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Plan Your Trip to Finland: Best of Finland Tourism

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Finland Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 9, 2023

Due to its out-of-the-way location and the fact that Finland is expensive, many travelers skip visiting the country when they explore Europe .

But this is a mistake.

Finland has a lot to offer and there are plenty of ways to save money here. I think it’s one of the most underrated destinations in Europe — especially if you love the outdoors!

This travel guide to Finland can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this amazing nation.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Finland

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Top 5 things to see and do in bath.

1. Explore the Salla Reindeer Park

This park in the Arctic Circle is where you can feed reindeer, pet huskies, take a canoe trip, do some hiking, or try snowshoeing and skiing. There are reindeer competitions (reindeer are an important part of the indigenous culture here), husky sleigh rides, and midnight canoe trips when the sun is out all night. In the winter months you can experience the northern lights as you hike through the forest at night using snowshoes. If hiking isn’t your thing, there are nighttime reindeer sleigh rides for those hoping to see the northern lights. You can try out dogsledding and steer your very own team of huskies too. Admission to the park is 10 EUR (tours have additional costs).

2. See the Northern Lights in Lapland

This is hands-down one of the best things to do in the country. In the northern part of Lapland, you can see the northern lights shining almost every night when the sky is clear, whereas in southern Finland they are only visible 10-20 nights each year. Lapland is within the Arctic Circle so there is essentially 24 hours of darkness each day from November until January. There are plenty of guided tours you can join, though you can also venture out on your own to save money too if you’re on a budget. A three-hour snowmobile tour to see the northern lights costs around 155 EUR per person. September-April is the best time to see them.

3. Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi

This Christmas amusement park is great for anyone traveling with kids. You can meet “Santa,” do snow-shoeing safaris, feed reindeer, and learn about Finnish Christmas traditions through the ages. The adorable village includes Santa’s official office, his Christmas house, the main Santa Claus Post Office, and the house of Mrs. Claus and Santa’s reindeer. Adults can enjoy a variety of dining options ranging from upscale restaurants to fun bars. The Ice Bar is rebuilt each year and is full of snow and ice sculptures. Admission is free and the village is open all year.

4. Explore Helsinki

Historic, small, filled with green space, and set on the Baltic Sea, Helsinki is a scenic city that doesn’t get huge tourist crowds like other European capitals. Visit the six islands that make up Suomenlinna Sea Fortress (which dates to the late 1700s) or get your history fix at the National Museum of Finland. If you’re feeling the need for some relaxation, stop by one of Helsinki’s many saunas. And for a unique experience, book the sauna room on the Skywheel Helsinki Ferris wheel. The city is filled with world-class museums and restaurants and is perfect for a few days of exploring.

5. Stay in an ice hotel or glass igloo at the SnowHotel

Located in Lapland, everything in the SnowHotel is made of ice — including your bed (you get warm furs and sleeping bags, don’t worry)! The hotel is rebuilt each year from snow and ice, so the appearance is constantly changing. It sleeps up to 70 guests, and there are additional glass igloos that make for excellent star gazing. Enjoy sauna experiences, search for the northern lights, and plenty of ice art. There’s also an ice restaurant here too which serves local cuisine on frozen plates. The bar serves tasty craft cocktails in glasses made from ice too. A basic room with a double bed costs 200 EUR per night. You can also stay in smaller glass igloos as well.

Other Things to See and Do in Finland

1. go ice climbing.

Finland is known for its impressive ice formations, including frozen waterfalls and tall ice walls inside deep canyons or valleys. Companies like Bliss Adventure can outfit you with the right gear and introduce you to ice climbing in places like Tajukangas Falls and Korouoma Canyon (Korouoma is the most popular place to ice climb in the country). Prices vary but plan to spend around 100 EUR for a short tour. If you’re not afraid of heights and if you’re a bit of a thrill-seeker, try rappelling from the top of the Tajukangas Ice Falls (it’s about 30 meters high).

2. See Pakasaivo Lake

This lake in the north of Finland was once a place where indigenous Sámi worshipped. The 60-meter-deep lake is a meromictic lake, which means the water on the surface and at the bottom never mix (normal lakes mix at least once a year when the water at the surface cools off and becomes denser, causing it to sink). This creates an oxygen-free environment where the contents at the bottom are perfectly preserved. The area is known as the Hell of Lapland as people used to believe there was another realm under the lake. There is also a giant’s kettle here (a deep glacial pothole) that people believed tunneled all the way to hell.

3. Tour the King’s Road

This route is an old postal route running between Bergen, Norway to the former Finnish capital of Turku, and then across Finland to St. Petersburg, Russia. The 330-kilometer (205-mile) trail dates to the 15th century and it follows the southern coast of Finland. It’s accessible all year with well-paved roads and plenty of scenic stops along the way. You’ll take in manor houses, medieval churches, tiny villages, and endless scenic countryside. You can do the entire Finnish route in a day via car, though 2-3 days is better so you can make plenty of stops. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also cycle the route in around one week.

4. Visit the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine

Lampivaara Hill is known for its amethysts (a type of purple quartz). The amethysts in this region were created 6 million years ago and on a mine tour, you can learn more about this precious mineral and then get a chance to dig around and find your own to take home as a souvenir. The mine is part of Pyhä-Luosto National Park and is located in northern Finland 90 minutes north of Rovaniemi. Tour prices vary from 35-66 EUR per person and include transportation. If you have your own vehicle, you can visit and tour the mine for 19 EUR.

5. Explore Raanua Wildlife Park

This is the northernmost nature reserve in the world and a fun place to visit with kids. There are over 50 different animal species here, including the only polar bears in Finland as well as lynx, wolves, and brown bears. Because it’s a predominantly outdoor park, you’re able to see the animals in a much more natural habitat than most zoos. There is no artificial lighting or indoor enclosures so you need to bring your own flashlight if visiting later in the day during the winter (when the sun sets early). Admission is 23.50 EUR.

6. See the Old Church of Sodankylä

Located in Lapland, this church is Finland’s best-preserved wooden church. The steeple-less church was built from timber in 1689 and was commissioned by King Charles XI of Sweden, who paid for it. The exterior and interior are incredibly well-preserved, with a dark timber interior and exterior that resembles more of a log cabin than a traditional European church. In the summer, religious services and weddings are often held here. Admission is free but be sure to dress respectfully.

7. Learn Finnish cultural history

The ethnographic Museum of Local History in Kemijärvi showcases what life was like in rural Finland at the turn of the 20th century. The main building is home to a traditional farmhouse and living quarters, maid’s chamber, daughter-in-law’s chamber, and living room so show you exactly what life was like for the Finnish working class. In addition to the house, the grounds include a granary, a workshop, a smoke sauna, a barn, and a stable that you can wander and explore. Admission is 10 EUR.

8. Go hiking

There are almost 40 national parks in Finland, each with hiking trails and camping sites. In the winter, they make for great places to cross-country ski or go snowshoeing. Nuuksio National Park is only 45 minutes from Helsinki and is filled with calm lakes, green forests, and rocky trails. Archipelago National Park, in Southwestern Finland, has more islands than any archipelago in the world. With its calm islets and colorful villages, canoeing or kayaking this park is a must. If you want to get off the beaten path, be sure to visit Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park in the north, where you can hike and stay in traditional villages. Additionally, wild camping is free in all the national parks as Finland has ‘freedom to roam’ laws ( Jokamiehen Oikeudet ) that enable you to wild camp in national parks if you are quiet and respectful.

9. Explore the Harbor Islands

There are over 330 islands that make up the Helsinki city archipelago. Suomenlinna is the easiest to reach with regular municipal ferries (you can take a ferry directly from Market Square). Vallisaari and Kuninkaansaari are two other islands worth visiting, as they used to be military bases closed off to the public (during the Viking era, Vallisaari was used as an outpost that would light a fire whenever a Viking raid was coming so people could prepare). The islands have since been reclaimed by nature and turned into parks dotted with abandoned fortifications. You can explore on your own or take a guided tour; there are a ton to choose from, with most lasting 1-2 hours and costs around 25 EUR.

10. Compete in the Air Guitar World Championship

Held every year at the Oulu Music Video Festival, this competition started out as a joke in 1996 but has evolved into a major festival that attracts thousands. If you happen to be in Oulu in the month of August, be sure to check out this quirky competition. Anyone can enter with just a 35 EUR entry fee. Even if you don’t want to compete you should definitely attend if you can — it’s one of the most unique festivals in the world!

11. Wander the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

Located north of Helsinki on Seurasaari Island, the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum allows you to get up close to numerous traditional Finnish buildings. They aren’t replicas either; the buildings were collected from all over the country and physically moved here. There are houses, cottages, outbuildings, a windmill, and more. Opened in 1909, guided tours are available daily during the summer. Admission is 10 EUR

12. Go skiing

Levi is Finland’s most beloved ski resort located in Lapland (it’s the location of the Alpine World Cup Race). There are 43 slopes here for all abilities and over 200 kilometers (124 miles) of trails for cross-country skiing. There’s even a dedicated area for snowboarders, plus dogsledding and a reindeer park. A one-day pass costs 49 EUR. Pyhä-Luosto National Park, Saariselkä, Kuusamo, and Jyväskylä are other excellent places to ski too.

13. See Turun Linna (Turku Castle)

Turun Linna (Turku Castle) is located in Turku on the Aura River. The castle dates back to the 1200s and is one of the oldest buildings in the country. It helped defend the region from Russia during the Middle Ages, though much of the castle was destroyed during World War II and later rebuilt. Inside are two large dungeons as well as ornate banquet halls that are often used for municipal events. Tours take place all summer (June to August) and admission is 12 EUR.

14. Learn about the Sámi

The Sámi are the only indigenous people in the EU. Their language and culture are endangered, and so they’re governed by an autonomous government in Inari (Finland’s largest municipality). They’re famously known for their reindeer herding, which is at the core of their culture. Visit communities in Inari, Enontekiö, and Utsjoki to see Sámi culture up close. In Inari, don’t miss the Siida indoor and outdoor museum where you’ll learn about culture, art, and nature through interactive exhibits. But if you want to really spend time with the Sámi, come in spring when most of the Sami markets, concerts, and dances take place all over Northern Lapland. VisitLapland.com has a comprehensive list of activities and tours for getting to know the Sami people, including a visit to a traditional reindeer farm.

Finland Travel Costs

Finland has “freedom to roam” laws that enable free wild camping all around the country for those with a tent. If you’d prefer to stay in a campground with amenities, expect to pay 14-18 EUR for a basic tent plot for two people without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – A budget hotel with a private bathroom starts at 80-120 EUR during the peak summer season. In the off-season, budget rooms start at 65 EUR.

On Airbnb, private rooms start at 40 EUR (though they average double that). If you’re looking for an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 75 EUR, though prices usually average over 100 EUR. Book early for the best deals.

Food – Finnish cuisine leans heavily on fish, meat (specifically pork), and hearty vegetables like potatoes. Reindeer is commonly eaten as well as wild game like deer and moose. Smoked salmon and smoked or pickled herring are also popular dishes. Like their Scandinavian neighbors, Finns also enjoy dark bread and cheeses, usually as part of an open-faced sandwich (these are the go-to breakfast choice).

Overall, food in Finland is expensive. Your average casual restaurant charges around 13 EUR for a meal while fast food (think McDonald’s) is 9 EUR. For a three-course meal with table service, expect to pay at least 40-80 EUR.

Pizza costs around 8-10 EUR for a large while Thai or Chinese food costs 10-15 EUR for a main dish. If you want to splash out while in Helsinki, I suggest Ravintola Aino for good Finnish food (try the reindeer). Dishes cost between 50-62 EUR but are incredibly tasty!

Beer costs 7 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is 4 EUR. Bottled water is 1.70 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own food, groceries cost between 50-65 EUR per week for basic staples like vegetables, bread, pasta, and some fish or meat.

Backpacking Finland Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 70 EUR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do free activities like visiting the free museums, hitting the beach, and relaxing in the parks. If you plan on drinking, add 10-15 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 140 EUR, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out for some meals, have a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like visiting museums, skiing, or taking a guided tour of Suomenlinna Fortress.

On a “luxury” budget of 290 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, rent a car to explore, and do whatever activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Finland Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Finland isn’t cheap. Everything here is expensive due to high taxes and lots of imports. Fortunately, there are ways to save money if you know where to look. Here are my best money-saving tips for Finland:

• Drink the tap water – The tap water here is some of the cleanest in the world and will save you from buying new water bottles all the time (and it cuts down waste too)! LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can always ensure your water is clean and safe.
• Stay with a local for free – Couchsurfing connects you with a local who can host you for free. You may have to sleep on a couch, but you’ll get to make a new friend and get tons of insider information about the country.
• Grocery shop – Buy basic staples like bread, meat, and cheese for breakfast or for a quick lunch on the go. It’s not glamorous, but by cooking your own meals you’ll save a ton of money, enabling you to eventually splurge on some great dinners.
• Take a free tour – Green Cap Tours offer daily free walking tours around Helsinki. You get to see the main sights while interacting with an expert guide who can answer all your questions. Just be sure to tip at the end!
• Get a Helsinki Card – There’s a lot to see in the city and paying 10-15 EUR per attraction adds up. This tourism card grants you free admission to the main sights (as well as access to the hop-on/hop-off bus) for 50 EUR (for a 24-hour pass). You can also get a 48-hour pass for 63 EUR or a 72-hour pass for 74 EUR. It includes discounts on some restaurants as well. For an additional charge, you can add free public transit as well.
• Rideshare – If you want to save money on transportation around the country, there are numerous apps like Kyydit and Carpool World that can help. They’ll allow you to connect with drivers looking for extra passengers. While it isn’t free, it might be cheaper (and more convenient) than taking a bus or train.
• Hitchhike – Hitchhiking isn’t super common here, however, it’s definitely possible and quite safe. Just use common sense and check Hitchwiki for specific tips and advice.

Where to Stay in Finland

Hostels can be found in a few of the larger cities around the country. Here are my recommended places to stay throughout the country:

• Hostel Diana Park (Helsinki)
• Eurohostel Helsinki (Helsinki)
• Dream Hostel Tampere (Tampere)
• Wherever Boutique Hostel (Rovaniemi)
• Laivahostel S/S Bore (Turku)

How to Get Around Finland

Public transportation – Helsinki is the only city in Finland with a tram and metro system, though other cities and towns have public bus networks. They usually depart every 10-15 minutes with one-way tickets starting at 2.80 EUR.

Bus – Buses are the main form of intercity travel in Finland. A bus from Helsinki to Turku takes 2-2.5 hours and costs 10-15 EUR while the two-hour journey to Tampere is around 8 EUR. You can even take the bus from Helsinki to Rovaniemi (Lapland) for 54 EUR (it’s a 13-hour ride).

Matkahuolto is the main bus company. Use matkahuolto.fi/en to plan your journey. OnniBus is another intercity bus service. Prices are pretty consistent with Matkahuolto but fares can be up to 50% off if you book in advance rather than at the last minute.

Train – Trains are an excellent way to get around Finland and you rarely need to make a reservation ahead of time (you can book online at vr.fi). Trains are slightly more expensive than the bus but they are much more comfortable. Helsinki to Turku costs about 21 EUR for the two-hour trip, while Helsinki to Tampere starts from 20 EUR (and it’s also around two hours).

If you wait until the last minute, you can often find “saver deals” listed on the website (typically the night before). For example, at the time of writing this, last-minute fares for both the routes mentioned above are less than 9 EUR. So, generally, you can get them around 50% off the normal price if you’re flexible.

Bicycle – Finland is incredibly bike-friendly. All cities have bike lanes and there are endless paths with very few hills. There’s a bicycle rental service in almost every town, with prices starting from 15 EUR per day. You can often get discounts for multi-day or weekly rentals. For example, Bicyclean Helsinki has city bikes from 19 EUR per day while a week’s rental is 80 EUR.

Flying – Finnair is the main domestic airline in Finland, with fares between most destinations costing less than 100 EUR when booked in advance. Expect to pay double that for last-minute flights. You can pretty much fly anywhere in the country in around 90 minutes or less.

Flights from Helsinki to nearby Stockholm, Sweden or Oslo, Norway are also quite affordable, costing around 75 EUR (one way) when booked early.

Car rental – Cars can be rented for as little as 25 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Drivers must be at least 20, have had their license for at least one year, and have an International Driving Permit (IDP). For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Finland

The best time to visit Finland is largely based on what you want to do. If you want to experience Lapland at its peak awesomeness, come in December or January. Lapland is a wintery dream world in December due to the holiday decorations, Christmas markets, and the northern lights. Keep in mind it gets extremely cold in Finland during this time, no matter where you are in the country. The average daily temperature in the winter is -8°C (17°F).

Spring and autumn are the shoulder seasons and temperatures are still low. The average daily high in April is 2°C (37°F), while in October it’s 5°C (41°F). Both seasons are beautiful, though. In spring, everything is in full bloom; in autumn, the fall colors come out.

Summer is full of activities all around Finland, especially in Helsinki. With longer days (in summer, the sun won’t set until after 10:30pm) and warmer temperatures, Finnish people love enjoying the change in season. Parks and beaches are full and there are festivals all the time. The country is very lively. The average high in the south of the country is 15°C (64-72°F), however, so you’ll still want to pack warm clothes if you plan to visit Lapland, as temps up there will be cooler.

How to Stay Safe in Finland

Finland is super safe and the risk of violent crime here is incredibly low. Pick-pocketing can occur in Helsinki on public transpiration and at busy bus and train stations but even that is rare. Simply leave your valuables at home and be mindful of your surroundings while you’re out and about. Do that and you should be perfectly fine.

Be careful when using ATMs as credit card skimming is on the rise when using outdoor ATMs.

Scams here are rare, but, if you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read about common travel scams to avoid on this blog post .

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). You can read specific tips on one of the many solo female travel blogs on the web.

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it at night. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Your biggest concern in most areas is actually moose. Be careful when driving!

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Finland Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Finland Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Finland and continue planning your trip:

The 5 Best Hostels in Helsinki

The 21 Best Things to See and Do in Helsinki

How to Spend Three Days in Helsinki

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15 things to know before you travel finland.

I have to admit, when I first headed to Finland, I was a Nordic novice.

Yes, visiting Finland heralded my first time stepping foot into this very unique part of Europe and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect.

All I knew was that it would be pricey (probs the reason I hadn’t been to Scandinavia before) and that it would be cold (I was visiting in December).

But how pricey and how cold, I really didn’t know.

Nor did I know how easy it was to be a vegetarian, how to get around the country, what to pack or how long to visit for.

But thankfully, now that I’ve spent some amazing time in Finland, I can bring you all the answers to these questions and more.

So here they are… the 15 things you NEED to know when you travel Finland…

Related Posts

• Top 21 Things to Do in Helsinki
• Ultimate Finland Winter Packing List
• How to Plan a Trip to Lapland at Christmas

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Finland is part of the EU and Schengen area, so if you don’t need a visa for either of these regions, you can enter Finland without a visa.

Brits, it’s worth noting, that since leaving the EU, you can only stay in the EU for a maximum of 90 days out of a 180 day period and then you’ll need to get a stamp in your passport when entering and leaving Finland.

#2 Currency & Money

As part of the EU, Finland (unlike many of its neighbours) uses the Euro country.

This makes it very easy if you’re arriving from other countries that are also part of the Euro bloc.

If you’re travelling to Finland from elsewhere, then it’s probably a good idea to exchange from currency before you get here.

In addition, card payments (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted almost anywhere and ATMs in cities are plentiful with on-screen instructions in English.

And when it comes to paying for things or using ATMs in Finland, you want to ensure you’re not being charged overseas transaction fees or getting poor exchange rates when using your card abroad, which is why I always take my Wise card away with me wherever I travel.

The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card here… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold! Grab yours here .

#3 When to Visit?

In my opinion, the best time to visit Finland is definitely during the winter months between December and February, this is when you’ll see the most beautiful snow coverage and get this winter wonderland at its most scenic.

For the full festive experience, you should visit Finland during December when the snow has begun, otherwise, consider January or February for cheaper winter rates, albeit with lower temperatures.

In summer, near 24 hour daylight also allows for a magical experience.

Many people who visit at this time enjoy hiking in the country’s central lake area or revelling in the midsummer glory of Lapland with its beautiful forests and trails.

#4 How Long to Visit For?

When it comes to travelling Finland, the amount of time people normally spend here is a balance between seeing as much as they can and limiting their budget, because spending a lot of time in Finland as a tourist is likely to be a costly affair!

