Näsijärvi

Näsijärvi
Näsijärvi seen from Näsinneula tower
Location	Pirkanmaa
Coordinates	61°34′N 023°46′E / 61.567°N 23.767°E / 61.567; 23.767Coordinates: 61°34′N 023°46′E / 61.567°N 23.767°E / 61.567; 23.767
Primary outflows	Tammerkoski
Catchment area	7,672.29 km2 (2,962.29 sq mi)
Basin countries	Finland
Max. length	40 km (25 mi)
Surface area	256.12 km2 (98.89 sq mi)
Max. depth	63 m (207 ft)
Surface elevation	95.4 m (313 ft)
Settlements	Kuru, Tampere, Ylöjärvi
References

Näsijärvi is a lake 95 metres (312 ft) above sea level, in the Pirkanmaa region of southern Finland. Näsijärvi is the biggest lake in the Tampere area at 256 square kilometres (99 sq mi) in size. The city of Tampere was built along the Tammerkoski rapids, through which the lake drains into Pyhäjärvi. The water quality of the lake has improved as forest industry has decreased the amount of waste water.

There are boat cruising services on Näsijärvi. In 1929, the steamer SS Kuru suffered the most severe Finnish inland shipping disaster on Näsijärvi.

During the winter, usually during February and March, the lake is frozen in its entirety. Näsijärvi is then used for Nordic walking, cross-country skiing, and everyday pleasure walking. There is a small, rocky island upon which a lighthouse, called Siilinkari, is located; it is the most popular walking destination on the lake.

In the north Näsijärvi has a wide catchment area that includes among others the lakes Ruovesi, Kuorevesi, Keurusselkä, Tarjanne, Pihlajavesi, Toisvesi and Ähtärinjärvi.