What to do in Finland
Looking for a destination that can offer winter wonderlands to explore, a worldwide phenomenon to admire and cities rich with culture and history? It may be time to travel to Finland.
Commonly known as ‘The Land of the Midnight Sun’, alongside its Scandinavian neighbours, Finland has a lot to offer. From skiing or igloo camping under the breath-taking Northern Lights to exhilarating husky sledding in Lapland, find the top 5 best places to visit in Finland.
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Discover Helsinki
As Finland’s capital city, Helsinki attracts travellers from all around the globe all year round. And with its great green parks and seaside city location, it’s easy to see why.
So, what is there to do in Helsinki?
Whether you’re exploring by day or night, Helsinki offers a relaxed yet refreshing vibe – explore lakes, large park areas and the beautiful coastline all while embracing the architecture, history and culture this city has to offer.
Scattered around Helsinki resides over 330 quaint islands, all of which becoming the perfect set up for a day out at the beach or a weekend trip. Regular ferries run from the mainland to these islands – ensure Helsinki and these islands are must-do’s as part of your visit to Finland.
Find luxury Helsinki hotels perfect to abide in for your Helsinki experience today.
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Experience Lapland
Wondering what to do in Finland? Ensuring you discover the arctic magic of Lapland as one of your Finland destinations is an essential item on the bucket list. As a family friendly destination, let children (and adults alike) marvel in meeting Santa Claus himself in his ‘official’ home.
Next, take a trip in a reindeer or husky pulled sleigh around the area. Wrap the children up warm underneath blankets in the sleigh while you can all experience an authentic way of travelling around Lapland, that’s fun for all the family.
Perhaps you’d prefer to be more adventurous during your trip? Ski resorts reside a stone’s throw from the peace and tranquillity of the winter wilderness Lapland has to offer.
Escape to winter wonderland in one of our Lapland hotels today.
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Marvel in the Northern Lights
Considered as one of the natural wonders of the world, travellers across the globe travel to this neck of the woods every year in hope of catching glimpses of those awe-inspiring Northern Lights.
Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Sweden also offer breath-taking views, but perhaps these quirky ways to see the Northern lights will inspire you to visit Finland.
• Sleep in a glass igloo – imagine as well as sleeping under the stars, lying awake at night watching the illuminating Northern Lights from the comfort of a glass igloo
• Skiing the northern lights – skiing in the middle of the darkest day of the year and having the northern lights guiding your way truly is a once in a lifetime experience, and a great way to see the worldwide phenomenon
But when is the best time to see the northern lights in Finland? Firstly, head north. Here you have the best chance to see the lights every other clear winter night between September and March.
Top Tip: Steer clear of bright lights and buildings – you’re more likely to see the lights in all their greatness while in darkness. Head for the hills or lakeshores for the best views. Also, if you book your stay with Long Travel, our hotels offer a wake-up service meaning you’ll never miss the chance to see the Northern Lights when they appear!
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Hike in Urho Kekkonen National Park
Made up of 253,800 hectares (1 hectare = 100 acres) of land, Urho Kekkonen National Park extends out to the Russian border, making this a huge park to explore during your Finnish expeditions.
Ski or hike across these arctic fell plains with a sky littered with stars and illuminated by the Aurora Borealis in the winter, and the Midnight Sun come summer. You may even catch glimpses of some of the park’s wildlife – home to golden eagles, bears and free-grazing reindeer, this is a place to find rare beauty in excess.
Discover our log cabin properties within the National Park today for your next visit to Finland.
Top Tip: There are 40 national parks in Finland – from snow shoeing and skiing, to hiking and camping in the summer, the national parks offer something for everyone. ‘Everyman’s rights’ also allows travellers ability to explore just about anywhere in the parks.
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Swim or explore Lake Saimaa
With over 3 million saunas and around 188,000 lakes, Finland offers not only world wonders, but exquisite places of serene beauty – some of which are found in Lake Saimaa. As Finland’s largest lake, the water here is so pure and natural that it can even be drinkable in places.
Whether its dipping in the cool refreshing waters during the summer or partaking in one of Finland’s much loved ‘ice swims’ in the winter, Lake Saimaa serves as a place of natural beauty, perfect for escaping the home-life stresses. And you may also be able to catch a glimpse of the rare ringed seals – as one of the world’s most endangered seals, and with around 370-400 seals left, they can only be spotted at Lake Saimaa as they became separated from their fellow seals at the end of the Ice Age.
Why not explore the local town centre of Savonlinna for the day? Take a boat across Lake Saimaa and enjoy wandering around quaint shops and bustling streets. This area serves to be another hot spot destination to gaze at the Norther Lights during winter, and enjoy long days of midnight sun during the summer months.
Choose bespoke holidays in Lake Saimaa for when you next visit Finland.
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What’s the best time to visit Finland?
Whether visiting in winter or the summer, Finland’s extremes when it comes to light of the day make it a desirable destination for either season. In the summer months, in the northernmost parts of Finland, the sun does not set at all. Hence inspiring its name: The Land of the Midnight Sun. Yet during winter, Finland contrasts – the sun can disappear for months, which is a time named as ‘kaamos’. Either of these extremes would be an amazing time to travel to Finland and experience these wonders for yourself.
Looking to visit Finland to experience world natural wonders and extraordinary national parks? Find Finland destinations at your fingertips from Long Travel. Create your own boutique luxury holiday today and travel to Finland in your own style.