As such, I tend to advise 1 week as a good amount of time to travel Finland, especially if you’re visiting other Nordic countries as part of the same trip.

With 1 week in Finland, I recommend 3 nights in Helsinki 4 nights in Lapland.

Learn more in this ideal 1 week Finland travel itinerary I wrote.

If you have more time, then I’d head to the Finnish lake region which sits in the country’s central belt.

Finland is a very safe country, with very low crime rates.

As a tourist, you’re unlikely to encounter any trouble here.

That said, accidents do happen.

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

#6 How to Travel to Finland?

Most people arriving in Finland, arrive into Helsinki by air.

Direct flights with numerous airlines, including Finnair, arrive at the international airport here (IATA Code: HEL) from London and many other major European cities.

From the best deals on all flights, I highly suggest checking out Skyscanner.

From Helsinki airport, it’s very easy and affordable (around 5€) to get into the city centre using the public transport system.

Otherwise Uber’s are available for a cost of around 50€.

If you’re coming from a neighbouring country, then it pays to know there are regular ferries from Estonia and Sweden to Helsinki too.

If you’re heading straight to other parts of Finland, you may want to fly into one of the country’s other international airports. Oulu and Rovaniemi are the next biggest, with the latter connecting Lapland directly with the rest of the world.

#7 How to Travel Around Finland?

Domestic flights operate around Finland and are especially common for connecting Helsinki and Lapland.

Trains are also used over long distances in the country and roads are well-maintained which makes renting car and driving parts of the country very easy.

Learn all about these 3 methods of transport for you’re travelling between Helsinki and Lapland here .

Between smaller regional destinations, there tends to be a good bus service – even in Lapland for example – and within cities, buses are common as a form of public transport.

When it comes to getting around Helsinki, you can use Uber , but it pays to know that the city centre is quite compact and easy to navigate on foot.

Public transport is also excellent in Helsinki – including to and from the airport – with an easy-to-use tram, train and bus network.

Learn more, including about day passes, here .

#8 Best Places to Visit in Finland

In my opinion, the best places to visit in Finland are the capital Helsinki and its surrounds, plus Lapland.

These are the most popular destinations when travelling in Finland and rightly so.

Helsinki is a great, small city known for its excellent architecture and design culture. There are many lovely islands you can easily explore on short trips from the capital, as well as several excellent day trips to nearby historical towns and beautiful areas of natural beauty.

Learn more in this post I wrote about the best things to do in Helsinki .

Following this is the infamous Finnish Lapland – a stretch of wild and remote beauty north of the Arctic Circle.

Most famous for its snowy beauty during the winter season, and as the official home of Santa Claus, Lapland also offers some wonderfully unique activities including husky sledding, reindeer sledging and snowmobiling.

In summer, Lapland is famous for its beautiful lakes, fishing, boating and for its good cycling and hiking trails.

Learn more with my list of the top things to enjoy in Lapland here .

#9 Where to Stay?

There are hostels in both Helsinki and the main Lapland town of Rovaniemi, as well as other major cities such as Turku.

In Helsinki, beds in hostel dorms start from around €25, whilst private rooms begin at around €50. My pick in this city is The Yard Hostel .

In Lapland (which is always more expensive), dorms start from around €40 and privates from €100! In Rovaniemi, my pick of the bunch is Hostel Cafe Koti .

Given these rates, if you’re travelling as a couple, pair or family, a basic hotel or guesthouse might suit you better.

Standard double or twin rooms (including breakfast) begin from €120 – €150 in Helsinki. Check out Hotel F6 or Hotel Helka as 2 top-rated options in the city centre.

Otherwise, Airbnb apartments in the capital can be picked up for around €100 –  a real bargain as these studio spaces often sleep up to 2 people and include a kitchen space so you can prepare your own simple meals.

Check out my list of the top 10 Airbnbs in Helsinki for more ideas.

At the other extreme of the country and price range, luxury stays in Lapland can be up to €500 a night, like this amazing Glass Resort , which offers premium glass apartments with saunas and hot tubs.

And in the high winter season, they can be even more – especially in the pre-Christmas lead-up.

For something more reasonable, middle-range guesthouses and hotels can be found in Lapland’s main tourist town of Rovaniemi for around €170 a night, like this family room in Wherever Mini Hotel .

Otherwise, self-catering accommodation in Rovaniemi can be found for around €140, like this Arctic Circle Home , which sleeps 2.

Alternatively, you can look to get off the beaten track a bit – which gets my vote – and head out of the main Lapland resort areas for some better prices.

Ranua, just an hour from Rovaniemi, is a very lovely, local Finnish town and here the Arctic Guesthouse ad Igloos provides single rooms from €65 a night, double rooms from €80 a night and superb AuroraHut glass igloo pods from €220 a night.

Learn more about my stay in one here .

#10 Finnish Food

As an Arctic country, with both many rivers and access to the sea, it’s perhaps unsurprising that the Finns love both reindeer and salmon.

Both are common in soup form in the winter and also grilled on a BBQ, summer and winter.

Being vegetarian, I was a little worried about this, but I needn’t have been as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free food in Finland is very common.

For breakfast, savoury options such as cheese, eggs, ham and rye bread are common, along with salty porridge.

The Finns also love a sweet pastry and a coffee!

If you want something non-traditional, there’s also a lot of international cuisine in Finland too.

#11 Finnish Drinks

To start with, tap water is potable in Finland and safe to drink.

Coffee and milk are also very popular, with oat milk easy to find, as well as the cow variety!

Finns love to drink alcohol especially beer, but it is expensive in this country with a very high tax placed on it, so be warned.

Spirits such as vodka are also commonly drunk.

Craft beer places are popular especially in cities like Helsinki and Lapland Lager sampling is a must!

#12 What to Pack?

And now we come to what gear to pack for your Finnish travels.

And largely, this will depend on what time of year you are travelling.

For a full guide on what to wear for a winter trip to Finland check out this post I wrote.

In summer, I’d ensure you take some active clothes for hiking and cycling in Finland, along with some warmer layers for the evening, as it can get cold late at night even during the warmer months.

Sunglasses are a must and a good daypack will come in handy too.

Most things, including toiletries and medicines, can be bought when you are in Finland – they’ll just probably be more expensive than they are in your home country!

#13 Finnish Culture

I feel like the Finns get a bad rep!

The stereotype is that they are quite severe, terse and practical.

In reality, I found Finnish people very friendly, warm and welcoming.

Many of them speak excellent English, which is a relief because Finnish is a very hard language to pick up!

As a small population, Finnish communities tend to be close-knit and family time is important.

Time in nature is deeply embedded in the Finnish culture, with the forest a place of special significance, which is why outdoor activities are big here.

Saunas are also a huge part of Finnish culture and one I complete back!

Most Finns have a sauna in their home and this tradition is actually UNESCO-listed.

It also pays to know that Finland is a dual-language nation, with both Swedish and Finnish spoken by people here.

Finnish is by far the dominant language in terms of the number of people who use it as their first language, but throughout the country, you’ll see signs and instructions in both Finnish and Swedish.

#14 Costs of Travelling Finland

There’s no question Finland will not be the cheapest country you’ve ever visited, but it’s unlikely to be the most expensive either.

In fact, it’s probably the cheapest of all the Nordic countries and is very comparable with the costs of travelling in France or the UK.

As also, it’s best to research and book as much of your Finland travels as you can to avoid the cost of tour agencies and operators.

I also recommend staying in accommodation that allows you to self-cater, as it’s the cost of eating and drinking out here that will really send your budget soaring.

Use budget airlines to fly into Finland and remember most of the museums and attractions in Helsinki can be seen for free!

With an EU SIM, you can also use your phone in Finland without incurring any roaming charges.

For more advice about how much to budget for your Finnish travels, check out this post I wrote, which gives a full breakdown.

#15 Independent Travel in Finland

And finally, I touched on it in the above point, but one of the key things to point out when you travel to Finland is that independent travel here is very easy!

Being a safe and highly developed country, where many people speak English, Finland is easy and comfortable to get around.

Tourism infrastructure is highly developed and there really isn’t any need for you to take a tour or use a travel agency.

You can book domestic flights or trains, as well as accommodation yourselves and only is it for guided hikes or activities in Lapland where you’re likely to need to the services of a guide.

You can learn more about how to budget for and save up in this north of the country in this article I wrote about how to holiday in Lapland for less , which contains all my top tips.

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So there you have it, my list of the 15 things to know when you travel Finland.

Have you been to this Nordic country?

Have any tips to add to the list?

Please let fellow travellers know your recommendations by dropping them into the comments below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

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Home » Europe » Backpacking Finland Travel Guide (2024)

Backpacking Finland Travel Guide (2024)

Finland might be one of the best-worst known countries in the world: everyone knows OF it, but when it comes to explaining what they actually know ABOUT it, most people would just say: ‘Uh, I guess it’s cold?’

Many travellers long for a dreamy Lappish holiday, but there is much, MUCH more to Finland than snowy dreamscapes and powdery ski slopes. It’s a country inhabited by cool, unique people that will love to tell you all about it — just as long as you buy them a drink first.

Finland has managed to retain its individuality, despite being pressed between giants like Russia or Sweden. Maybe because of the right conditions, or maybe because of the typical stubbornness of its population; but either way, backpacking Finland is one hell of an experience.

This Finland travel guide will be your fast pass to all the best things to do, see, eat and experience in the land of a thousand lakes — and how to stretch your budget in one of the most expensive regions in the world.

Ready when you are!

Why Go Backpacking in Finland?

First of all, Finland is one of the greenest countries in the world, both in terms of sustainability and actual nature. It’s known as the land of a thousand lakes, and it’s got around 188,000 of them!

Almost 3/4 of its area is covered in forest, but this is not a country of dramatic valleys and mountain ranges. The beauty of Finland’s nature is more humble, less flashy, but still as breathtaking as it could ever get.

How does sleeping in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights sound? Or rushing through fresh snow on a husky sled? Perhaps throwing back beers all night with your new Finnish friends because the sun never sets?

Backpacking Finland is an awesome addition to first-time backpackers: it’s extremely clean and safe, friendly, and you’ll rarely ever feel unwelcome.

And the backpackers who’ve been everywhere and seen everything: you could say it is actually an off-the-beaten-path destination. It might not seem like it at first glance, but it receives relatively few tourists compared to many other European destinations .

This means you’ll be able to steer clear of annoying tourist crowds and experience Finland as it is – especially if you dare go outside of Helsinki and Rovaniemi.

So let’s kick off this travel guide with some sexy itineraries. I’m going to run you through a few of my favourite routes for roaming around the country, and I’ll introduce you to the places you absolutely MUST visit in Finland.

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Finland

To make things easier, I’m assuming that you’re starting from Helsinki, since it’s the easiest and most obvious point of entrance. Depending on how much time you have, I have compiled my suggestions into three different itineraries.

They were designed for 5 days, 2 weeks, and a month, respectively — but they’re easily adjustable to however much time you might have.

5 Days in Finland: The Southern Trio

Helsinki -> Turku -> Tampere -> Helsinki

Your trip starts with two days in Helsinki , the capital. Walk around the city centre and admire its neoclassical architecture, the iconic Helsinki Cathedral and the harbourfront.

In the afternoon, hop on the short ferry ride to visit the Suomenlinna fort for a nice (and free!) stroll among one of the most important historical monuments in Finland. On a sunny day, this is a prime picnic spot!

Dedicate your second day in Helsinki to gathering the most quintessential Finnish experiences. Sample some reindeer meat at the portside market (if you’re into that), discover Finnish art history at Art Museum Ateneum , and rent a pair of ice skates for a lap at the rink by the railway station.

You can also end the day at a sauna. One of the most famous public ones is called Löyly — and while it is pretty much catered to foreigners, it’s still a fun experience to plunge in the freezing Baltic waters afterwards!

After Helsinki, you should head to Turku. The ex-capital offers one of the prettiest riverside walks along the Aura River and has an awesome old castle to explore. Top the experience by spending the night at Turku’s only backpacker hostel on a decommissioned riverboat.

The next day, dash out to Tampere to finish your Southern Finland loop. The city of culture and theatre has lots to cover, but you can cross most of it in one day. Check out riverside factories , climb up the Pyynikki observation tower, and toast to the city on the top floor of its tallest hotel.

2 Weeks in Finland: Essential Lapland

Rovaniemi -> Levi -> Inari -> Saariselkä -> Kuusamo

This one works in the summer too, but winter is particularly special in Lapland . The route includes a lot of driving, be sure to save some time for it — especially if you want to do some hikes.

You start it off in Rovaniemi : the gateway to travel in Lapland. And the hometown of Santa Claus himself!

Whether or not you believe this magical man brings a sack full of presents to your house every year, Rovaniemi is a great place to get a first taste of northern Finland. It’s quite touristy, I won’t lie — and there’s some husky sledding (and reindeer safaris) if you’re into that.

From there, head north to Levi , a tiny town with awesome ski slopes in the winter and great hikes in the summer. You can also hike during the winter, but it’s a tiny bit more hardcore!

Your next stop is Inari , where you can learn about the culture and traditions of the Sámi people, an indigenous group inhabiting Lapland. Inari is also a starting point for hikes in the Lemmenjoki National Park , renowned for its historical role in the Finnish gold rush.

Travel southbound to stay in Saariselkä , your best access point to the Urho Kekkonen National Park . This is one of the wildest areas in Finland! Travellers going from broke to bougie can crash at the Instagram-famous glass-domed igloos in Kakslauttanen.

And then comes the last stop: Kuusamo . In the winter, stay in the nearby town Ruka for some more skiing, and in the summer or autumn, you can start the legendary Karhunkierros trail (The Bear’s Trail) here. This 82-km route is one of the most popular, and most beautiful hikes in Finland.

1 Month in Finland: The Ultimate Backpacking Finland Adventure

Helsinki -> Mariehamn -> Turku -> Rauma -> Tampere -> Jyväskylä/Vaasa -> Oulu -> Rovaniemi -> Sodankylä -> Kuusamo -> Kuopio -> Helsinki

If you’re adamant to see absolutely every part of Finland — respect! This itinerary covers most of it, but remember: distances are quite big and driving can get exhausting. Adjust as needed.

You start by exploring Helsinki for a few days. If time is on your side, squeeze in a day trip to Porvoo or the Estonian capital Tallinn .

From Helsinki, get a ferry to Mariehamn, the capital of the Åland Islands . Spend a few days biking around its peaceful roads, and head over to Turku afterwards to soak in some Finnish history.

After that, travel up the coast to Rauma , the biggest wooden old town in the Nordics and one of the prettiest towns in Finland!

From here, you can either go to Jyväskylä , one of the biggest university cities, or Vaasa , a coastal town that’ll set you off to Kvarken Archipelago , a damn beautiful set of islands.

Both cities have direct access to Oulu , your gateway to Northern Finland. Oulu is a lively market city and definitely worth checking out, but not for long ’cause we’re heading to Lapland!

I recommend spending a few days on the Arctic circle in Rovaniemi , then heading up to Sodankylä . If you come in June, the midsummer sun doesn’t set at all (it’s quite mental), and you’ve got a great film festival in town.

After that, we start heading south to Kuusamo , one of Finland’s best nature sites. Drive down through the quiet rural landscapes of Eastern Finland , stay in Kuopio for a couple of days and loop back to Helsinki.

Places to Visit in Finland

Now that we’ve been over a few itineraries, let’s dive deep into what these places are all about. Sure, you’ve heard of Helsinki — but just like any other capital, it represents only a tiny fraction of what Finland is really made of.

If you can, extend your route to explore some of the other cities I covered, Finland national parks and coastlines. Backpacking Finland can be an epic adventure, and you’re bound to have one if you so desire!

Visiting Helsinki

Helsinki is without a doubt the coolest city in Finland — and also the most visited one. The capital is well known for its architectural gems, unbeatable design, fine cuisine, and excellent culture.

It’s also the capital of street style: the people of Helsinki are chic, cool and trendy. They know how to dress! Black and grey all day.

Take a short ferry trip to the Suomenlinna fort . This 18th-century sea fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hosts a small village with cafés, shops, and even a backpacker hostel. Other than the ferry, visiting the fort is free! The boat ride also gives you the chance to have a good look at Helsinki.

The city centre is easy to do on foot, and that’s where Helsinki’s most famous sites are located. Visit the Helsinki Cathedral , nibble at fried vendace at the port-site market, and stroll in the Kaisaniemi botanical garden.

Peek at the famous Rock Church (that’s, well, built into a rock) and take your pick from the plethora of museums: some nice ones are Helsinki Art Museum (HAM), Contemporary Art Museum Kiasma and Art Museum Ateneum . The last one is home to some of the most important works of Finnish art.

Want to get your adrenaline rush on? Visit Linnanmäki , the oldest amusement park in Finland. Their wooden rollercoaster has been in operation since the 1950s!

Popular Day Trips from Helsinki:

• Porvoo: Just an hour from Helsinki, Porvoo’s Old Town is a gorgeous glimpse into Finnish history. Its cobbled streets hide many treats including craft ice cream, coffee and candies. You can visit the house where Finland’s national poet Runeberg once lived, but its most iconic attraction is the row of wooden red storehouses by the river.
• Nuuksio National Park: Nature is never too far in Finland, even in the capital region. Nuuksio National Park is easy to reach with public transportation and has a network of trails for daytrippers and trekkers alike. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the endangered flying squirrel.
• Tallinn: The Estonian capital and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe is just a 2-hour ferry trip from Helsinki. Multi-country day trips made easy! Traditionally, Finns cross the Baltic Bay in pursuit of cheap alcohol, but Tallinn is awesome beyond booze. Highly recommend!

Visiting Turku

Turku was the previous capital of Finland. It was founded in the 13 th century, which means it’s the oldest city in the country — any history geek will love it here.

Even though a large part of the city was destroyed in fires, its history museums, castle and buildings still bring back a breeze from the past. Check out Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova; this museum combines an archaeological museum with modern art exhibitions.

One of the best ways to get to know the city is to stroll by the Aura River . In the summer, students come to chill and in the winter, if the river freezes enough, it’s possible to ice skate on it.

Many of the city’s most important sights, like the Turku Cathedral and the Market Square , are also located along the river.

Follow it long enough, and you’ll eventually find Turku Castle . With over 700 years worth of history in its halls, it’s been turned into a museum with exhibitions and rooms that give you a feel of life back-when. Some say the castle is haunted — but I guess you’ll have to find that out for yourself.

In the summer, the outskirts of the city become the stage to Ruisrock , the biggest and one of the best music festivals in Finland. It draws in both Finnish and foreign performers across all genres.

Turku is also one of the biggest port cities in Finland,s and has the best ferry connections to the Åland Islands and Stockholm .

Popular Day Trips from Turku:

• Rauma: In my humble opinion, this is one of the most beautiful places in Finland. Old Town Rauma is filled with charming, colourful wooden houses that host cozy cafés, cute second-hand shops and traditional handicraft stores.
• Naantali: The number one summer city in Finland is best known as the President’s summer residence and Moominworld, a theme park dedicated to the most famous Finnish children’s characters. If you ain’t feeling like a Finnish child, no worries: Naantali’s old town is still plenty charming to explore. You can also chill portside and do some people-watching on a nice sunny day.
• Turku Archipelago: What would a visit to Finland’s favourite port town be without an expedition to its archipelago? The best way to get between the little islands is by taking a ferry.

Visiting Tampere

The cradle of Finnish rock music, theatre and culture is the second city of Finland — often voted as the most liveable city in the country. It’s also dubbed the “Manchester of Finland” and endearingly shortened by locals as “Manse”.

Tampere was in the heart of Finnish industry and production, and the emblematic views of red-brick buildings along the Tammerkoski river still very much define the city’s image.

It might just be the most charming city in Finland! The centre’s Art Nouveau style buildings stand side by side with old churches and historical red-brick factories, creating a beautiful mix of architectural styles. Just on the outskirts of the centre, you’ll also find the Pispala neighbourhood known for its idyllic wooden houses.

Tampere is one of the best summer cities in Finland. During long, lazy summer days, the city centre is bustling with international food markets, craft beer events and music festivals. Summer theatre productions are also popping up all over the place.

For the cultured traveller, Tampere offers some awesome niche museums : there are museums dedicated to Moomins (Finland’s beloved hippo-like children’s book characters), espionage, Finnish police forces, Tampere’s workers’ history, Lenin, and video games.

