A beginner’s guide to Finland

It’s fair to say many visit Finland for Lapland – a stunning northerly region full of festive fun, reindeer and huskies. Finland as a whole, however, is a fantastic getaway in its own right. Sitting among Scandinavian neighbors, Norway and Sweden, this nation is home to acres of untouched forestland, almost 200,000 lakes, and incredibly clear night skies blessed with the aurora borealis. Throw in its laid-back culture of minimalism, coziness and sauna sessions, and you’ll soon discover there’s more to Finland than sleigh-sledding and Santa (though those are fun, too!). For first-timers to this magical country, get excited for your Nordic adventure with our Finland travel guide for beginners.

Where to go in Finland: must-see attractions and destinations

If you’re considering Finland as your next destination, you’ll want to read up on all the must-sees of this enigmatic nation. In this Finland travel guide, we’ve got you covered with a few of the top attractions.

The laid-back cities of Helsinki, Tampere and Turku

Finland’s cities are a joy to visit – with tons of green space and an air of contented hustle and bustle. In short, people are warm to one another and care about where they live, and to top it off, there’s a thriving indie music, food and arts scene for you to dive into headfirst.

Easy, breezy Helsinki is as cool as they come. A capital steeped in spaciousness and sustainability, it’s home to ample parks, market squares, and a scenic harbor to wander around. It’s the perfect blend of city and coastal life, and makes for a multifaceted pitstop.

You can sauna in Helsinki if the mood takes you, but to really sweat it out, nowhere beats Tampere – affectionately called the Sauna Capital of the World. This beautifully walkable city boasts 50 public saunas, an intriguing industrial history, and a museum dedicated to one of Finland’s most beloved exports, the Moomins.

For a taste of Finland’s medieval past, head to its oldest city, Turku, with its mighty castle and glorious cathedral dating back to the 13th century. It’s now an artsy hub with lots in the way of theater, festivals and great food, so you’ll have plenty to see and do.

Endless natural wonders, come snow or sun

Outdoor enthusiasts: come gather! Finland has 41 national parks, with swathes of forests and literally thousands of lakes. As it’s so northerly, you can imagine just how marvelously crisp and sparkling the scenery becomes as it freezes and thaws through the seasons.

Nuuksio National Park is one of the best known, with accessible trails that meander through mossy forests and along serene lakes. At only 45 minutes out of Helsinki, it’s a ravishing rural escape for city-dwellers. Lapland is an activity wonderland, where you can go husky-sledding, snowshoeing and hiking in the glittering, snow-covered forests. Lapland’s Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is full of Arctic fells and brilliant hiking routes, with lots of potential to sleep overnight under atmospheric glass-roofed igloos.

Also awaiting keen explorers are the romantic, sweeping landscapes of Koli National Park; the climbing mecca of Repovesi National Park; and the mythical spruce forests and bogland of the ancient Seitseminen National Park. The Saimaa Lake District is your go-to for boating, kayaking and fishing, as the region with Finland’s famous cluster of lakes. There are many more still to uncover – ask our local travel experts in Finland for their advice based on what you’d love to do.

Cultural UNESCO sites and historic fortresses

Finland’s impressive architecture includes its trademark minimal design to a glut of Art Nouveau buildings, as well as medieval relics and resplendent cathedrals. Helsinki is the best place to start, with its green-domed Helsinki Cathedral and the ornate districts of Katajanokka and Ullanlinna.

Just outside of Helsinki, Suomenlinna is truly memorable; a huge, 18th-century sea fortress spread across six islands. Originally built by the Swedish as part of military defense, it was eventually used as a harbor when Finland gained independence. For another taste of old Finnish life, UNESCO-protected Old Rauma is a rare example of a well-preserved Nordic wooden town, with charming cobbled streets and pastel-hued 18th-century houses. Head there to feel quintessential Finland.

Finland travel guide: our favorite hidden gems

One could argue most of Finland is underrated, but there are many lesser-visited areas that are overshadowed by Lapland, Nuuksio Park and Helsinki.

Well worth exploring are the rock paintings and towering pines of Hossa National Park, situated near the Russian border. Head there for stunning glaciers and catching sight of reindeer, moose, and brown bears. The waterfalls, thundering rapids, and hanging bridges of Oulanka National Park are great for watersports, while the Arctic Wilderness of Syöte National Park is the epitome of winter adventure.

Lesser-trodden cities include Porvoo, a true Nordic hub with colorful wooden houses and cobbled streets, while Kuopio is worth a trip for its lively market square and panoramic views over the lake district from Puijo Tower. If you’re near Hanko, Bengtskär Lighthouse is the tallest in the Nordics and over 100 years old – with an intriguing Viking center nearby.

The best experiences in Finland, all year round

Experiences in Finland starkly shift with the seasons – and as the winter and summer are so wonderfully distinct, it really is a year-round destination.

Finland in winter: skiing, reindeer and the northern lights

Finland really shines in winter – or perhaps ‘glistens’ is the word. Classic snow activities are in abundance: husky-sledding through ice-covered forests, or seeking wild reindeer with local Sami herders.

Go snowshoeing or hiking in peaceful, blanketed landscapes and past frozen lakes, dotted with fishermen waiting patiently by holes in the ice. Of course, skiing is on the menu if you want to hit the slopes – and what better way to ease those overworked limbs than a traditional sauna straight afterwards?

Winter is also best for northern lights sightings. Plenty of locally-guided tours will take you to the best viewing sites – there’s nothing quite like witnessing the dancing colors of the aurora borealis in Finland’s atmospheric surroundings.

