Known for its breathtaking landscapes, thick forests, Northern Lights and, vast areas of unspoiled wilderness I can never get enough of this mysterious and intriguing country. From beautiful Finnish Lapland to funky Helsinki, here are my personal favourite places I’d love to share with you…
1. Helsinki
I loved Helsinki! This capital is a unique and eclectic mix of contemporary and Art Noveau architecture, excellent designer restaurants, lively bars, creative cafes, beautiful boutiques, and art galleries wrapped up in one stylish, neat and compact package!
As well as its stylish eye for design I also loved its quirks and eccentricities – locals casually walking across the frozen sea during mid-winter, the long rows of heavy metal bars, and the super-cute Moomin cafe are just a few examples!
It’s also a very progressive place with a burgeoning vegan scene, a commitment to being as green as they can and sustainability, and a charming small-town friendliness.
My favourite highlights of this extraordinary include Uspenski Cathedral, the Sibelius monument, the Katajanokka district and Temppeliaukio Church (aka the unique rock church which has become a huge tourist hotspot)!
- Location: South part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (to enjoy the festivals, outdoor cafes, and long sunny days).
- Activities on offer: Sightseeing, visiting museums, exploring art galleries, dining, and shopping.
- Accommodation: Hotel Kämp, Clarion Hotel Helsinki, and boutique hotels in the city center.
- Map Location and Directions
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2. Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus himself! In the city, I absolutely love how residents have lovingly embraced the legend and figure of Christmas, and the sights and sounds of the season can be seen throughout the whole place and of course, it’s a favorite tourist destination for family vacations.
There’s plenty for adults to enjoy too, with incredible Northern Lights displays and those magical summer months in June and July when the sun never sets. It’s called the Midnight Sun, and it turns the days into a dreamy – and very long – adventure.
- Location: North part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Winter (for the Northern Lights and Christmas experiences).
- Activities on offer: Northern Lights viewing, visiting Santa Claus Village, reindeer sledding, and snowmobiling.
- Accommodation: Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Santa Claus Holiday Village, and Glass Resort.
- Map Location and Directions
3. Suomenlinna
Suomenlinna is one for the history fans! Suomenlinna was constructed as a fortress in 1748 and has always served as a fortress in some form or another, but it is also home to a small community of residents.
This area of Finland has not always been a part of the country but has changed hands a few times. Once owned by Russia and Sweden, this island is now a World Heritage Site and one of the most visited places in the whole country.
I thought it was a very intriguing and unique tourist attraction filled with rugged coastal landscapes, historic sea fortifications, and gorgeous views of the Baltic Sea. I also loved being able to see Helsinki’s skyline in the distance!
- Location: South part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for walking tours and exploring the fortress in pleasant weather).
- Activities on offer: Exploring the sea fortress, walking tours, visiting museums, and enjoying coastal views.
- Accommodation: Hostel Suomenlinna and nearby hotels in Helsinki.
- Map Location and Directions
4. Arctic Resort Kakslauttanen
This is stunning, tranquil, but much sought-after resort due to its incredible and unique accommodation that it offers!
Located in Kakslauttanen, its home to the world-famous glass igloos, which felt like I was sleeping under the stars but still being super cozy! It was also a great way to experience watching the Northern Lights they made an appearance on the last night of our stay. It was a truly spectacular experience to watch them shimmer and dance across the sky!
Surrounded by thick forest and the Kakslauttanen River and covered in snow during the winter months, I have to admit this place isn’t cheap, but it honestly was one of those once in a lifetime experiences!
- Location: North part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Winter (for the glass igloos and Northern Lights views).
- Activities on offer: Northern Lights viewing, staying in glass igloos, dog sledding, and snowshoeing.
- Accommodation: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (glass igloos and log cabins).
- Map Location and Directions
5. Nuuksio National Park
This is a nature lover’s dream! Located just outside Finland’s capital and I visit Nuuksio National Park to reconnect with nature, escape from city hassles and enjoy the stunning natural – and very unspoiled – beauty.
I’m always captivated by the scenery here which includes peaceful forests, shimmering lakes, and rocky cliffs and there’s many miles of well-marked hiking and biking trails. There are also designated camping site and opportunities for wild camping.
