Finland offers incredible places to visit and things to do in this wonderful Northern European country. From its capital, Helsinki, to Lapland, this is one of the most popular destinations for observing the Northern Lights. It is also home to numerous ski resorts and national parks.
A land of myths and legends, like Santa Claus, it encompasses unique nature and breathtaking landscapes. Let's discover the best things to do and see in the country in our guide, discovering it during a wonderful trip to Finland!
Visiting Finland means immersing yourself in the wild nature, history, and culture of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Bordering Sweden, Norway, and Russia, overlooking the Gulf of Finland, it is among the European countries with the lowest population density.
Most inhabitants live in the south, where the elegant and lively capital Helsinki is also located, overlooking the sea. To the north, in Lapland, beyond the Arctic Circle, you can admire the natural phenomena of the white nights and the Northern Lights.
Among the experiences to have in Finland, the unmissable Turku Archipelago, the largest in the world, with over 20,000 islands; the magical home of Santa Claus in Rovaniemi; and the numerous national parks, perfect for hiking and outdoor sports. Also worth discovering are cities like Kotka and the evocative region of Karelia.
Between culture, landscapes, and history, let's discover what to see and do in Finland!
1. Helsinki
Among the things to see in Finland, the visit begins in Helsinki, a lively capital overlooking the sea. While maintaining the efficiency and order typical of the Scandinavian mentality, it offers museums, design, restaurants and saunas surrounded by nature.
In the center, the Senate Square is the historic heart, designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, where Sederholm House, the oldest building in the capital, is also located. Worth visiting are the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, in Protestant neoclassical style, and the Temppeliaukio, the famous rock church. In the Narinkka neighborhood, relax in the Chapel of Silence: a peaceful refuge.
To discover local life, stop at Kauppatori, the market square on the harbor, ideal for enjoying salmon-based street food. Finally, climb the Katajanokka hill to admire the Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral. For a moment of relaxation, try a sauna with a sea view: typically Finnish!
2. Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi, just 10 km from the Arctic Circle, is a must-visit destination in Finland, especially in winter. Considered the true home of Santa Claus, it is home to the famous Santa Claus Village: a magical place open all year round, where you can meet Santa Claus, visit the Elf Farm with reindeer and alpacas, and send letters with special Christmas stamps.
It is also the gateway to Finnish Lapland. From here you can admire the Northern Lights, experience the white nights, and take sleigh rides pulled by huskies. Don't miss the Arktikum Museum, where you can discover Arctic culture and the life of the Sami people.
Among the things to see and do in Finland, relax in the thermal pools, including immersing yourself in icy waters. Finally, enjoy Lappish cuisine: reindeer meat, lake fish, berries, and the traditional kalakukko, a fish and meat pie baked in bread.
3. Saariselka
Saariselkä, in the heart of Northern Lapland, is one of the most fascinating places to see in Finland; in the Urho Kekkonen National Park. Among hilly landscapes and Mount Sokosti, which reaches 718 m, this area is famous for winter activities in Finland: skiing, spas and snowshoeing, but also for evocative white weddings.
Here, couples arrive by sleigh pulled by reindeer or huskies to the chapel of St. Olaf or Tieva. In the municipality of Inari, it is also an ideal place to discover Sami culture and visit reindeer farms.
The area, once the scene of the gold rush, is home to the Luttojoki River, where Finland's largest gold nugget was found. A favorite destination for lovers of nature thanks to the numerous trails immersed in nature, among hills, lakes and breathtaking forests.
4. Tampere
Among the things to see and do in Southern Finland, visit one of the country's most dynamic cities: Tampere. Situated between Lakes Pyhäjärvi and Näsijärvi, which are connected by the Tammerkoski Rapids, the rapids were essential for industrial development in the 19th century and during the Finnish Industrial Revolution.
Today, it is a vibrant cultural and university center. Among the things to see and do here in Finland are the Vapriikki Museum Center, with the Natural History Museum, featuring a Civil War exhibit.
Also not to be missed are the Cathedral, with its wonderful Symbolist frescoes, evocative yet somber, and the Kalevan Church, with its modern reinforced concrete architecture and shape reminiscent of a fish seen from above. Furthermore, the city is surrounded by lakes and beautiful forests, combining history, nature, and culture.
5. North Karelia
A trip to Finland is incomplete without a visit to North Karelia, a region brimming with authentic charm thanks to its pristine nature, culture, and slow pace. With over 24,000 farms and more than 2,000 lakes, it's the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes.
