Finland Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Finland? This extensive guide will help you discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat and drink, local customs and much more.


Welcome to Finland, a beautiful and fascinating Nordic country. Known for its pristine natural beauty, vibrant cities, and rich history, Finland is a must-see destination for anyone planning a trip to Europe. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer seeking thrilling experiences, a culture vulture interested in museums and historical sites, or a foodie looking to sample some of the country’s unique cuisine, Finland has something for everyone. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your trip to this amazing country, including the best places to visit, things to do, and practical travel tips.

Introduction to Finland

Finland is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, and Gulf of Finland. It is the eighth largest country in Europe and has a population of over 5 million people. The capital city is Helsinki, which is a vibrant and modern city that is also a cultural and economic hub of the country. Finland has a rich culture, history, and natural environment that make it a great destination for travelers.

List of Places to Visit in Finland

When planning a trip to Finland, there are many places to see and things to do. Here is a list of some of the must-see destinations for any trip to Finland:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Finnish National Museum in Helsinki
  • The Ateneum Art Museum in Helsinki
  • The Turku Castle
  • The Suomenlinna Fortress
  • The Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi
  • The Sámi Cultural Center Sajos

Natural Attractions of Finland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Finnish Lakeland, home to over 180,000 lakes and islands
  • The Archipelago of Turku
  • The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Lapland
  • The Korkeasaari Island Zoo in Helsinki
  • The Koli National Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Finland

Finland is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and there are many beautiful hiking and biking routes to explore. Some of the best include:

  • The Kaldoaivi Wilderness Trail, located in the Finnish Lapland
  • The Archipelago Trail, which covers 250km of islands and bridges
  • The Hossa National Park hiking trails
  • The Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park hiking and skiing trails

Best Things to Do in Finland: Activities and Tours

Finland has a range of activities and tours to suit any traveler’s interests. Here are some of the best things to do in Finland:

  • Visit a traditional Finnish sauna
  • Canoeing and kayaking in the Finnish Lakeland
  • Snowmobiling in Lapland
  • Reindeer and husky rides in Lapland
  • Ice fishing and snowshoeing

Week-Long Itinerary for Finland

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Finland, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day 1 Helsinki: Explore the city, visit the Finnish National Museum and the Ateneum Art Museum
Day 2 Turku: Visit the Turku Castle and the Archipelago of Turku
Day 3 Tampere: Visit the Vapriikki Museum and the Pyynikki Observation Tower
Day 4 Kuusamo: Go hiking in the Oulanka National Park
Day 5 Rovaniemi: Visit the Santa Claus Village and the Arctic Circle
Day 6 Kemi: Visit the SnowCastle and take an icebreaker tour in the Bothnian Sea
Day 7 Helsinki: Visit the Sibelius Monument and Temppeliaukio Church

Food and Drink Scene of Finland

The food and drink scene in Finland is unique and varied. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Karelian pasty: a traditional Finnish dish made of rye dough and filled with rice or mashed potato
  • Kalakukko: a fish pie made with rye flour and filled with fish and bacon
  • Ruisleipä: a traditional Finnish sourdough rye bread

Local Beverages

  • Lapin Kulta: a Finnish beer
  • Koskenkorva: a Finnish vodka made from barley and spring water
  • Glögi: a Finnish mulled wine served during Christmas season

Where to Stay in Finland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Finland has a range of accommodations to suit any budget. From luxury hotels to affordable hostels and guesthouses, here are some of the best options:

  • Hotel Kamp in Helsinki
  • Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel in Helsinki
  • Omena Hotel in Tampere
  • AirBnB in Kuusamo
  • Cumulus Resort in Rovaniemi

What to Buy in Finland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Finland has a range of unique souvenirs and local products to bring home. Some of the top choices include:

  • Marimekko textiles and home goods
  • Iittala glassware and ceramics
  • Fazer chocolate and candy
  • Lapland jewelry and reindeer hides

Local Culture and Customs of Finland

Finnish culture is known for being friendly, reserved, and respectful of personal space. Some local customs to be aware of include:

  • Removing shoes before entering a home
  • Shaking hands with everyone present on arrival and departure
  • Being punctual for meetings and appointments

Best Time to Visit Finland

The best time to visit Finland depends on the activities that you are interested in. For winter activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, and Northern Lights viewing, the best time to visit is between December and February. For hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities, the summer months of June to August are ideal. Fall foliage is also a beautiful time to visit, from September to October.

