The Land of the Midnight Sun
Finland is the home of the midnight sun, Santa Claus, saunas, and beautiful landscapes. It has a population of 5.5 million people and is about the size of New York State. Finland is known for its breathtaking landscapes, deep forests, and saunas.
Finland is one of Europe’s most sparsely populated countries, with only five people per square kilometer. The country has a long history that includes being under Swedish rule for 700 years and then Russian rule from 1809 to 1917, during which time Finland was an autonomous Grand Duchy.
Things To Do in Finland
Finnish people are very proud of their country’s natural beauty. They have over 100,000 lakes, and the land is covered with pine trees. The culture in Finland is rich in traditions. In fact, they are the only Nordic country to have a language other than Swedish or Norwegian that has been spoken from the Viking era to today.
1) Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland. It has a population of nearly 600,000 and is one of the most modern cities in Europe.
Helsinki is a beautiful city with many things to do and see. The city offers a lot of cultural attractions, such as museums, theaters, and art galleries. Helsinki also has several parks where you can enjoy the scenery or go on a picnic.
The Finnish capital is also known for its fantastic design scene and world-class restaurants, which are worth checking out if you want to experience the best Finnish cuisine.
2) Rovaniemi
The city of Rovaniemi is located in northern Finland. It is a popular tourist destination because it is the home of Santa Claus. In fact, it’s one of Finland’s most popular destinations for international tourists.
Rovaniemi has many things to do, such as visiting Santa’s house, going on a reindeer ride, or taking part in Christmas markets.
3) Tampere
Tampere is the second largest city in Finland and has a population of around 220,000 people. It’s located in the Pirkanmaa region and is known as the “Manchester of Finland.”
Tampere has a lot to offer for tourists and visitors alike. The city has a rich cultural heritage with many museums, theatres, concert halls, and galleries. Tampere is also home to some of Finland’s most popular musical artists.
Tampere hosts many events throughout the year, such as the Tammerfest – which celebrates Finnish culture through music, theatre, dance, and other art forms and celebrates summer in all its glory with food stalls, concerts, and fun activities for kids.
4) Turku
The town is located on the southwest coast of Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Bothnia.
Turku was founded in the 13th century and became an important trading center with its strategic location by the sea. Turku has a population of 175,000 and had been Finland’s capital for centuries. The city offers many museums, galleries, theaters, parks, and gardens. It is home to many universities and colleges.
Turku offers a variety of tourist attractions, such as Turku Castle, Cathedral Hill Park, Old Great Square, and Turku Market Square, where you can find many cafes, restaurants, and shops.
5) Lapland
Lapland is a region in Finland where you can experience the wilderness and the beautiful scenery. The area is covered with forests, lakes, and hills. You can visit Lapland both in summer and winter as there are many things to do during these specific seasons.
Here are some of the most popular destinations in Lapland:
- Reindeer safari: In this safari, you will get a chance to see some reindeer up close and feed them.
- Santa’s Village: This place is perfect for those who want to experience Christmas all year round.
- Snowmobile safari: If you want a more adventurous trip, then this is for you!
Lake & Sauna
The sauna is an old Finnish tradition that has been around for centuries. It was originally used as a way to cure illnesses, but now it is used more for relaxation and enjoyment. There are many different types of saunas in Finland, but most of them have three things in common: they are dry heat, they use wood-fired heaters, and they are usually dark inside. Finland’s capital city Helsinki has over 100 public saunas that anyone can visit!
The lake is also a popular place to visit in Finland as it offers beautiful views, relaxation opportunities, and some other activities like fishing or boating.
Nature & Hiking Trails
Finland has many hiking trails that are perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of nature.
The Linnansaari National Park in Eastern Finland is a popular destination for Finnish hikers. It is one of the country’s largest national parks and offers some of the best opportunities for hiking in Finland. The Linnansaari National Park also offers many other outdoor activities, such as canoeing, fishing, skiing, and snowshoeing in wintertime.
The Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is located in the northernmost part of the Finnish mainland. It is a vast area of wilderness that includes both boreal and subarctic landscapes. The national park has many features that make it a unique natural area, including its diverse vegetation, rich wildlife, and spectacular views.
The national park has over 300 km of hiking trails. Hikers can explore the beautiful natural environment while discovering the cultural heritage left behind by people in this area over centuries.
There are 41 national parks to choose from in Finland!
Finland’s Northern Sights – Lapland, Arctic Circle
In the winter, Finland’s Northern Lights are one of the most spectacular natural phenomena on earth. In Lapland, you can go snowmobiling, husky sledding, and enjoy the stunning scenery of this beautiful region.
It is located in the area of the Arctic circle, hence it experiences freezing winters and cool summers.
It is also known for its Santa Claus Village, where tourists can visit Santa’s workshop and meet him.
Visit the cities of Rovaniemi, Inari, Ivalo, and some of the small ski resorts in this winter wonderland.
Prepare for the Seasons
When going to Finland, it is essential to know what the weather is like and what clothes you should pack.
The Finnish summer is short but can be hot and humid. You should be prepared for rain and windy days. Even though the weather in Finland changes rapidly, it is always good to have a few layers of clothes with you to easily adjust your outfit if necessary.
The Finnish autumn starts in September, lasts through December, and will be chilling to cold during this period. You will need a warm coat, gloves, scarf, and hat this season.
In the Finnish winter, you can expect a lot of snow and slush. It is usually not too cold as long as there is no wind, but winter gear is essential. It is still important to pack some gloves, scarf, and hats designed for cold weather. Northern Finland is cold.
The Finnish spring starts in March and ends in May. The temperature during this period will change from cold to chilly. Finland usually doesn’t get very warm, so a jacket is still necessary.
Finland is a Must
Think again if you’ve never thought about Finland as a travel destination. Finland is perhaps one of the most undervalued travel destinations, especially if you love the outdoors and being one with nature. Finland has some of the best winter activities if you want to guarantee snow! Look into Finland for your next travel destination.