The Ultimate Travel Guide to Finland, the Land of Thousand Lakes & Northern Lights – 2024

Finland at a Glance

Finland occupies the northeast part of Europe and is one of the countries that can be called is natural. Again, for those People who are in a search of an active kind of recreation combined with the beauty of the nature, Finland as a country with clear landscapes from the tors up to a real Lapland is a perfect choose. Helsinki, the capital of Finland gives both modern architectural developments and lively art scene, but the true staple of Finnish lifestyle is sauna, and connection with their immediate nature.

Finland is also one of the perfect destinations to see the Northern light and the state of having a Midnight Sun during summer. Finland offers the mountains, the nature, cultural attractions, and of course, the Sauna all those who are planning a trip to the country.

Why Visit Finland?

Modern Architecture:

Beautiful Cities and Places of Interest Finnish cities boast of good designs, new age architectures and carrying culture, traditions and history of the country; the best place for those who like to explore cities with a side dish of culture.

• Helsinki: A bustling, modern capital in the region of Scandinavia, Finland’s Helsinki is famous for its design and maritime personality. Key attractions include:
  • Helsinki Cathedral: This magnificent white neoclassical cathedral is dominating the Senate Square and definitely one of the most emblematic buildings in Turku.Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church): This incredible church is carved in stone and is an architectural project and a relaxing area in the middle of the megacity.
  • Suomenlinna Fortress: This sea fortress that is divided over several islands is a UNESCO Heritage site and is only a short ferry ride from Helsinki. Especially to the lovers of history and people who look for a beautiful view to see.
• Turku: Indeed, the city has rich history as it is Finland’s oldest city and used to be a capital. Must-see attractions include:
  • Turku Castle: The oldest preserved stone building in Finland Turku Castle is one of the best preserved medieval structures and houses a Finnish history museum.
  • Turku Archipelago: It is a group of more than 20000 islands; cycling and boating are among the activities to be enjoyed in this region with traditional island of Finland.
• Tampere: Tampere is a bustling industrial town nestled in a city of lakes and boast of parks and cultural centres. Highlights include:
  • Pyynikki Observation Tower: If you want to get a good overview of the city and the chain of lakes, take a ride up to the city’s highest point with an emergency radio station; absolutely must visit a café that prepares the most popular in the country Pyynikki doughnuts.
  • Tampere Art Museum: Art museum that specialises in modern and contemporary art but which also presents information about Finnish culture and history.

Basic Information about Blend of Tradition and Innovation in Finland

Modern Finland as a well-developed European country is a land where a tradition as old as hundreds of years like sauna culture is still evident and prevailing along with design, and technological competence.

• The Design District (Helsinki): Helsinki is famous for design and Design District is a district that is of particular interest to architectural and interior design enthusiasts and fashion lovers. There is fashion, design, and art shops, and galleries containing true Finnish spirit.
• Sauna Culture: Every household in the country has a sauna and the number of saunas in Finland is actually greater than the number of cars. Whether relaxing in a simple sauna which is heated by wood or in a contemporary design furniture sauna, the purpose is to wash down with the water and get relaxed.
• Sami Culture in Lapland: Lapland is approximately 1000 km north of Finland and is home to the Sami people. It introduces tourists to the Sami people and their culture, customs, as well as a possibility of spending the night in a lavvu – the traditional tent of the Sami people.

Flora and fauna&Tourist attractions

The geography of Finland comprises thousands of lakes, vast expansive forests and wide muskeg and taiga regions of wilderness.

• Lapland and the Northern Lights: The northernmost region of the country, the area of Lapland, freezes over and provides excellent conditions for skiing, snowboarding and viewing the famed Northern Lights. The people can spend a night in transparent domes to watch the dancing skies directly from the bed, ride a snowmobile, or having a husky sled tour.
• Lake Saimaa: Also referred to as the land of thousand lakes, the largest lake in Finland, Saimaa presents water so clear for activities such as kayaking, fishing and Houa and forest and small island. It also inhabits the Saimaa ringed seal which is one of the most endangered seal species in the world.
• Oulanka National Park: Oulanka National Park is located in the northeastern part of Finland, famous for the rocky landscape, great rivers, and hosting Karhunkierros Trail one of the most popular hiking trails in Finland.

Outdoor Adventures in Finland

Lovers of fresh air will find numerous opportunities to fill in their interest in Finland all year round from biking and trekking in summer to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

• Hiking in Koli National Park: Established in the Eastern side of Finland, Koli National Park ranges from the flowery hills, forests and the distinct water bodies well fenced by the Pielinen lake. Sport lovers, especially hikers, will find the place to be perfect for them or perhaps a naturalist’s delight.
• Skiing in Levi: Levi is by far the biggest and the most famous ski resort in Finland, situated in Lapland. It has sourced all gradability of slopes for both beginner, intermediate and advance, great après ski activities, snow mobile tour and the dance with the nature known as the aurora borealis or northern light excited.
• Cycling in Åland Archipelago: The Åland Islands are an autonomous island group in the Baltic Sea, specializing in scenic views, low key tourism and cycling. It’s a perfect summer destination for exploring by bike is the kind of experience that is worth to have.

Finnish Cuisine: Simple and Fresh

Traditional vegetables, bread and rice, berries, mushrooms and fish are typical characteristics of Finnish foods.

• Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pies): A Finnish pie made from thin rye bread with inside rice pudding, customarily eaten with egg butter. People usually have it as snack or to eat in the morning in Finland.
• Gravlax: Gravlax is among the traditional cuisines of the Nordic countries; it is prepared by spicing the salmon fillet with the blend of dill, salt, and sugar. This steak is traditionally eaten with mustard sauce accompanied by rye bread.
• Reindeer Stew: one of the most famous among them is reindeer stew which is a traditional dish of the Sami people to be served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries. Eh, it is a must try for anyone who happens to be in north of Finland.
• Mustikkapiirakka (Blueberry Pie): Forests in Finland are a producer of wild fruits and thus mustikkapiirakka, a blueberry pie is a very basic and popular dessert in the country.

Flight Options and Airports on How to Visit Finland

Anyway, there are no problems with choosing a destination because Finland has developed international airports that allow flying to this country from any point of the world.

• Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL): Helsinki’s biggest and most popular airport found in Vantaa, it provides flight connection to many European, Asian and North American cities.
• Rovaniemi Airport (RVN): The main hub for the travels in Lapland Rovaniemi airport is known as the ‘official airport of the Santa Clause’ for tourists who come for the Northern Lights and winter tourism year.
• Tampere-Pirkkala Airport (TMP): A perfect gateway to the central region of Finland, Tampere-Pirkkala has flights to several other locations within Europe hence acting as a good starting point for any holiday maker intent on moving around Finland apart from the capital city, Helsinki.

When To Go to Finland

Finland has to be visited all year round because when one person will be there, he or she will have something different to share.

• Summer (June to August): Midnight Sun in Finnish refers to the phenomenon where summer in Finland is characterized by late night and nightless night. Essential things such as hiking, biking, enjoying the country’s lakes, and forests can be done best during this period.
• Fall (September to November): Autumn is followed by cooler temperature particularly in the national park with yellow foliage during this season. It is my best time for walking and especially when the berries are ripe on the trees.
• Winter (December to February): It is sweeter to visit the country when it is winter especially in Lapland where you can experience the favorite Viking winter activities including skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding and watching the natural light show – the northern lights, and even visiting the house of Santa Claus.
• Spring (March to May): In Finnish spring is characterized by melting snow and the fact that period of light is back after the very long winter. This is still a good time to travel because the places are less crowded and nature awakes from its slumber.

Visas and Entry Requirements for Finland

Like most countries in the Schengen area, the entry formalities are not very complicated in Finland for most of the visitors.

• Visa-Free Entry: Some of the entry requirements include; Finns welcome visitors from EU countries, USA, Canada, Australia and other countries visa- free for up to 90 days.
• Schengen Visa: Residents from countries that necessitate visa can ask for Schengen visa, which permits visits to Finland and other Schengen nations for not more than 90 days.

Finance and Costs In Your Trip to Finland

Finland has accommodation for every traveler depending on their budget; cheap or expensive or even mid-range accommodation.

• Accommodation: There are hostels or guesthouses, which cost around €50 for a night’s stay, the average hotels belong to the mid-price range of €100-€150 per night. It should be noted that you can spend more than €300 per night in luxury hotels – and this is true especially in Lapland.
• Food & Dining: The expense of eating lightly prepared food which is not prepared in star rated hotels may be anything between €10 to €20 while eating in mid priced restaurants may cost between €30 to €60 per head. I discovered that it is possible to spend over a hundred Euros apiece on a meal and especially so if you are dining in Helsinki.
• Transportation: Currently, Finland has relatively developed public transportation, for instance, a single ticket for metro or bus in Helsinki costs €3. There is a train and bus service linking distant places and they are fairly cheap while domestic flights can be taken for a trip to a region such as Lapland.

Finnish Travel Destination and Points of Interest

Here are some top attractions that should be on every traveler’s list:

• Helsinki Design District: Get a quick tour through the Finnish design scene and find souvenirs from Finland that stand out from the pack.
• Santa Claus Village (Rovaniemi): See the Man in Red, flip the coin across the Arctic line, and do some serious winter activities in this winter wonderland.
• Koli National Park: Visit the top of the Ukko-Koli Hill and enjoy this wonderful nature trail.

Cultural Deep Dive

The Sauna and the Sami indigenous people of the far North represent two main aspects of Finnish culture connected to the country’s nature.

• Sauna: It is becoming something of a cultural cliché to state that nearly every Finnish family owns a sauna and having a sauna is very much part of the Finnish tradition. Sauna for tourists range from the historical wooden Saunas, the Saunas in rural countryside to the new Saunas in the city of Helsinki.
• Sami Culture in Lapland: The foreign tourist can make cultural tours to the Lapps and enjoy their music and craft or make a visit to the reindeer farm and make friendship with the native Sami people who are the real inhabitant of Lapland.
• Midsummer Festival: Bonnets accompanied by fire are essential for Midsummer, also called Juhannus, all associated with Finland, and including lake parties, summertime, and the solstice.

Finland Practical Tips

• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Language: Finnish is the official language of the country while Swedish language is spoken all over the country. English is well comprehended, particularly in the areas where you will find tourists and large population centres.
• Transportation: Public transportation is well established in the country; buses, and trains and metros in the cities. Local and interstate transportation is convenient by train, bus or domestic flights.
• Staying Connected: There is free or paid Wi-Fi connection in hotels and cafes, as well as in various public facilities. You will also find that you can purchase a SIM card with data package for the tourist who may require mobile internet.

Conclusion

Finland is a country where you will find mostly natural beauty, cultural background, and technological advancement. Whether it is gazing at the phenomena of light in the northern skies of Lapland, or photography surfaces of modern design in Helsinki or enjoying the silent expansive beauty of Finland’s national parks, the country has something for everyone. Finland proves to be a country that has sustainable tourism in its DNA as well as has a great heritage, and memorable scenic views. Well, let the travelling shoes on and get ready to experience the biggest fairy tale of Finland.