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Top Finland Attractions
- Meeting Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Arctic Circle.
- Learning about Lapland the Sami people at the Siida Museum.
- Following the creaky bridges and maze-like interiors of 15th-century Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna.
- Skiing, snowboarding or dog sledding in the Finnish winter outdoor capital of Levi.
- Island hopping in the charming Aland Archipelago.
- Shopping alongside Helsinki residents at Kauppatori, one of northern Europe’s most popular market squares.
- Being awestruck and overcome by the beauty of the Northern Lights, seen best from September to March.
- Staying overnight in the iconic Lumilinna Ice Castle in Kemi.
- Marveling at the gigantic Kummakivi, or “strange rock,” one of the top attractions of Ruokolathi.
- Spend a day in an old wooden town, like Kӓpylӓ and Vallila in Helsinki, or Old Porvoo, where the wooden residences date back as far as 300 years.
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Coronavirus Update
As of July 30th Finland is open to travelers from a limited number of countries. Travelers from the US are currently banned from entering EU countries.
More resources for travel in the time of Covid-19
The easternmost country of Scandinavia, sharing a long border with Russia and speaking a language entirely different from Swedes or Norwegians, Finland is renowned as the land of the sauna -- a must-try experience when there. Its capital, Helsinki, is one of the most vibrant cities in the Baltic region, while the city of Rovaniemi -- known for its Santa Claus village and Northern Lights viewing -- makes for a great winter holiday right on the Arctic Circle.
Cities in Finland
Quick! Name a city in Finland. Did you say Helsinki? You’re in good company. When most American travelers think of the major Finland cities, they think of Helsinki, the country’s largest metropolis. We’ll bet our “grillimakkara” that you didn’t say Oulu, or Jyväskylä.
Read on about Finland’s most popular cities to tour:
1. Helsinki
The country’s capital, Helsinki is the common entry point for a Finland tour. This gorgeous seaside city includes around 330 islands off the coast, verdant parks (a third of the city is green!) and an easygoing, laid-back rhythm of life. Regularly scheduled ferries whisk travelers away to the islands throughout Finland tours - Suomenlinna and Pihlajasaari are popular choices - for beach days and even overnight camping.
There’s a reason Helsinki is rated one of the world’s best places to live - there are museums, music performance halls, theater, art and culture, thriving nightlife, amazing architecture, gourmet dining and more. This is one of Europe’s top destinations for festival lovers - no matter what time you visit, you’re likely to run across one featuring art, circus performances, opera, light and more.
One of Europe’s most striking architectural cities, Helsinki - and all of Finland, for that matter - is renowned for a stylish, yet functional design aesthetic. Find everything from Byzantine-Russian and neoclassical in the city’s museums, concert halls and train station. Make sure to include a tour of Helsinki’s Design District in Punavuori and the Design Museum.
There’s a lovely ambience throughout Helsinki, where eastern and western Europe meet. Sit awhile at an outdoor “terrassit” (alfresco bar or cafe) and take in the local personality. Craving fresh air and greenery? Helsinki combines an urban getaway with an easily accessible natural environment. Helsinki tours for active travelers capitalize on the archipelago’s beaches, parks, gardens, forests and, in the winter, frozen seas.
2. Tampere
Finland’s favorite small city, Tampere is a low-key, friendly metropolis - and the sauna capital of Finland! Stop by the Rajaportti sauna in Pispala, dating from 1906, or one of more than 20 other saunas in the Tampere region. Other top attractions in Tampere include dining on the famous “black sausage” (look for it at Tampere Market Hall), attending the many festivals and concerts that take place here (in fact, this is the theater capital of Finland) and checking out the numerous quirky museums.
Looking for an outdoor adventure in Tampere? Walk up the Pyynikki ridge - this is the world’s largest gravel ridge formed by the ice age. From the colorful wooden houses of Pispala to two picturesque lakes - Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi - Tampere is a favorite Finland tour stop.
