10 Best Activities to Do in Finland
When you set your sights on Finland, you’ll discover far more than snowy forests and serene lakes. Each region offers unique experiences, whether you want to chase the Northern Lights, soak in a traditional sauna, or wander through charming wooden towns. With so much natural beauty and rich cultural traditions, you’ll find that every activity has its own distinct appeal. Curious how to make the most of your trip? The next steps promise memorable adventures.
See the Northern Lights
Observe the aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, in Finland, where the phenomenon is frequently visible. The optimal time to witness this natural light display is between September and April, particularly in the region of Lapland. During these months, the nights are long and dark, providing suitable conditions for viewing.
Some of the best locations in Finland include Utsjoki, Saariselkä, and Kilpisjärvi, where the absence of urban light pollution enhances visibility. Accommodations such as glass cabins or aurora huts are available at Lapland resorts, allowing for comfortable and uninterrupted observation. The Northern Lights are known as revontulet in Finnish, which translates to “fox fires,” reflecting local folklore.
It’s important to approach this experience with respect, mindful of the cultural significance it holds for the indigenous Sámi people, who associate the lights with ancestral spirits and traditional beliefs.
Visit a Public Sauna
In Finland, public saunas play a significant role in the daily routine and cultural practices of the population. With approximately three million saunas throughout the country, they’re a common feature in both urban and rural settings. Notable examples include Lonna in Helsinki and Rajaportin in Tampere, which are well-regarded for their accessibility and historical significance.
Inside a typical Finnish sauna, temperatures can reach up to 80°C (176°F). This high temperature, combined with the löyly vapor created by pouring water over hot stones, is known to promote relaxation.
The practice of using a vihta, which consists of birch branches, is traditionally employed to enhance circulation. Following a sauna session, it’s customary for some individuals to take a dip in an icy pool, a practice believed to offer invigorating benefits.
One of the more distinctive sauna experiences available in Finland is the world’s largest underground smoke sauna, located south of Turku. This facility exemplifies Finland’s rich sauna culture by offering a unique environment that aligns with the traditional methods of sauna construction and usage.
Explore a Lighthouse Island
To effectively explore Finland’s coastline, one might consider visiting a lighthouse island. The Bengtskär Lighthouse, located near Hanko, stands as the tallest lighthouse in the Nordic region at 52 meters. This site offers both historical significance, due to its involvement in wartime events, and an environment conducive to solitude.
These remote lighthouse islands are automated and provide a level of privacy, with natural sounds such as waves and seabirds being predominant. The location serves as a suitable option for a day trip or weekend retreat, offering opportunities to explore historical sites, enjoy the coastal air, and engage with nature, away from Finland’s urban areas.
Stroll Around an Old Wooden Town
Finland’s old wooden towns offer a glimpse into the country’s architectural evolution and historical development.
These towns are characterized by their cobblestone streets and wooden structures that date back several centuries.
Old Porvoo, located approximately an hour from Helsinki, is notable for its red wooden houses with blue and yellow trim along the riverbank, reflecting traditional Finnish design.
Old Rauma is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its well-preserved medieval lanes and artisan workshops, showcasing pastel-colored buildings that highlight the craftsmanship of the period.
In the capital city of Helsinki, neighborhoods like Käpylä and Vallila feature early 20th-century wooden homes, exemplifying urban residential architecture from that era.
Loviisa, with its tranquil streets lined with traditional red houses, provides a serene environment that contrasts with more urban settings.
These towns present an opportunity to study Finland’s unique architectural heritage, whether visiting for a day or staying longer.
The preservation efforts in these areas illustrate the value placed on maintaining historical structures and the cultural significance they hold.
Try Finnish Food
Exploring Finnish cuisine offers insights into the country’s cultural and environmental influences on food.
Traditional salmon soup is a staple, utilizing fish sourced from Finland’s numerous lakes, reflecting a reliance on local freshwater resources.
During summer months, market squares become hubs for purchasing seasonal produce such as berries, carrots, onions, and new potatoes, showcasing the region’s agricultural offerings.
