Finland is a country in Northern Europe, sharing borders with Sweden, Norway, and Russia. Its capital, Helsinki, is located on a peninsula surrounded by the Baltic Sea. The city features landmarks like the 18th-century sea fortress Suomenlinna, a trendy Design District, and a variety of museums. In the northern region of Lapland, you can view the Northern Lights and explore national parks and ski resorts. Popular activities include kayaking, island hopping, and boat tours, especially around Helsinki and Turku’s Archipelago Sea. Finland’s inland lakes are perfect for summer activities like swimming, fishing, and sailing. Tampere, located between two lakes, is known for its Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame, while Savonlinna is famous for its medieval Olavinlinna Castle. The town of Porvoo, east of Helsinki, has a historic old town and an Iron Age fortress. Finland is also famous for its saunas and iconic designs like Marimekko fabrics, Iittala glass, and Aalto furniture.
places to visit in Finland
Suomenlinna
Suomenlinna is a sea fortress located on eight islands just 4 km southeast of Helsinki’s city center. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular destination for both locals and tourists. People often visit for relaxing picnics and to enjoy the scenic beauty of the islands. The fortress has historical significance and offers a peaceful spot to explore. You can wander through its charming streets, visit museums, and enjoy the surrounding nature.
Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus Village, located in Rovaniemi, Finland, is known as the official home of Santa Claus. Visitors can take part in fun activities like visiting the Santa Claus Office for photos and chats with Santa. The village also has a museum that showcases the history of snowmobiles in Arctic areas. It is a magical destination, especially for families, with various attractions and the chance to meet Santa. The village is open year-round, making it a unique destination in both summer and winter.
Market Square
Market Square is a lively central square in Helsinki, located at the eastern end of Esplanadi and by the Baltic Sea. The square is surrounded by notable landmarks like the Presidential Palace and Helsinki City Hall. In the warmer months, it becomes a bustling hub with vendors selling fresh Finnish food and local souvenirs. You can also enjoy the many outdoor cafés while watching the lively market atmosphere. The square is a popular place for both locals and tourists to relax and explore.
Levi
Levi, the largest ski resort in Finland, is located in Finnish Lapland. The resort is known for hosting the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup and offers a variety of slopes for skiing and snowboarding. Most of the slopes are suitable for beginners and intermediates, with some challenging black runs for experts. Levi’s ski season is long, stretching from October to mid-May. Visitors can enjoy winter sports, scenic views, and a vibrant après-ski atmosphere, making it a popular winter destination.
Rukatunturi
Rukatunturi is a popular ski resort located in Kuusamo, Finland. The resort offers not only downhill skiing but also over 500 km of cross-country skiing tracks. It is a great destination for snowmobiles, with 600 km of snowmobile routes to explore. Ruka is also the southern starting point for the Karhunkierros hiking trail, offering year-round outdoor activities. The area is becoming increasingly popular for both winter and summer tourism, with diverse activities for all seasons.
Sibelius Monument
The Sibelius Monument, created by Eila Hiltunen, is a tribute to the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Located in Sibelius Park in Helsinki, the monument consists of over 600 steel pipes arranged in a wave-like design. The striking sculpture is both an artistic representation and a symbol of Finland’s rich musical heritage. It attracts visitors who admire both its unique design and the connection to Finland’s cultural history. The monument is a must-see for those interested in art and music.
Nuuksio National Park
Nuuksio National Park, located in Espoo, is one of Finland’s 40 national parks. It covers forests, lakes, and swamps, providing a beautiful setting for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore eight hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels, ranging from 1.5 km to 17 km. The park also offers designated areas for grilling and camping, as well as skiing in the winter months. It is a peaceful and accessible destination for nature lovers looking to enjoy Finland’s wilderness.
Ateneum
Ateneum is an art museum located in Helsinki and is part of the Finnish National Gallery. It houses Finland’s largest collection of classical art, including Finnish works from the 18th century to the 20th century. The museum also features around 650 international art pieces. Ateneum is renowned for its collection of Finnish art and provides an in-depth look at the country’s artistic development. It is an essential stop for art lovers visiting Helsinki.
Olavinlinna
Olavinlinna is a 15th-century castle located on an island in the Kyrönsalmi Strait, near Savonlinna. The castle is a medieval fortress with three towers and is one of the northernmost stone castles still standing. It hosts several small exhibitions, including the Castle Museum and the Orthodox Museum, which showcase artifacts and religious items. Visitors can explore the castle’s history and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Olavinlinna is a key historical site in Finland and a popular tourist attraction.
Turku Castle
Turku Castle, located on the banks of the Aura River in Turku, Finland, is one of the oldest buildings still in use. Built in the late 13th century, the castle has served various purposes, including as a fortress and administrative center during Finland’s time as a province of Sweden. It is the largest surviving medieval building in Finland. Today, visitors can explore the castle’s rich history through exhibitions and enjoy its beautiful location by the river. It is one of Finland’s most significant historical landmarks.
Top destinations to visit in Finland
Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital city of Finland, located in the south along the Gulf of Finland. The city’s main street, Mannerheimintie, is lined with important landmarks like the National Museum, which tells the story of Finland from ancient times to today. You can also find the Finnish Parliament House and Kiasma, a modern art museum, on the same street. Another famous site is the red-brick Uspenski Cathedral, which offers great views of the harbor.
Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland in the north. The city was rebuilt after being heavily damaged during World War II and is now known as the official hometown of Santa Claus. It’s a popular place to see the Northern Lights and learn about Arctic life. Arktikum is a museum and science center where visitors can explore the nature and culture of Lapland. The Science Centre Pilke also offers fun, hands-on exhibits about northern forests.
Best Time to Visit Finland
The best time to visit Finland depends on what you want to do.
December to March is great for snow and winter fun like skiing and sledding.
In April and May, spring begins, and nature starts to bloom.
July and August offer warm weather, long days, and many festivals.
Each season brings something special for visitors to enjoy.