Finland in summer: hiking, beer gardens and the midnight sun

Less spoken about are Finland’s warmer seasons, when the flowers bloom, temperatures are comfortable, and jubilant beer gardens spring into life. The days become longer, and at a certain point, longest – as Finland enjoys the natural marvel that is the midnight sun (when the sun barely sets, giving you many more hours to explore).

As a celebration of light and life that comes after the long, dark winters, summer in Finland feels like a breath of fresh air. Prepare for berry-picking, canoeing and lake-swimming, warm hikes, and visiting summer festivals – such as the lakefront Ilosaarirock rock festival in Joensuu, or the Savonlinna Opera Festival, held in a medieval castle.

Sauna culture: a Finnish rite of passage

Sauna is intrinsically woven into the culture of Finland, a true rite of passage and a real, working part of Finnish life. Almost every Finn is taught from a young age that the sauna is a place for relaxing, socializing, and clearing the mind. Most of the time, saunas are simple wooden huts heated by a stove with stones, where water is gently poured to create the steam.

Nudity and mixed gender is the norm (but you can wear swimwear or a towel if preferred), and after a session, it’s common to cool off by plunging into a lake or rolling in the snow. As mentioned, Tampere has over 50 public saunas, but you can sauna almost everywhere in Finland.

Culinary delights: traditional dishes and modern cuisine

Finland has a well-built reputation for locally-sourced food experiences, thanks to its abundance of fresh, homegrown crops. Think potatoes, berries and root veg, as well as delicious fish, and local game such as elk and reindeer. Of course, dishes change with the seasons. There are some great farm-to-table eateries that incorporate foraging and slow eating into their ethos, from Helsinki out into the rural regions.

Traditionally, the national dish is lohikeitto, a salmon soup which is flavorful, warming and buttery. This is often paired with rye bread, which is tangy and dense; a Finnish favorite served daily. Smoked or cured fish is a regular main meal, or reindeer meat depending on the region in which you’re sitting down to lunch – with herbs such as dill, nettle or spruce adding a touch of flavor.

Vegetarians, don’t fret – there are ample vegetable alternatives bursting with mushrooms, peas and potato (Karelian pies are a good option). Craft beers are also very popular here, as is delicious coffee, especially in the cities.

Plan your trip to Finland: top tips and advice

Before you book your Finland vacation, here are some considerations to be aware of. And of course, our local experts are always within easy reach, if you need more guidance.

Best times to visit: seasonal highlights and events

Finland is a land of dramatic seasonal contrasts, so the best time to visit really depends on what you want from your trip. Summer (June to August) brings long, light-filled days and the magical midnight sun in the north, with mild to warm temperatures ranging between 59-77 degrees Fahrenheit (15-25 degrees Celsius).

For the snow-dusted fairy-tale vibes Finland is known for, the winter hits from December to March. Expect frozen lakes, more chances of seeing the northern lights, and cozy log cabins in Lapland. Be aware that temperatures can plunge to a face-freezing -22 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 Celsius) in the north, while southern areas like Helsinki hover around 23-5 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 to -15 Celsius).

Fall and spring (September-October and April-May) are quieter times yet beautiful in their transformational nature. Expect cool, crisp days between 41-59 degrees Fahrenheit (5-15 Celsius), perfect for forest walks, flower-spotting, and wild berry foraging.

Finland travel guide: essential travel information

Finland is part of the Schengen Area, meaning that travelers from most EU countries, the UK, USA, Australia, and Canada can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check requirements for your specific country. Finland’s transport systems are refreshingly efficient; trains and buses run on time, and connect even remote parts of the country.

In Helsinki, there is a metro, tram, bus and ferry system that mostly runs like clockwork. To go off the beaten path, you can rent a car – but be sure you feel confident on those snowy roads (you’ll need the correct tires). Ask a local travel expert, like ours based in Finland, if you need transport booked in advance.

Cultural norms and etiquette in Finland

The Finns are direct and polite – there are no ‘unsaid rules’ or rituals when communicating here as everyone is refreshingly honest. If you’re meeting locals for any reason, try to be punctual as timeliness is a mark of courtesy in Finland, as it is in many northern European countries. Be courteous when in public spaces, don’t be unnecessarily loud, pick up litter after yourself, and you should do just fine.

When it comes to sauna etiquette, they are often mixed gender, and people can be as clothed or as nude as they like. Understand that the sauna is a sacred yet social space, so take the lead of your local hosts, sit back, and relax!

Itineraries for every traveler: our top trip ideas

Here are some of our top trip ideas compiled by our Finland travel experts:

• Our summer in Finland tour spans 9 days, where you’ll experience the fresh, lush atmosphere of the summer season so close to the Arctic Circle. Look for wild moose, hike through green, flowering forests, and of course, enjoy a traditional sauna.
• If seeing the northern lights is your dream, this 5-day trip to Finland takes place in the fall months, where you can lie back and absorb this natural miracle from a glass-roofed igloo.
• This 10-day winter wonderland tour of Finland includes husky sledding, ice-fishing, and reindeer safari adventures in Lapland, as well as trips to Helsinki, Ranua Wildlife Park, and Posio’s Virgin Forest. Also, enjoy winter barbecue under the aurora borealis.

Make it happen

If our Finland travel guide has you feeling drawn to this country’s magic, get in touch with our local travel experts. They’re based on the ground within the destination, ready to build a vacation in Finland that’s perfect for you.