Finland holidays

Welcome to your holiday to Helsinki, the capital of Finland, a UNESCO Creative City of Design and the perfect place to embark on a Nordic adventure.

Rovaniemi is your portal to Finland’s Arctic Circle. Enjoy sleigh rides and chase the Northern Lights in winter, or explore the hiking and horseback riding trails in summer’s endless daylight.

It may be the place Father Christmas calls home, but Lapland isn’t just for winter. By summer, its mystical snowscapes transform into verdant countryside with near-endless daylight.

One of the best things to do in Finland is to visit a traditional sauna, something that a majority of Finns do weekly. Let your stress slip away above the ‘löyly’ (vapour), and boost your circulation with a ‘vasta’ or ‘vihta’ (birch whisk). You’ll find saunas throughout the country, but the southern city of Tampere is considered the sauna capital of the world.

Experiencing the Aurora Borealis as it lights up the night sky is a dream come true. Between September and April, the northern region of Lapland is one of the best places to witness this phenomenon, especially around the towns of Saariselkä and Utsjoki. Rovaniemi is also a great base, and it has the added gift of being the self-proclaimed hometown of Father Christmas.

Whether you want to relax or get active, the Finnish Lakeland region and its 188,000 lakes have something to suit you. Cycle around Lake Saimaa, Finland’s largest lake, or see rare Saimaa ringed seals on a canoe or kayak excursion. For one of the country’s most famous views, hike up Koli National Park’s Ukko-Koli Hill and gaze out over Lake Pielinen.

Finland might not seem like an obvious beach destination, but its coastline offers plenty of options for enjoying the sand and sea. Hanko’s sandy shoreline and rocky coves are a local summertime favourite. And just off the coast of Helsinki, Suomenlinna Beach houses a Swedish fortress. Searching for wildlife? Spot reindeer roaming on Ivalo Beach on Lapland’s Ivalo River.

Home to lakes, islands and 41 national parks, Finland is a prime destination for nature lovers. See reindeer, moose and eagles in Lapland’s Urho Kekkonen National Park. And explore the tiny villages and golden beaches of the Åland Archipelago. If you’re itching to hike, the Hetta–Pallas Trail in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park offers some of the country’s most picturesque scenery.

Finland’s cuisine is famous for its fresh, local ingredients and Swedish and Russian influences. Seafood is a staple here, whether it’s salmon soup, perch fillets or pickled Baltic herring. And you can expect to see ‘poronkäristys’ (sautéed reindeer) on menus in traditional restaurants in Finland. For dessert, try ‘leipäjuusto’ (bread cheese) or tuck into some ‘salmiakki’ (salty liquorice).

Delve into Finland’s seafaring history at the Åland Maritime Museum in Mariehamn, and learn about Sámi culture at the Sámi Museum Siida in Inari. Architecture fans will love UNESCO-listed Old Rauma, known for its Nordic wooden buildings. Travelling with family? One of the best museums in Finland for all ages is the Moomin Museum in Tampere, which celebrates author Tove Jansson’s iconic characters.

For long days and pleasant weather, the best time to visit Finland is between June and August. This is also the ideal time to enjoy the country’s national parks and outdoor festivals. Winter brings freezing temperatures that aren’t for the faint of heart. But if catching the Northern Lights is on your agenda, December to March is the perfect time to visit.

Finland may be one of Europe’s most expensive countries, but with some careful budgeting, a cheap holiday in Finland is possible. Find a simple meal for under 20 euros (€), and enjoy a Finnish coffee for less than €5. A short taxi ride costs around €7, and public transport is even cheaper.