My favourite thing about it is that it’s surrounded by nature: lakes on both sides, with forests and countryside just outside the city borders. And there are multiple spots to spy on this beauty.

Try Näsinneula Tower with sweeping 360-degree views, or Hotel Torni, the tallest hotel in Tampere whose sky bar serves lovely craft beer from a local brewery. The best spot for me, though, is the Pyynikki observation tower . It serves THE BEST sugared doughnuts in Finland — and perhaps in the entire world.

Visiting Vaasa

Looking to make some new friends? Vaasa is a small city filled with students and one of the most international cities in Finland.

It’s located on the West coast, so you’ll have ample opportunities to sit portside drinking coffee or beers. Or simply hanging out at the beaches!

Get your fill on history, see the ruins of Old Vaasa and the historical Vaasa University campus. There are some cool small museums to check out too, including the Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art, Vaasa Car & Motor Museum and — since this is a seaside city — a Maritime Museum.

Everything is walkable, but you can blend in with the Finns and rent a bike to cruise around. The biggest reason to visit Vaasa, though, would be its unique nature!

The Kvarken Archipelago is located right outside of Vaasa. Fun fact: this group of islands is Finland’s only natural UNESCO site, and it is home to tons of unique fauna and flora. You’ve also got fantastic hiking, canoeing and boat trip opportunities. You can also find Finland’s longest bridge in the area.

Visiting Jyväskylä

Jyväskylä is one of the biggest student towns in the country and allegedly the place where the most pure form of Finnish is spoken (don’t sweat it, you’re still not going to understand a word of it).

I have to be honest with you: there isn’t much to see here. Jyväskylä is a place to experience, to relax. It’s a place for those who travel the way they live, for those who like to go slow.

But this doesn’t mean it’s boring. You can still visit the Alvar Aalto Museum , dedicated to Finland’s best-known architect, and find buildings designed by him all over the city.

Climb up the Vesilinna observation tower to see the town from above, and shop for handicrafts at cute little artisan shops at the Toivola Old Courtyard (especially great around Christmas time!).

At dark, take a stroll in Jyväskylä’s harbour and admire its beautiful cityscape. Jyväskylä is not known as “the city of light” for nothing – it has over 100 illuminated monuments.

One of my favourite things to do on the way to or from Jyväskylä is to stop at the Vaajakoski district. Just seven kilometres from the centre, you can visit the Panda factory, specializing in sweets, chocolates, and liquorice. Panda is a lesser-known and equally delicious alternative to the famous Fazer sweets.

Visiting Kuopio and Eastern Finland

The Eastern part of Finland is often overlooked by most international travellers — but hopefully not by you.

While you might not find many world-class attractions here, what you’ll rather encounter is natural peace. Couple that with a few quirky events and a whole side of Finland you never thought possible: chatty Finns.

The people here are known for their unique sense of humour and their inability to ever get straight to the point. The cities might not entertain you for long, but this is a prime road trip area in Finland.

Kuopio is the capital of the Northern Savo region. Make sure to try kalakukko (literally: “fish rooster”), a delicious, traditional rye bread that can be filled with both sweet or savory filling.

Climb the Puijontorni Tower for a fantastic view over Kuopio and the surrounding nature. The city is also relatively close to Sonkajärvi, where the Wife-Carrying World Championships take place every summer (yes, that’s a real thing).

Koli National Park is possibly the most iconic natural landscape in Finland and accessible all year round. The forested hills are perfect for even inexperienced hikers!

Another great nature site is the Saimaa Lake, Finland’s biggest lake and home to the endangered Saimaa seal that’s only found here.

Eastern Finland is in the heart of the Finnish Lake Land, which makes it an awesome place to experience your best cottage life. Finns are extremely fond of their summer holidays in cottages by the lake; rent one out for the weekend and see what all the fuss is about.

Visiting Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is the gateway to Lapland and, besides Helsinki, perhaps the most popular destination in Finland. You can experience quintessential Lapland here without having to venture too far into the wilderness.

And this is where you find… Santa Claus!

After a Finnish radio announcer claimed Santa lived here, all the way back in the 1920s, Rovaniemi decided to capitalise on the idea. They turned a cabin where Eleanor Roosevelt had once stayed and made it Santa’s house.

Now, Santa Claus Village is the most popular attraction in Rovaniemi. I’ll admit, the theme park is very much geared towards children, but it’s a great place to release your inner child.

Santa’s not the only famous resident in town. Rovaniemi is also home to Rovio, the game studio that’s best known for Angry Birds . It’s also the birthplace of the lead singer to Lordi, the heavy metal band that’s snatched Finland’s only win in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Attractions dedicated to both are kind of underwhelming: the Angry Birds Park is mostly a playground for children, and Lordi’s Square is, well, just a city square. You’re better off checking out the Arktikum , a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the north, and the Ounasvaara fell .

You can book dog sledding and reindeer safaris here, even though the hefty price tag makes both experiences pretty unattainable for the brokest of backpackers. And no fear: animal welfare laws in Finland are very strict so you can rest assured that Rudolph and his buddies are well-treated.

Visiting Lapland

I’ve separated Lapland as its own point on this list because let’s be honest, Rovaniemi represents Lapland as well as Paris represents France: it still counts, but it’s a very lightweight introduction to what really is about.

Lapland is the northernmost region of Finland, spanning all the way into Sweden, Norway and Russia. It’s the least inhabited, most remote part of the country — a place to experience true wilderness.

The best time to visit is the winter when the whole region turns into a postcard-perfect winter wonderland. It’s the best place to try to see the Northern lights in the winter and experience the midnight sun — 24-hour daylight — in the summer .

In the winter, towns like Kemi, Ruka and Levi are packed with ski tourists and winter hikers; in the summer, the vast national parks of the north become excellent stages if you plan to go hiking in Finland .

Try your hand at gold mining in the Lemmenjoki National Park , wander the wilderness of the Urho Kekkonen National Park or tackle Finland’s most beloved hike, Karhunkierros (the Bear’s Trail). If 82 km, so if that sounds like too much walking for you, opt for the Small Bear’s Trail that’s only 12 km and can be done in a day.

Travelling Lapland is all about its nature so it’s not very popular with city trippers, although there are a few special towns to see too. Inari is the centre of Sámi culture in Finland, Sodankylä hosts an internationally acclaimed film festival, Kittilä builds an ice hotel complete with ice sculptures and an ice bar every winter, and Nuorgam is worth it too.

Visiting Oulu

If you’re on your way to Rovaniemi anyway, you might as well make a stop in Oulu. It’s a small, friendly, and quirky town in the North of Finland. Most of the Old Town’s wooden buildings burned down centuries ago, but the remaining old houses stand peacefully side by side with the 19th-century architecture. Oulu is a great summer city.

The best place to spot old wooden houses is in the Pikisaari area , where you can also check out the old Wool Mill , home to art galleries and artist studios, and the Seafarer’s Home Museum.

Shake hands with the most famous resident in the city: Toripoliisi (The Market Square Police) is a jovial fellow who guards the Market Square and the Old Market Hall. The area around the market also has some charismatic wooden houses and popular pubs.

Despite its small size, Oulu is a lively little spot and hosts a few epic events throughout the year. In February, admire snow sculptures at the international Nallikari Snow Festival; in July, dance away at the QStock music festival. Oh, and headbang in August at the Air Guitar World Championships!

Take a day trip to Hailuoto Island. A car ferry makes sure you can drive yourself or use public transportation. Hailuoto is a cool little spot with white-sand beaches, a historical lighthouse and idyllic fisher villages.

Visiting the Åland Islands

Visiting the Åland Islands is like stepping into a tinier version of Sweden: these Swedish speaking islands in the Gulf of Finland are an awesome peaceful destination for a mini-detour while backpacking Finland.

Easily accessible on a boat from Turku or Helsinki, Åland Islands can also be a pit stop on your way from Finland to Sweden or vice versa.

With a population of less than 3,000 and just one town to speak of, there aren’t many big attractions… but nature is everywhere. From incredible sunsets to chilling by a quiet lake and travelling through rural sites, Åland gives you time to just enjoy being present. Picture it like a mental detox!

Not that you would get bored: its capital Mariehamn is a tiny city marked by colourful wooden buildings oozing Nordic charm, and it’s jam-packed with marine history. Visit the museum boat Pommern or take a trip to the heart of the island to explore the 16 th -century Holmenkollen Castle.

The best way to explore around is to rent a bike. Distances are short — the island only measures about 50 km both ways — and the roads are great and flat. All the roads in Åland have a distinct red hue since they’ve been built using a special rock found on the islands. Follow the red-brick road!

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Finland

Let’s be honest here: if you choose to travel anywhere outside of Helsinki or Lapland, you’re already off the beaten path. Travelling to Finland is way more fun when you go a little astray.

Finland is popular as a domestic travel destination, but international crowds have yet to discover this land’s most beautiful assets. As a backpacker, you’ll be even more of a rarity: the high travel costs in Finland have long scared travellers away. But hey, Couchsurfing is a thing!

The best way to explore Finland is not through attractions, but rather through experiences. Mingle with the Finns, let them introduce you to their home region, or just grab a few drinks at the neighbourhood bar; there are hardly better ways to get to know the culture and its people.

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Top Things to Do in Finland

Where do I even start? It should be illegal for a country as small as Finland to pack this much fun up its sleeves. Here are some of the best things to do in Finland that you won’t find anywhere else.

1. Fill your belly at Restaurant Day

Restaurant Day is a pop-up street food festival that allows anyone to put up a café, restaurant or bar for a day. Arranged four times a year, it’s your best chance to sample as much affordable, delicious street food as your stomach can take. The festival started in Helsinki in 2011 and has since then spread to several other Finnish and European cities.

2. Sauna like a Pro

Did you know that “sauna” is the only etymologically Finnish word used in English? It’s one of the most iconic Finnish activities you could partake in. Pretty much every Finnish house has one, and there are over 3 million saunas in Finland — that’s almost 2 saunas per person! Do it like a Finn and go in naked, followed by a skinny-dip in the lake or a roll in the snow.

3. Meet Santa Claus

While Santa Claus might not be a purely Finnish character, his official house is located in Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle. It’s mostly a kids’ thing, but the theme park is also popular among foreign travellers who come to re-live their childhood dreams. Fun fact: Coca-Cola ads were the ones to popularise Santa dressed in red, and the designer responsible for these images was also Finnish.

4. See the Northern lights in Lapland

This list would be complete without adding the one thing that’s on every visitor’s wish list: the aurora borealis. The magical mystery of the sky. Northern lights are visible everywhere in Finland, but your best chance of catching them is up north during clear, winter nights. If you’d like to up your chances of seeing them, subscribe to the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s aurora alerts .

5. Booze it up on an overnight cruise

Want to have a REAL Finnish experience? Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. The cruise ships on the Baltic Sea are the easiest way to navigate between Finland and Sweden, but the tax-free alcohol and night clubs on board attract a lot of drunken sailors that come on the boat only to get boozed up. The ticket to a 23-hour cruise doesn’t let you disembark on the other end, though, but takes you right back to the port where you started from.

6. Camp to your heart’s content.

Thanks to the Everyman’s rights ( jokamiehenoikeus ), you’re allowed to camp anywhere in Finland without a special permit. And pick berries and mushrooms! Finns are extremely proud of their forests, and the right to roam is inherited in their connection with the natural environment.

7. Shop for Finnish Produced Goods

If your measly budget allows a little splurge, shop famous Finnish brands for souvenirs. Marimekko specializes in clothes and textiles with an emblematic poppy design, Iittala has a range of well-known tableware designs, and Tom of Finland products present highly masculine homo-erotic art that has broken free from the subculture and become popular all over Finland.

8. Do ALL the winter sports.

Finnish kids learn to ski and skate as soon as they can stand. Try downhill skiing, snowboarding, ice skating or cross-country skiing — or simply borrow a toboggan and speed down the snowy slopes. And the biggest hats off to you if you dare to try the most extreme activity of them all: a plunge in a lake at winter through a hole drilled in the ice.

9. Spend some time on the Countryside.

For many Finns, ”mökki” is a dear holiday home. These lakeside cottages are one of the best experiences you can have in Finland. Imagine skinny-dipping straight from the sauna as the sun sets over a mirror-clear lake: now you’re starting to get the hang of the life around here.

10. See an Ice Hockey match.

A winter wonderland like Finland had to be well-versed in winter sports. On top of the successful international teams, most big cities in Finland have their own teams as well, and cheering a team on among roaring Finns is always a fun experience. Even if you’re not that into the game!

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Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Backpacker Accommodation in Finland

Here’s the thing, Finland is not ideal for backpackers. Not many travellers find their way up north, which means that backpacker accommodation options are limited over there. Or pretty much non-existent.

The hostel scene in Helsinki is pretty dope, so you’ll have no trouble finding a great place to stay. And it’s possible to base yourself there and explore Southern Finland on day trips, but this can be inconvenient and expensive.

Hostels in Finland are generally more expensive than you’re probably used to while backpacking Europe . But hey, they’re clean, comfortable, and usually include all the facilities you would hope to find in a hostel. And to true Finnish style, most of them also have saunas.

When there are no hostels in sight, your best bet is to find a mid-range hotel or a holiday apartment. Airbnb is also a thing; at the lower end of the scale, you’ll find a room at $25-35/night through Airbnb, which is often cheaper than a little hotel room.

The Best Places to Stay in Finland

Wild camping in finland.

Now here’s a golden tip for the real broke backpacker: Finland’s nature is free and welcomes all. Thanks to “ Everyman’s right ” ( jokamiehenoikeus ), you’re free to hike and camp anywhere, as well as pick berries and mushrooms in the forests.

This means that camping in Finland is easy and legal. Stay out of city parks and private property, though — the best camping spots are in the national parks. And remember: leave no trace behind.

Many hiking trails are also equipped with different shelters where you can spend the night for free . Wilderness huts, Sami huts, and wooden lean-tos usually have a firepit to keep you warm during the chilly hours of the night.

Finland Backpacking Costs

Is Finland expensive ? Hell yes. However, there are still sneaky little ways to make your trip there a little more affordable.

Eating out is expensive in Finland. Sorry! However, your grub in Finland doesn’t have to be just instant noodles. For the cheapest and most authentic meals, head to the central market squares . Many of the bigger cities have a permanent covered market that has small cafés and restaurants serving simple and delicious home-cooked meals for as little as $7. If you’re in a university town, you can eat at the student cafeterias for about $9 (including the main meal, salad and bread!).

In general, try to fill your belly at lunchtime since you’ll find much better offers then.

Download the ResQ Club app . It’s an app that aims to minimize food waste, so at the end of the day, restaurants put up drastically discounted meals.

Cooking for yourself is always the cheapest option, and Finland is no exception. If you’re really pinching pennies, visit S Market supermarkets after 9 p.m. when all of their expiring products are at 50% sale.

The absolute cheapest way to travel in Finland is by bus. If you plan your trip in advance, you can score early-bird discounts on Onnibus and Matkahuolto bus lines for as little as $2.5 per trip. Similarly, trains usually have some discounted tickets, too. If your plans include tripping from Helsinki to Rovaniemi and back, though, prepare to shell out a hundred bucks for a train or $50 on a cheap flight (one-way).

Alcohol in Finland is EXPENSIVE. But no fear: there is a way to party the night away without breaking the bank.

The solution, my dear traveler, is student bars. While you might often end up paying $9-12 for a pint in a normal bar, student bars offer shots for as little as $3 and beers for $3.5-5. Or, you know, pregame.

If you want to avoid hefty entrance fees, pick pubs and small bars over big nightclubs to avoid paying the entrance fee (about $5-10).

Look, if you came to Finland expecting to plow through powdery snow on a husky sled, you also need to be prepared to stack out some serious cash. The famous dog and reindeer safaris cost about $120 for a couple of hours of sledding. Having fun in Finland does not come for cheap. A daily ski rental in Helsinki can be about $25 (and a ski pass at a resort about $40-50), a museum ticket $30, and a day pass to an amusement park $50.

Luckily, there are plenty of cheap and free things to do as well. Hike and camp, walk around cities, take advantage of free events and exhibitions and relax on beaches and in parks.

A Daily Budget in Finland

Money in finland.

Finland is a part of the EU and so it uses the Euro.

Most places will accept cards, but it’s always a good idea to carry a little bit of cash with you. There are ATMs all over the place, and you can exchange money in banks or exchange offices.

Travel Tips – Finland on a Budget

Trying to stretch your euros as far as they go? Then try out these good-and-tried broke backpacker practices.

• Cook your own food. A money-savvy explorer cooks their own food — especially in Finland. It’s a good idea to slip a portable camping stove into your backpack; it’s great for accommodations that don’t come with a kitchen, and perfect for hikes in the pretty Finnish forests.
• Take a tent. All hail Everyman’s right! In Finland, you’re allowed to camp on public land (excluding city parks), so if you want to save some cash, pack up a lightweight tent.
• Try Couchsurfing. Finns might be introverted but they love sharing their culture with foreign travellers. Try Couchsurfing and make friends while sleeping totally for free.
• Shop second-hand. If you get to Finland and realise that it’s a little colder than you expected, find a second-hand shop. There are plenty of privately owned ones as well as charity chains like UFF, Salvation Army and Red Cross. You’ll easily find a warm coat for $10 or less!
• Volunteer. Staying somewhere awesome for just a few hours of light work? Sign me the fuck up. If you are looking to stay in Finland for longer,  check out Worldpackers . It’s an excellent platform connecting travellers with meaningful volunteer positions throughout the world.
• Travel with a water bottle. The tap water in Finland is among the best in the world so there’s simply no excuse to keep buying bottles. Take a reusable bottle with you and save both money and nature.

Why Should You Travel to Finland with a Water Bottle?

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful!

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller.

STOP USING SINGLE-USE PLASTIC! If you’d like some more tips on how to save the world .

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Best Time to Travel to Finland

The absolute best times to travel to Finland are the summer and the winter.

Finnish summer is lovely: the days are long and mellow (usually 20-25ºC, sometimes rising up to 30ºC), and Finns spend their time drinking in parks or restaurant patios. The amount of daylight can come as a shock: in Lapland, the sun never fully sets in the summer, and even in the south the darkness only lasts for a few hours.

Peak season is June-July when schools are out; May and August still get nice weather without being quite as packed.

The days in the winter are short and dark. It’s a great time to visit if you’re not used to snow and coldness — a friend of mine was blown away when he realised he could walk on ice! The temperatures get way below freezing, anything between -10 and -40, but you know…

Snow has been falling later each year, so while you might get your winter dreams fulfilled in November or December, play it safe and time your trip between January-March.

If you’re looking for some spectacular autumn colours, end of October is also a fantastic time to visit. Word of warning, though: the splendour lasts for about two weeks, then the trees lose their leaves in bitter wind and rainstorms, and the weather gets miserable and grey until it starts snowing.

The springtime can be lovely with the nature in Finland coming back to life, but it still rains a lot. The streets are wet and sloshy from melting snow — plus, even timing your trip to May doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get caught in the snow.

Festivals in Finland

There’s no better time to experience Finland than in the summer, when every week is packed with weird and wonderful events all over the country.

Did you know that Finland is the country with the highest number of metal bands per capita? On top of the likes of Nightwish and Children of Bodom, the Finnish music scene is booming in every direction and genre possible.

The best part? The crowds are way smaller than festivals happening in busier European countries. Here are some quintessentially Finnish events, festivals and celebrations to consider when backpacking Finland:

• May Day. The biggest student celebration of the year is also a national bank holiday. The experience is marked by street markets, balloons, home-made slightly alcoholic lemonade (sima) and sugared doughnuts.
• Midsummer (June): Midsummer is a big celebration in Finland. Usually, Finns escape to their countryside cottages, but there’s always some sort of small city festival going on. And an evening bonfire! Places like Tahko and Himos arrange big parties for Midsummer.
• Ruisrock (July): Finland’s biggest music festival is a three-day extravaganza just outside of Turku. It brings together huge foreign acts and some of the best Finnish artists across all genres.
• Tuska Festival (July): This three-day festival might be the biggest metal music festival in Finland and a must if you’re a metalhead. Even the name of the festival is metal as hell: it translates to “Agony”.
• Air Guitar World Championships (August): “Make air, not war”: this bizarre competition that crowns the best air guitar player in the world aims to “promote world peace” and takes place in Oulu.
• Wife-Carrying Championships (August): One of the funniest sporting events ever takes place in Eastern Finland, in Sonkajärvi. Every August, dozens of couples race through an obstacle course with the man carrying his wife on his back to win the woman’s weight worth of beer.
• Flow Festival (August): THE indie music festival brings together dozens of Finnish and international acts to Helsinki.

