Best things to do in Finland

• Capital: Helsinki
• Language(s): Finnish, Swedish
• Currency: Euro (€) (EUR)
• Dial Code: + 358

Finland Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Cool Facts, and Why You’ll Love This Nordic Wonderland

Looking for a destination that combines reindeer, saunas, Northern Lights, and a population that actually enjoys the cold? Welcome to Finland, a country where winter lasts forever, but the coffee is always hot and the people are surprisingly warm (once you break the ice—pun intended). This travel guide to Finland has everything you need to know, from the top attractions and places to visit to the quirkiest traditions and must-know facts.

Let’s dive into the land of endless forests, over 188,000 lakes, and more saunas than actual people.

So, Where Exactly is Finland?

Finland is tucked away in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It’s bordered by Sweden (your cool cousin), Norway (your adventure-seeking friend), and Russia (that intense neighbor who listens to loud music at night). Across the Gulf of Finland lies Estonia, a fun ferry ride away.

With a population of around 5.4 million and more trees than humans, Finland is the most sparsely populated country in the European Union. If you're looking to escape crowds, this is your dream destination.

Helsinki and the Urban Scene: Where Modern Meets Nordic Cool

Let’s start with Helsinki, Finland’s capital and the ultimate mix of sleek design, quirky architecture, and salty sea breeze. Located on the southern coast, it's not just the political center—it's also the cultural and culinary heartbeat of the country.

Top Things to Do in Helsinki:

• Visit Suomenlinna: A massive sea fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect for a ferry ride and a bit of history with a breeze.

• Design District: Shop like a Scandinavian with a taste for minimalism and functionality.

• Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church): Yes, it’s literally built into solid rock and sounds amazing—both acoustically and conceptually.

• Linnanmäki Amusement Park: For those who like their sightseeing with a side of adrenaline.

Helsinki is also part of the Greater Helsinki area, along with Espoo, Vantaa, and Kauniainen. This urban region is home to about a million people and generates a third of Finland’s entire GDP, which means you're never far from good restaurants, museums, and hipster coffee.

History Class… But Make It Fun

Before it became the peaceful and progressive Nordic gem we know today, Finland had quite the dramatic past. It was part of Sweden for centuries and then got passed like a historical hot potato to the Russian Empire as an autonomous Grand Duchy. After declaring independence in 1917 (because enough is enough), the country went through a civil war, three World War II conflicts (yes, three!), and still managed to come out with universal healthcare and world-class education.

You’ve got to respect that level of perseverance and sauna-fueled determination.

The Best Places to Visit in Finland (Yes, Beyond Helsinki)

Sure, Helsinki is great, but Finland is full of places to visit that will make your jaw drop—even if it's half-frozen from the Arctic breeze.

1. Lapland – The Ultimate Winter Wonderland

Located in the north, Lapland is where snow reigns supreme, and Santa Claus has an actual home you can visit.

Things to do in Lapland:

• Chase the Northern Lights (September–April): They’re free, magical, and better than anything Netflix has to offer.

• Husky Sledding and Reindeer Safaris: Because walking is boring and you’re in Finland, baby!

• Stay in a Glass Igloo in places like Kakslauttanen: Stargazing from your bed? Yes, please.

2. Turku – Finland’s Historical Capital

Before Helsinki, there was Turku—the medieval heart of the nation. It's got castles, cathedrals, and a quirky art scene.

Top attractions:

• Turku Castle: A fortress with 700+ years of history and some spooky vibes.

• Aura River: Great for a stroll or a sunset cruise.

• Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum: Like stepping into a Finnish time machine.

3. Tampere – Saunas and Steam Punk Vibes

Often called Finland’s “Manchester,” Tampere is industrial-chic with a serious sauna culture.

Things to do:

• Visit the world’s only Moomin Museum (yes, the adorable Finnish cartoon creatures).

• Public saunas like Rajaportti: Because sweating with strangers is the Finnish way to bond.

4. The Lakeland Region – Finland’s Calm, Blue Soul

With over 188,000 lakes, Finnish Lakeland is the place to go full zen. Think cozy cottages, midnight swims, and grilled sausages.

Don’t miss:

• Lake Saimaa: Finland’s largest lake, ideal for boating and spotting the rare Saimaa ringed seal.

• Savonlinna Castle: A medieval castle floating on water—perfect for drama and Instagram.

5. Oulu and Beyond – Tech, Trails, and Tranquility

Oulu is Finland’s tech-forward northern city, but also a great gateway to nature.

Explore:

• Nallikari Beach: A beautiful spot, even when it’s frozen.

• Local markets for cloudberries, smoked fish, and weird-but-tasty Finnish sweets.

Sightseeing in Finland: What Else Should Be on Your Radar?

Beyond the big cities and natural wonders, there are a few more sightseeing gems you don’t want to miss:

• Porvoo: A picture-perfect town with colorful riverside houses and cobblestone streets.

• Rovaniemi: The official hometown of Santa Claus and ground zero for Christmas cheer.

• Koli National Park: Epic hiking, jaw-dropping views, and a chance to get lost in the forest (on purpose).

Fun Facts to Impress Your Friends

• Finland has over 3 million saunas. That’s one for every 1.8 people!

• It’s the world’s happiest country (according to the UN World Happiness Report). Must be the saunas… or the education system.

• The national epic, Kalevala, inspired Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.

• Finns drink the most coffee per capita in the world. No wonder they’re always alert despite the darkness.

Final Thoughts: Why Finland Should Be Your Next Adventure

Finland is one of those destinations that surprises you—in the best way. It has it all: fascinating history, modern cities, wild nature, and some of the friendliest people who might seem shy at first, but warm up faster than a sauna in January.

Whether you're planning a Northern Lights expedition, a summer lakeside retreat, or a full-on cultural deep dive, this travel guide to Finland is your starting point. With so many places to visit, unforgettable things to do, and top attractions at every turn, it’s the kind of place that gets under your skin and stays there—in a good, frosty, forest-filled way.