- Location: South part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing).
- Activities on offer: Hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and cycling.
- Accommodation: Nuuksio Hostel, Haltia Lake Lodge, and nearby camping sites.
- Map Location and Directions
6. Porvoo
Porvoo is a like a cross between a quaint fishing village and a cozy small-town feel while still aiming for the stars! It’s also very pretty with a charming mix of the old and the new. It’s actually one of only six remaining medieval towns and was first documented in history in the 14th century.
It’s located on Porvoo River and surrounded by green landscapes and I love the cute and colorful wooden houses which lined the riverside and charming cobblestone streets.
History is everywhere I looked in this unique town and on my trip I kayaked the river and explored the many quaint shops, cafes and riverside restaurants which served up everything from traditional Finnish cuisine to fine dining and international fayre.
- Location: South part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (to explore the historic town and enjoy the riverside atmosphere).
- Activities on offer: Sightseeing, visiting historic sites, shopping in local boutiques, and riverside dining.
- Accommodation: Hotel Haikko Manor, Hotel Pariisin Ville, and riverside guesthouses.
- Map Location and Directions
7. Lake Saimaa
This country has a substantial number of lakes—the most in Europe! Lake Saimaa is the largest of these interconnected bodies of water.
The lake system can be viewed from land, but I explored it by boat to see the massive scope and exceptional beauty of this remarkable and tranquil area.
I highly recommend going on a guided boat tour to one to try and catch a glimpse of the Saimaa Ringed Seal, which is currently endangered and only a few hundred exist now!
- Location: Southeast part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for boat tours, fishing, and seeing the Saimaa Ringed Seal).
- Activities on offer: Boat tours, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
- Accommodation: Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän, Sahanlahti Resort, and lakeside cabins.
- Map Location and Directions
8. Oulanka National Park
I absolutely loved Oulanka National Park and we travelled here in the winter when it turns into an extraordinary magical wilderness. It covers an area of 270 square kilometres in Finnish Lapland (the far north of the county).
Initially established in 1956, it caters to many outdoor and adventure lovers. During the summer, you’ll hear Brooks gushing and rivers rushing between the densely packed trees. During the winter it’s a fantastic place to spot the Northern Lights and we were lucky enough to see (and photograph them on our trip).
We stayed at Basecamp Oulanka and loved the all the outdoor adventures it hosts as well as sampling their homemade cloudberry liquors, and taking very refreshing dips in their outdoor hot tub!
- Location: Northeast part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Winter (for Northern Lights and snow-covered landscapes).
- Activities on offer: Hiking, cross-country skiing, wildlife viewing, and river rafting.
- Accommodation: Basecamp Oulanka, Oulanka Wilderness Camp, and nearby cabins.
- Map Location and Directions
9. Turku Archipelago
This is a wonderful hidden gem! The locals believe it’s one of the most breathtaking places on Earth, and I can totally see why! This incredible chain of 20,000 islands is nothing short of extraordinary.
I was fascinated that despite each island being very distinct, they all come together to create a tight-knit community. I thought the vibe here was truly special!
Traveling around the islands was so easy with the network of ferries—there was no need to rent a car I just rented a bicycle instead. It was the perfect way to soak up the island vibe and feel like a local at the same time!
- Location: Southwest part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for island hopping and cycling through the islands).
- Activities on offer: Island hopping, cycling, sailing, and kayaking.
- Accommodation: Archipelago Inn, Saaristohotelli Vaihela, and island cottages.
- Map Location and Directions
10. Utsjoki
This is a dreamy unspoilt gem! Located in Finland’s northernmost region in Lapland and bordering Norway, its a charming village filled stunning Arctic landscapes, intriguing Sámi culture, and gorgeous views of the Teno River.
Utsjoki’s small population of just over 1,200 helps maintain the small village even though it attracts around 20,000 to 25,000 visitors each year. This Sami village is where I can escape hectic city life and enjoy natural beauty at its finest.
- Location: North part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Winter (for the Northern Lights and Sámi culture).