What to Pack for Finland

No matter where I travel, I always pack a few things with me:

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Staying Safe in Finland

If you google “safety in Finland”, you’ll be faced with an insane-sounding list of great superlatives: Finland consistently ranks on the top of the list when it comes to safety, freedom of speech and press, personal freedom, lack of corruption and crime, social justice, political stability, trust in police forces… Need I say more?

So, rest assured, Finland is probably one of the safest countries you will ever visit. Of course, bad stuff can happen anytime, anywhere, so keep your wits about you and you’ll be fine.

Finland gets very dark in the winter. The cheapest life insurance is buying a dangling reflector — sold in all supermarkets — that you can pin to your bag or jacket to stay visible in the dark. And don’t fuck with the cold.

Winter conditions can cause black ice, limited visibility, and bad roads. If you plan on driving yourself, make sure you know how to drive in the snow! And watch for moose danger signs, they like to cross the road without looking both ways.

Hikers: never hike alone if you’re unsure of your wilderness survival skills. There are some remote trails where help is hard to come by if you get lost or hurt. Pack your day pack well , and always let someone know where you are and when to expect you back.

Oh, and keep an eye out for wildlife: you’re most likely to just come across some squirrels and hares but Finland has wolves, bears, lynxes and wolverines. Surprisingly, the most dangerous animal might still be the moose. They’re gigantic and can be aggressive around mating season.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Finland

All drugs are illegal in Finland — yep, even weed. Still, there isn’t a large-scale “war on drugs” going on here, and you’re more likely to get a warning than a fine if you get caught. Drug use has definitely been on the rise in recent years, but it’s still not all that common in Finland.

Finns definitely a drinking nation. Alcohol is often an inseparable part of social events, and a lot of Finns might struggle to keep their wits about them. Finns LOVE to introduce foreign visitors to their special liquors – and laugh at you as your face goes pale.

The “holy trinity” of Finnish shots might get offered to you as a welcome gift: first Suomi-viina, a terrible Finnish vodka; then Salmiakkikoskenkorva or “salmari”, a liquorice-flavoured vodka; and lastly, Jaloviina, a strong brandy especially favoured by students and old drunks.

When it comes to dating, Finland is often said to be one of the most liberal countries in the world, so you can get on Tinder and swipe to your heart’s content.

Travel Insurance for Finland

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional, and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Getting into Finland

Located up in the north, Finland is not exactly en route to anywhere but it is still pretty well connected to the rest of the world.

The easiest way to get there is by catching a plane to the Helsinki Vantaa International Airport, which has a ton of international and intercontinental connections from both big-scale and low-cost operators. There are also smaller airports around Finland, but their international arrivals are usually limited to other European countries and Nordic countries.

You can also arrive by boat from ports in the Baltic Sea like Stockholm, Riga or Tallinn. The Tallinn route is especially popular with many low-cost ferries crossing the bay in just about two hours, whereas the ferry from Stockholm is a overnight trip.

In the North, Finland borders Sweden and Norway. (And Russia, but we don’t really talk about that — things get a little more tricky that way.)

Even though this route is rarer, it’s also possible to take a bus or drive from Sweden or Norway. Travel between the Nordic countries is not restricted so there are no border checks.

Entry Requirements for Finland

Finland is in the EU and the Schengen Area, which is great news for most travellers. Most nationalities can travel to Finland visa-free for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days. Yay!

You still definitely need a valid passport or another travel document, but from my experience, if you’re arriving from another EU country — even on a plane — you might not even get your passport checked.

If you’re a lucky holder of another EU passport or from another Nordic country, Switzerland or Liechtenstein, you can freely stay in Finland for up to three months . After this, you need to apply for a residence permit.

However, not everyone can just dash over to the Schengen Area just like that. If your passport is on this list , you need to apply for a visa before arriving in Finland. Apply for the visa at a Finnish embassy; in some countries, Finland might be represented in another country’s embassy.

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How to Get Around Finland

Finland is a lanky lady — tall and thin. Backpacking Finland means long distances when travelling between north and south. During the winter, bad road conditions and early darkness will affect your travel times as well.

Luckily, the transportation infrastructure is well set up, and you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting from start to Finnish!

The cheapest way to get around Finland is usually by bus. In recent years, the bus network has expanded immensely, and it’s pretty easy to find a ride to almost anywhere you want to go.

You can book bus tickets online beforehand or buy them at the station. The advantage to buying in advance is they might be cheaper: most long-distance lines have a progressive price scale for tickets, meaning that the quickest travellers might be able to book a ticket for as cheaply as $2.5.

Buy bus tickets through Matkahuolto or OnniBus companies.

Trains in Finland are awesome: fast, clean and comfortable (although chronically late in the winter, at least by Finnish standards). They even have fast and free wifi! They often cost a little more than bus tickets but then again, if you book early enough, you’ll be able to snatch a discounted ticket.

There is only one train company operating in Finland, VR. You can buy train tickets through their website or at the station from self-service automats.

Never try to board a train without a valid ticket since they’re always checked. If you’re travelling without a valid ticket, the fine is 80€.

Note! You can usually buy a ticket upon boarding (only with card, not with cash), but because of corona, all tickets must be bought beforehand now.

As good as public transportation connections might be, having your own car gives you more freedom to explore. The roads are generally well-signed and in good condition. If you’re not used to driving in the winter, though, skip on the rental! When it snows, the roads get very icy and are potentially dangerous. Even for Finns, who’ve driven in these conditions their whole lives.

Finns are also extremely law-abiding folks so follow the speed limits: 120 km/h on motorways, 100 km/h on rural highways, and 60-40 km/h on urban areas in the summer. During winter, the limit for urban areas comes down to 20 km/h or less.

Finland is mighty fine for cyclists, at least when there’s no snow. Even though the country might not be as well-equipped as The Netherlands, Finns themselves are avid bikers. And many bigger cities have city bikes available for rent! Ideal if you want to get around fast.

Note that, in cities, if there are no designated bike lanes, bikers are required to paddle on the road — not the sidewalk. And even though it’s rare, you might get stopped by the police for not wearing a helmet.

Long-distance biking is not impossible either if you’re so inclined. Finland is a pretty flat country!

The population of Finland might not be big, but the land area is. If you’re backpacking Finland on a rush, the quickest way to travel is by plane. There are domestic airports e.g. in Rovaniemi, Kittilä and Ivalo, and a plane ticket might cost half the price of a long-haul sleeper train. I’ve found the best flight deals through Norwegian that usually also has huge sales around Christmas.

Travelling in Cities

The biggest cities have functional public bus networks, which usually make having a car useless. The Helsinki Metropolitan Area has a metro as well as city trains. There are also trams in Helsinki, and soon in Tampere.

If you’re planning to spend time in smaller cities, though, public transportation is few and far in between, and especially travelling to and from national parks can be hard to time for day trips.

Hitchhiking in Finland

For a thrifty traveller, hitchhiking is an excellent way to save money. Whether Finland is an ideal place to do that, though — the votes are not yet in.

Theoretically, Finland would be great for hitchhikers. Long rural highways are dotted with bus stops, petrol stations and other excellent places to thumb a ride. And the country is extremely safe.

The biggest and most important problem you’ll run into are the Finns themselves. As introverts, many Finns would be hesitant to pick up a stranger on the road side — they really don’t enjoy small talk!

Hitchhiking is pretty rare, so you will definitely get some funny looks. But it’s possible! Everything is possible.

Campervanning in Finland

Ready to live like a Finn? Campervanning is pretty popular in Finland, even so that there are pop songs dedicated to the van lifers .

Especially in the summer you’ll see dozens of mobile homes headed north in orderly queues like a herd of buffalo on their seasonal migration.

The three main places to rent a campervan are Helsinki and Helsinki Airport, Turku and Rovaniemi.

Motorbiking in Finland

Strap on your helmet, because Finland is great for motorcyclists! The long, flat highways are made for riders who enjoy a bit of scenery as they’re driving.

If you bike around, watch out for cracks and potholes — even though roads are generally well-maintained, the long, harsh winter is not easy on the asphalt. There are even a few motorcycle clubs, including a Harley Davidson club and a religious motorcycle club.

Onwards Travel from Finland

Usually, travellers backpacking Finland want to check out the rest of the Nordic and Scandinavian countries . In that case, the same applies as arriving: boats and planes are your best bet between countries.

A word of warning to those wanting to travel to Russia afterwards: there are buses and trains from Finland but the border is well monitored and you need to get a Russian visa before travelling.

If this seems like too much trouble, you can always take a cruise to St. Petersburg from Helsinki: even though the trip is quite expensive, it allows you to explore St. Petersburg for three days with no visa before returning.

Working and Staying Connected in Finland

So… you want to live and work in Finland? For the citizens of the EU and EEA countries, it’s pretty straightforward. Just hop on the plane and move (although you do need to apply for a residence permit after three months).

Self-employed people can apply for a residence permit without needing to have a job in Finland. If you’re planning to work for a Finnish employer, though, you need to have found work before you lodge your application.

It’s not impossible to find a job in Finland, but it can be hard since most places do require you to speak fluent Finnish. Yikes!

Finland is not really popular with digital nomads. With the weather and high prices, it’s pretty much the opposite of what most digital nomads are looking for.

However, if you want to give it a go, you’ll find that the wifi is excellent almost everywhere. And English is widely spoken — in 2016, Helsinki’s population was about 12% foreigners.

Besides, with the corona pandemic, a lot of Finns have had their jobs go online, so remote working will definitely become more popular.

It’s not hard to find free wifi in Finland but if you want to buy a SIM card, most (non-prepaid) phone plans come with unlimited data.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Volunteer in Finland

Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst helping your host community. There are plenty of different volunteer projects in Finland including teaching, construction, agriculture and pretty much anything.

Finland doesn’t need volunteers in the same way poorer, less-developed countries do, but there are opportunities out there. Most volunteers help out with eco-projects or take part in cultural exchanges and homestays. Keep in mind most travelers need to apply for a residence permit in order to volunteer in Finland, but it’s always a good idea to contact your nearest embassy if you’re unsure. 

Our go-to platform for finding volunteering gigs is Worldpackers who connect travellers with host projects. Have a look at the Worldpackers site and see if they have any exciting opportunities in Finland before signing up.

Alternatively, Workaway is another excellent common platform used by travellers searching for volunteering opportunities. You can read our review of Workaway for more info on using this terrific platform.

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers and platforms like Workaway are usually very well-managed and reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant, especially when working with animals or children.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

What to Eat in Finland

When people ask me what Finns eat, I’m often at loss for words. There isn’t one staple cuisine that defines the whole country, nor one ingredient that would be most popular. The food here is all about freshness, local produce, and simplicity.

There’s a running joke that Finns only know two spices: salt and pepper. But that doesn’t make Finnish home-cooking any less delicious: a Finnish plate is a balanced mixture of greens, potatoes, and meat/fish.

And fear not, fellow vegans — Finland has a staggering amount of options for you guys, too.

In addition to hearty, homely food, Scandinavian-style fine dining has started to gain more popularity (especially in Helsinki).

Hunting is a pretty popular sport, so meat from game animals is not a rare sight at the dinner table, although you’d rarely find elk stew or rabbit soup in restaurants. Reindeer is a true delicacy and definitely worth a try!

Oh, and you have to indulge in the sweets. Finns are a population with a serious sweet tooth that doesn’t just end with the famous salty liquorice. Any Finnish supermarket has a packed aisle full of dozens of different varieties of sweets, bubble gums, chocolates, fudges, and hard candies.

Stock up on Fazer chocolate — I might be biased, but it might just be the best chocolate in the world.

The Best Food in Finland

• Karelian pie – rice porridge in a rye bread crust, usually eaten with egg butter
• Rye bread – delicious dark bread that Finland does better than any other country
• Kalakukko – a baked rye bread traditionally filled with fish and bacon, originating from the Savo region
• Vispipuuro – whipped lingonberry porridge is a dessert usually served with milk and sugar
• Karelian stew – filling meat stew
• Reindeer – self-explanatory (and delicious)
• Bread cheese – soft, squeaky cheese, best enjoyed with some cloudberry jam
• Pea soup – usually eaten with lingonberry sauce and oven-baked pancakes for dessert
• Fried vendace – the tastiest treat to pick up from a food market (look out for the text “muikut”)
• Salty liquorice – a real opinion divider that Finns love and travellers hate
• Christmas tart – “joulutorttu” is a yummy star-shaped Christmas pastry with plum jam filling

Finnish Culture

You might know the stereotype: Finns are tough, extremely introverted people who never talk to anyone. While it would be easy to judge them as closed-off and hostile, this is not true.

The people of the land of snow and ice are friendly, open-minded and hospitable — although you might have to give them a couple of beers first to warm them up.

Or maybe a cup of coffee? Finns drink a crazy amount of coffee: at 5-8 cups on average every day, they’re the biggest coffee consumers in the world.

Some of the disconnect might come from their sense of humour. Finnish jokes are often dark, wry, self-deprecating, and extremely sarcastic. If you’re wondering if a Finn is being serious, they might not even know the answer themselves.

Finland is like the ultimate socialist utopia: affordable healthcare, a functioning social welfare system, and education that’s not only free but also pays students on certain levels. Education is a highly respected value, as is the appreciation for nature and the love for the country itself.

Finns are mostly welcoming towards tourists. In fact, many of them get excited that anyone would want to visit their little country, so they’re very willing to introduce you to the fineries of the Finnish culture.

If you’re a foreigner backpacking Finland, you will definitely catch this iconic phrase: ‘In Finland, we have this thing called…’

Speaking Finnish – Useful Travel Phrases

Here’s my top tip if you want to learn Finnish: reconsider .

Finnish is often ranked as one of the hardest languages in the world. English has one grammatical case, Finnish has 16. And despite being a part of the Fenno-Ugric language group, it’s very different to the languages it’s related to. Only Estonian somewhat resembles the Finnish jumble.

Luckily for you, Finns generally speak really good English. If you want to impress your new Finnish friends, a well-placed perkele will earn you some brownie points.

Here are some phrases that might or might not help you during your trip.

Kiitos – Thank you/Please (as in, Will you pass me that beer, please?)

Hei/Moi – Hello

Mitä kuuluu? – How are you?

Apua! – Help!

Olut/kalja – Beer

Kahvi – Coffee

Sisu – tenacity, persistence, determination (used to describe the Finnish character)

Joulupukki – Santa Claus

Mökki – summer cottage

Perkele – damn, hell (the most iconic Finnish swear word!)

Kalsarikännit – getting drunk in your underwear alone at home without any intention of going out later

Books to Read About Finland

• How to Marry a Finnish Girl – American Phil Schwarzmann’s book is not only a humorous half-memoir about how he met his Finnish wife but also a look at some of the Finnish stereotypes and oddities that often baffle foreigners.
• Unknown Soldiers – Väinö Linna’s book is the most important Finnish historical novel. It takes place during the Winter War when Finland was up in arms against Russia. Its vivacious, region-specific language might be lost on a foreign reader but its colourful characters make this an interesting read even for modern audiences.
• The Year of the Hare – Arto Paasilinna is a master of the dry, dark Finnish humour. And that’s clearly visible in this book, whose plotline takes a journalist and an injured rabbit on a whirlwind trip all over Finland.
• The Summer Book – One of the most translated Finnish novels tells the story of a little girl, her father and her grandmother spending their summer on a sleepy island in the Gulf of Finland. The author is well known as the creator of the beloved Moomin characters.
• Finnish Nightmares – This web comic quickly went viral and has now also been turned into physical books. The short comic strips depict Finnish people in various (social) predicaments. Like having to leave your apartment when there’s a neighbour in the hallway, or having to sit next to a stranger on the bus.

A Brief History of Finland

Finland is a small country marked by its continuous resistance to foreign influences against all odds. In any other country, being this proud of your nation might be a red flag, but here it seems justifiable.

The Swedish monarchy reigned over Finland for over 1,000 years. In 1808, Finland was lost to Russia in war, in which it became an autonomous part of the empire. When many other European countries started to break free at the end of WWI, Finland also gained their independence in 1917.

During WWII, Finland was once again in cahoots with Russia. This period has an effect on the national character to this day! Mostly untrained guerrilla soldiers fought the Russian army in the three-month war known as Winter War, and it was seen as a fight to keep the independence.

During the war, Finns had been allied with Germany as many of the untrained soldiers had received training there. After the fighting ceased, the problem shifted to getting the German soldiers out of Lapland. Cue more fighting. The troops finally left but burned everything in their wake.

These days, Finland is the world leader in many statistics: in overall happiness, freedom of press and speech, quality of life, education, gender equality and safety. While relationships with Russia are still shaky, Finland has got pretty good at doing its own thing and thriving at it.

Final Advice Before Visiting Finland

So you’ve made it to the end of the post — you could almost say that you have now Finnished reading this backpacking guide.

Finland is quirky, pretty, safely adventurous, and surprisingly off the beaten path. And the rest of the world can learn a lot from this little land!

Free education, affordable health care and providing social welfare for all citizens have always been important values in Finland. Regular backpackers like you & I are incredibly lucky to be able to travel and see the world as freely as we do, and that shouldn’t be taken for granted.

The Finnish system might seem like a utopia for many countries but it’s not impossible to achieve. And the willingness to take care of your fellow humans is definitely something you can take with you on your travels.

I hope you enjoy backpacking Finland as much as I do. Make some great memories, but go easy on the Finnish vodka to make sure you remember them.

Hyvää matkaa!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Elina Mattila

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15 Best Places to Visit in Finland, From the Sauna Capital of the World to Santa Claus Village

From national parks and beautiful lakes to modern cities and the home of Santa Claus, these are the best places to visit in Finland.

Visit Finland

If you’re planning a trip to Finland, there’s a good chance seeing the northern lights is at the top of your list. During the winter months, Lapland, the country’s northernmost region, is known as one of the best places in the world to view the famed natural light display. Amazing as the experience may be, though, spotting the aurora borealis is just one of the many reasons to visit this Nordic country. 

Adventurous travelers and those who prefer fresh air to indoor activities will feel right at home in Finland. Nicknamed the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” the country has around 188,000 lakes, giving way to activities like ice fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, and cruising. Finland is also covered in lush forests and vast wilderness; in fact, there are 41 national parks, all of which showcase the diversity of Finnish landscapes, flora, and fauna. Spending time in the great outdoors is crucial to understanding Finland and what makes it so special — so be sure to save time in your itinerary for a trip to Lake Päijänne or Nuuksio National Park. “The everyday life is rather similar in all the Nordic countries, but I believe Finns appreciate silence and nature even more,” says Riitta Kiukas, CEO of Active Holiday Finland by Skafur-Tour . “One hour in a forest every day keeps us happy.” Other places to search for the secret to Finnish happiness include Helsinki (the country’s capital), Rovaniemi (the home of Santa Claus), and any of the country’s traditional saunas. 

Consider giving yourself at least five to seven days to explore Finland. “Geographically, Finland is big, and distances are long. Therefore, I would recommend reserving a week at the minimum,” says Kiukas. And if you get lost or need help during your travels, don’t be afraid to ask a Finn for assistance. “I think one of the biggest misconceptions about Finland is that people are very reserved and cold. As that may be for some, most are truly nice and warm and willing to go a long way just to help somebody out,” says Eero Vottonen, chef of Palace , a Michelin-starred restaurant in Helsinki. 

Meet the Expert

Riitta Kiukas is the CEO of Active Holiday Finland by Skafur-Tour, a Finnish travel agency offering a number of tours and experiences. 

Eero Vottonen is the award-winning Finnish chef at Palace, a Helsinki restaurant that has earned two Michelin stars. 

Interested in learning more about what this Northern European country has to offer? Read on to discover the 15 best places to visit in Finland, according to locals. 

Related: The Best Times to Visit Finland for Outdoor Adventures, Northern Lights Viewing, and More

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Not only is Helsinki the capital of Finland, but it’s also the gateway to discovering the rest of the country, particularly for international travelers. Like many European cities, Helsinki mixes history — it was founded in 1550 — with modern art, architecture, and a number of incredible restaurants and cafes. For a culturally rich experience, browse the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art , Design Museum , and Galerie Forsblom .