3. Turku
Finland’s most medieval town, Turku was named a European Capital of Culture in 2011. For those seeking Finnish history, visit this modern city full of ancient wonders, including a castle, cathedral and historic market square. The Aura River is the epicenter of Turku - from here, take a cruise to tour the Finland archipelago or nearby Naantali. And just like elsewhere in festival-full Finland, Turku lights up in summer with cultural events that celebrate dance, the middle ages, music, design, art, theater and more.
4. Oulu
The northern culture capital of Finland, Oulu is the country’s fourth largest city. Finland cycling tours often include this outdoor- and nature-centric city - it boasts the most extensive bike path network in Finland.
Other outdoor pursuits in Oulu include ferrying to the island of Hailuoto and its impressive sand dunes (or cross by ice road in the winter), wander through lush parks and cross-country ski along well-maintained ski tracks. Then take a load off with some retail therapy at Rotuaari Promenade, featuring Oulu’s best dining and shopping opportunities.
5. Jyväskylä
Architecture tours of Finland can’t miss Jyväskylä - this is the unofficial capital of Alva Aalto and his superb architectural designs. It was right here that the illustrious architect went to school, lived and started his career. Explore it all, from classicism to functionalism to monumentalism.
Outdoor enthusiasts tour Jyväskyläfor its serene lakes and bountiful hills, contributing to a love of sports and well-being. Visit Nykänen’s hill, a ski jumping stadium named after Finland’s legendary Matti Nykanen.
Climb the observation tower at Harju ridgefor the best views of Jyväskylä. Inside, check out the top museums in Jyväskylä: the Craft Museum, the Alvar Aalto Museum, the National Costume Centre, the Aviation Museum and more.
National Parks in Finland
The Finnish people are an outdoor-loving bunch, making it no surprise that many popular Finland tours include outdoor adventure for all levels and interests. Cool rule: In Finland, there are what is known as “Everyman’s rights,” which means you can explore the parks as you wish as long as you pick up after yourself and are kind to the natural surroundings.
Our picks for the six top Finland national parks (*there are 40 in all!) for active travelers include:
- Pallas-Yllästunturi - If you’re looking for lodge-to-lodge hiking and skiing in Finland, look no further than Finland’s first hiking trail. In Pallas-Yllästunturi, you’ll breath Lapland’s freshest air, glimpse the Northern Lights and feel miles from everything - you are! - yet welcomed at comfortable lodgings and surrounded by charming villages.
- Nuuksio - One of the closest national parks to Helsinki, Nuuksio is an easy visit on a Finland tour. Hike along well-marked trails through lush forest and past placid lakes, stopping at the nearby Finnish Nature Centre Haltia to learn more about Finland’s natural attractions.
- Urho Kekkonen National Park - This 253,800-hectare national park is ensconced in the Saariselkä Wilderness, which extends all the way to the Russian border. The unfettered forest is home to free-range reindeer, bears, eagles and wolverines and offers some of the best off-the-grid hiking in Finland.
- Oulanka - One of the most pristine national parks in Finland, Oulanka is a far northern forest full of Scotch pines, silver birches and spruce trees. If you want to venture to the Arctic Circle during your Finland tour, this is the place to be. Shout-out to the innumerable wood ants who reside here and build nests nearly three feet high.
- Koli - Considered to be a sacred region of inland, Koli National Park was long feared for its powerful spirits. Hikers from all around the world come to experience one of Finland’s most pristine hiking regions. Koli is home to the longest valley in Finland, famous caves, waterfalls and the picturesque Lake Pielinen.
- Repovesi - With is rugged grandeur, Repovesi National Park contains some of Finland’s most pristine wilderness. The suspension bridge at Lapinsalmi is one of the most picturesque locations in Repovesi and a mindblowing challenge for those who can handle the incredible height. Favorite activities within Repovesi include nordic skiing, ice fishing, kayaking, berry picking, mushroom foraging and more.
What to Eat in Finland
The world’s top culinary cities are capitalizing on the locally sourced, sustainable, seasonable ingredient trend, but Finland has long been in the game. The most iconic foods to eat in Finland include meat and vegetables that are sewn into the quilt of the country’s landscape - think reindeer, bear, elk, salmon, arctic char, forest mushrooms, lingonberries, cloudberries and more. Whether you’re sitting down in one of Finland’s renowned gourmet restaurants or strolling through a covered market (kauppahalli), you’re in for a Finnish culinary treat.
