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Dear Finland traveler,
I am Lassi Pensikkala, an enthusiastic Finn about my country Finland, an experienced travel expert and destination management entrepreneur. Finland is a beautiful Nordic country full of wonder and adventure. From the stunning natural beauty of Lapland to the vibrant capital city of Helsinki, there is something for everyone in Finland. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or cultural explorer, you won’t be disappointed with the plethora of activities available in Finland. Discover Finland Travel Guide | Best Things to Do, Lakes, Lapland, Sauna & Practical Travel Tips – by Lassi Pensikkala
For outdoor lovers, Finland offers some of the most stunning national parks in Europe. Hiking, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing can all be enjoyed in Finland’s many parks. You can also take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the country’s many lakes and rivers.
Built on more than three decades of international destination management experience, this guide combines practical travel advice, carefully selected recommendations and local insight to help you plan with confidence. From Helsinki and the Finnish Lakeland to the Turku Archipelago and Arctic Lapland, you’ll find ideas that help you make the most of every journey.
Explore some of Finland’s most rewarding travel experiences
• Discover tours and experiences across Finland ↗
• Experience Helsinki with guided sightseeing, food tours and cruises ↗
• Explore Lapland, Northern Lights adventures and Arctic activities ↗
• Discover Rovaniemi, the gateway to Finnish Lapland ↗
Finland is consistently recognised for its clean nature, extensive lake districts, the world’s largest archipelago, and Arctic landscapes that change dramatically with the seasons. From summer’s Midnight Sun to winter’s snowy forests and aurora-filled skies, every season offers a different perspective on the country.
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If you’re looking for a cultural experience, Helsinki has plenty to offer. Take a stroll through the city’s many museums and galleries. Enjoy the unique architecture of the city’s churches and cathedrals. Sample some of Finland’s delicious cuisine in one of the city’s many restaurants.
For a truly unique experience, take a trip to Lapland. Enjoy the midnight sun and the surreal beauty of the Northern Lights. Take part in some of the truly unique activities such as husky sledding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
No matter what you choose to do, Finland is the perfect destination for travelers who love Scandinavia. From its stunning natural beauty to its vibrant cities, Finland is an unforgettable destination full of adventure and exploration.
Welcome to discover our Finland Travel Guide,
Lassi Pensikkala
Updated continuously · © Lassi Pensikkala
This guide is part of my 37 Europe and 125+ World Travel Guides, curated from decades of travel experience. Read and download the guides for free here:
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Best things to do in Europe – 37 travel guides
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Sustainable Travel Finland 🇫🇮
Sustainable Travel Finland demonstrates how responsible tourism, pristine nature and authentic local experiences can go hand in hand. Discover how Finland is helping visitors enjoy its forests, lakes and Arctic landscapes while supporting local communities and preserving them for future generations.
Winter Travel Finland 🇫🇮
Experience the magic of a Finnish winter, where snow-covered forests, frozen lakes and the Arctic sky create unforgettable scenery. Learn how to dress in layers, stay warm in changing conditions and enjoy winter activities comfortably, whether you’re exploring Helsinki or venturing into Lapland.
Watch Northern Lights Aurora Borealis in Finland 🇫🇮
The Northern Lights are one of Finland’s most spectacular natural wonders, attracting visitors from around the world to the Arctic regions each winter. Watch this inspiring video to discover where and when to see the Aurora Borealis and why a Finnish winter offers one of the best opportunities to experience this unforgettable phenomenon.
Check it out TOP 10 tours in Finland 🇫🇮
Looking for inspiration? Explore the Top 10 tours and experiences in Finland, from Helsinki’s vibrant waterfront and historic landmarks to Northern Lights adventures, reindeer safaris, husky rides and unforgettable journeys through the pristine landscapes of Finnish Lapland.