Do’s and Don’ts of Finland

Here are some general do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Finland:

Do:

  • Respect the personal space of others
  • Follow social etiquette, such as removing shoes before entering a home
  • Sample traditional Finnish cuisine

Don’t:

  • Touch or speak to strangers on public transportation
  • Expect to see the Northern Lights every night during the winter months
  • Bring up religion or politics in conversation

Safety and Health

Finland is a safe and healthy destination for travelers. However, it’s always best to stay informed about potential risks and hazards. Here are some tips for staying safe and healthy while in Finland:

Safety in Finland

  • Be cautious when walking on icy sidewalks or roads during the winter months
  • Be aware of your surroundings when using public transportation
  • Be cautious when swimming in lakes or rivers, as water temperatures can be very cold

Health in Finland

  • Finland has high-quality healthcare facilities, including public and private options
  • The tap water is safe to drink in Finland
  • Mosquitoes can be a nuisance during the summer months, so bring insect repellent

Getting to Finland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Finland is well-connected to the rest of Europe and the world, and there are many transportation options available. Here are some of the best ways to get to Finland:

Airports Near Finland

  • Helsinki-Vantaa Airport: located in Helsinki, Finland’s largest airport
  • Turku Airport: located in the city of Turku
  • Oulu Airport: located in the city of Oulu

Bus Stations Near Finland

  • Kamppi Bus Station in Helsinki
  • Turku Bus Station in Turku
  • Tampere Bus Station in Tampere

Other Options

  • Train travel: Finland has an extensive rail network that connects major cities and towns.
  • Ferry travel: There are numerous ferry services between Finland and neighboring countries, such as Sweden and Estonia.

How to Get Around in Finland

Finland has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trains, and trams. Taxis are also readily available in major cities. For exploring more rural areas, renting a car or bike is recommended.

Where to Go Next from Finland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to continue your travels after visiting Finland, there are many nearby destinations and excursions to explore. Here are some of the top choices:

  • Stockholm, Sweden
  • Tallinn, Estonia
  • The Norwegian Fjords
  • The Lapland region in Norway or Sweden

Conclusion

Finland is a unique and fascinating destination that offers something for everyone. With its rich culture, history, and natural beauty, it’s no wonder that Finland is quickly becoming one of the top tourist destinations in Europe. We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you plan your trip to Finland and provided you with all the information you need for a memorable experience. Safe travels!