Here, our top 10 things to eat on your Finland tour:
Grillimakkara - Summer in Finland means these big, juicy sausages (there’s just as tasty in the winter months). Pair with mustard and a local brew.
Karjalanpiirakka - Also known as Karelian pies, these handheld pastries are traditionally filled with potatoes, rice or carrots and spread with egg butter on top.
Kalakukko - Similar to the karjalanpiirakka, but bigger and stuffed with fish, usually muikku from eastern Finland’s Lake District.
Ruisleipä - You’ll see this favorite Finnish rye bread everywhere and in many different varieties. The cracker version is called näkkileipä - spread it with butter or cheese for breakfast or an evening snack.
Korvapuusti - Cinnamon buns, plain and simple. You won’t be able to stop at just one of these favorite Finnish sweets.
Fresh Picked Berries - Go for a hike in a Finnish forest in the summer and you’ll see legions of bilberry bushes. They’re lovely on their own or baked into a pie. Be on the lookout for other popular Finnish berries: the tart lingonberry and the sour cloudberry, available only for a short period each summer.
Leipajuusto - Finland’s famous “squeaky cheese” is made from curdled milk, which is set and then either baked or grilled to give it a lovely golden-brown hue. Eat it sliced, even with coffee poured on top(!), with cloudberry jam or in a salad.
Silli ja uudet perunat - Finland loves its potatoes with herring! Your Finnish culinary tour is sure to include hefty helpings of these new potatoes with fresh herring and chanterelles, or new potatoes with fish roe. Add a little dill, salt and pepper and it’s the perfect summertime Finnish food.
Reindeer - One of the best meats to sample in Finland, reindeer from the northern province of Lapland is not only delicious and lean, but high in B-12, omega-3, omega-6 - it’s downright healthy! Look for reindeer stew, steak and even pasta dishes with reindeer.
Vispipuur - Look for this popular Finnish dessert. It’s a sweet concoction of wheat semolina and lingonberries, then whipped to a mousse-like consistency.
How to See the Northern Lights in Finland
It’s actually pretty easy to capture the spectacular Aurora Borealis during your Finland tour - the Northern Lights are visible about 200 nights a year in Lapland, with the best chances of spotting them the farther north you go.
Your Finland tour guide can arrange for a snowy outing - whether snowshoeing, skiing, snowmobiling or riding in a dog sled - to take advantage of this top natural attraction in Finland. There are even new opportunities to sleep in high style under the Aurora Borealis - your Finnish tour could include a night in a glass-walled luxurious suite, an arctic treehouse or a glass igloo.
Top Souvenirs from Finland
While perhaps not as well known for the Swedish and Danish Scandinavian design of northern Europe, Finland has a unique design aesthetic, lending itself to fun souvenirs to bring home from your Finland tour.
Here, our favorite things to buy for remembering your time traveling in Finland:
1. A kuksa - this traditional Sami drinking cup is made from birch burl. Look for a handcrafted one to support the Sami people.
2. A puukko - the most popular brand of this traditional Finnish belt knife is Marttiini Puuko. It’s a great all-purpose tool for hiking and camping made from birch, oak, ash, horn or bone.
3. Everything berry - stock up on the amazing cloudberry jam, one of Finland’s best foods, although rare enough to be quite pricey, even for a small jar. Look for cloudberry-incensed fruit syrups, bath items, lotions and skin-care products.
4. Finnish liqueurs - there’s a lot of vodka in Finland and it’s not all the varieties you’ve seen before. Try licorice, mint or just run-of-the-mill Finlandia vodka. Another local favorite Finland beverage is Teerenpeli whiskey, locally distilled.
5. Moomin mugs and dishes - Kids throughout Finland adore the Tove Jansson’s Moomin characters (fairytale, forest-living creatures), which adorn dishes found in supermarkets and department stores throughout Finland. This is the perfect Finland souvenir for children.
