Siilinkari Island

In the middle of Lake Näsijärvi just off the coast of the Finnish city of Tampere is the Siilinkari Lighthouse. While in the summer the lighthouse serves its intended purpose of guiding inland waterway traffic, in the winter time, this small marker becomes a favorite destination of the local population. 

Once winter temperatures become frosty enough, the entirety of Lake Näsijärvi freezes over, and it becomes possible to walk from the coastline to the lighthouse. Locals take advantage of this phenomenon and turn the lake into their own winter playground, using the surface to skate, spend time in mobile saunas, and enjoy the Northern Lights at night.

The Siilinkari Lighthouse becomes a popular destination for leisurely walks. An outdoor sporting company even sets up a cafe next to the lighthouse, serving hot drinks, donuts, and sausages all winter long. Locals skate, sled, or stroll over the frozen lake to the lighthouse and enjoy uninterrupted views across the lake and back to Tampere. A true winter wonderland!