Koli National Park Koli National Park St. Olaf's Castle, the world's northernmost medieval castle, built in Savonlinna by Sweden in 1475 St. Olaf's Castle, the world's northernmost medieval castle, built in Savonlinna by Sweden in 1475 View over the Finnish Lakeland View over the Finnish Lakeland Väinämöinen defending the ''Sampo'', by Akseli Gallen-Kallela (1896) Väinämöinen defending the ''Sampo'', by Akseli Gallen-Kallela (1896) Students in Turku ready to wear their student caps exactly at 18:00 in the Walpurgis Night Students in Turku ready to wear their student caps exactly at 18:00 in the Walpurgis Night Folk dancers wearing folk costumes during the Seurasaari Midsummer Bonfires in Helsinki Folk dancers wearing folk costumes during the Seurasaari Midsummer Bonfires in Helsinki If you're flying into Finland from abroad, you'll very likely pass through Helsinki-Vantaa If you're flying into Finland from abroad, you'll very likely pass through Helsinki-Vantaa Xprs and Nordlandia in Tallinn, soon leaving for Helsinki Xprs and Nordlandia in Tallinn, soon leaving for Helsinki Silja Serenade leaving Helsinki Silja Serenade leaving Helsinki Utsjoki border crossing between EU and Norway, with the Sámi Bridge; shared customs Utsjoki border crossing between EU and Norway, with the Sámi Bridge; shared customs The Finnish rail network (passenger lines in green). The Finnish rail network (passenger lines in green). A ''Pendolino'' train, the fastest in VR's fleet (max 220 km/h) A ''Pendolino'' train, the fastest in VR's fleet (max 220 km/h) Standard cabin in an overnight train; bunks and sink cupboard Standard cabin in an overnight train; bunks and sink cupboard Coach of the express service cooperation Expressbus. The coaches are often used also on non-express lines. Coach of the express service cooperation Expressbus. The coaches are often used also on non-express lines. Blue stop signs for coaches (yellow for local buses), express stops have an additional text of Blue stop signs for coaches (yellow for local buses), express stops have an additional text of "pikavuoro"/"snabbtur". Harbour bay of Helsingholmen in the Archipelago Sea Harbour bay of Helsingholmen in the Archipelago Sea The steamer ''Suomi'' cruising from Jyväskylä The steamer ''Suomi'' cruising from Jyväskylä Road 82 in Kemijärvi, typical two-lane road. The yellow unbroken lines, forbidding overtaking, will become white to better cater for automated systems – and less well for wintry conditions. Road 82 in Kemijärvi, typical two-lane road. The yellow unbroken lines, forbidding overtaking, will become white to better cater for automated systems – and less well for wintry conditions. National road 192 in Masku covered by ice and snow National road 192 in Masku covered by ice and snow Combined pedestrian and bicycle path, cyclists to the left of divisor. Combined pedestrian and bicycle path, cyclists to the left of divisor. Welcome back! in five languages, Ivalo Welcome back! in five languages, Ivalo Night view across Pielisjoki river, Joensuu Night view across Pielisjoki river, Joensuu Kivijärvi in Central Finland, one of Finland's thousand lakes Kivijärvi in Central Finland, one of Finland's thousand lakes A Liiga ice hockey match A Liiga ice hockey match Forest, lake with islands, and fells by the horizon, Finnish Lapland Forest, lake with islands, and fells by the horizon, Finnish Lapland Beaches tend to be small; they seldom have guards, but also dangerous currents are rare Beaches tend to be small; they seldom have guards, but also dangerous currents are rare People hiking in Åland People hiking in Åland Apocalyptica performing at Ruisrock Apocalyptica performing at Ruisrock Inside a modern Finnish sauna Inside a modern Finnish sauna The dance pavilion at Valasranta, Inland of Finland Proper The dance pavilion at Valasranta, Inland of Finland Proper An Otto cashpoint in Tampere An Otto cashpoint in Tampere The market square in Turku: flowers and food. The market square in Turku: flowers and food. A typical Finnish meal. Clockwise from bottom: warm smoked salmon, boiled potatoes, cream sauce with chantarelles, lightly pickled cucumbers with dill A typical Finnish meal. Clockwise from bottom: warm smoked salmon, boiled potatoes, cream sauce with chantarelles, lightly pickled cucumbers with dill Reindeer stew (poronkäristys), a Finnish Lapland favourite, served in a potato mash bowl with lingonberries Reindeer stew (poronkäristys), a Finnish Lapland favourite, served in a potato mash bowl with lingonberries Meatballs (''lihapullat''), served with mashed potatoes, creamy roux sauce, salad, and lingonberry jam Meatballs (''lihapullat''), served with mashed potatoes, creamy roux sauce, salad, and lingonberry jam upright upright The Karelian pie (''karjalanpiirakka''), a signature Finnish pastry. The Karelian pie (''karjalanpiirakka''), a signature Finnish pastry. Finnish rye breads. Clockwise from the top: solid ''ruislimppu'', ''reikäleipä'' with a hole, rye loaf, dry ''hapankorppu'' and circular Reissumies ''ruispala''. Finnish rye breads. Clockwise from the top: solid ''ruislimppu'', ''reikäleipä'' with a hole, rye loaf, dry ''hapankorppu'' and circular Reissumies ''ruispala''. The Runeberg torte The Runeberg torte An assortment of ''pulla'' straight from the oven An assortment of ''pulla'' straight from the oven Usually there is a wide selection of ''salmiakki'' candies in kiosks and markets. Usually there is a wide selection of ''salmiakki'' candies in kiosks and markets. Cold fish buffet at Liekkilohi, Savonlinna Cold fish buffet at Liekkilohi, Savonlinna Café in Helsinki Café in Helsinki An Alko store in Seinäjoki An Alko store in Seinäjoki Long drink (''lonkero'') Long drink (''lonkero'') Camping in Lapland Camping in Lapland Cottages in a holiday village Cottages in a holiday village Wilderness hut in Suomussalmi Wilderness hut in Suomussalmi The University of Helsinki The University of Helsinki


    Finnish Lakeland
    Northern Finland
    Southern Finland
    West Coast
    Åland