Åland Islands

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Around 6,700 islands make up the archipelago of Åland. Chef Vottonen notes its “beautiful scenery with a lot to explore,” particularly in the summertime. The autonomous region is ideal for island-hopping; the islands with permanent residents are connected by ferry. Not sure where to begin? Kiukas suggests Kökar, “a small island with a unique archipelago nature.” “Our clients just love everything there, and many cycle through the Åland Islands,” she says.

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Rovaniemi is the “Official Hometown of Santa Claus” and the capital of Lapland. Visitors make their way to the city’s Santa Claus Village — where you can meet the man himself — all year round, although it’s most popular during the holiday season. If you come to Rovaniemi in the summer, however, you’ll get to experience the midnight sun, the natural phenomenon where the sun doesn’t set. 

Related: How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Finnish Lapland — Northern Lights and Midnight Sun Included

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The sauna is central to Finnish culture, and Tampere holds the title of the “Sauna Capital of the World,” with the most public saunas (55 and counting) in Finland. Chef Vottonen describes his former hometown as having “the easiest and [most] chilled vibe.” Those interested in experiencing a traditional sauna should book a session at Rajaportti , the country’s oldest still-operating public sauna.

Nuuksio National Park

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“Us Finns usually have a relationship with the wild or forest,” says Chef Vottonen. “Hiking or walking through one of [our] amazing national parks shows you the reason why. [They’re] usually very well maintained and with the possibility to reserve indoor sleeping.” Nuuksio National Park is easy to reach from Helsinki, and overnight travelers can reserve a cozy cabin to sleep in after a day of hiking, swimming, or cycling in the park.

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The oldest city in Finland and the country’s former capital, Turku should be on every traveler’s radar, particularly if they’re interested in Nordic cuisine. Travel + Leisure journalist Tom Vanderbilt highlighted Smör and the Michelin-starred Kaskis in his guide to Turku , but there are a variety of other restaurants — and things to do — to fill your day in the riverside town. Most notably, there’s the 13th-century Turku Castle, Turku Cathedral, and the open-air Market Square.

Kiukas adds Posio, “the most sustainable village in Finland,” to her list of the country’s best places to visit. Located in Lapland, Posio is great for “individuals and small groups searching for authentic experiences,” she says. The village is also the center of Finnish ceramic culture; Pentik , the world’s northernmost ceramic factory, and the Arctic Ceramic Centre both call Posio home.

Suomenlinna

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You’ll find Suomenlinna , an 18th-century sea fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a group of islands near Helsinki. Chef Vottonen calls it a “must-visit in the summer,” and recommends travelers have “a picnic, take a dip in the ocean, or enjoy the restaurants.” Those interested in the sea fortress’ history can learn more in the six different on-site museums .

Finnish Lakeland

Finnish Lakeland is the largest lake district in Europe, and there are a variety of towns, villages, and bodies of water to explore in the region. Kiukas recommends starting with Hämeenlinna or Lahti, “southern Finnish towns so close to Helsinki that many travelers just pass by.” “This is where the lake district starts, and you can get a taste of country life — slow down and enjoy silence, lakes, and the nature around you,” she says.

Ranua Wildlife Park

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If you want to see a polar bear, lynx, arctic foxes, and a large variety of other arctic species, make your way to Ranua Wildlife Park , about an hour’s drive south of Rovaniemi. The animals live in enclosures in the midst of the northern coniferous forest, and the park is open year-round. 

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For a dose of Finnish history, Chef Vottonen recommends visiting Porvoo, the second oldest city in Finland. “[It’s] only a short drive from Helsinki by car,” he says, or travelers can “enjoy the boat ride… and see the beautiful coastline.” The Old Porvoo neighborhood is recognizable for its traditional red-painted wooden houses along the Porvoonjoki River, and its cobbled streets and quaint cafes create a picture-perfect scene for both travelers and locals alike. 

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Winter sports enthusiasts will be interested in visiting Levi, the largest ski resort in Finland. Skiing, snowboarding, dogsledding, winter hiking, and snowshoeing are all available in Levi, and it’s also a great destination for seeing the northern lights. The light show is visible on most clear nights, but you can also take a guided tour to ensure you get the best views.  

Kiukas calls Varkaus a “hidden gem by Lake Saimaa,” and she says there’s a “contrast created by pure lake nature and industrial heritage.” Given its access to the surrounding lakes and canals, it’s a popular destination for those traveling by water. When not exploring the waterways, visitors can stop at the “Museum” of Mechanical Music (with purposeful quotation marks around “museum”), the Taipale Canal Museum , or the Väinölä Art Centre .

Lemmenjoki National Park

Harri Tarvainen/Visit Finland

The largest of Finland’s national parks, Lemmenjoki is known for its natural beauty and its history of gold prospecting. To explore the area, visitors can hike, canoe, or hop aboard a boat on the Lemmenjoki River. Travelers may also get a glimpse of the culture of the Indigenous Sámi people; the park features old housing and hunting grounds. 

Julia Kivela/Visit Finland

Kiukas suggests those traveling to Finland make a stop in Fiskars, an “example of an old industrial village now offering working spaces for artisans and artists.” Billed as a “home of creativity,” the village is the birthplace of Fiskars Corporation, the well-known Finnish company that makes cooking, gardening, and craft products — including the world's first plastic-handled scissors.

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Punavuori & Ullanlinna

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The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Finland Itinerary (Winter or Summer)

Last Updated on January 31, 2024

by Olivia Ellis

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning a perfect 5 to 7 days in Finland itinerary is a great experience if you’re searching for a European destination off the beaten path from traditional tourist-heavy routes. In unique proximity to Scandinavia, Russia, and the Baltics, Finland is saturated with rich history and culture and “the happiest people” in the world.

From cosmopolitan and sustainable Helsinki to the country’s oldest city, Turku, Finland is a country waiting to be explored with open arms. This itinerary will help you plan an ideal trip to Finland, exploring both cities and nature while discovering unique corners in between.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Finland?

Many potential visitors wonder how many days to spend in Finland in order to do this beautiful Nordic nation justice.

Finland is one of the largest countries in Europe, and with that being considered, there’s a great amount to visit. With that being said, I recommend a minimum of 5 days in Finland; this way you can visit and wander around Helsinki, but also manage to get to another city/town or two. 

On top of that, I believe that the ideal length of time to spend in Finland is around 1 week. With 7 full days in Finland, you’ll experience all that you can in 5 days, but also be able to go beyond.

You’ll truly be able to do the country justice, explore a few different regions of the country and go beyond major cities to further off regions, such as Finnish Lapland to perhaps visit a reindeer farm, go dog sledding or see the Northern Lights.

Getting To & Around Finland 

Getting to finland.

Regarding this particular itinerary, the best and most convenient option will be to first fly into the capital city of Helsinki.

Helsinki Vantaa Airport is the fourth largest Nordic airport by passenger numbers and has frequent routes year-round connecting Finland mainly to Europe but also intercontinental.

Due to the large airport and frequent flights, the Finnish capital is also typically a fairly affordable destination to fly into. You can get from the Helsinki airport to the city center by bus, train or private transfer.

Another unique option for those visiting Finland from neighboring Tallinn, Estonia or Stockholm, Sweden , is to reach Finland by ferry.

There are frequent ferry routes to/from each city and depending on your chosen journey, they can also be more affordable than flight transportation. You can browse ferry schedules here.

Getting Around Finland

When organising your transportation plans for getting around Finland, it’s important to keep in mind the time of year. This itinerary is best suited for the winter months, so unless you’re someone with at least some experience driving in wintery/snowy conditions, I’d recommend against driving.

For those that will be driving, the country is well-prepared for winter weather with cars equipped with the right winter tires so you don’t need to worry about anything out of the ordinary.

If you decide to opt-in to rent a car, I’d suggest only renting it for the time in Rovaniemi. Like most European and Nordic cities in particular, you’ll have an excellent public transportation system at hand to get around with and no necessity to rent a car whilst in the capital city. You can browse Rentalcars.com to compare prices on car hire.

Helsinki is also an incredibly walkable city, with most sights and points of interest in close distance, you’ll find it a joy to walk around the pleasant capital Finnish city. 

Furthermore, the other destinations outside of Rovaniemi are easily accessible to Helsinki by bus and train. The last two days of the itinerary are in Finnish Lapland and with such a long drive from southern/central Finland (~10 hours), it would take a day out of your trip to drive.

Rovaniemi is the most “wild” part of the itinerary and having a car would be an advantage (especially if you’re determined to spot the Northern Lights), but it isn’t completely necessary. There are several car rental companies in Rovaniemi, both in the city and at the airport if you’re keen to drive during your time in Lapland. 

5 to 7-Day Finland Itinerary

Regardless of how long you have, you’ll find spending time in Finland to be a Nordic treasure. If you have 5 days, you’ll get to know Finland through its capital city, Helsinki, along with other authentic towns and major cities.

For those continuing onwards to a 7-day itinerary, you’ll make your way north to the wild Arctic Lapland region and its capital city of Rovaniemi where you can enjoy either incredible winter activities or, in the summer months, basque in the midnight sun. 

Day 1 – Arrive in Helsinki

The first 3 nights of this itinerary are spent in the capital city of Helsinki. Once arriving, you’ll likely first notice the beautiful and diverse architecture and styles painting the capital city.

The city is a unique blend of Finnish, Swedish, and Russian architecture – reflecting the deep history and heritage not just of Helsinki but also of Finland itself. 

Helsinki is a fairly small and compact city, which makes it convenient to see most of the main sights during day 1 of your time in Finland. Begin at the Senate Square in the center of the city (Kruununhaka neighborhood) to marvel at the stunning white Helsinki Cathedral along with the National Library of Finland. 

A short walk brings you to one of the most unique churches you’ll probably ever visit, the Temppeliaukio Church. Built within a solid rock, the church is a must-visit in Helsinki and for that reason, it’s one of the most popular attractions in Helsinki. 

For a taste of some of the best Finnish cuisine in the city along with affordable options, make sure to visit Helsinki Market Square & Old Market Hall. The market square is particularly special if you’re visiting Helsinki during the winter , where you’ll find a joyful Christmas market full of independent stands and vendors.

The Old Market Hall is the oldest market in Finland as well as the perfect spot to enjoy a traditional meal.

Where to Stay in Helsinki

Bob W Kluuvi – This hotel is perfect for mid-range visitors. They have a great, central location for exploring the city along with plenty of great rooms to choose from and breakfast available in the mornings.

Hotel Mestari – This luxury hotel is perfect for those looking for a plush stay in the Finnish capital. They have a number of wonderful rooms to choose from, great amenities for guests to enjoy and a fantastic location for seeing all Helsinki has to offer.

The Yard Hostel – Those visiting Finland on a budget will love this cool hostel in the center of Helsinki. They have both private rooms and dorms to choose from along with good self-catering facilities and common areas.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Helsinki hotels!

Day 2 –  Helsinki

After a wonderful first day exploring Helsinki and getting acquainted with Finland, a great way to continue your trip is by making a day trip to the Suomenlinna Fortress. This sea fortress also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Suomenlinna Fortress is situated on a group of 8 islands off of Helsinki and demonstrates key elements of Finnish history and independence from both Sweden and Russia. 

Suomenlinna is easily reached by a short 15-minute ferry ride (tickets are included within the Helsinki transport system) from Helsinki Market Square. 

Finland has a wonderful fashion scene, with both local and high-street shops with a big influence on sustainability. Pohjoisesplanadi, the main shopping street in the heart of Helsinki is about a kilometer long and is the perfect place to take a look at Finnish trends and maybe find a souvenir to bring home. 

Day 3 – Porvoo

On day 3, I suggested making a day trip to the nearby middle-aged town of Porvoo . Porvoo is best reached from Helsinki by bus, with just around an hour’s journey. I recommend booking with Omnibus, as buses are frequent (around every 10 minutes) and the system is reliable. Schedules can be found here. You can also book a guided tour .

Porvoo is a lovely little town giving a completely different feel to Finland than big-city Helsinki. The town is the second oldest in Finland and wandering through the old streets can’t be any more idyllic; especially in the snow during a Finland winter itinerary.

I recommend warming up with a hot chocolate at Petris Chocolate in the town center before heading back to Helsinki.

Day 4 – Turku

After spending 3 nights in Helsinki, make your way to the charming Finnish archipelago city of Turku. Turku is easily reached by train from Helsinki in just under 2 hours and train schedules and booking can be found here . 

The city of Turku was founded almost 800 years ago and is a unique must-visit on any visit to Finland. With the Aura River meeting the archipelago as the centerpiece for Turku, you’ll find the city to be an exciting destination full of soul and history as it was once Finland’s capital city before Helsinki. 

Stop by the 13th-century Turku Castle to get a better insight into Finnish Heritage in its oldest town as well as the Turku Cathedral, which also happens to be the seat of the Archbishop of Finland. 

If you’re visiting in the summer, a great way to enjoy Finland’s bountiful nature is to take a ferry to the Turku Archipelago. Spending the day in the long daylight is best spent wandering the trails, taking a dip in the water, and discovering the archipelago’s 40,000 tiny islands by bicycle. 

For a meal with a nice ambiance, the riverside area has wonderful restaurants with gorgeous views no matter the time of the year that you visit.

Where to Stay in Turku

Centro Hotel Turku – This hotel in central Turku is an excellent choice for those after a mid-range option in this Finnish city. They have myriad great rooms to choose from and a lovely breakfast available in the mornings.

Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone – Located in the center of Turku, this hotel is a great choice for those who want something a bit more high-end while visiting Finland. They have a range of rooms to choose from, fantastic amenities and an on-site restaurant/bar.

Forenom Aparthotel Turku – This aparthotel is great for those who want their own flat but don’t want to sacrifice the convenience of a traditional hotel. There are a range of apartments on offer and they also have a great, central location.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Turku hotels!

Day 5 – Tampere

On your 5th day in Finland, a quick hour-and-a-half train from Turku will bring you on a day trip to the quirky city of Tampere. Tampere is the second biggest city in Finland with a lot to offer but is regularly missed by tourists, making it a great destination for any trip to Finland off the beaten path.

Tampere is the sauna capital of Finland, with over 50 public Finnish saunas waiting for you to relax and rejuvenate in the Finnish style. If you’re looking to tick visiting Finland’s oldest sauna off of your travel list, head to Rajaportti Sauna to experience a sauna heated by wood in the most traditional method.

The city is full of unique and exciting museums such as the Moomin Museum, the quintessential destination for any lover of the Moomin cartoon world. Another great museum option in Tampere for a particular perspective on Finnish culture and social history is Werstas – The Finnish Labour Museum

During your time in Tampere, make sure not to miss the largest Market Hall in all of the Nordics , Tampere Market Hall. This is the perfect destination to sample quintessential Finnish delicacies in a pleasant spot with friendly locals and authentic Finnish food.

If you’re spending just 5 days on you trip, this is the last day of your Finland trip. There is an airport in Tampere with a handful of European connections, making it a convenient ending if you can leave from Tampere. Otherwise, take the train back to Helsinki to continue onward.

For those continuing onward to the city of Rovaniemi in Lapland, the best transportation options from Tampere are to either return to Helsinki to fly to Rovaniemi or take an overnight train/bus from Tampere. 

Day 6 – Rovaniemi, Lapland

The last two days of your Finland travel itinerary will be spent in Finland’s largest region, enchanting and magical Lapland.

While also an ideal destination for the summer months because of the incredible nature and lush boreal forests of the northern Finnish region, it’s hard to find any travel destination more perfect in winter than Lapland. 

When planning accommodation, the costs of Lapland nature-surrounded hotels are much higher than in the center of Rovaniemi, it enhances the fairytale Lapland experience if you can afford the cost. 

The city of Rovaniemi is quite small in comparison to most other Nordic and Finnish cities, but it feels like an entirely different world in itself. To learn more about Arctic and Lappish culture, science, and history, head to the Arktikum Museum for a perfect taster to educate you for the rest of your time in Lapland. 

Rovaniemi is the main hub for most activities in the area and they’re plentiful. Whether you’re interested in taking a cosy reindeer sleigh ride in the Arctic forest or an Aurora Borealis expedition with a cup of hot chocolate, there’s something for everyone.

The majority of tour and activity groups leave from Rovaniemi with pick-up from surrounding hotels, making it an effortless trip if you decide not to rent a car to explore Rovaniemi, Lapland. 

If you’re visiting Lapland and following this itinerary in the summertime, it’s a completely different atmosphere but still incredibly special in its own right. From long days spent exploring Lapland’s wildly deep nature and forests to midnight-sun bonfire nights, summer in Lapland is truly special as well.

Where to Stay in Rovaniemi

Arctic Light Hotel – This modern hotel in Rovaniemi, this is a great base for exploring Lapland. There are several chic rooms to choose from, an airport shuttle, free parking and a superb breakfast.

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle – The perfect arctic escape, the glass igloos located outside of Rovaniemi are excellent for a unique visit. They have several different pods on offer, a great restaurant, room service and other amenities.

Hostel Cafe Koti – A good budget option in Rovaniemi, this hip hostel has both dorms and private rooms, a bar and cafe on site, a sauna and good self-catering facilities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Rovaniemi hotels!

Day 7 – Santa Claus Village

One of the most popular attractions when visiting Rovaniemi, Lapland is the magnificent world of Santa Claus Village.

Santa Claus Village is just about a 10-minute drive (or 20-minute bus ride) outside of Rovaniemi city center and is a must-visit magical stop while in Rovaniemi, for both adults and children. You can also take a guided tour  from Rovaniemi.

The village is a large wonderland, full of activities from ice skating and sledding to visits at the husky park and postcards and a meeting with Santa at Santa’s workshop. You’ll find conveniently placed fire pits throughout the village and the village’s forest area to warm up if you decide to walk among the snow-dressed Arctic trees.

The official boundaries of the Arctic Circle run through Santa’s Village and even though it’s just a line, it’s truly thrilling to pass back and forth through the Arctic Circle! 

Food options are plentiful in the village no matter your budget or preferences; from cafeteria-style food to classic Lappish food (I recommend the open-fire cooked salmon!) in a traditional hut. 

With so much joy and winter wonderland from just around every corner, it’s easy to spend a long day at Santa’s Village. It’s also safe to say that there’s no better send-off from a trip to Finland than heading to the snowy paradise of your childhood dreams. 

If you’re visiting in the winter, you may be able to find a return flight from Rovaniemi depending on the city, but otherwise, return to Helsinki to wrap up a marvelous week in Finland.

Have More Time?

In the case that you are drawn to the Lapland region and would like to explore further, I highly suggest heading further north to experience the region on a deeper level in the resort town of Levi.

In Levi, you can hit the slopes and ski on Finland’s biggest ski slopes, search further for the Northern Lights with a higher chance of seeing them, and find yourself in further bewilderment by Finland’s stunning natural beauty. 

On top of that, if you want to continue your trip and are looking to go beyond Finland, Swedish Lapland is just over the border with more outdoor adventures waiting for you.

Finnish Lapland is a lot more “developed” and touristy in comparison with Swedish Lapland, so if you’re interested in experiencing more of a local experience in Lapland, Swedish Lapland is a great way to continue your trip. 

A Finland trip undoubtedly has something for all kinds of travelers, whether you’re a city-seeker or someone happiest among nature. With this Finland itinerary, you’ll see all aspects of Finland, giving the perfect representation of this dynamically beautiful, and kind country. 

Are you planning a trip to Finland? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Essential Guide to Visiting Helsinki in Winter

Helsinki vs Stockholm: Which Nordic Capital to Visit?

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Helsinki Itinerary

About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Hi, Olivia: Thank you so much for sharing! It does make my coming Finland travel plan clearly. I am wondering how about Levi in Summer, and do you have any suggestions about summer in Rovaniemi?

With many thanks Sherry

Love the very informative initinery. Will certainly follow it. Planning to go in November 2023. Bravo!

Very very informative, thanks Olivia

Very very helpful review. We hope to have a family trip to Finland and these suggestions were terrific.

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How to Pick the Best Finland Guide Book (TOP 5 by a Finn)

*Please note that this post contains affiliate links. Find full disclosure policy here .

When it comes to finding a Finland guide book, there are surprisingly many options even though Finland isn’t the most popular travel destination.

Travel planning and learning about a new country should be fun. With great resources, it’s a joy. But what isn’t a rush of exhilaration is the research you need to do to find those right resources.