Helsinki 10 Best Things To Do Highlights
Discover Helsinki’s top 10 attractions and experiences, from iconic landmarks and beautiful waterfronts to world-class museums, Finnish design and vibrant local culture. Alongside the video, you’ll find practical tips to help you plan your visit and make the most of Finland’s fascinating capital.
Helsinki Card – Check the availability and Buy here!
What is included in Helsinki card?
- Use of the Helsinki Card City Pass or Region Pass for 24, 48 or 72 hours (depending on your choice)
- Use of public transport
- Entrance to the top attractions and museums in Helsinki
- Reduced prices on even more attractions and tours
- Helsinki hop-on hop-off bus
- Helsinki Card Guidebook with maps, tips and tourist information
- Helsinki Card Region Pass: all the above mentioned plus public transport in Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa and transfer to/from Helsinki Airport with the train (if selected)
Hotel reservation in Finland 🇫🇮
Finland Things To Do Travel – Tours, Tickets & Activities – Things To Do In Helsinki Vantaa Espoo Turku Tampere Kotka Hamina Loviisa Rauma Uusikaupunki Vaasa Kokkola Lahti Kouvola Lappeenranta Savonlinna Kuopio Oulu Rovaniemi Kemi Jyväskylä Kuusankoski Imatra Kristiinankaupunki Pori Hämeenlinna Seinäjoki Mikkeli Varkaus Joensuu Tornio Kuusamo Kittilä, and other beautiful places in Finland – Lapland Top Winter Travel Destination
Your Official Finland 🇫🇮 Travel Guide | Visit Finland
Start planning your journey with Finland’s official tourism guide, offering trusted inspiration for every season and every region. Explore destinations, discover local traditions, find practical travel information and learn what makes Finland one of the world’s most unique and welcoming travel destinations.
Discover more things to do in Finland
Best Time to Visit
Finland runs two completely different trips depending on the season, and it’s worth being deliberate about which one you’re actually planning. Summer (June to August) brings the Midnight Sun, warm lake-swimming weather, and Helsinki’s outdoor terraces in full swing – this is the version for the Lakeland, the Turku Archipelago, and city exploring. Winter (December to March) is the Lapland version: snow, Northern Lights, husky and reindeer activities, and genuine Arctic cold, especially the further north you go. Shoulder seasons (May, September) are quieter and cheaper in Helsinki but less reliable for either summer or winter activities specifically. I’d avoid trying to combine a Helsinki city trip and a Lapland Northern Lights trip in one visit unless you have at least 10 days – they’re different climates, different logistics, and really two separate experiences.
How Many Days Do You Need?
Helsinki itself is a 2-3 day city – enough for the main sights, a sauna, and a proper feel for the place without rushing. If Turku and its archipelago are part of the plan, add 2 more days; the medieval old town and the island-hopping by ferry genuinely reward a slower pace. Lapland is, in almost every practical sense, a separate trip – flights from Helsinki, its own accommodation logistics, and a completely different set of activities – so a dedicated 3-4 day Rovaniemi/Lapland trip works better than bolting it onto a short Helsinki visit. For a first trip covering both the south and the north properly, budget at least a week to ten days rather than trying to compress everything into a long weekend.
Local Food & Drinks
Finnish food leans heavily on what the forests and lakes actually produce, and it’s worth eating that way rather than defaulting to generic international options. Salmon, prepared multiple ways, is a safe and consistently good choice almost anywhere. Foraged berries and wild mushrooms show up seasonally in everything from breakfast to dessert, a genuine reflection of “Everyman’s Right” and how normally Finns forage. Karelian pasties (rice-filled rye pastries) are a real, everyday local snack worth trying rather than skipping. And the sauna deserves a mention here too – it’s less a food-and-drink topic than a cultural one, but joining a proper sauna session, ideally followed by a cold lake dip, is arguably the single most “local” thing a visitor can do in Finland, food included.