- Activities on offer: Northern Lights viewing, hiking, learning about Sámi culture, and fishing.
- Accommodation: Utsjoki Aurora Holidays, Holiday Village Valle, and riverside cabins.
- Map Location and Directions
11. Naantali
This is a pretty resort town with a vibrant calendar of festivals and Finnish culture! I love its charming scenery which is filled with colorful wooden houses, picturesque waterfront along the archipelago, and lush gardens, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Baltic Sea.
Located in Southwest Finland, festivals such as the Naantali Music Festival happen every June from the 6th to the 17th, attracting visitors from around the globe. I love the unique old-world atmosphere that this town has as well as its stunning river views.
On my trip, I visited the historic and elegant Kultaranta Palace and Gardens which were built in the late 19th century, the upscale Naantali Spa, where I had relaxing wellness treatments, the charming Old Town which was filled with cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved wooden houses; and the wonderfully whimsical Moominworld!
- Location: Southwest part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for festivals, waterfront views, and exploring the Old Town).
- Activities on offer: Exploring the Old Town, visiting Moominworld, enjoying waterfront views, and attending festivals.
- Accommodation: Naantali Spa, Hotel Palo, and guesthouses in the Old Town.
- Map Location and Directions
12. Mariehamn
I thought this was a delightful gem! It’s the capital of the stunning Åland Islands and I loved how easy it is to explore this charming shipping town on foot after catching a ferry here. I could stroll from one end to the other without ever needing a car and just gaze at its charming scenery and picturesque streets!
On my trip, I loved browsing the quaint shops and restaurants while strolling along Torggatan which was the main pedestrian street in the centre.
For the best view of this growing city, I trekked up to Badhusberg where I could see panoramic views of Mariehamn from up high!
- Location: Southwest part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for pleasant weather and exploring the Åland Islands by foot or bike).
- Activities on offer: Sightseeing, cycling, visiting museums, and exploring the Åland Islands.
- Accommodation: Hotel Arkipelag, Park Alandia Hotel, and cozy guesthouses.
- Map Location and Directions
13. Saariselka
This is an amazing place to try and see the the Aurora Borealis! The Northern Lights attract countless tourists annually and encapsulate the imagination as streams of colour dance across the night sky.
I love how they make the event even more special with uniquely designed cabins. These cabins offered a superb view of the northern lights while we remained warm inside!
During the summer season, guests enjoy a trek into one of the last remaining vast wilderness opportunities in Europe. With so many forests disappearing, returning to nature in a wilderness-driven landscape like Saariselka is a wonderful experience!
- Location: North part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Winter (for the Northern Lights and winter sports).
- Activities on offer: Northern Lights viewing, skiing, snowshoeing, and husky safaris.
- Accommodation: Northern Lights Village, Star Arctic Hotel, and holiday cottages.
- Map Location and Directions
14. Repovesi National Park
Located only 3 hours from Helsinki in the municipalities of Kouvola and Mäntyharju, this former site for intensive commercial forestry, the Repovesi area successfully transformed into a gorgeous national park.
A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, I thought it was stunning place filled with hills blanketed with thick, rugged forests and clear blue lakes both in summer and winter. During the winter, the whole place is covered in pure white snow and honestly it’s a truly incredible and very Instagram-worthy sight!
- Location: Southeast part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for hiking, canoeing, and exploring the wilderness).
- Activities on offer: Hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, and wildlife watching.
- Accommodation: Tentsile Experience EcoCamp, Repovesi National Park cabins, and nearby lodges.
- Map Location and Directions
15. Lake Pielinen
Located in eastern Finland’s Karelia region, Pielinen Lake is the fourth largest in Finland. Its large drainage basin covers both east Finland and Russia.
I love this unspoiled and tranquil spot. It has fantastic views and recreational activities such as hiking and cycling during the summer months. There’s also lots of pretty small villages and towns located on the forested hills of Karelia.
- Location: East part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for hiking and cycling with beautiful lake views).
- Activities on offer: Hiking, cycling, boating, and fishing.
- Accommodation: Break Sokos Hotel Koli, Pielinen cottages, and lakeside guesthouses.
- Map Location and Directions
