Finland

South Region

Explore the Vibrant Capital of Helsinki

  • Discover neoclassical architecture at Senate Square and visit the Uspenski Cathedral and Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church).
  • Explore the historic Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site accessible by ferry.
  • Immerse yourself in Finnish art at the Ateneum and contemporary design at the Design Museum.
  • Experience the lively atmosphere of the Market Square (Kauppatori) and enjoy local treats like "lohikeitto" (salmon soup).
  • Take a ferry to islands like Vallisaari or Lonna for scenic views and outdoor activities.
  • Indulge in the city's modern culinary scene in districts like Kallio and Punavuori, and experience nightlife around Kamppi.

Discover the Historical Charm of Turku

  • Visit Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with centuries of history, and explore its various halls and exhibitions.
  • Explore Turku Cathedral, Finland's most important religious building, and learn about its significance.
  • Stroll along the picturesque Aura River promenade and enjoy cafes and restaurants like NOOA or Tintå.
  • Step back in time at the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum, an open-air museum showcasing 18th and 19th-century life.
  • Experience the maritime history at the Forum Marinum maritime centre, featuring historic ships and exhibitions.

Experience Industrial Heritage in Tampere

  • Visit the Vapriikki Museum Centre, showcasing exhibitions from natural history to media, in the old Tampella factory.
  • Enjoy panoramic city views from the Näsinneula observation tower at the Särkänniemi amusement park.
  • Explore the Sara Hildén Art Museum, focusing on modern and contemporary art, with works by Finnish and international artists.
  • Have fun at the Särkänniemi amusement park, which also includes a planetarium, aquarium, and children's zoo.
  • Discover the Finlayson area, a former industrial complex now a hub for culture, dining at places like Plevna Brewery, and museums like the Finnish Labour Museum Werstas.

Explore the Unique Åland Islands

  • Discover Mariehamn, the charming capital with its Maritime Museum and the Pommern sailing ship.
  • Visit Kastelholm Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress with a prison museum and outdoor recreational area.
  • Enjoy sailing and boating through the vast archipelago, perhaps renting a kayak or joining a guided tour.
  • Experience the local culture and Swedish-speaking heritage by visiting local markets and trying regional dishes like "svartbröd".
  • Explore the scenic countryside by bike along routes like the Åland Archipelago Trail or by car to visit charming villages and viewpoints.

Discover the Western Finnish Lakeland

  • Visit Hämeenlinna and explore the historic Häme Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress on the shore of Lake Vanajavesi.
  • Experience winter sports and visit the Lahti Ski Museum and ski jumping hills for impressive views.
  • Enjoy lake cruises on Lake Päijänne or Lake Vanajavesi, and try various water activities.
  • Explore the scenic landscapes of national parks like Isojärvi National Park with its rugged terrain and hiking trails.

Explore the Coastal National Parks

  • Kayak or boat through the stunning Archipelago National Park, visiting islands like Bengtskär Lighthouse or Utö Island.
  • Go birdwatching in key areas like the Kvarken Archipelago (UNESCO) or the Bothnian Bay National Park.
  • Hike along scenic trails on islands like Nauvo or Korpo, and enjoy the unique island scenery.
  • Discover charming coastal villages like Tammisaari or Hanko and their historical wooden architecture and lighthouses.

Experience Southern Finland's Nature

  • Explore the forests and lakes of Nuuksio National Park near Helsinki, with trails like the Haukankierros Trail and Haukkalampi Nature Centre.
  • Hike through the historical farm landscapes and forests of Liesjärvi National Park and visit the Korteniemi Heritage Farm.
  • Enjoy canoeing or kayaking on scenic routes like the Kymijoki River or the lake systems around Repovesi National Park (partially south).
  • Discover numerous well-maintained cycling paths, such as the coastal route Rannikkoreitti or routes in the Turku archipelago.
  • Try fishing for perch, pike, or trout in popular spots like Lake Lohjanjärvi or along the Vantaanjoki River.

Discover Culture and History Beyond Cities

  • Wander through the charming wooden house district of Old Rauma (UNESCO World Heritage site) and visit the Rauma Museum.
  • Explore the well-preserved wooden architecture of Porvoo Old Town and visit the Porvoo Cathedral.
  • Discover traditional Finnish church towns (kirkkokylät) like Petäjävesi Old Church (UNESCO) or the church in Sammatti.
  • Sample local culinary delights like "kalakukko" (fish pie) in the Savonia region (partially south) or "lörtsy" in Savonlinna (also partially south).
  • Find unique crafts and design at local markets like the Turku Market Hall or boutiques in Fiskars Village.

Embrace the Seasons

  • Experience the Finnish summer cottage culture by renting a "mökki" by a lake and enjoying sauna, swimming, and boating on Lake Saimaa (partially south) or other lakes.
  • Enjoy ice skating on natural ice rinks on lakes or the sea in Helsinki, or try snowshoeing in areas like Sipoonkorpi National Park during winter.
  • Witness the beauty of spring blooms in the Alppiruusu Park in Helsinki or the autumn foliage ("ruska") in national parks like Repovesi.