A land that has inspired poets and artists, becoming the backdrop for the famous Finnish epic poem Kalevala. Among the natural wonders to see here in Finland are Koli National Park, with its fairytale views, and Petkeljärvi National Park, known for its glacial ridges.
Explore the lakes by canoe, such as Petkeljärvi or Suomunjärvi, and discover the evocative Patvinsuo swamp. Don't miss Valamo Monastery, rich in history and spirituality, and Bomba Village, with a faithful reconstruction of Karelian architecture, for a dive into the past.
6. Rauma
Among the must-see destinations in Finland, Rauma is one of the oldest cities, founded in 1442 and located along the coast. The historic center, Old Rauma, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents the largest wooden urban center in the Scandinavian Peninsula.
Although partially rebuilt after a fire in 1682, it still retains an authentic charm: colorful houses, cobbled streets, boutiques and artisan workshops. Must-sees and activities here in Finland include the Church of the Holy Cross, built by the Franciscans, with its clock tower, and the Old Town Hall, now home to the Kirsti Museum.
It is also famous for its lace production, a craft tradition celebrated with a statue dedicated to the embroiderers in the square. Not far away, visit the archipelago of the Bothnian Sea National Park, or take an excursion to the Bronze Age burial site of Sammallahdenmäki, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, immersed in nature and history.
7. Jyväskylä
In the Central Finnish region, Jyväskylä is a must-see. The heart of the Lake District, it's a must-see for nature lovers. A university city also considered the sports capital, it hosts numerous sports clubs and the country's largest gym. However, it is most famous for being the capital of architecture, the birthplace of Alvar Aalto.
A visit to his creations, such as the Muuram Church, the Säynätsalo Town Hall, and the Alvar Aalto Museum, is therefore unmissable. Nearby is the Leivonmäki National Park, popular for its floating nature saunas. In the surrounding lakes, you can go canoeing, swimming, and fishing; but above all, parkour.
Although it originated in France, it developed right here! Book a cottage in the forest. Also not to be missed are the UNESCO sites of Oravivuori Tower and the ancient Petajavesi Church.
8. Turku
Turku, overlooking the southwestern coast, is a must-see in Finland. Crossed by the Aura River, it is the country's oldest city, founded in the 13th century. A local saying goes: "Why go to Paris when there's Turku?", testifying to its timeless charm.
The former Finnish capital, it is famous for its medieval fortress, now a historical museum, at the mouth of the river. Also not to be missed is the Cathedral, with royal tombs and an interesting museum inside. Culture lovers will find numerous museums, such as the Turku Art Museum, the Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art, and the Sibelius Museum.
On the coast, the Forum Marinum tells the story of the city's maritime history. It is also a haven for foodies: some of the country's best restaurants are located here, among the things to do in Finland. Furthermore, it is the perfect starting point for the Archipelago Trail, and is also home to the country's first university: the Royal Academy.
9. Porvoo
A wonderful city that shouldn't be missed among the things to see and do in Finland, in the Uusimaa region, Porvoo was historically part of Eastern Uusimaa. It takes its name from the ancient fortification on the Porvoonjoki River, which runs through the center, making it charming.
Famous for its perfectly preserved historic center, with colorful wooden houses and cobbled streets, it is one of the most visited cities by travelers in Finland. Among shops, workshops, crafts, and local cuisine, also visit Porvoo Cathedral, the symbol of the city, built in the 15th century. Among the perfect destinations for combining culture, history, and authentic atmospheres in the south of the country.
10. Oulu
Finally, among the things to visit in Finland, we head north to discover Oulu, in the Northern Ostrobothnia region; overlooking the Gulf of Bothnia at the mouth of the Oulujoki River. Founded in 1605 by Charles IX of Sweden and rebuilt in 1822 by architect Carl Ludwig Engel after a fire, it is today known as Finland's Silicon Valley thanks to Northern Europe's first technology park and the University of Oulu, a center of excellence in biotechnology and biomedicine.
Among the things to see and do in Finland, the neoclassical Cathedral, dedicated to Sophia Magdalene of Denmark, stands out. In the center, the Kauppahalli covered market is perfect for discovering local products.
On the river, Toppilansaari Island is home to an open-air museum with 44 historic wooden buildings, including houses and churches. Finally, the Hupisaaret Islands urban park, with its green spaces near the river, is ideal for summer strolls.
All that we suggest is that if you happen to fall in love with this city, and want to spend a substantial amount of time here, remember to hire well-equipped, experienced long-distance movers. You can settle down anywhere in the world stress-free, as long as you have them at your side.