6. Marimekko items - Sure, you can find Marimekko at Crate & Barrel back home sometimes, but a Marimekko dishtowel, bag, dress, dishes straight from the source does make for a very iconic souvenir of your Finland tour.
7. Sauna supplies - Bring home a Finnish sauna bucket and ladle - the buckets are typically constructed of birch wood, usually with invisible seams and decorative elements.
8. Fazer candies - from milk chocolate to hazelnut, cloudberry to peppermint, Fazer is Finland’s most popular candy. Try the ones filled with Arctic berry liqueurs - yum!
Summer in Finland
It’s not all reindeer and tundra in Finland - in fact, the summers can be quite lovely and warm. What’s more, there are many lakes in Finland - more than 188,000! - which lend themselves nicely to myriad watersports. And with summer daylight lasting so long, there are more than enough hours to take advantage of all the summer activities Finland has to offer. Here’s a taste of what to include in your summertime Finland tour:
1. Boating, Kayaking & More in the Finnish Archipelago: Did you know that 10 percent of Finland is covered in water? When you explore Finland by its lakes, you’ll get a quiet, insider view of the flora and fauna native to the region (including the protected Saimaa seals in their natural habitat).
Off the mainland of Finland, there are 30,000 island making up countless archipelagos, each with its own beauty and natural treasures - from the vast Archipelago National Park south of Turku, to the Ekenäs Archipelago National Park in the Gulf of Finland. The Kvarken Archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a boating favorite in Finland for its smattering of unfettered, rocky and wild islands.
2. Birdwatching in Finland: Despite all those lakes, sometimes it’s hard to see them through all the trees - Finland is 69 percent covered by forests, making it a birders’ paradise. Some of the top birds to look for in Finland include Blyth’s Reed Warbler, Red-flanked Bluetail, Arctic Warbler, Pine Grosbeak, Great Grey and Snowy Owls, Golden Eagles and many more.
3. Biking Through Finland: Whether your tastes run toward road biking or mountain biking, cycling in Finland is a popular pasttime. For the most part, cyclists will find the country full of flat or gently rolling terrain through rural farmland and countryside, past placid lakes and through dense forest. The 250-kilometer King’s Road is a popular biking route in Finland - it follows the historic postal route from Helsinki to Turku. Ride along the same path as kings and armies from the 1300s to the present, passing mansion, taverns and inns that were originally built as accommodations along this route.
4. Fishing in Finland: Again, it comes back to all that water - did we mention that 10 percent of Finland is covered by water. Think about it - there are 188,000 lakes, 647 rivers and more than 1,100 kilometers of coastline. Fishing in Finland will result - you hope - in Arctic char, salmon, brown and rainbow trout, Baltic herring, flounders and countless other species. Fly-fishing, trolling, jigging - it’s all possible, and with no fishing license required.
5. Hiking in Finland: With a lot of unsettled wilderness and a sparce population in those regions, Finland boasts amazing hiking tour opportunities. Trek through 36 national parks, a third as many wilderness area and nine designated “hiking areas.” Your Finland outdoor adventure tour guide can point you toward the best trails for your ability level, as well as accommodations along the way, including lean-tos, rental cabins and campsites.
Finland Winter Travel
1. Skiing and snowboarding: The snowsports season in lengthy in Finland, from November until about May in the northern sections of the country. The four main ski resorts in Finland are Levi, Yllӓs, Pyhӓ-Luosto and Ruka.
2. Dog sledding: Inspired by the Iditarod? Your Finnish tour guide can arrange a dog-sledding excursion that’ll have you mushing like a champ.
3. Break the ice: An exciting outdoor adventure in Finland is a ride on the Icebreaker Sampo, a vessel formerly owned by the Finnish government and today used to provide insight into how the ice is moved and broken to allow for transit.
4. Ice fishing: Fish for pike and perch (the national fish of Finland) through a frozen lake. It’s easiest to learn to ice fish as part of a Finland tour because they’ll provide the necessary equipment.
5. Spend the night in an igloo: Or in an ice hotel. While it’s not necessarily a Finland outdoor activity, per se, this unique overnight opportunity takes advantage of the natural environment and celebrates your near-Arctic Circle location.