As my mission is to help you with all things Finnish, I have done the hard work for you. I have spent the last couple of weeks researching the most popular Finland guide books on the market.

Before making this post, I considered 12 different Finland travel guides overall and read over 50 user reviews on the internet. From a local’s perspective, it was great fun testing these books to see how well they knew their stuff.

I narrowed it down to the five best Finland guide books. I will tell you the exact reasons why I recommend these books. I don’t want you to waste your time nor money on a travel guide that doesn’t fit your needs. I want you to get the best Finland guide book for you!

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Näytä tämä julkaisu Instagramissa. Henkilön Finnish Language Finland Blog (@her_finland) jakama julkaisu Tammi 21, 2019 kello 10.42 PST

Here’s what this post includes. You can click the section you want to jump into.

Table of Contents

The 5 Benefits of Having a Finland Guide Book

The best free finland primer, how to choose the best finland guide book, top 5 finland guide books by a local, the second best finland travel guide book for travel planning, an additional travel planning tip for a finland visitor, the best finland guide book for the armchair traveler, additional tips for a helsinki visitor, the best finland guide book for the curious, the best finland guide book about sisu, finland guide books as gifts, my best finland guide books review video, why do you need a finland guide book.

If you are wondering why you should invest in a guide book in general, take it from me who just read a massive pile of Finland guide books.

An excellent guide book will inspire, educate and entertain you. If you are planning a Finland trip, a guide book will help you immensely and save you a lot of time because you have all the details already researched.

Overall, Finland guides are well-written and offer a good “big picture” view to Finland. The most significant differences between books occur when it comes to practical travel planning.

• Gives you new ideas
• Get researched advice and travel tips
• Saves you a lot of time if you are travel planning
• Always works – even in the Finnish winter and without batteries
• Something concrete which brings back good memories

Download here my 14-page Finland Starter Kit packed full of tips about Finland and Finnish culture!

You’ll get immediate access to the kit by signing up for my helpful emails which help you get to know Finland wherever you are. I never spam and you can unsubscribe anytime.

Here are the questions that you should be asking to find the best Finland guide book for you.

#1 What type of information are you looking for? Guide books have different target audiences.

Some are broad offering travel inspiration while other books include detailed planning help. Some books have long descriptive chapters about Finnish history, film, and music while others use their pages for destination overviews.

#2 What’s the publication date? Information dates quickly, so always check the publication date.

Especially the food scene and logistics evolve fast. You want the newest info if you are travel planning. Even if you aren’t planning for a trip, old photos and yellow pages are not going to tickle your wanderlust. My advice: always get the newest edition if you can!

#3 What kind of user you are? Hard copy never fails unless you forget it somewhere. A guide book is a great place to store all your Finland notes. I love a real book.

On the hand, E-format is excellent on the road, doesn’t add luggage and never has a too tiny font to see. However, you can have some IT problems.

#4 What kind of Finland trip will you have? If you are visiting relatives who want to show you places, you might not need to do heavy travel planning. In this case, a guide with more culture travel approach might suit your needs better.

#5 Can you travel at home? Sure! Armchair traveling is the best. You only need your imagination. Do you know the following famous quote?

“I’m in love with cities I’ve never been to and people I’ve never met.”

I bet she just read a fantastic guide book. Guide books aren’t only for travel planning; they are food for our imagination and make lovely gifts!

Here are my local’s picks for the best Finland guide books. These books cater to different audiences and interest levels, are well-written, fun and full of tips related to their topic.

The Best Finland Guide Book for Travel Planning

Lonely Planet Finland is an incredible book.

Let’s first talk content. When you are travel planning, the guide needs to go into the details. This book gives you actionable ideas on what to do and all the tools to create your own trip.

The recommendations are written in a way that tells me that the authors have tested the things themselves and are not relying on the information provided by Finland regional tourism boards.

The sentences are easy to read and inspiring. The print is small but the columns are narrow, and the font choice is excellent. I eagerly gobbled up the book.

I love the structure of Lonely Planet Finland . First the highlights and itinerary ideas, then the details of every destination.

Lastly, the book dives into the historical and cultural chapters which are just the right size. The well-organized layout makes a reader’s life effortless.

Compared to other Finland travel books, Lonely Planet Finland is surprisingly light due to the smart paper quality. It doesn’t come with a lot of pictures, but I didn’t miss them at all.

So yes, the editorial team of Lonely Planet Finland has done a marvelous job. I warmly recommend this book to any traveler planning a trip to Finland! This guide is also available as an e-edition .

I have to say that this is a double win for Lonely Planet.

The earlier 2015 edition of Lonely Planet Finland is my second favorite pick for a travel planner. That is if you cannot get the newest edition, I mean.

The editorial team is different, but also in this book, you can feel the author’s (Andy Symington) love for Finland.

The newer edition has more to it with the pull-out map, improved “Travel with Kids”-section and updated detailed recommendations which are great. That being said, the 2015 edition still wins the other books by a fair share.

The Lakeland area is huge in Finland. If the Lake Saimaa area is a bit too far away for your trip, you can also consider the lake Päijänne area, which is considerably closer to Helsinki.

Insight Guides Finland is a fantastic book for an armchair traveler.

It has beautiful (and accurate!) pictures showcasing different Finnish regions, Finnish lifestyle, and Finland in all seasons. The book made me feel right at home.

Insight Guides Finland comes with a lot of cultural and historical information. It’s not an old book as it’s a 2017 edition. The book has all the places I would recommend too.

But, this guide is not that detailed as Lonely Planet Finland. That’s why I wouldn’t use this book for travel planning.

Insight Guides Finland is a beautiful travel inspiration and big picture travel planning book. This would be my pick to buy for someone who hasn’t been to Finland and is wondering what’s it like.

The Best Finland Guide Book for the Busy Helsinki Visitor

What is tiny and packed full of useful information about Helsinki? It’s Lonely Planet Pocket Helsinki. This travel guide has everything needed for a great Helsinki visit.

Pocket Helsinki is easy to use and read. I love the practicality – the pull-out map and the two self-guided walk suggestions are fantastic. The latest edition is from 2018 which makes it accurate when considering the restaurant recommendations.

The information is identical to the Helsinki section in Lonely Planet Finland. So, if you need a tiny guide, are going to have a short Helsinki visit and don’t have time to read much, Pocket Helsinki is perfect for you.

On the other hand, if you are visiting Helsinki but would love to read more about Finland and all things Finnish, I recommend buying Lonely Planet Finland.

• Visit the new library / super building Oodi in the city center. You can find more about Oodi on this post of mine.
• For me, the new Amos Andersson Museum wins the first prize of Contemporary museums of Helsinki. If I were short on time, I’d buy the ticket to enjoy Amos exhibitions and check Kiasma architecture by walking the free ground floor.
• You can find 15+ adorable coffee spots around Helsinki on this post.

“A Finn can get extremely angry or ecstatically happy without the use of any facial expressions or change in tone of voice. He will only wave his hands when drowning.”

Xenophobe’s guide to the Finns has me hooked on page one. When I was reading this book, I burst out laughing so many times that I stopped counting. This book is hilarious, extremely well-written and very authentic.

The book tells about the little hidden cultural things so well that I start feeling… Yup! A witty fellow Finn, Tarja, wrote it. She pins down Finnish stereotypes exceptionally well and, what I love the most, with Finnish humor.

This book is fast to read, and the topics flow seemingly together. I always admire when an author can do that. Xenophobe’s guide is a must if you want to understand how Finnish society and minds work!

The Sisu Book by Joanna Nylund is a marvelous and thorough deep dive into the Sisu power word.

This book covers an astonishing amount of Finnishness from letting our babies nap outside in their prams in freezing temperatures to deep discussions like do you need to think positively in order to be able to tap into sisu .

This book is a gem, and I recommend it to anyone who’s interested in deeply understanding Finnish culture!

Here are my book bundle recommendations!

The perfect combo for a cultural travel planner:

• Lonely Planet Finland 
• Xenophobe’s Guide to the Finns
• Sisu – The Finnish Art of Courage

The perfect combo for a cultural armchair traveler:

• Insight Guides Finland

The perfect combo for a busy and curious Helsinki visitor:

• Lonely Planet Pocket Helsinki

These Marimekko items make your gift complete. Colorful Finnish design notebooks and pencils maximize the cheerful determination you need both in traveling and everyday life.

The Marimekko Notebook Collection  includes three notebooks covered with different iconic colorful prints. Each notebook is super light and perfect to carry in a bag so that those unexpected brilliant ideas are captured immediately.

The Marimekko Pencil Package has ten poppy-printed pencils, two of each color: green, blue, red, yellow and black. These joyful pencils instantly spark creativity and are a practical yet lovely way to incorporate a piece of Finland into everyday life.

What else would you like to know about Finland travel books? Let me know in the comments!

Looking for more information about Finnish culture? Check out some of my other posts:

• 30 Cultural Facts on Finland that Help You Understand Finns
• Finland With Kids: 33 Things to Help You Plan Your Family Trip!
• Quick Guide to Finnish Language Basics
• Helsinki Off the Beaten Path
• Best Thing to Do in Lappeenranta (Whether or Not You’re a Bordertown Fan)

Warm wishes from Finland,  Varpu

Hello there!

I’m Varpu. One blonde, travel-loving, Finnish engineer driving this site.

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About Varpu I’m the founder of Her Finland. I love cultural tidbits, aha moments, Finnish folklore, and cinnamon buns. My newest interest is learning bird songs. Read more about me..

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Risha Walker

Thursday 23rd of April 2020

I love the city of Helsinki, this is an amazing place to visit. Thanks for your beautiful travel guide. I want to come back here again and again.

Varpu Pöyry

Tuesday 28th of April 2020

Hei Risha! Thank you so much for commenting and letting me know, kiitos!

Monday 28th of October 2019

I am very surprised to know things about Finland. Thanks for sharing this valuable book.

Monday 4th of November 2019

Thank you so much, I'm glad to hear that!

Tad Marshall

Sunday 4th of August 2019

Thank you for assembling this information and for giving us your insider’s insights into what is good and why! I bought everything you suggested except the (redundant) Helsinki guide (included in the Lonely Planet Finland book). I tried to use your links to buy them, but I bought Kindle versions. My luggage is too heavy already.

You might want to correct one error ... where you wrote “My advice: always get the newest addition if you can!” you meant to use the word “edition”, not “addition”.

I’m starting in Helsinki in late August 2019 and I want to see what I can beyond that city, so your guidance is very helpful!

Hei Tad! I'm so glad you found this post helpful. These guides are excellent! Thank you so much for letting me know about the Kindle links and about that typo. :D As English is my second language (I started learning when I was 10), I really appreciate the help. <3 I'm so excited to hear that you will soon be in Helsinki!

Cheapessays

Friday 10th of May 2019

Thanks so much for the post.Really thank you! Great.

Glad to help! It's great you guys liked it!

Rich Mattson

Thursday 9th of May 2019

Thanks so much for doing the "leg work" to sift through all the various choices that would confirm a visitor planning a trip to Finland, plus compiling your own very helpful "Finland Planner Kit". I'll certainly be passing on your material to other family members as we plan for a family reunion next year in Finland. Kiitos for a job well done!

Kiitos Rich! It was my pleasure! I was really impressed by these books and it was so much fun doing the research from a local perspective!

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Finland Tours and Trips 2024/2025

The Scandinavian country of Finland is a beautiful destination year-round. In the south, the capital city of Helsinki has a beautiful harbour offering sailing tours and cruises, while Lapland in the north is ideal for sightings of the Northern Lights. Families flock to Rovaniemi each year in hopes of seeing Santa Claus, while snowshoers and skiers head to Kuusamo to get in touch with nature.

• Finland Travel Guide
• Best Time To Visit Finland

52 Trips in Finland with 102 Reviews

• Starts Basecamp Oulanka, Finland
• Ends Basecamp Oulanka, Finland

Finnish Wilderness Week

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Winter adventure & Trekking and Hiking
• Accommodation Resort & Lodge
• Transport Bus & Snowmobile
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• Operated in English
• Dec 08 Only 8 seats left
• Dec 15 Only 8 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Helsinki, Finland
• Ends Rovaniemi, Finland

Finnish Lapland in Winter

• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Local culture & Natural landmarks sightseeing Local culture , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Northern lights tours & Honeymoon 'data-more-tripid='10301'>+3 more
• Accommodation Guest House, Resort, Hotel & Sleeper Train
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Ferry & Sleeper Train
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Nov 30 Only 7 seats left
• Jan 04 Only 9 seats left

Finnish Winter Adventure Family Holiday

• Activities Family & Winter adventure
• Accommodation Resort
• Transport Snowmobile
• Age Range 9-95 yrs
• Dec 22 Only 8 seats left
• Dec 29 Only 8 seats left

• Starts Rovaniemi, Finland

Aurora & Glass Igloo Explorer - 5 Days

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Private Vehicle, Bus & Snowmobile
• Age Range 18-80 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,335
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 350
• Total Price from: US$ 1,985
• Nov 16 10+ seats left
• Nov 17 10+ seats left

Snowshoeing in Finland

• Activities Northern lights tours & Winter adventure
• Jan 12 Only 8 seats left
• Jan 26 Only 8 seats left

• Ends Helsinki, Finland

The Northern Lights of Finland

• Activities Northern lights tours & City sightseeing
• Accommodation Resort & Hotel
• Transport Flight & Coach
• Age Range 1-95 yrs

• Starts Kuhmo, Finland
• Ends Kuhmo, Finland

Christmas in Finland - 6 Days

• Activities Festivals and events & Snowmobiling Festivals and events , Snowmobiling , Food tours & Dog sledding 'data-more-tripid='16140'>+2 more
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,085
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 313
• Total Price from: US$ 1,772
• Dec 22 10+ seats left

• Starts Turku, Finland
• Ends Turku, Finland

The Turku Archipelago

• Tour Type Private Tour
• Activities Bicycle tours & Explorer
• Accommodation Hotel & Guest House
• Transport Ferry
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• Jun 02 10+ seats left
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Finland Wilderness Discovery - 5 Days

• Activities Wildlife & Honeymoon
• Accommodation Hut & Resort
• Transport Bus
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,545
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 382
• Total Price from: US$ 2,163
• Nov 01 10+ seats left
• Nov 02 10+ seats left

• Starts Oslo, Norway

Scandinavia Explorer

• Activities Countryside and village visits & Cultural, religious and historic sites Countryside and village visits , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Museum and gallery visits & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='3059'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Hut
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Boat & Ferry
• Brochure Price: US$ 6,530
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 653
• Total Price from: US$ 5,877
• May 18 Only 2 seats left
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• Ends Vilnius, Lithuania

Baltic Experience

• Activities Countryside and village visits & Cultural, religious and historic sites Countryside and village visits , Cultural, religious and historic sites , National parks , Museum and gallery visits & Adventure 'data-more-tripid='3058'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Home-stay
• Transport Ferry, Train, Bus & Private Vehicle
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,180
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 795
• Total Price from: US$ 2,385
• May 04 Only 7 seats left
• May 11 Only 9 seats left

New Year's in Finland - 7 Days

• Activities Festivals and events & Snowmobiling Festivals and events , Snowmobiling , Skiing and Snowboarding & Dog sledding 'data-more-tripid='16050'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,245
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 337
• Total Price from: US$ 1,908
• Dec 27 10+ seats left

• Starts Vilnius, Lithuania

Baltic Adventure

• Activities Photography tours & Cultural, religious and historic sites Photography tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Local culture & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='5016'>+2 more
• Transport Ferry, Private Vehicle & Bus
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Jun 16 10+ seats left
• Jul 07 Only 1 seat left

Lapland & Husky Highlights - 5 Days

• Brochure Price: US$ 1,935
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 290
• Total Price from: US$ 1,645
• Nov 18 10+ seats left
• Nov 19 10+ seats left

Traveling to Finland? Chat with a local travel specialist in Finland who can help organize your trip.

Finland Tour Reviews

Finland - tour highlights and travel tips.

Spending holidays in Finland is like visiting a winter wonderland. However, this northern European nation rarely gets the attention it deserves. Finland is one of the most outstanding and breath-taking countries in the world. In winter, its snow-covered forests, frozen valleys, and endless horizons will transport you to a fairy-tale world. During the summer, tree lines as far as the eye can see, clear blue skies, and untouched lakes will make you want to stay forever. A trip to Finland needs to be in your travel bucket list if it isn’t already. Don’t miss out on some of the most breath-taking landscapes on earth. 

Travel Highlights

• Visit Suomenlinna, which is an 18th century sea fortress and a UNESCO world heritage site.
• Visit Helsinki Senate Square, a must-see in every visit to Helsinki.
• Rovaniemi is the “official” home of Santa Claus, and a mere one hour flight from Helsinki .
• Högberget’s Cave is another outstanding sight that was formed during an ice age.
• The Legendary Gold Fields of Lapland is full of myths and adventure.

Travel Tips

• Finland is the land of saunas. It would be a crime to not seek one out while visiting. The country claims to have roughly 3.5 million saunas in all of Finland, which is equivalent to a sauna for every 1.6 people.
• Thanks to the strong influences from Sweden and Russia, Finnish architecture is one of the most breath-taking ones in Europe. Go for a walk around Helsinki and admire the architecture, especially works by Alvar Aalto.
• If you’re looking to connect with nature, there’s no better place than Finland. Pack appropriately and head out to the Finnish archipelago for an amazing experience.
• If you’re not planning on driving, then it’s a good idea to obtain a Rail Pass while in Finland. These passes could save you quite a bit on transportation, and help you get around the country easily.
• For those who want to visit Finland on a budget, opt for the Fall and Winter months. Prices at these times are, as you might expect, much cheaper than the high season. Frozen Finnish landscapes are truly mesmerizing, which makes it absolutely worth it.
• If you’re hunting for northern lights, then the winter months are the best times to visit. Sign up for a northern light safari, and go out hunting for northern lights on a snowmobile!

Finland has seasonal weather so please do check up on best time to visit Finland before planning your tour. And if you’re still hunting for more things to do and places to explore in Finland, do check out our Finland Travel Guide for more information.

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10 Best Finland Tour Operators 2024 [Unbiased & With Reviews]

10 best finland tour operators 2024.

Are you planning to visit Finland, but unsure which tour provider to select? Now, you no longer have to waste time searching the internet and filling out dozens of contact forms. Simply fill out ONE form, we’ll send it off to multiple tour providers and they’ll contact YOU! You’ll be able to compare rates and find the lowest cost tour for the most affordable trip abroad.

Are you curious about an escapade in Finland? Do you like the opportunity to experience the beautiful views and Finnish culture? Are you looking for an incredible trip with a top-rated Finland tour company ?

Located in Europe’s Eastern Frontiers, Finland is a spectacular travel destination that will take your breath away and make your jaws drop. Finland offers a thrilling adventure tour destination from the vibrant and art-filled Helsinki to the Boreal Forest and Archipelago. In this gorgeous Nordic country filled with expansive Taiga Forest, reindeer, pristine lakes, Moomins, and friendly locals, you will be spoilt for choice. Besides, Finland had a turbulent history, and many hallmarks of the colorful past remain from gorgeous ruins to towering fortresses and cobblestone meandering streets.

Taking a trip to Finland seems like an easy thing to do. Unfortunately, finding the best Finland tour operator is a daunting task. Luckily, TravellersQuest has done the legwork for you so that you can select the best company that suits your interest! Thousands of distinctive tour agencies operate in Finland, and they all offer different prices, tour packages, and customer service. We want your journey to Finland to be seamless by choosing the right company to guide you through this critical process. A tour in Finland includes time and your hard-earned money, so the last thing we want is for you to have a lackluster tour in Finland.

We intensely believe that if you do not invest the time into researching each company available, it is easy to choose the wrong operator. Your experience in Finland should be perfect, and your trip will be successful if you select these top 10 highly rated and best Finland tour companies below.

Here is an unbiased list of the Top 10 most reputable tour operators in Finland.

Table update March 19, 2024

Nordic Odyssey

Nordic Odyssey is a premier tour company in Finland specializing in curated guided trips and authentic nomadic experiences across Lapland and other regions of Finland. With a focus on providing top-notch quality and unforgettable memories, their itineraries are expertly crafted to suit diverse preferences and seasonal conditions. Each journey is led by knowledgeable guides who showcase the best of the Far North while offering flexibility for personalized adventures. Nordic Odyssey offers competitive pricing for solo travelers, families, students, and business groups, ensuring an accessible experience for all.