Practical Travel Tips
Card payments are near-universal in Finland, including small kiosks, so cash is rarely needed. Public transport in Helsinki is efficient and the Helsinki Card is genuinely worth it if you’re covering several paid attractions in a short visit. Tipping isn’t expected the way it is in the US. If you’re heading to Lapland in winter, proper layered clothing isn’t optional – the cold is a different order of magnitude from a European winter further south, and this is one destination where under-packing genuinely ruins a trip. Tap water is excellent everywhere. And Finnish people are often quieter and more reserved on first meeting than other nationalities expect; it’s a cultural norm, not unfriendliness, and it tends to open up quickly once a conversation actually starts.
Fascinating facts about Finland
Finland, a Nordic country located in Northern Europe, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, unique culture, and high quality of life. Here are fascinating facts about this remarkable nation:
Geography and Nature:
Finland is often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” but in reality, it boasts over 180,000 lakes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Additionally, the country is covered by nearly 70% forest, providing a serene and picturesque environment.
One of the notable features of Finland is the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun. In the northernmost parts of the country, particularly in Lapland, during summer, the sun does not set for several weeks. Conversely, in winter, these areas experience the polar night, where the sun doesn’t rise for an extended period.
Finland shares an extensive border with Russia, and its eastern part is home to Europe’s largest lake, Lake Saimaa. The archipelago region along the southwestern coast offers a unique maritime environment with thousands of islands, creating a stunning mosaic of land and sea.
Language and culture:
Finnish, a member of the Finno-Ugric language family, is the official language of the country. It is renowned for its uniqueness and belongs to a different language group than its Nordic neighbors. The Finnish language has 15 cases, which adds to its complexity.
Saami, the language of the indigenous Saami people, is also spoken in the northern regions of Finland. Both Finnish and Swedish enjoy official status in the country, reflecting its bilingual character. However, Swedish is more prevalent in coastal areas.
Finnish culture is deeply rooted in nature, and this connection is evident in various aspects of life. Traditional Finnish folklore is filled with tales of mythical creatures residing in forests and lakes. The Kalevala, an epic poem compiled by Elias Lönnrot, serves as a significant cultural touchstone, showcasing the rich oral traditions of the Finnish people.
Education System:
Finland is renowned for its exceptional education system, consistently ranking high in global education assessments. The Finnish approach emphasizes equality, with minimal emphasis on standardized testing. Students have shorter school days and less homework compared to many other countries.
Teachers in Finland are highly qualified and respected professionals. The education system encourages a holistic approach, focusing on creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving rather than rote memorization. The absence of streaming or tracking until a later age contributes to a more inclusive and egalitarian educational environment.
Technology and innovation:
Finland has left an indelible mark on the tech world, giving birth to iconic mobile phone company Nokia. At one point, Nokia was the world’s largest manufacturer of mobile phones. Though it faced challenges in the smartphone era, Nokia’s legacy endures as a symbol of Finnish innovation.
In recent years, Finland has gained recognition for its thriving startup scene, particularly in the gaming industry. Companies like Supercell, the creator of popular mobile games Clash of Clans and Clash Royale, have achieved international success. The country’s robust tech infrastructure and support for entrepreneurs contribute to its vibrant startup culture.
Sauna culture:
Saunas hold a special place in Finnish culture, and there are approximately two million saunas in the country, catering to a population of around 5.5 million. Saunas are considered a social activity and a place for relaxation, reflection, and even business discussions.
The tradition of sauna-going is deeply ingrained in Finnish society. It is customary to visit the sauna before significant events, such as weddings or holidays. The practice is so integral to Finnish culture that there are more saunas than cars in the country.
Winter sports:
Given its northern location, Finland experiences long, cold winters. Rather than lamenting the chilly weather, Finns embrace it, turning winter into a season of outdoor activities. Cross-country skiing, ice skating, and ice hockey are not just sports but integral parts of the national identity.
The country has produced numerous Winter Olympic champions, and the annual Helsinki City Marathon includes a unique “Midnight Run” during the white nights of summer. Finland hosted the Summer Olympics in 1952, marking the first time the games were held in a Nordic country.
