Things to Do in Finland

Witnessing the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, in Lapland is a truly magical experience and one of the best things to do in Lapland. Lapland's location within the Arctic Circle makes it one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, and the region’s minimal light pollution, vast open spaces, and long nights during winter create ideal conditions for viewing the auroras. Signing up for a Northern Lights tour is worth considering, as the experts know where to find the elusive lights.

Alternate destinations:

• Rovaniemi: The capital of Finnish Lapland and the official hometown of Santa Claus is a fantastic destination for witnessing the Northern Lights. The city offers easy access to the surrounding wilderness areas, where minimal light pollution makes it an ideal base for aurora hunting.
• Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort: Famous for its glass igloos and log cabins, this resort in Saariselka offers a unique and luxurious way to watch the Northern Lights while relaxing in a hot sauna or from the comfort of your bed!

Best time: The Northern Lights can be seen in Lapland from late August to early April, with the peak season being between December and March. The nights are the longest and darkest during these months, providing the best chances to see the auroras. Clear, cold nights are ideal, so watch the weather forecast.

Insider tip: Head to remote areas away from city lights for the best views. Even in Rovaniemi, you can take short trips to nearby wilderness areas for a better experience.

Helsinki’s unique blend of modern architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene makes it a must-visit destination in Finland. The city is compact and walkable, with beautiful parks, waterfront areas, and a well-developed public transport system, making it easy to explore. Some of the best things to do in Helsinki include admiring the beautiful neoclassical architecture of the Helsinki Cathedral and exploring the 18th-century Suomenlinna Fortress, spread across six islands. Discover Finnish design in Helsinki’s Design District and visit the unique Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church), carved directly into solid rock.

Alternate destinations:

• Turku: Nestled along the Aura River, Finland’s oldest city offers a rich journey through history and culture. Oozing medieval charm, the city is home to beautiful old buildings like the 13th-century Turku Castle and the historic Turku Cathedral. Stroll along the picturesque Aura River and enjoy the beauty of the Baltic Sea from the Turku Archipelago.
• Rovaniemi: The capital of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi, offers natural wonders, cultural attractions, and a touch of Arctic charm. Some of the many things to do in Rovaniemi include meeting Santa Claus at Santa Claus Village, seeing Arctic animals at the Ranua Wildlife Park, and hiking, skiing, and snowboarding at Ounasvaara Fell.

Best time: The best time to tour Helsinki is during the summer, from June to August when the weather is warm and the days are long. This is also when the city hosts numerous festivals and outdoor events. However, spring (April to May) and early autumn (September) also offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists, making it a good time for a more relaxed visit.

Insider tip: Check out local events and festivals! The Helsinki Festival in August and the Christmas Market in December are particularly popular and offer a great way to experience the local culture.

Finnish Lakeland is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, and exploring the region is one of the best ways to experience Finland's serene beauty. Home to a vast network of interconnected lakes, rivers, and forests peppered with historic towns, Finnish Lakeland offers a peaceful escape from urban life. Enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming on Lake Saimaa, or visit the medieval Olavinlinna Castle in the charming town of Savonlinna. Hike along Punkaharju Ridge or in the Koli National Park among breathtaking landscapes.

Alternate destinations:

• Archipelago Sea: Located in southwestern Finland, the Archipelago Sea is perfect for kayaking and canoeing. With thousands of islands, it offers endless exploration opportunities and is one of the best places to visit in Finland.
• Oulanka National Park: In northern Finland, Oulanka National Park features the beautiful Oulankajoki River, ideal for kayaking. The park’s rugged landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a great adventure spot.

Best time: Finnish Lakeland is at its best during the summer months, from June to August. Long, warm, and sunny days are perfect for outdoor activities. The vibrant autumn months (September to October) also offer beautiful fall colors and a quieter atmosphere.

Insider tip: Experience the Finnish way of life by staying in a traditional lakeside cottage (mokki). With easy access to the lake and private saunas, it’s the perfect way to enjoy nature at its best.  