Top Cultural Attractions in Finland
While Finland is defintiely well known as an outdoorsy travel destination, there are plenty of wonderful cultural attractions and landmarks to take in on your next Finland tour! Check out some of our can't miss spots:
Sea Fortress Suomenlinna - This World Heritage Site is actually built on six islands and is a favorite cultural attraction in Finland for both visitors and locals. H
Rock Church in Helsinki - One of Helsinki’s must-see attractions, the Rock Church boasts a mesmerizing copper dome and is built directly into rock. The exposed walls make for incredible acoustics.
Helsinki Cathedral - It took 22 years for the construction of this neoclassical beauty, today a Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral. This is one of Helsinki’s most-often visited sights.
Winter War Museum - This insightful museum tells the story of one of Finland’s most important World War II battles, the Battle of Suomussalmi.
Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church - If you’re up for a hike, take the time to trek to this small wooden church, one of Lapland’s oldest surviving churches, from 1760.
Rauma Old Town - The World Heritage Site Rauma boasts classic wooden architecture and the opportunity to see what Finland used to look like.
National Gallery - There are approximately 35,000 painting at the National Gallery in Helsinki, between three buildings. Art lovers should be sure to include this on their Finland tour for a well-rounded peek at classic and modern Finnish and European art.
Sámi Museum Siida - Learn about the native Lapland people the Sámi, at this open-air museum showcasing traditional dwellings and handicrafts.
How to Sauna in Finland
One can’t truly say they’ve been on a Finland tour if they haven’t had a sauna experience while there. After all, between the nearly five million Finns, they own more than two million saunas, so to say these steamy rooms are ubiquitous is an understatement. But, just how does one use a sauna in Finland?
Finnish culture uses the sauna as a place to relax both body and mind - in fact, they think of it not so much as a luxury, but a necessary part of a healthful life. Travelers to Helsinki or elsewhere in Finland should give a wood stove or smoke sauna a try for its intense and purifying dry heat, following it up with a refreshing shower. Then, of course, it’s on to a hefty snack of sausages and local brews.
Similarly to the traditional Onsen experience in Japan, there are some specific steps you should follow in order to truly enjoy an authentic and culturally appropriate suana experience in Finland.
Here’s our cheat sheet to the Finnish sauna custom, so you’re fully prepared to experience this tradition during your Finland tour:
-Start with a shower.
-Enter the sauna room.
-If preferred, use bunches of silver birch (or vihta) to gently beat your muscles and relax them.
-When the dry heat (höyry) becomes too much, have a shower or jump into a cool body of water - during the winter in Finland, some will even roll in the snow or jump through the ice into the lake.
-Indulge in sausages and beer with your fellow sauna-mates.
-Depending on personal sauna preference, repeat this process from 30 minutes up to two hours.
-It’s frowned upon to wear clothing in the steam room, but it’s OK to sit on a small towel. When you’re cooling off, grab a towel - most people do.
-If your Finnish tour includes a visit to a private home or summer residence, you’ll find that the sauna is usually warmed up and prepared as a manner of honoring the guest. Don’t worry, if it’s not your thing, it’s OK to decline. But, really, at least consider it - this is an age-old tradition and iconic experience in Finland.
Finland Reviews & Ratings
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Fabulous Trip
Fabulous week in the snow in the Finland. The week exceeded all expectations - helped by the fact we saw the Northern Lights on night one on the way from the airpo...
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Superb Week in Wintry Finland
Brilliant week of deep snow, sunshine, stunning scenery, amazing activities, great food and comfortable accommodation. Dog sledding and Northern Lights, followed cl...
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Finland wilderness week
A fantastic location, the hut was lovely cozy & warm. The staff, particularly the leader Ana were really friendly and helpful. The kit provided was of good qua...
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Finnish Wilderness Week
An absolutely spectacular trip with some of the best scenery ever. Although we did not see the Northern Lights we were not disappointed, nobody can control Mother n...
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A unique and fabulous experience
We have done several Exodus trekking trips and this caught our eye as an opportunity for a completely new experience and we were not disappointed. I have been ravi...
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