literal translation of the word veneajelu would be translated as a boat ride, however, the Finnish people have a deeper understanding of this word. It is more of a lifestyle, a hobby of choice, and an inter-generational cultural heritage. It is not only transportation, it is embracing the water.
This culture is a core of the life of a country whose number of lakes is almost 188,000 and has long coastline. The use of boats has been a way of life in the society since time immemorial. This need was transformed over time into an entertainment leisure activity. Nowadays, it is a means of relaxation and communication with family.
Veneajelu: Significance of a Cultural Significance in Finland
Water plays a significant role as a national identity in Finland. Veneajelu is a practice that connects the past to the present, which has the Finnish ethic of simplicity and a deep respect to nature. It is an essential element of life, particularly when one is at the treasured summer months.
A lot of Finns flee to their lakeside cottages, for which the boating is as ordinary as the sauna. Boating skills are inherited and weekends are usually spent travelling over the lake. It helps strengthen social ties, as friends usually go on boat picnics on deserted islands.
A Memorable Veneajelu Helsinki Tour
Although usually connected with countryside lakes, veneajelu in Helsinki has got a distinct city touch. It is a maritime city, encircled by the Baltic Sea and an archipelago of more than 300 islands, being the capital of Finland. This offers a breathtaking backdrop of a boat voyage through the city.
Just imagine, sailing by the best sights of Helsinki, such as the Suunlinna sea fortress or the beautiful Helsinki Cathedral, all of them by sea. The Marrakesh Market Square can be easily turned into a green island in a short boat ride after which you will not hear the city at all.
View of Helsinki through the Water
Helsinki offers a new view of the city as a veneajelu in Helsinki. It is an opportunity to observe the fine combination of city construction and nature. As a tourist, it would be easier to know the history of the city through guided tours, whereas hiring a small boat will offer a more local experience.
various kinds of Veneajelu experiences
Veneajelu is beautiful because of its heterogeneity. It can be made to suit your mood and taste, whether it be the calm serenity of being by yourself, or the adventure. Both kinds of boats provide another variant of getting in touch with the great waters in Finland and experience your own trip in a boat.
Rowing Boats: Traditional rowing boats are made of wood and present a very peaceful and almost meditative experience. They suit well in still lakes and you can hear only the soft splashes of oars.
Motorboats: Motorboats are perfect in exploring wider places such as the archipelago of Helsinki. It is easy to cover long distances using them and they are common on family day trips and fishing.
Sailing: You are in touch with the elements with sailing. It is a popular one among the people who love the challenge and calmness of riding the wind to control the open ocean.
Canoes and Kayaks: Paddling will give you a personal contact with the water. It enables one to quietly explore small channels and unreachable coves inaccessible to larger boats.
Top Places to tour on your Veneajelu trip
Finland has unbelievable places to have a memorable boat ride. Although most lakes or coastal regions are stunning places to experience, there are a few places that have unparalleled scenery and that are conveniently located so that you can fit in your first veneajelu.
Lake Saimaa
Lake Saimaa is the biggest lake in Finland; it is a maze of water, islands, and forests. It is the habitat of the endangered Saimaa ringed seal and the place of unlimited possibilities. It is full of picturesque villages and offers a really complete natural vacation on it.
The Turku Archipelago
The Turku Archipelago is a major archipelago in the southwest coast of the world and consists of more than 20,000 islands and skerries. There is a special Archipelago Trails that enables you to explore the islands by ferry and boat, exploring charming fishing villages and windswept and rugged scenery.
Planning Your Veneajelu: Packing List
The smart packing will make the veneajelu comfortable and fun. Even during summer, Finnish weather is volatile and one should be ready to face any weather situation. The most important thing is the layered clothing because the temperatures can change rapidly when you are on the water.
A jacket with a waterproof covering would be very necessary, you need sunscreen and sunglasses to save you against the sunshine. Do not leave home without snacks and drinks in order to be energized. Lastly, do not forget to carry a camera to record the breathtaking views and memorable scenes of your boat trip in Finland.