If you love exploring on two wheels, cycling around the Aland Islands is a fantastic way to explore this picturesque archipelago. With its flat terrain, scenic routes, and charming villages, Aland is a cyclist’s paradise and one of the best things to do in Finland. Start your journey in Mariehamn, the capital of Aland, visit the Aland Maritime Museum, and visit the historic sailing ship Pommern. Explore the ruins of the 19th-century Bomarsund Fortress and the medieval Kastelholm Castle near Sund. Take a detour to the small island of Kobba Klintar for a picnic with lovely sea views.

Alternate destinations:

• Turku Archipelago: Explore the scenic islands of the Turku Archipelago by bike. The Archipelago Trail offers well-marked routes and breathtaking coastal views.
• Tampere: Discover the beautiful landscapes around Tampere, including lakeside routes and forest trails. The Pyhajarvi Lake Loop is also a popular spot for biking.

Best time: Cycling around the Aland Islands is best between June to August during the summer. Days are long and bright, and temperatures are ideal for cycling adventures. Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are also good times to visit, with fewer tourists and pleasant weather.

Insider tip: Don’t miss tasting Aland’s traditional foods like black bread, local cheeses, and Aland pancakes. Visit local markets and farm shops for fresh produce.

Spending a night in an igloo is one of Finland’s top tourist attractions and a quintessential experience that shouldn’t be missed! The unique accommodations and breathtaking natural surroundings make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Stay in a traditional snow igloo at the SnowVillage in Lainio or choose a glass igloo at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort with unobstructed views of the starry sky and Northern Lights.

Alternate destinations:

• Levin Iglut: Located near Levi, these glass igloos offer panoramic views of the Arctic landscape and the Northern Lights. You’ll also find excellent skiing in the area.
• Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle: Located in Rovaniemi, these igloos offer easy access to Santa Claus Village and other attractions. It’s an ideal spot for families looking to combine comfort with adventure.

Best time: The best time to spend a night in an igloo is during the winter months, from December to March. This time offers the best chances to see the Northern Lights and experience the full magic of the Arctic winter. Early spring (late March to April) can also be a good time, with longer daylight hours and still plenty of snow.

Insider tip: Igloo accommodations are extremely popular, especially during peak Northern Lights season, so book well in advance to secure your spot.

Hiking in Urho Kekkonen National Park is one of the best ways to experience Finland's pristine wilderness. Named after a former Finnish president, this vast park in Lapland is a hiker’s paradise with its vast, untouched landscapes and well-marked trails. Varied terrain ensures that there’s something for everyone, from easy walks to challenging hikes, and the tranquility of Lapland’s wilderness makes it a truly special destination.

Alternate destinations:

• Koli National Park: Located in Eastern Finland, Koli offers dramatic landscapes with high hills, deep forests, and beautiful views over Lake Pielinen. It’s famous for its iconic Ukko-Koli hill.
• Pyha-Luosto National Park: Known for its ancient forests and rugged fells, this park in Lapland provides excellent hiking trails, including the popular Pyha-Luosto Hiking Trail.

Best time: The best time for hiking in Finland is from June through September, when the weather is warm, and the trails are free of snow. June and July offer extended daylight hours and ‘the midnight sun,’ allowing for longer hikes. Autumn (late September to October) is also a great time to hike, with cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage.

Insider tip: In the summer months, mosquitoes can be a menace! Be sure to bring insect repellent to make your hike more comfortable.

Berry-picking in Finland isn’t just a pastime; it’s a cherished tradition deeply rooted in Finnish culture. With its abundance of forests and meadows, Finland is a paradise for berry enthusiasts to forage for nature’s sweet treasures. Head to Eastern Finland to pick lingonberries, a staple in Finnish cuisine. You’ll find cloudberries in the wetlands and bogs around Rauna and sweet blueberries in forests and marshlands throughout the country.

Alternate destinations:

• Nuuksio National Park: Located near Helsinki, Nuuksio National Park is a great spot close to the city for berry-picking, particularly lingonberries and blueberries.
• Lakeland Region: The vast Lakeland region of Finland is dotted with lakes, forests, and marshlands, providing plenty of spots for berry-picking. Areas like Punkaharju Ridge and Linnansaari National Park are the most popular.

Best time: From late July to early September is the best time for berry-picking in Finland. Depending on the region and the type of berries you’re after, lingonberries and blueberries are usually ripe for picking from July onwards, while cloudberries and cranberries are typically ready later in August and September.

Insider tip: Keep an eye out for wildlife like bears and moose, especially in remote areas. Make noise while walking to alert animals of your presence, and carry bear spray or bear bells for added safety.

When in Finland, do as the Finnish do, and hit the sauna! Saunas were invented in Finland and relaxing in one is a way of life deeply ingrained in Finnish culture for centuries. It’s a place for relaxation, socializing, and contemplation, and the health benefits make it a truly rejuvenating experience. Experience the authentic Finnish sauna tradition by visiting a lakeside smoke sauna where you can cool off with a refreshing dip. In Lapland, enjoy a sauna experience under the midnight sun followed by a roll in the snow.

Alternate destinations:

• Sauna Boat Cruises: Take a sauna cruise on one of Finland’s many lakes or coastal areas. These floating saunas offer a unique way to experience the Finnish sauna culture while enjoying scenic views.
• Public Sauna Events: Keep an eye out for public sauna events and festivals, especially during the summer with communal saunas, live music, and food stalls.

Best time: Sauna-ing is enjoyed year-round, but summer is popular for outdoor saunas and lakeside bathing. In winter, sauna-ing takes on a special allure, with the contrast of hot steam and icy landscapes creating a unique sensory experience.

Insider tip: Follow the etiquette of staying quiet in Finnish public saunas, as it is considered disrespectful to make noise or engage in loud conversations.

Take a delicious journey into the heart of Finnish gastronomy by exploring local food markets. Helsinki Market Square (Hakaniemen Kauppahalli) is the place to go for fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, and local specialties. Don’t miss the chance to try traditional Finnish treats like reindeer meat, Karelian pasties, and smoked salmon. Oulu’s market hall is a treasure trove of northern Finnish delicacies, including smoked fish, reindeer sausage, and cloudberry jam. It’s a wonderful place to dive into the culinary traditions of Lapland and the Arctic.

Alternate destinations:

• Old Market Hall in Turku (Vanha Suurtori): Turku’s Old Market Hall is a culinary haven featuring stalls selling fresh fish, meat, cheese, and baked goods. It’s the perfect place to sample regional delicacies and pick up ingredients for a picnic by the river.
• Tampere Market Hall (Tampereen Kauppahalli): Tampere Market Hall is a bustling hub of activity, offering a diverse selection of local and international foods. Browse stalls selling everything from Finnish berries and mushrooms to exotic spices and handmade chocolates.

Insider tip: For the best selection and freshest produce, try to arrive at the market early in the morning when vendors are setting up their stalls. You’ll also avoid the crowds and have more time to explore.

Exploring Finland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich history, beautiful landscapes, and unique cultural heritage. From medieval towns like Old Rauma to the natural wonders of the Kvarken Archipelago, Finland’s UNESCO sites offer a deeper understanding of the country’s rich heritage.

Alternate destinations:

• Suomenlinna Fortress: Located off the coast of Helsinki, Suomenlinna is a sprawling sea fortress built in the 18th century. Explore its fortified walls, historic buildings, and scenic waterfront views. Don’t miss the Suomenlinna Museum and the submarine Vesikko.
• Petajavesi Old Church: This 18th-century wooden church is a masterpiece of Finnish vernacular architecture. Admire its unique cruciform shape, intricate woodcarvings, and serene countryside setting. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and cultural significance.

Best time: The summer months (June to August) are popular for outdoor sites like Suomenlinna and Old Rauma when the weather is mild and daylight hours are long. However, some sites, such as Petajavesi Old Church, are worth visiting year-round for their cultural and architectural significance.

Insider tip: Take a guided tour of the sites led by a knowledgeable docent to discover valuable insights and stories you might not discover on your own.

Finland’s beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and cutting-edge modernity offer endless adventures and experiences. Whether hiking in the wilds of the Pyhä-Luosto National Park or spending the night beneath the Northern Lights in an igloo, this fascinating Nordic country promises unforgettable adventures. For more information, please go through our Finland travel guide.