North & East Regions

Experience the Magic of Rovaniemi

  • Meet Santa Claus at Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle.
  • Explore the Arctic Centre and Provincial Museum of Lapland (Arktikum).
  • Visit Santa Park, an underground Christmas theme park.
  • Witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) during the winter months.
  • Enjoy winter activities like snowmobiling and reindeer sleigh rides.

Explore Lapland's Vast Wilderness

  • Hike or ski in the stunning Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.
  • Discover the gold panning history and wilderness of Lemmenjoki National Park.
  • Trek through the diverse landscapes of Urho Kekkonen National Park.
  • Experience the unique hanging mires and forests of Riisitunturi National Park.
  • Explore the iconic Karhunkierros Trail in Oulanka National Park with its rapids and gorges.

Immerse Yourself in Sámi Culture in Inari

  • Visit the Sámi Museum and Nature Centre Siida to learn about the indigenous Sámi people.
  • Explore the beautiful Lake Inari, a sacred place for the Sámi.
  • Experience traditional Sámi crafts and reindeer herding.
  • Attend Sámi cultural events and festivals.

Discover the Eastern Finnish Lakeland

  • Cruise on Lake Saimaa, Finland's largest lake system.
  • Visit Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna, host of the Savonlinna Opera Festival.
  • Explore the charming city of Kuopio and enjoy views from Puijo Tower.
  • Try to spot the endangered Saimaa ringed seal.
  • Enjoy fishing, canoeing, and the tranquility of the lake region.

Experience the Bothnian Bay and Kemi

  • Visit the impressive SnowCastle in Kemi during winter.
  • Take an adventurous icebreaker cruise on the Bothnian Bay.
  • Explore the unique coastal environment of the Bothnian Bay National Park.

Explore the Northern City of Oulu

  • Visit the Tietomaa science centre with its interactive exhibits.
  • Explore the Northern Ostrobothnia Museum.
  • Enjoy the vibrant cultural scene and modern architecture.

Discover Unique Northern Accommodations

  • Consider a stay in a glass igloo for exceptional Northern Lights viewing.
  • Experience the novelty of a SnowHotel in Kemi or Lainio Snow Village.
  • Enjoy the tranquility of a traditional Lappish cabin ("mökki") in the wilderness.

Suggested Travel Itinerary

Finland - 6 Weeks

Days 1-12: Southern Finland Exploration

  • Arrive in Helsinki. Explore the city: Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, Uspenski Cathedral, Temppeliaukio Church.
  • Visit Suomenlinna Sea Fortress (UNESCO site) via ferry.
  • Immerse in Finnish art and design at Ateneum and Design Museum. Explore Market Square and coastal areas.
  • Day trip to Porvoo to explore its charming Old Town and wooden architecture.
  • Travel to Turku: Discover Turku Castle and Turku Cathedral. Stroll the Aura River promenade. Visit Forum Marinum.
  • Explore the Archipelago National Park from the Turku area (boat trip or island hopping).
  • Travel to Tampere: Experience industrial heritage at Vapriikki, enjoy views from Näsinneula tower, visit Finlayson area.
  • Visit Hämeenlinna to explore Häme Castle and the surrounding Lakeland scenery.
  • Explore the wooden house district of Old Rauma (UNESCO site).
  • Experience nature in Nuuksio National Park (near Helsinki) with hiking trails and lakes.

Days 13-23: Eastern Lakeland Discovery

  • Travel to the Eastern Finnish Lakeland region (e.g., Savonlinna or Kuopio).
  • Cruise on Lake Saimaa, Finland's largest lake system.
  • Visit Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna. Consider attending the Savonlinna Opera Festival if timing is right.
  • Explore Kuopio and enjoy panoramic views from Puijo Tower.
  • Search for the endangered Saimaa ringed seal in Linnansaari or Kolovesi National Parks (guided tour recommended).
  • Enjoy canoeing or kayaking in the national parks of the Lakeland region.
  • Discover ancient rock paintings, such as those at Astuvansalmi.
  • Experience the tranquility of a Finnish summer cottage by a lake.
  • Explore the Karelian culture in the eastern regions and visit Orthodox churches.

Days 24-34: Journey to and Exploration of Lapland

  • Travel north towards Lapland (overnight train is a popular option to save time and experience).
  • Arrive in Rovaniemi: Visit Santa Claus Village and the Arktikum museum.
  • Experience winter activities (seasonal): Snowmobiling, reindeer sleigh ride, dog sledding.
  • Look for the Northern Lights (seasonal, primarily autumn/winter).
  • Travel further north to Inari: Immerse in Sámi culture at the Siida Museum.
  • Explore Lake Inari by boat. Visit a local reindeer farm.
  • Hike in the fells and wilderness of Lapland. Consider trails in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.
  • Experience the Midnight Sun (summer) or the Polar Night (winter), depending on the season.
  • Consider a stay in a unique accommodation like a glass igloo or a traditional cabin.

Days 35-42: Northern Adventures and Bothnian Bay

  • Explore more of northern Lapland, perhaps visiting areas like Saariselkä for hiking or skiing.
  • Travel west towards the Bothnian Bay.
  • Visit Kemi: Experience the SnowCastle (seasonal) or take an icebreaker cruise (seasonal).
  • Explore the coastal nature of the Bothnian Bay National Park, known for its birdlife.
  • Discover the city of Oulu and its cultural attractions.