The Finnishing Season of a Finnish Boat Trip
Summer, between June and August, is the best season of veneajelu. This has a warm climate and long days with seemingly never ending daylight hours courtesy of the famous midnight sun. The resulting magical light forms a golden glow on the water resulting in spectacular evening cruises at night.
There are also other charms of spring and autumn. During spring, one is at a position to see nature starting to come to life as the ice thaws. Autumn is full of a fresh air, and scenic leaves, where the water is colored in bright colors. These shoulder seasons also imply a reduced number of crowds to experience the place in a more peaceful manner.
Health and Safety at your Veneajelu
An important thing to remember during a boat trip should be safety. Everybody on board should use life jackets irrespective of their swimming capability. The local weather forecast should be checked before going out, as weather in the water may vary very fast and with little notice.
Send someone news, what you are going to do and where you are supposed to be back. Another thing that is prudent is to always have a fully charged phone in a waterproof case as an emergency. Learn the general regulations of the waterways so that everyone can have a safe and respectable voyage.
Boating Sustainably and Respecting Nature
Finland boasts of a natural environment which is clean and green and thus sustainable practices play a major role in conserving the environment. Wildlife When eating veneajelu, ensure you respect the wildlife by maintaining a distance and keeping the noise as minimal as possible. Do not litter, and put all the waste into proper locations when you are back on land.
Nowadays many tour operators have eco-friendly options, including electric boats or sailing tours, which will have less impact on the environment. With sustainable choices and responsible boating, you save the beautiful waterways of Finland so that the future generations will be able to enjoy this beautiful boat trip.
Frequently Asked Question(FAQs).
Is veneajelu safe in families that have children?
Yes, families are quite secure. The child-sized life jackets are offered by most tours and rental services. All one has to do is make sure that kids are at all times accompanied by an adult to ensure a safe and fun experience of all on the boat ride.
Is a license required to rent a boat in Finland?
In the small boats with low-power engines, or in the rowing boat and kayaks, a license is usually unnecessary. Nevertheless, bigger or more powerful motorboats are supposed to have a license, and in this case, it is always better to consult the rental company before.
What is so special about the veneajelu compared to boat rides in other places?
This is due to the unique landscape of Finland which has vastness and purity in its nature, and due to the calmness of its thousands of lakes and the cultural value attached to the activity. The midnight sun during summer is also something to experience in the state because it gives the state the atmosphere it cannot get elsewhere.
Will I be able to do veneajelu and not be able to swim?
Yes, you can. Non-swimmers are also able to have a pleasant day provided that they wear their life jackets correctly and keep them on at all times as they are on the water. The foremost thing is safety and the normal precaution in an organized boat trip is the use of life jackets.
Do we have guided veneajelu tours to the tourists?
Absolutely. There are a great number of companies which provide guided tours, in such places as Helsinki or Lake Saimaa. Such tours are also accompanied by a local guide who may provide information about the history and nature of the region enriching your experience in the boat journey.
How much on average would a veneajelu experience cost?
Costs can vary widely. Simple renting of a rowing boat will not be much less than EUR20-EUR40/hour. Guided motor boat tours would take between EUR60-EUR100 per head, and any kind of personal cruise would cost higher. Almost all budgets have their alternatives.
Conclusion
Veneajelu is much more a boat ride than a Finnish soul journey. It is a cultural in-depth practice, active meditation, and a gorgeous way to be one with one of the most magnificent natural landscapes in the world. When you are rowing on a calm lake, sailing a large archipelago, or cruising along the Helsinki skyline, you get an excellent feeling of serenity and discovery. It makes you slack, take a deep breath and appreciate the simple and potent beauty of nature.
Going to Finland in any case one must go to the water. It serves as a viewpoint that you cannot possibly have on land and gives a true one into a lifestyle that generations hold dear. Therefore, this is a traditional practice that you need to adopt on your next visit. To learn more about the Finnish culture, visit our other related articles or comment below to tell us about your boating experience.
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