Finnish restaurants are increasingly incorporating organic and plant-based ingredients into traditional recipes, aligning with global trends towards sustainability and health-conscious dining.
Desserts such as bilberry pie and cloudberries, which can be foraged in forested areas like Ranua, highlight the use of indigenous, wild berries in Finnish culinary practices.
This approach emphasizes the integration of locally sourced and foraged ingredients in Finnish food traditions.
Hike in One of Finland’s National Parks
Exploring Finland’s national parks offers access to some of Europe’s most well-preserved and diverse natural landscapes.
The country is home to 41 national parks, which encompass forests, lakes, islands, and fells.
These parks feature marked hiking trails and recreational routes that cater to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts.
For instance, Oulanka National Park is known for the Karhunkierros Trail, notable for its canyons and rivers, while Urho Kekkonen National Park offers seclusion amidst old-growth forests and the Korvatunturi fell.
Finland’s Everyman’s rights allow individuals to move freely in these areas, provided that they adhere to guidelines aimed at preserving the environment, such as staying on designated paths and ensuring no litter is left behind.
The parks also provide practical amenities, including campfire sites and wilderness huts, to facilitate a comfortable visit.
See Iconic Nordic Architecture and Design
Finland is known for its distinctive approach to architecture and design, characterized by a blend of form and function. In Helsinki, Alvar Aalto’s Finlandia Hall exemplifies modernist architecture, featuring clean lines and an emphasis on natural light.
The Oodi Library in Helsinki serves as a cultural center, integrating sustainability with technology across its three levels. The Amos Rex Museum offers innovative spaces with its unique rooftop design and subterranean galleries.
Design stores such as Artek offer access to classic Aalto designs, including his notable vase. In Kirkkonummi, the Fyyri Library highlights the use of expansive windows and organic materials, emphasizing light, landscape, and Nordic design principles.
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Meet the Real Santa Claus
If you’re interested in meeting the real Santa Claus, Rovaniemi, Finland, is recognized as his official hometown, located on the Arctic Circle. Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi offers visitors the opportunity to engage in a personal conversation with a Santa Claus figure.
This attraction appeals to both children and adults seeking a unique cultural experience. Additionally, visitors can send postcards featuring a distinctive Arctic Circle stamp from the post office within the village.
Each year, approximately 300,000 international tourists visit this site, illustrating its global appeal. Meeting Santa Claus in Finland is a culturally significant activity, contributing to the tourism industry in the region.
Breathe the World’s Cleanest Air
After visiting Santa Claus’s hometown in Finland, you may notice the exceptional quality of the air in the country. According to the World Health Organization, Finland consistently ranks as having the cleanest air globally.
This is attributed to the country’s low population density, extensive forest coverage, and effective environmental policies.
The air quality allows for improved respiratory health and well-being, making outdoor activities such as hiking or picnicking particularly beneficial.
When exploring areas like the Finnish Lakeland or the country’s numerous lakes, individuals can experience the advantages of high air quality, contributing to both physical and mental refreshment during outdoor activities.
Celebrate Under the Midnight Sun
In Finland’s northern regions, the phenomenon of the midnight sun results in extended daylight periods, particularly in areas such as Lapland.
This region can experience up to 73 consecutive days of sunlight.
Activities such as hiking, camping, and exploring the Urho Kekkonen National Park are popular during this time due to the continuous daylight.
In June, Midsummer is celebrated with events including bonfires, dancing, and feasting, which are rooted in historical traditions.
In Nuorgam, activities like midnight golf and cultural gatherings highlight the utilization of the extended daylight hours.
In the Finnish Lakeland area, kayaking on Lake Saimaa provides opportunities to observe Saimaa ringed seals, a rare species, under the unique lighting conditions of the prolonged summer days.
Conclusion
No matter what kind of traveler you are, you’ll find something unforgettable in Finland. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, relaxing in a steamy sauna, exploring charming wooden towns, or savoring local flavors, Finland’s magic is everywhere. As you explore, you’ll soak up fresh air, unique culture, and stunning natural beauty. Don’t miss the chance to experience both peaceful moments and thrilling adventures—Finland’s waiting to surprise you at every turn.