Nordic Odyssey Best Finland Tour Packages

Discover the wonders of the icy Far North of Finland with Nordic Odyssey’s expertly crafted tour packages. The Northern Lights is a must-see experience for all travelers and on their Northern Lights Hunting Tour , their expert guides will track the weather and take you to the most promising places to see this amazing phenomenon. The tour includes a professional photographer and some Finnish snacks too!

If you’re in Finland for the summer, do check out their Full Day Canoe Adventure in Lapland. You’ll experience the peacefulness of the Arctic countryside and also take some lovely pictures of your tour.

Go on a hunt for mythological creatures in a forest hike near Rovaniemi . Your guide will tell you about Finnish myths, legends and stories as you traverse through swamps, lakes and deep forest on this tour.

Nordic Odyssey Reviews

Nordic Odyssey is one of the best tour operators in Finland with a high standard of quality, service and care. They have 519 reviews on TripAdvisor and are ranked as           #1 of 122 Outdoor Activities in Rovaniemi. They received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. See what a recent customer of theirs wrote:

I came on this tour with my family with Adrien. We had the most amazing time. Nordic odyssey was completely transparent about the chances… Snuppy11

Read all reviews of Nordic Odyssey on TripAdvisor .

Uncover the wonders of Turkey. Join one of the 10 Best Turkey Tour Operators , promising an unforgettable journey.

Wild About Lapland

Have an up-close and personal experience with the Finnish countryside on a tour with Wild About Lapland . The company designs all of theirs tours with responsible and sustainable tourism in mind and avoids mass tourism. They provide high quality experiences and tours to small groups and focus on personalized attention and detail. Their passionate and professional team of tour guides will not only show you around Lapland but also educate you during your trip. Create some memorable experiences in Finland with a top-rated Finnish tour company!

Wild About Lapland Best Finland Tour Packages

Wild About Lapland offers a variety of tour packages that range from canoeing and trekking to fishing and rock climbing. On their Midnight Sun Canoe Adventure , you’ll experience a unique time in Finland – a time when the sun never sets! Enjoy the peacefulness of Rovaniemi while munching on Finnish snacks on this tour.

Also, their Arctic Animals Immersion tour package will let you interact with reindeers, bears and foxes for a truly immersive experience. You’ll visit the Ranua Wildlife Park and see over 50 different animal species.

Make a lifetime of memories on their Private Northern Lights Tour . You’ll choose the locations to visit and view the Aurora Borealis in its full glory while taking beautiful pictures along the way.

Wild About Lapland Reviews

Wild About Lapland’s tour services have been praised by many of their customers. This pioneering Finnish tour company has 566 reviews on TripAdvisor and is ranked as #1 of 15 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Rovaniemi. They were awarded the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. A past customer wrote:

Trip was amazing! Great experience and took us to so many places. Also many thanks to our tourguide Carlos. We would definetly recommend this trip… Amber Z

Read all reviews of Wild About Lapland on TripAdvisor .

Embark on a magical adventure in France by choosing from our list of the 10 Best France Tour Operators , ensuring an enriching travel experience.

Levi Ski Resort

Levi Ski Resort is the fastest growing sport resort in Finland. It is located in-between the vast, enchanting wilderness of Western Lapland. The resort operates a number of outdoors activities and also organizes tour services, making it one of the best travel agencies in Finland. They are focused on sustainability and their goal is to continuously improve their services and cater to more visitors. With Levi Ski Resort, holidaying in Finland is enjoyable, fun and relaxing!

Levi Ski Resort Best Finland Tour Packages

Explore the magical forests and icy rivers of Finland through Levi Ski Resort’s tour packages. Your adrenaline will be pumping wildly on a trip to their adventure park . The park is full of high rope courses, a specially designed zipline called Santa’s Zipline and a Base Jump. There is also a special section designed for children.

Also, you can go ice fishing at Levi and discover many good fishing spots. There are different rivers and lakes that you can fish on and you’ll catch fish like whitefish, pike, grayling, trout and many more.

On their Pallas–Yllästunturi Nationalpark Hiking Trip , you’ll travel through marshes and forests while staying in wilderness huts for a truly refreshing and immersive experience.

Levi Ski Resort Reviews

Levi Ski Resort’s way of conducting their activities has appealed many of their customers and clients. As an award-winning tour operator in Finland, they have 873 reviews on TripAdvisor and they are ranked as #2 of 7 Nature & Parks in Levi. A client who recently visited them wrote:

We had never been skiing before so decided to have a lesson in the resort. We knew how to snow plough and the basic way to use the equipment needed for skiing… Natalie S

Read all reviews of Levi Ski Resort on TripAdvisor .

Aurora Service Tours

Aurora Service Tours is one of the top-rated tour companies in Finland with a team of extremely dedicated and passionate individuals that enjoy aurora-hunting. The company was founded by Tony and has been providing some of the best Northern Lights tours in Finland for more than 10 years now. Their key values lie in safety, commitment and passion and their equipment and tools are all internationally certified. Together, they look forward to chasing the Northern Lights with you!

Aurora Service Tours Best Finland Tour Operators

Aurora Service Tours guarantees you a memorable vacation in Finland if you take their superbly-designed tour packages. On their 4 Nights Northern Lights Tour , they’ll take you to amazing view points and watch towers to watch the Aurora Borealis. You’ll spend the nights in fully-furnished and comfy cottages as well.

If you’re thirsty for adventure, then take their Snowmobile Adventure for an adrenaline-pumping trip across frozen lakes and snow-covered forests.

If you love dogs, their Husky Adventure tour package will ensure that you have a memorable 2 hour adventure hiking and sledding across the wilderness with adorable huskies by your side.

Aurora Service Tours Reviews

Aurora Service Tours has single-handedly raised the standards of sightseeing and adventure tours in the tourism industry of Finland. As a well-reputed Finnish travel agency, they have 780 reviews on TripAdvisor and are ranked as #2 of 4 Tours & Activities in Utsjoki. A past customer said this about them:

Everything was amazing the northern lights, husky dogs and the snowmobiling. Our hosts Tony and Darren were fantastic couldn’t do enough for us highly recommended…. Shirley H

Read all reviews of Aurora Service Tours on TripAdvisor .

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Husky & Co

As the first to offer husky safaris in Finland, Husky & Co has come a long way from being a small family business to being one of the most recognized tour operators in Finland. They started with a few dogs and have expanded over the years to become an international team with over 200 dogs. Their tour guides are friendly and passionate at what they do and their huskies are warm and loving to interact with. Go on any on their year-round tours and activities for an unforgettable experience in Finland.

Husky & Co Best Finland Tour Packages

Husky & Co organized wilderness tours to some of the most beautiful & unspoiled areas of Finland. If you’re traveling with your family, the 4 Hour Husky Safari will ensure a great time as you enjoy Lapland’s picturesque landscapes. You can also get a chance to interact with their cute puppies on this fun adventure.

If you’re looking for something a bit more thrilling then their 2 Hour Snowmobile Adventure is the perfect option for you! Drive through snow-covered tracks and spot wild Arctic animals on this amazing trip.

Travel like Santa Claus on their Reindeer Safari ! You’ll sit comfortably and watch the landscapes change as the reindeers pull the sleigh through snow. Also included in this package are hot drinks and snacks.

Husky & Co Reviews

Asa highly-reviewed tour company in Finland, Husky & Co has 573 reviews on TripAdvisor and is ranked as #3 of 25 Tours & Activities in Saariselka. This is what a customer who recently went on tour with them wrote about them:

This was a very enjoyable experience as you actually drove the sleds behind the guide in front. The 10km trail passed through stunning winter forest scenery… Gary F

Read all reviews of Husky & Co on TripAdvisor .

Scandinavian Travel Group

Scandinavian Travel Group  is a Finnish tour operator that specializes in charter flights, transfers and accommodation, excursions, and outdoor activities. The company was established in 1994 and they have been consistently providing engaging and cool adventure activities to their travelers. Their team is committed to safety, innovation and growth. They are at the forefront of Lapland’s tourism sector and are continually improving their services so that their clients can enjoy a wonderful vacation in Finland.

Scandinavian Travel Group Best Finland Tour Packages

Scandinavian Travel Group has expert guides that know the best places to showcase the beauty of Finland. For an exclusive experience in Lapland, go to their Polarman Camp in Levi . The camp has an unobstructed view of the sky for the Northern Lights show and you’ll also be engaged in stories of myths and wonder with your guide.

Travel to the very heart of the Arctic and see Santa Claus’ home on their Santa Claus Village Tour . Situated a few kms away from Rovaniemi City, this place is full of winter wonder and joy for you to indulge in!

Visit a traditional reindeer farm and go on the Reindeer Express Safari in Levi. You’ll be driven on sleds through winter forests and you can also learn about reindeer farming from an authentic reindeer herder.

Scandinavian Travel Group Reviews

Scandinavian Travel Group is well-respected among its fellow tour companies for their high standards of care and service. As a leading Finnish tour operator, they have 363 reviews on TripAdvisor and are ranked as #3 of 39 Outdoor Activities in Levi. They have received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. A satisfied customer wrote:

I had the pleasure of joining a snowshoeing excursion with fantastic guides, and it was an absolutely magical experience. From the outset, I felt well taken care of… Sophie

Read all reviews of Scandinavian Travel Group on TripAdvisor .

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Nordic Adventures

Nordic Adventures is one of the highest-reviewed travel agencies in Finland with a dedicated team of experts committed to crafting unique and life-changing travel experiences tailored to each client’s desires. Specializing in personalized adventures, from distinct tours to thrilling safaris, they go above and beyond to turn dream trips into breathtaking realities. Whether it’s a holiday getaway or an adrenaline-fueled expedition, their talented travel experts provide unparalleled expertise and guidance to create the perfect excursion for every traveler.

Nordic Adventures Best Finland Tour Packages

Whether you are a solo traveler or traveling with family and friends, Nordic Adventures has a tour package that caters to all your travel needs. Explore the Lappish countryside on their Arctic Circle Hiking Tour . The company will take you to the Vaattunkivaara Nature Trail for a leisurely hike where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Nature and see 450 year old trees.

See the Aurora in a unique way on their Aurora Ice Floating Experience . Put on special floating suits and take a dip in the icy river while also admiring the breathtaking wonders of the Northern Lights in the sky.

Their all-inclusive Santa Claus & Arctic Animals tour package is the most enjoyable out of them all. You’ll visit Santa Claus’ village, cross the Arctic Circle, go on a reindeer ride and visit a husky park all in one package!

Nordic Adventures Reviews

Few companies can claim to match the authenticity and quality of Nordic Adventures’ top-notch services. They have 568 reviews on TripAdvisor, making them a leading tour operator in Finland. They are ranked #4 of 122 Outdoor Activities in Rovaniemi and have received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023. A recent client of theirs wrote:

Very happy with the activity, truly unique experience. Everything was clean, Pedro and Tanya were very friendly and helpful, and the dinner was delicious… Oleksandra H

Read all reviews of Nordic Adventures on TripAdvisor .

Bearhill Husky

Bearhill Husky  is a reputable and top-ranked Finnish tour company founded in 2003 by Veronika and Valentijn. With over a decade of travel experience, they specialize in adventurous trips in the wilds of North Carelia and Lapland. The founders are passionate about dogs, train them, breed them and care for them to give the best experience in the country.  The highly trained and local team of experts at Bearhill Husky will ensure that you have a joyful and immersive adventure.

Bearhill Husky Best Finland Tour Packages

Bearhill Husky’s tour packages are made even more appealing with their adorable huskies that are friendly even with tourists! If you’re looking for a family safari, their Santa’s Husky Ride will take you on a 2.5 km journey through the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. You can sit back and enjoy the scenery while an experienced guide will handle the huskies.

The company also offers the Happy Trail Husky Tour & Snowshoe Hike tour package where you’ll drive sleds through snowy forests and then put on snow shoes to go hiking in taiga forest or onto the frozen Viiksjärvi.

Their Taiga Husky Tour will take you on a thrilling ride through lush taiga forests in Lapland. The tour also includes a campfire lunch to keep you warm and comfy the whole way.

Bearhill Husky Reviews

Bearhill Husky has an impressive track record of satisfied clients and customers that liked their tours and services. As a top-rated Finnish tour operator, they have over 1,300 reviews on TripAdvisor and are ranked as #5 of 122 Outdoor Activities in Rovaniemi. They earned the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023 through their excellent service. A past client of theirs wrote:

We booked the 45 minute morning ride . Word can’t describe! This was absolutely incredible, thank you Valentine for sharing your wealth of knowledge and expertise with us… Becky O

Read all review s of Bearhill Husky on TripAdvisor .

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Green Cap Tours

Jouko Väärälä founded Green Cap Tours in 2015 aiming to showcase the local culture of the capital city of Helsinki to all travelers. Their tour and travel packages let travelers explore the Nordic city in a truly authentic fashion with off-the-beaten-path explorations. They are also socially and environmentally responsible and emphasize sustainable and eco-tourism as much as possible. Take a deep-dive into Finnish culture, art, history and tradition with one of the best travel agencies in Finland.

Green Cap Tours Best Finland Tour Packages

With Green Cap Tours’ immersive tour packages, you will be able to experience Helsinki like a true local. Start with their Classic Helsinki Free Walking Tour and see popular attractions like Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, Sauna Center and Esplanade. Also interact with the local Finns and have a chat about their culture.

Their Modern Helsinki Tour will have you visiting hip and urban places while showcasing the city’s strides in eco-development. You’ll visit places like Design Museum, Iso-Roobertinkatu and the Plague Park on this tour.

During the summer, you can take their Midnight Sun Photography Tour for an exclusive experience in Lappish landscapes. Click beautiful photos around midnight and much on some BBQ snacks.

Green Cap Tours Reviews

As a highly-rated tour operator in Finland, Green Cap Tours has 830 reviews on TripAdvisor. They are ranked as #6 of 224 Tours & Activities in Helsinki. They were awarded the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023 for their stellar service. A client who recently went on one of their tours wrote:

Great, very informative tour. Alvaro was fantastic, great pace and a lot of interesting information. Thank you… Gyongyi V

Read all reviews of Green Cap Tours on TripAdvisor .

Beyond Arctic

Beyond Arctic  is an award-winning Finnish tour company founded in 2013 by Juho and Annika, both of whom are tour professionals. With over a decade of tourism experience, the company started by specializing in unique photography tours and small group adventures. As a highly rated company, they curate unique and exciting opportunities with an explorer’s mindset. More so, the company’s core values revolve around exclusivity, teamwork, and authenticity. Join them to experience a genuine connection with Lappish nature and the mind-blowing wonders of the Arctic Circle.

Beyond Arctic Best Finland Tour Packages

Beyond Arctic is popular for its immersive and unique trips that are provided through affordable tour packages. On the  Private Northern Light and Skiing Adventure , you will reach the best spots for Aurora photography, dive into deep snowy forests, and ski through gorgeous locations.

Go on a Snowshoeing Adventure and figure out the best way to move in deep snow. Move through the Arctic wilderness with plenty of rest in Lappish Kota shelters. A professional photographer will also teach you tips and tricks for nature photography in this tour.

The company has combined sight-seeing and adventure on the Backcountry Skiing Adventure tour package. Head into deep snow with first-class ski equipment and conquer the Finnish wilderness!

Beyond Arctic Reviews

Beyond Arctic is a well-known tour operator in Finland with tons of positive reviews and comments on TripAdvisor. They have 593 reviews and are ranked as #7 of 122 Outdoor Activities in Rovaniemi. Their exceptional handling of customers earned them the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award of 2023. A satisfied customer said this about their tours:

Thank you Beyond Arctic for the most amazing experience. Almost our tours are booked with them, through the internet recommendation, yet the best one is definitely… Emily Tran

Read all reviews of Beyond Arctic on TripAdvisor .

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Greece by joining one of the 10 Best Greece Tour Operators , ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey.

Finland is one of the most geographically diverse countries in Europe. If you’re looking to hit major attractions then your trip can be as short as 5 days! But, if you’re looking to explore Lapland and the Arctic Circle, your trip can go on for 2 weeks or more.

Spending 5 days is not at all hard in Finland. You can start with the capital city Helsinki and go to its major attractions. Then head on over to Lapland and explore the Arctic Circle. See the Northern Lights, visit Santa Claus’ village and ride a reindeer sleigh – all of which are bombastic activities to do in Finland!

The best time to visit Finland is from the month of May – September. There will be limited rainfall and the temperature will be relatively cool. The country’s wilderness can be explored thoroughly during this time and also you can take part in the June/July festivities as well!

Finland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. It is also the happiest country in the world! Services and accommodations are plentiful in Finland however you have to be willing to pay a fair amount of money for it!

Finland’s Lapland and Arctic Circle may be popular tourist spots but the capital city of Helsinki has its own wonders and charm. You’ll have to dig deep in the city to discover its authentic culture, food, art, history – all of which is well worth knowing about.

• By Niko Suominen 04 April 2022 - 10 min read
• Tags: Finnair , airline , review
• Destination: Finland

Finnair Experiences - A Reflection of Nordic Quality?

• By Niko Suominen
• 04 April 2022 - 10 min read

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We have flown multiple times with Finnair. This Finnish state-owned carrier operates flights to many destinations in Europe, America and Asia. In this review, we tell about our Finnair experiences and rate the airline.

Covered in the Article

• Route Network
• Travel Classes
• Onboard Services
• Entertainment System
• Our Flights With Finnair
• Friendliness of the Crew
• Food and drinks
• Price Level
• Price-to-Quality Ratio
• Overall Rating
• Bottom Line

Finnair is an airline from the land of Santa Claus. It is one of the oldest airlines in the world founded already in 1923. Finnair has an excellent safety record and it is a respected player in the Nordic aviation market.

Finnair used to be a full-inclusive airline. Nowadays, the cheapest tickets include only the most necessary services and you have to pay separately for extras. This is the trend that almost all traditional airlines in Europe are following and Finnair does not make an exception. In Europe, there are not any more real differences between traditional and low-cost airlines.

Helsinki Airport is the only hub of Finnair. Finnair has long-haul routes from Helsinki to various destinations in Asia and North America . In addition to the long-distance routes, Finnair has numerous domestic destinations and routes to all parts of Europe.

Finnair is advertised to be the fastest connection between Europe and Asia. However, the closure of the Russian airspace increased flight times and consequently, Finnair has suspended many of its Asian routes. The strategic destinations seem to slowly be moving from Asia to North America.

Finnair's passion is to create a brand of a high-quality Finnish airline that is a little exotic. The airline tries to attract especially passengers connecting in Europe. That is why Finnair offers a practical stopover in Helsinki options to let passengers experience Helsinki on the way to their final destinations.

In 2022, Finnair opened also direct routes from Stockholm to Miami and Los Angeles .

Also, a large portion of Finnish holiday-makers board Finnair's aircraft which take them on sunny vacations.

Finnair has a modern long-haul fleet. The routes are flown with Airbus A330 or Airbus A350 aircraft. For short-haul destinations, Finnair uses the Airbus A320 family. Some of the shortest routes have been outsourced to Finnair's partner, Norra . This small Finnish airline operates only for Finnair by using Finnair's aircraft. Norra's routes are flown with Embraer E190 or ATR-72 turboprop painted with Finnair livery.

Review of Blue Lagoon in Iceland

Finnair is a traditional airline but it has gradually approached a pure low-cost business model.

Finnair has three travel classes: Economy , Premium Economy and Business .

Most of the passengers travel in the Economy class. The cheapest Light ticket includes only a seat. You need to pay extra for luggage and a pre-selected seat. However, a seat can be selected free of charge during the check-in process. On short-haul routes, water and blueberry juice are complimentary but other snacks and drinks including coffee and tea cost more. On long-haul routes, meals and drinks are complimentary for all passengers. A more expensive Classic ticket includes also luggage to the hold but the onboard service level is the same as with a Light ticket. A Classic ticket has also better cancellation/change (of flight) conditions.

Premium Economy class will become available for long-haul flights. Passengers under the Premium Economy class have more spacious seats, and better meals and drinks are free. Also, the Premium Economy class has a cheaper Light ticket option without luggage allowance.

Business class is the best travel class of Finnair. The best food and drinks are served. On short-haul flights, the adjacent seat will be free. On long-haul flights, Business class passengers can travel on a full-flat seat with a personal light, USB sockets and a big screen.

In the Economy class, Finnair serves only water and blueberry juice on European routes. In Business class, food and all drinks are complimentary.

