Finnish Lakeland

Finland does quiet better than almost anywhere. Thousands of lakes, forest in every direction and a national habit of retreating to a simple wooden cabin for weeks at a time.

This is our pick for anyone who has been saying they need to unplug for about two years now.

Where to stay

• Traditional mokki cabins, usually with a lakeside sauna and a rowing boat.
• Small family run lodges around Savonlinna and Punkaharju.
• Late summer is warm and berry heavy, winter is dark, still and strangely restorative.

The atmosphere

Very few people. Long light in summer, deep quiet the rest of the year. The sauna is the evening's entertainment.

Who it suits

Burnt out professionals, families who like simple holidays, readers.

Why we picked it

• Swimming straight from the deck
• Almost nothing scheduled, which is the entire point
• Everyman's right means you can walk and forage almost anywhere