Summer
Enjoy long days filled with sunshine and outdoor activities.
Travel guide
Финляндия
Finland, known for its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant culture, offers a unique travel experience beyond its capital, Helsinki. From the northern lights in Lapland to the archipelago in the south, Finland is a destination for nature lovers and urban explorers alike.
Joonas Lyytinen · CC BY-SA 2.5- Best MonthsJune to August
- AirportsHelsinki-Vantaa, Rovaniemi, Oulu
- TransitExtensive public transport system
- Power230V, Type C and F plugs
- TippingNot mandatory, but appreciated
- LanguageFinnish and Swedish
01
When to go
The best time to visit Finland is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is mild and the days are long. Winter, particularly December to February, is ideal for experiencing winter sports and the magical northern lights.
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Best monthsHot monthsCooler months
Winter
Experience snowy landscapes and winter sports, including skiing and ice fishing.
Autumn
Witness the beautiful fall colors and enjoy the harvest season.
02
Where to stay
Pick the neighbourhood by how you want the day to start and end, not by distance to one museum.
Urban
Helsinki
The capital city, known for its design and architecture.
Busy city life with plenty of attractions.
Winter Wonderland
Rovaniemi
The official hometown of Santa Claus and a gateway to Lapland.
Best for winter activities and northern lights.
Cultural Hub
Tampere
A city known for its industrial history and vibrant cultural scene.
Less touristy, offering a local experience.
Historical
Turku
Finland's oldest city with a rich history and beautiful archipelago.
Great for exploring medieval sites.
Modern
Oulu
A tech hub with beautiful parks and a lively waterfront.
Ideal for a mix of nature and urban life.
Lakeside
Jyväskylä
Known for its educational institutions and beautiful lakes.
Perfect for outdoor activities.
Bilingual
Vaasa
A coastal city with a strong Swedish influence.
Explore both Finnish and Swedish cultures.
Scenic
Lappeenranta
A charming town by Lake Saimaa, known for its fortress.
Great for summer lakeside activities.
03
What to eat
Everyday food, eaten the way locals do. Look for a busy place rather than a ranked list.
Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasties)
Try these traditional pastries filled with rice or potato, often found in local bakeries.
→ Best enjoyed with egg butter.
Ruisleipä (Rye bread)
A staple in Finnish cuisine, available in most supermarkets and bakeries.
→ Pair it with cheese or salmon.
Lohikeitto (Salmon soup)
A creamy soup made with salmon, potatoes, and dill, commonly served in restaurants.
→ Perfect for a hearty meal.
Poronkäristys (Sautéed reindeer)
A traditional dish from Lapland, often served with mashed potatoes.
→ Try it in Rovaniemi.
Mustikkapiirakka (Blueberry pie)
A delicious dessert made with fresh blueberries, found in cafes.
→ A must-try during summer.
Kalakukko (Fish pie)
A traditional dish from the region of Savonia, typically made with fish and rye crust.
→ Look for it in local markets.
04
What to see
An order that works on foot, with the trip out of the first city at the end.
Helsinki Cathedral
An iconic symbol of the city, located in Senate Square.
Santa Claus Village
A magical place in Rovaniemi where you can meet Santa year-round.
Suomenlinna Fortress
A UNESCO World Heritage site located on a group of islands.
Lapland's Northern Lights
A breathtaking natural phenomenon best viewed in winter.
Turku Castle
A medieval castle that offers insight into Finland's history.
Oulun Linna (Oulu Castle)
A historical site that reflects the city's past.
Aulanko Park
A beautiful park in Hämeenlinna, perfect for hiking and picnics.
Koli National Park
Famous for its stunning landscapes and hiking trails.
Seurasaari Open-Air Museum
A museum showcasing traditional Finnish life and architecture.
Sibelius Monument
A tribute to the famous composer, located in Helsinki.
Porvoo Old Town
A picturesque town known for its wooden houses and cobblestone streets.
Nuuksio National Park
A beautiful area for hiking and nature walks near Helsinki.
Rovaniemi Art Museum
Showcases contemporary art, located in the heart of Rovaniemi.
Lappeenranta Fortress
A historical fortress with beautiful views of Lake Saimaa.
Hämeenlinna
A city with a rich history and beautiful lakes.
05
Getting around
Airport to city, across the city, and onward to the next region.
Flying into Finland
Most international flights arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) or Rovaniemi Airport (RVN).
HELHelsinki-Vantaa Airport
RVNRovaniemi Airport
Train Travel
The train system connects major cities and is a scenic way to travel through the countryside.
Bus Services
Buses are available for regional travel and can reach remote areas.
Ferry Connections
Ferries operate between the mainland and islands, particularly in the archipelago.
Car Rentals
Renting a car is a good option for exploring rural areas at your own pace.
06
Practical notes
Plugs
Type C and F plugs are used; voltage is 230V.
Cash
Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small purchases.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill is appreciated.
Language
Finnish and Swedish are the official languages.
Data
A travel eSIM covers maps and tickets after landing.
Trip Duration
A week is ideal to explore multiple regions.