Equality and social policies:
Finland consistently ranks high in global happiness and quality of life indices. The country is known for its strong commitment to social equality and welfare policies. It was one of the first nations to grant women the right to vote in 1906.
Finland’s social welfare system ensures that citizens have access to healthcare, education, and various support services. The country implemented a groundbreaking experiment with a universal basic income trial, reflecting its innovative approach to social policies.
National independence:
Finland declared its independence from Russia on December 6, 1917, and this day is celebrated annually as Finland’s Independence Day. The road to independence was marked by a series of events, including the Finnish Civil War, which took place in 1918. Finland managed to maintain its independence during World War II despite being geographically positioned between the warring Soviet Union and Nazi Germany.
The continuation war (1941-1944) between Finland and the Soviet Union shaped the nation’s history. The signing of the Moscow Armistice in 1944 led to territorial changes, with Finland ceding some areas to the Soviet Union but retaining its independence.
Design and architecture:
Finnish design is renowned for its simplicity, functionality, and connection to nature. Influential designers such as Alvar Aalto and Eero Saarinen have left an enduring impact on international design. Aalto’s organic, modernist architecture and Saarinen’s contributions to American modernism are celebrated globally.
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, showcases a blend of traditional and contemporary architecture. The city was named the World Design Capital in 2012, further emphasizing its commitment to design excellence.
Northern lights and Santa Claus:
Finland’s northernmost regions, particularly in Lapland, offer a chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. This natural light display, caused by the collision of charged particles in the Earth’s atmosphere, is a breathtaking spectacle that attracts visitors from around the world.
Lapland is also famously associated with Santa Claus. The town of Rovaniemi, located at the Arctic Circle, is considered the official hometown of Santa. Visitors can experience the magic of Christmas year-round and even meet Santa in his official office.
Culinary delights:
Finnish cuisine is influenced by its natural surroundings and seasons. Traditional dishes often feature fish, berries, mushrooms, and root vegetables. Salmon, prepared in various ways, holds a special place in Finnish cuisine.
The tradition of foraging for wild foods is deeply ingrained in Finnish culture, with many families venturing into the forests to gather berries and mushrooms. Additionally, the country has a unique tradition called “Everyman’s Right,” allowing everyone to roam freely in nature and pick berries and mushrooms, provided they respect the environment.
In conclusion, Finland’s unique blend of nature, culture, and innovation makes it a fascinating country with a distinct identity. From its commitment to education and social equality to the enchanting beauty of its landscapes, Finland continues to captivate and inspire those fortunate enough to explore its wonders.
Finland 🇫🇮 Travel Books
Expand your understanding of Finland with travel books that explore its history, culture, nature and unique way of life. Whether you’re planning your first visit or looking for deeper insights, these online resources offer practical advice and inspiration before and during your journey.
FAQ
How many days do I need in Finland?
Helsinki alone is a 2-3 day city. Lapland is essentially a separate trip logistically, so covering both properly means budgeting at least a week to ten days rather than trying to combine them in one short visit.
When is the best time to visit Finland?
Summer (June-August) for Helsinki, the Lakeland, and the Turku Archipelago, with the Midnight Sun and warm weather. Winter (December-March) for Lapland, the Northern Lights, and Arctic activities – these are genuinely two different trips.
Is Finland expensive to visit?
Yes, Finland is one of the pricier European destinations, particularly for dining out and Lapland activities. Booking Lapland accommodation and tours in advance, and mixing restaurant meals with grocery basics in Helsinki, helps manage costs.
Can I see the Northern Lights from Helsinki?
Rarely, and never reliably. The Northern Lights require the higher latitudes of Lapland, well north of Helsinki, for a realistic chance of seeing them, especially outside of exceptionally strong solar activity.
Do I need a car in Finland, or is public transport enough?
Helsinki and Turku are easily covered by public transport and walking. A car becomes more useful in Lapland for reaching remote activities and national parks outside organized tour routes.
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