Compare Flight Tickets

Booking for your next flight? We strongly recommend comparing flights first. By doing so, you can choose the most suitable flight schedule with the best rate. Head to Skyscanner and find the best flight deals.

On long-haul routes, Finnair serves meals and drinks for all passengers. Passengers in the Business and Premium Economy classes will get better food choices and more drinks will be available. Economy passengers get only one glass of wine, beer or unalcoholic drinks. Water and blueberry juice are always free onboard Finnair.

There is a paid Wi-Fi on Finnair's Airbus fleet. Airbus A330 and A350 fleet have also personal entertainment screens for every passenger.

In A330 and A350 aircraft, both Economy and Business seats have a personal entertainment system. According to our Finnair A350 experience, the screen is bright and moderately big. It is easy to be watched even on a bright day. The touch sensitivity of the screen is good and the system is user-friendly overall. The user interface is intuitive.

In-flight entertainment systems have a common challenge. Cabin background noise together with cheap headphones makes listening to music or following movies an unpleasant experience. In business class, airlines usually provide better headphones but in economy class, the headphones are just poor.

Especially on long-distance flights, we bring our noise-cancelling headphones with us because they suppress the background noise. Using the entertainment system is then a much nicer experience when the sound quality is better. Good headphones are also comfortable for your ears.

In all of Finnair's Airbus aircraft, a passenger can connect to onboard Wi-Fi to use Finnair's Nordic Sky portal. The portal has entertainment like free newspapers and paid Wi-Fi options. It is possible to make purchases via the portal.

Review of Finnair Schengen Lounge at Helsinki Airport

Since we live in Helsinki, we fly often with Finnair. We have taken both long-haul and short-haul flights. Finnair's Airbus A350, A330 and all short-haul aircraft are familiar to us. In addition, we have flown with Norra's Embraer and ATR aircraft.

The cabins of Finnair's aircraft are light grey-coloured and clean. With colour-changing LED lights, the cabins look fresh and comfortable. Because the long-haul aircraft are moderately new, they are still in great condition. The Airbus A320 family meant for short-haul flights is older. If you are unlucky, you may end up in quite an old aircraft but also they have been well-maintained.

The online check-in process is smooth and departing from Helsinki Airport is a very pleasant experience. After the luggage drop, reaching a gate takes less than 30 minutes. Long queues at Finnair's Helsinki hub are uncommon.

We have a separate review of Finnair's Wi-Fi .

Review of Finnair Short-Haul Business Class

Finnair's cabin crew and pilots are professional. Flight attendants could sometimes be friendlier by painting more smiles on their faces. There is some variance in the customer service quality.

On short-haul flights, Finnair serves only water and blueberry juice. Not even coffee or tea is free of charge. On long-haul flights, meals and drinks are included.

Finnair serves Nordic-style food but basically, the food is just like any aeroplane food. In the Economy class, the quality is moderate but it can't beat, for example, Turkish Airlines's food. Naturally, the food is better in the Business class.

Review of Finnair's Wi-Fi

Finnair tickets are not the cheapest ones but the airline has from time to time good offers. However, the promotional prices can seldom beat the affordability of tickets offered by low-cost airlines like Norwegian Air Shuttle .

The overall quality of Finnair's flights is good. With more complimentary services and friendlier staff, we would rate Finnair even better. Finnair has branded itself as a high-quality airline but still, the onboard services level is the same as many true low-cost airlines can offer.

We rate Finnair as a 3.5-star airline. The airline follows a low-cost model but at the same time, it tries to become a reputable Nordic brand. There is a mismatch: a passenger taking a Finnair flight can not easily say whether he/she is boarding a low-cost flight or an airline which is striving for quality.

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Helsinki is our home airport and that's the reason why we often choose Finnair. When we have two similarly priced options, we tend to pick Finnair because its brand is better. The quality is stable and the aircraft is in good condition.

Finnair is an especially good choice to fly long-haul flights if the price is competitive. On long-haul flights, the service level is close to the traditional onboard service and the aircraft are modern. A small minus is that Light tickets do not include hold luggage.

Have you flown with Finnair? Comment on your Finnair experiences below.

Tags: Finnair , airline , review Destination: Finland

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Finland Tour & Trip Reviews

592 reviews Average rating 4.8 191 trips

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Finland Tour & Trip Ratings

Tour Reviews

Finland wilderness week

A fantastic location, the hut was lovely cozy &amp; warm. The staff, particularly the leader Ana were really friendly and helpful. The kit provided was of good qua...

Superb Week in Wintry Finland

Brilliant week of deep snow, sunshine, stunning scenery, amazing activities, great food and comfortable accommodation. Dog sledding and Northern Lights, followed cl...

Fabulous Trip

Fabulous week in the snow in the Finland. The week exceeded all expectations - helped by the fact we saw the Northern Lights on night one on the way from the airpo...

A fantastic trip!

This review is for the week of 14th-21st January 2018 The whole week was truly amazing. Our hosts Martii and Tiia were fantastic and ensured we had the best holiday...

Finish Wilderness Week - Amazing adventure. Perfect.

From start to finish this trip was a dream. If you are thinking about booking it - stop thinking and just do it. You will not regret it. The transfers, location, w...

Finland Reviews

Spectacular trip.

A great escape from everyday life with the opportunity to try out many different snow activities plus free time to relax or experience optional activities. We wer...

Outstanding trip in Finland

Superb trip! loved every minute of it. The activities, accommadation, food and staff were all excellent. Cannot fault a single part of the trip and would really li...

A unique and fabulous experience

We have done several Exodus trekking trips and this caught our eye as an opportunity for a completely new experience and we were not disappointed. I have been ravi...

Finnish Wilderness Week

An absolutely spectacular trip with some of the best scenery ever. Although we did not see the Northern Lights we were not disappointed, nobody can control Mother n...

Like going on holiday to Narnia!

An amazing holiday in a beautiful landscape. It was like being in a Christmas card. I loved snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. On our free day, I walked the Lit...

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Truly magical experience.

This trip is a fantastic way of exploring northern Finland. The activities throughout the week keep you physically active so it's an ideal holiday for people who e...

A magical wilderness that stays with you long after you have left it behind

If you want to run away and have an adventure then this is the ideal escape for anyone looking to be part of a small group and experience new things. I am not a fan...

Unforgettable experience

Recently returned from the Finnish Wilderness Week, staying at Basecamp Oulanka Jan 14-21st 2018 and it was without doubt one of the best holidays I have ever expe...

The perfect winter escape

If you're looking to get away from it all in unspoilt scenery, try out different winter activities, and generally have an experience you'll never forget, then book...

Wonderful wilderness week

My friends suggested this trip to me and although it sounded amazing I was a little cautious but went for it and I am so glad I did! The whole trip is just one fant...

A happy time with new friends, lots to do in a glorious place. Very special week.

Whats not to like? Dog sledding on a snowy christmas morning, the fabulous walk we took just the two of us on the Bear Trail, the group snow shoe hike up in the Ri...

Should be on everyone’s bucket list

This is a trip every Exodus traveller should do! So many different activities in a week based at the wonderful Oulanka Basecamp with its great facilities, gear and...

I loved this trip. It was a chance to head to the frozen north (Finland/Lapland) in April and take part in a range of outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, x co...

Amazing trip in a beautiful country

We had a fantastic time in the Finnish Wilderness. Basecamp was great, the staff were all lovely and really helpful. We enjoyed trying out a wide range of activiti...

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We had the most amazing week at the logging lodge with Elina. What a huge variety of activities to try out. Our 16 and 18 year old daughters loved it too, particul...

1 - 20 of 592 Reviews shown

Editor’s Take

What to Look for in Finland Tour Reviews

Most trip reviews tend to focus on some or all of these 5 key areas, not all of which may be relevant to you: the tour guide, travel company, service level, country or countries traveled in, and the trip itinerary.

Remember, just because you see a 1 star review doesn’t necessarily mean that person disliked the country.

Finland tours can be among the most diverse and comprehensive of vacations to northern Europe. You have medieval architecture, lakeside villages, ancient market squares, ample opportunities for cycling, the Northern Lights, reindeer, interesting cuisine, unique museums and hiking in some of the world’s most untouched wilderness. Keep this in mind when reading reviews of various Finland tour operators.

By and large, Finland tour reviews are positive and focus on the pleasing balance of relaxation and adventure that can be achieved here. There are significant mentions of clean accommodations, well-organized activities and tours and once-in-a-lifetime Nordic moments, i.e. meeting a reindeer in its natural habitat, glimpsing golden eagles and seeing the Northern Lights.

One thing to note : If the weather and temperature are of concern to you during your Finland vacation, pay close attention to reviews for trips that took place in the winter. This way, you’ll get an insider’s POV in terms of just how cold it is and what to pack.

If you want a professional take on traveling in Finland, see the Travelstride Finland Guide  »

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We spend the Finnish Christmas and New Year 2018 in Lapland, Rovaniemi. Very lovely and magical atmosphere. We recommend.

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We visited Finland in august 2017. Beautiful country and friendly people. We highly recommend renting a car and just traveling around the country. There is plenty to see.

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Reporter's notebook: Finland, happiness, saunas, NATO and the threat from Russia

Why is finland rated one of the happiest places on earth finns say happiness doesn't just happen..

HELSINKI − Juuso Raukola uses the sauna in his home every single day. As do his wife and children. Raukola's parents do the same with their sauna, in their house; his friends and work colleagues in theirs.

When Raukola and his two brothers met up last month in Finland's capital to catch up on the things brothers catch up on when they have not seen each other in a while, they did so in a quiet and unchanging place made of fragrant hard wood, warmed to 175 degrees Fahrenheit and with easy access for a dip in the Baltic's icy waters.

"Sometimes Finnish people say saunas are like churches. I think that's a really strong word. Maybe too strong," said Raukola, 35, a mechanical engineer, as he or one of his brothers periodically stood up to pour water on hot wood pellets that created a burst of steam that raised the heat and humidity levels in Helsinki's Kulttuurisauna .

"What I think they are trying to say is saunas are where Finnish people go to calm themselves; to reset their minds to the 'zero point'; to process what has happened to them in the day time and to think about solutions."

Finland has a lot of saunas. An estimated 3 million for its population of 5 million, according to government figures. The Nordic country also routinely scores extremely high in global surveys, indexes and reports that compare countries on various quality of life and good governance metrics. Finland was recently crowned the happiest country in the world for the seventh year in a row by the United Nations’ World Happiness Report .

U.S. fails to crack top 20: 2024 World Happiness Report

But ask a Finn what makes them seemingly so contended with life and while they may jokingly attribute it to some rare combination of steam and heat, they are likely to say happiness just doesn't happen. It's made. Kind of.

"It's a bit of a mystery to me but it's always our saunas that get mentioned in the reports about how happy we in Finland apparently are," said Teemu Tallberg, a professor of military sociology at Finland's National Defense University. He and other researchers say Finland's "consensus" society and general preparedness levels for achieving goals and managing unexpected crises − war, if it comes to it − may play the bigger role.

In fact, Frank Martela, a business professor at Finland's Aalto University, has said it's clear that Nordic countries such as Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Norway − who all regularly outperform other nations in international gauges that seek to measure how well societies function − are doing something right when it comes to engineering the conditions for happiness, even if happiness is a terms that defies easy categorization.

Well-functioning democratic institutions, generous welfare services

All of these countries have well-functioning democratic institutions and relatively generous welfare services. They score well on surveys that track equality legislation, lack of corruption, social cohesion and trust, high levels of freedom, media literacy, human rights, access to public goods and low levels of income equality.

Martela has also noted that the U.N.'s World Happiness Report is actually based on one single question: "Please imagine a ladder with steps numbered from zero at the bottom to ten at the top. Suppose we say that the top of the ladder represents the best possible life for you, and the bottom of the ladder represents the worst possible life for you. On which step of the ladder would you say you personally feel you stand at this time?"

After several thousand people answer this question about where they feel they are standing on the ladder, an average is calculated. The average is the happiness score for the given country. Out of the more than 140 nations surveyed for the most recent happiness index, the U.S. landed in 23rd place , compared to 15th place in 2023. A lot of Americans, in other words, placed themselves pretty far down the ladder compared to people in Finland.

Precisely why that is falls outside the scope of this story. But it may be worth pointing out, in an election year, that the movie Civil War just opened in the U.S. theaters. Its plot revolves around a U.S. government that has become a dystopian dictatorship and extremist militias who regularly commit war crimes.

Sharing an 833-mile border with Russia

Happiness in Finland, for historical reasons, may be closely linked to ideas about resilience, researchers say.

Finland only became a full member of the NATO military alliance in April last year, a direct reaction to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But Finland has a long and strained relationship with its massive neighbor that has required it to adopt potential coping strategies, particularly military-related ones.

Not only does Finland share an 833-mile border with Russia, in the 17th and 18th centuries various monarchs of the Russian Empire repeatedly tried to conquer Finland, which was then part of a Swedish kingdom.

After Sweden lost a war with Russia in 1809, Finland became a self-governing part of the Russian empire until 1917 when it declared its independence in the wake of the Russian Revolution in 1917. Then Finland fought off a Soviet invasion when Joseph Stalin's Red Army attacked in 1939, known as the Winter War.

Today, Finland maintains a widely supported system of military conscription and eight out of 10 Finns, surveys show , say they would be prepared to defend Finland themselves militarily in all situations.

Axel Hagelstam, director of research at Finland's National Emergency Supply Agency, the Nordic country's version of the U.S.'s Federal Emergency Management Agency, said that partly because of Finland's history and because it has "never taken off the table" the potential for a new conflict with Russia, Finland "built resilience" into many aspects of its security strategy. He believes this has a "calming effect" on Finnish society overall.

In practice, this resilience ranges from "household preparedness" workshops and classes for the public aimed at teaching cooking skills to keeping well maintained bomb shelters. Finland's government keeps extremely close tabs on and has partnerships with about 1,500 private companies deemed to be critical for supply chains. It is currently developing models, for example, for what to do keep grocery stories running in the event of power cuts.

"Resilience doesn't happen in isolation," said Hagelstam.

Tuula Luoma, a civil defense planner for the city of Helsinki, said "if a light is broken, we fix it today, not tomorrow," as she showed off a cavernous bomb shelter about 700 feet below an apartment block, one of dozens in Finland's capital that can withstand radiation and chemical attacks, as well as collapsing buildings struck by conventional weapons. The bomb shelters in Helsinki have a collective capacity for 900,000 people for a population of 630,000. But the Finns are nothing if not thinkers-ahead.

The extra space was created for any tourists who might happen to get stuck in the city during a war.

'Weaponized use of migrants'

Still, Finland's preparedness for war or disaster doesn't mean everything in the country is rosy all the time.

Finland is currently trying to adopt temporary legislation to block asylum seekers from Russia after the Finnish border authority said that more than 1,300 asylum seekers from nations including Yemen, Somalia and Syria entered Finland from Russia between August and December last year. About 900 of them entered in November alone. In comparison, the number before last August had averaged just one person a day.

One border police intelligence officer said that Russia has "weaponized the use of migrants" on Finland's border by cancelling their Russian claims and bussing then to Finland's border. The officer, who did not want to be publicly identified because of the sensitive nature of his work, said the situation is likely to "worsen" in time.

As a consequence, Finland has closed its border with Russia, a move that has drawn pushback from humanitarian organizations who say denying asylum seekers access to a territory impinges on their human rights.

And some studies and reports have suggested that people of African descent consider Finland to be one of the most racist countries in the European Union, with nearly half of those surveyed experiencing racial harassment.

Guns laws, mental health and criminal responsibility in Finland have also been in the spotlight recently after a 12-year-old boy killed another child and injured two more in a school shooting in a city north of Helsinki .

According to the Small Arms Survey , a Switzerland-based research project, Finland, which tightened its guns laws more than a decade ago in response to several school shootings, has the most guns per capita of any nation in the European Union at 32.4 per 100 inhabitants. It has the seventh most in the world behind only the United States, Yemen, Montenegro, Serbia, Canada and Uruguay, according to the survey.

Raukola, the sauna enthusiast, said he appreciates how communication from Finland's authorities is "transparent" on key issues. He also said his visit last month to Helsinki's Kulttuurisauna with his brothers, intended to mark his older brother's birthday, "was just somewhere to go." He said it was not an "exceptional moment"; on the contrary, it was the most normal thing they could think of to do to have fun, relax and be happy.

Finland extends Russia border closure indefinitely

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Reporting by Essi Lehto in Helsinki, writing by Stine Jacobsen; editing by Terje Solsvik and Mark Heinrich

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Finland will keep its border with Russia closed until further notice over migration concerns

FILE - Finnish border guards walk at Vaalimaa border check point between Finland and Russia in Virolahti, Finland, on Dec. 15, 2023. Finland will extend the closure of its border crossing points with Russia beyond the current April 14 deadline “until further notice” due to a high risk of organized migration orchestrated by Moscow, the Finnish government said on Thursday, April 4, 2024. (Heikki Saukkomaa/Lehtikuva via AP)

FILE - Finnish Border Guard remove fences at the closed Vaalimaa border check point between Finland and Russia in Virolahti, Finland, on Dec. 13, 2023. Finland will extend the closure of its border crossing points with Russia beyond the current April 14 deadline “until further notice” due to a high risk of organized migration orchestrated by Moscow, the Finnish government said on Thursday, April 4, 2024. (Heikki Saukkomaa/Lehtikuva via AP)

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HELSINKI (AP) — Finland will extend the closure of its border crossing points with Russia beyond the current April 14 deadline “until further notice” due to a high risk of organized migration orchestrated by Moscow, the Finnish government said on Thursday.

The Finnish Interior Ministry said in a statement that the Nordic country’s national security and public order would come under serious threat if the estimated hundreds of third-country nationals were to continue to attempt to enter from Russia without proper documentation.

“Based on information provided by public authorities, the risk that instrumentalized migration (by Russia) will resume and expand as seen previously remains likely,” the ministry said.

Finland closed the 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) land border late last year after more than 1,300 migrants without proper documentation or visas — an unusually high number — entered the country in the three months since September, not long after Finland joined the NATO alliance.

Most of the migrants hail from the Middle East and Africa, from countries including Afghanistan, Egypt, Iraq, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. The vast majority of them have sought asylum in Finland, a European Union member state with a population of 5.6 million.

The Finnish Border Guard has earlier said that many migrants hold valid visas for working or studying - or have a residence permit - in Russia, which is considered a safe country.

Accusing Russia of deliberately ushering migrants to the normally heavily guarded Russia-Finland border zone that serves also as the EU’s external border in the north, the Cabinet of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has extended the closure of checkpoints several times.

The Kremlin has denied Helsinki’s claims and instead accused the Finnish government of an unwillingness to hold a dialogue on the border issue.

All eight Finland-Russia land border crossing points for people have been closed since Dec. 15. The southeastern rail checkpoint for cargo trains in Vainikkala remains open but the government said on Thursday it would close three maritime checkpoints starting April 15.

Migrants can continue to seek asylum in Finland, part of EU´s passport-free Schengen zone, at Finnish airports and harbors, the government said.

“Finnish authorities see this as a long-term situation,” Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said. “We have not seen anything this spring that would lead us to conclude that the (migration) situation has changed meaningfully.”

In addition, warmer spring weather is estimated by the Finnish government to increase the number of migrants reaching the border, putting pressure on Helsinki to find a sustainable solution.

“There are hundreds and possibly thousands of people close to Finland’s border on the Russian side that could be instrumentalized against Finland,” Rantanen said. “Instrumentalized migration is one way that Russia can put pressure on and affect the security and social stability of Finland and the EU.”

The Finnish Cabinet is currently drafting a legal act on measures to combat instrumentalized migration, including allowing the so-called pushback method in expelling migrants and asylum seekers, on the border with Russia.

Pushbacks, the forcible return of people across an international border without an assessment of their rights to apply for asylum or other protection, violate both international and EU law. However, EU members Poland, Latvia and Lithuania have previously resorted to the controversial measure when dealing with migrants attempting to enter from Belarus.

The interior ministry said the legislative proposal on migration is to be submitted to Eduskunta, or the Parliament, as soon as possible. It must have the support of a wide majority of lawmakers to pass and the proposal has already been widely debated by experts, politicians and citizens.

Earlier, the government said it had received international support for the law from the EU and other organizations.

Finland acts as the EU’s external border in the north and makes up a significant part of NATO’s northeastern flank.

Follow AP’s global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration