Finland, the land of a thousand lakes and endless forests, is a dream destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those in search of peace and quiet. Whether you want to chase the Northern Lights, relax in a traditional Finnish sauna, or experience the magic of the midnight sun, Finland offers an unforgettable bucket list experience in every season.
In this guide, you’ll find the best things to do in Finland, from Lapland’s snowy landscapes to Helsinki’s vibrant urban culture.
Why Visit Finland?
Finland combines untouched natural beauty with modern design, rich traditions, and a deep respect for nature.
Highlights include:
- Stunning landscapes: lakes, islands, Arctic wilderness
- Safe and welcoming culture
- Authentic experiences: saunas, Sami culture, reindeer safaris
- One of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights
- Summer’s magical Midnight Sun
- High-quality eco-tourism and outdoor adventures
The Top Places to Visit in Finland
Helsinki
Finland’s capital is a vibrant, creative city on the Baltic Sea:
- Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square
- Modern art at Kiasma museum
- Design shops and cafes in the Design District
- Relax at Allas Sea Pool — an outdoor spa in the harbor
- Ferry to Suomenlinna Fortress — a UNESCO World Heritage site
Lapland
Lapland is pure winter magic:
- Home of Santa Claus Village near Rovaniemi
- See the Northern Lights from glass igloos or wilderness lodges
- Snowmobile safaris, husky sled rides, reindeer farms
- Skiing in resorts like Levi and Ylläs
- Stay in an ice hotel or a cozy log cabin
The Finnish Lakeland
The largest lake district in Europe:
- Over 188,000 lakes!
- Relax in lakeside cottages
- Paddle a canoe or go boating
- Sauna and swim — part of daily life
- Explore Savonlinna and its medieval Olavinlinna Castle
Turku & the Archipelago
Finland’s oldest city and gateway to the Baltic islands:
- Turku Castle and medieval old town
- Summer cruises to Åland Islands and the Archipelago Trail
- Quaint villages, seaside cafes, biking routes
Kemi & the Icebreaker
In winter:
- Sail on the Sampo Icebreaker
- Walk on the frozen sea
- Visit the Snow Castle of Kemi
Unique Bucket List Experiences in Finland
See the Northern Lights — best from September to April in Lapland
Sleep in a glass igloo under the stars
Meet Santa Claus at the Arctic Circle
Try ice floating in a survival suit
Take a sauna and ice swim
Snowmobile across frozen lakes
Visit during Midsummer — 24-hour daylight in the Arctic
Go berry and mushroom picking
Sail through the archipelago
Ride a husky sled team
Outdoor Adventures
- Hiking: National parks like Nuuksio, Oulanka, and Urho Kekkonen offer pristine trails
- Cycling: Helsinki and Turku have great bike networks
- Skiing & snowboarding: Levi, Ruka, Ylläs
- Cross-country skiing: a national passion
- Kayaking: in Lakeland and the Archipelago
- Fishing: lakes and rivers throughout Finland
Finnish Food & Drink
- Karjalanpiirakka: Karelian pasties filled with rice
- Lohikeitto: creamy salmon soup
- Poronkäristys: sautéed reindeer
- Fresh berries (cloudberries, blueberries, lingonberries)
- Rye bread and local cheeses
- Finnish gin and craft beers
- Warm up with hot glögi (mulled wine) in winter
Finnish Sauna Culture
- Over 2 million saunas — more than cars!
- A must-do experience: relax in a hot sauna, followed by a dip in a lake or snow
- Best sauna experiences:
- Löyly Helsinki — modern design sauna on the sea
- Traditional smoke saunas in the countryside
- Floating saunas on lakes
Best Time to Visit Finland
Winter (Dec–March):
- Northern Lights
- Snow sports
- Ice hotels
- Santa Claus
- Winter wilderness
Summer (June–August):
- Midnight Sun
- Boating, hiking, festivals
- Perfect weather for the lakes and archipelago
Shoulder seasons:
- Autumn (Sept–Oct): colorful forests, Northern Lights
- Spring (April–May): fewer crowds, warming weather
Getting Around
- Helsinki: easy public transport (trams, metro, buses)
- Trains: excellent connections between cities
- Domestic flights: to Lapland
- Car rental: ideal for exploring the Lakeland and countryside
- Ferries: to the archipelago and between cities like Helsinki–Tallinn
Recommended Tours & Excursions
Northern Lights Photography Tour (Lapland)
Santa Claus Village Experience (Rovaniemi)
Glass Igloo Northern Lights Overnight
Icebreaker Cruise (Kemi)
Archipelago Cycling Tour (Turku)
Helsinki Design & Food Tour
Lapland Husky Sledding Safari
National Park Hiking Tour (Nuuksio or Oulanka)
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Where to Stay in Finland
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (Rovaniemi) — luxury cabins in the forest
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (Saariselkä) — famous glass igloos
Hotel Kämp (Helsinki) — 5-star in the heart of the city
Hotel Haven (Helsinki) — boutique luxury
Levi Hotel Spa — ski resort with spa
Cozy lakeside cottages in Lakeland
Archipelago B&Bs and guesthouses
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Conclusion
From magical winters in Lapland to summer adventures in the lakes and archipelago, Finland is a bucket list destination for every season. Whether you want to chase the Northern Lights, explore vibrant Helsinki, or relax in nature, Finland offers unforgettable experiences that will stay with you forever.
Add Finland to your bucket list — and start planning your dream trip today!