lake in southwestern Finland. It extends northward from the city of Tampere, northwest of Helsinki. Approximately 20 mi (32 km) long and 2 to 8 mi (3.2 to 13 km) wide, it is the largest of the Pyhä lakes and the central lake of the western branch of the system. Lake Vanka, the northern arm of Lake Näsi, is connected by canal (built 1854) to Lakes Palo and Ruo. This route allows passenger ferry service to connect the town of Ruovesi with Tampere to the south. Ferry service has operated on Lake Näsi since 1858. Lake Näsi drains southward into the Pyhä lakes via the Tammer Rapids. The southern banks of the lake are flat and barren, whereas the northern shore is more developed. The village of Teisko is located on the eastern shore.