As someone who’s spent countless hours exploring Finland’s corners over the past few years, I often get asked what makes this Nordic country special. It’s a tricky question to answer – Finland is a place that shifts and changes with each passing season, from the midnight sun to the polar night.
“Finland isn’t just about Helsinki or Lapland,” says Matti Korhonen, a local guide who’s been showing visitors around his homeland for two decades. “Each region tells its own story through our connection to nature, our saunas, and the way we embrace both silence and community. You can find peace in our forests one day and experience the buzz of our design districts the next.”
While you could spend months discovering everything Finland has to offer, you don’t need to feel overwhelmed. To help you plan your journey through this northern paradise, I’ve put together a list of 20 places that showcase what makes Finland truly unique.
Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki is the place I recommend to anyone who wants to experience the best of Finnish culture. Located on a peninsula jutting into the Gulf of Finland, this laid-back capital city blends modern Nordic design with historic architecture. You’ll find the bustling Market Square selling fresh local foods, the striking white Helsinki Cathedral overlooking Senate Square, and the unique Temppeliaukio Church – carved right into solid rock. The city comes alive in summer when locals flock to its many parks and cafes to soak up the midnight sun.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Many travelers come to Rovaniemi for its claim to fame as Santa Claus’s official hometown, but this Finnish city offers much more than just Christmas magic. Located right on the Arctic Circle, it serves as the gateway to Lapland and provides front-row seats to the northern lights during winter months. In summer, the midnight sun creates endless days perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and river rafting. While the Santa Claus Village draws crowds year-round with its post office and reindeer rides, visitors can also explore the modern Arktikum museum to learn about Arctic life and culture, or join local Sami people for authentic experiences like ice fishing and snowmobile safaris.
Turku, Finland
Visiting Turku in 2018 introduced me to Finland’s oldest city, a place where medieval history meets modern Nordic life. Perched along the Aura River in the country’s southwest, Turku spreads out from its 13th-century castle like a living timeline of Finnish culture. The city’s cobblestone streets wind past the ancient Turku Cathedral and lead to Market Square, where locals gather for traditional Finnish treats and coffee. Along the riverbank, converted shipping warehouses now house quirky cafes and art galleries, while students from Finland’s oldest university bring youthful energy to the historic quarters. The summer months turn the riverside into an outdoor living room, with restaurant boats bobbing on the water and locals lounging on the grassy banks until the late evening sun finally sets.
Tampere, Finland
Ever wondered what a former industrial powerhouse turned cultural hotspot looks like? That’s Tampere for you, Finland’s second-largest city nestled between two massive lakes. Once known as the “Manchester of Finland” for its busy textile mills, this laid-back city now draws visitors to its converted red-brick factories, which house museums, restaurants, and art spaces. The locals love their quirky museums – where else can you find ones dedicated to spy gadgets and Finnish ice hockey legends? When summer rolls around, folks gather by Lake Pyhäjärvi for midnight picnics under the golden Nordic sun, while winter brings the chance to warm up in one of the city’s traditional smoke saunas followed by an invigorating dip in an ice hole.
Levi, Finland
Nestled in the snowy wilderness of Finnish Lapland, Levi stands as Finland’s largest ski resort, drawing winter sports enthusiasts since the 1960s. Located 170 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, this small village transforms into a lively hub during ski season, with 43 slopes spread across its fells. Beyond the skiing, Levi offers visitors a chance to chase the Northern Lights, zoom through forests on snowmobiles, and experience traditional Sami culture. The resort’s cozy restaurants serve up hearty Finnish dishes like reindeer stew and cloudberry desserts, while the modern gondola lift provides panoramic views of the pristine Arctic landscape. In summer, the snow melts to reveal excellent hiking trails and mountain biking routes that wind through patches of wild berries and Arctic flowers.
Porvoo, Finland
Just an hour east of Helsinki lies Porvoo, a place that keeps drawing me back every time I’m in Finland. This charming medieval town stands as Finland’s second-oldest city, where red wooden warehouses line the riverbank and cobblestone streets wind through neighborhoods filled with colorful wooden houses. It’s not the biggest tourist destination in Finland – which is exactly what makes it special. You can spend hours wandering the narrow lanes of Old Town, popping into local craft shops and cafes housed in buildings that have stood for centuries. The locals here have managed to keep the town’s historic character alive while filling it with art galleries, boutiques, and some of the best chocolate shops I’ve found in the Nordic countries.
Saariselkä, Finland
Tucked away in the far reaches of Finnish Lapland, Saariselkä holds a special place in my heart as Finland’s northernmost holiday resort. This compact village serves as the perfect launch point for outdoor adventures, where reindeer vastly outnumber people and the northern lights dance across winter skies. It’s a place where you can ski down gentle slopes in winter, trek through national parks in summer, and experience the unique rhythm of life above the Arctic Circle. While it may not be the easiest destination to reach, those who make the journey find themselves in a pristine wilderness where the Midnight Sun shines for months in summer and polar nights create a magical atmosphere in winter.
Nuuksio National Park, Finland
Just 45 minutes from Helsinki, Nuuksio National Park offers a peaceful escape into Finland’s natural beauty. You can wander through thick forests filled with moss-covered rocks, paddle across mirror-like lakes, or follow well-marked trails that lead to hidden swimming spots. The park’s Finnish Nature Centre Haltia teaches visitors about local wildlife, including the park’s mascot – the Siberian Flying Squirrel. For an authentic Finnish experience, rent a lakeside cabin where you can try traditional activities like berry picking in summer or cross-country skiing in winter.
Little-Known Fact:
Just 30 minutes from busy Helsinki, Nuuksio National Park offers a peaceful escape into Finland’s wilderness with over 30 miles of hiking trails winding through ancient forests and past clear lakes. The park is one of the best places in Finland to spot flying squirrels – these rare nocturnal creatures glide between trees using furry skin flaps that stretch from their front legs to back legs, allowing them to “fly” up to 100 meters in a single leap.
Åland Islands, Finland
Ever wondered what it’s like to live on islands where Swedish is spoken but Finnish flags fly? Welcome to the Åland Islands, an archipelago of over 6,500 islands floating between Finland and Sweden. These autonomous islands offer a unique blend of Nordic culture, where you can cycle through quiet coastal villages, sail between rocky islets, and sample local specialties like black bread and Åland pancakes. The islands’ main town, Mariehamn, gives you a glimpse into the area’s maritime history with its well-preserved wooden houses and old sailing ships. From May to September, you can hop on a ferry to explore the outer islands, where red granite cliffs meet the Baltic Sea, and traditional fishing communities welcome visitors into their peaceful way of life.
Lake Saimaa, Finland
Experience Finland’s natural beauty at Lake Saimaa, the country’s largest lake and home to some of its rarest wildlife. You can spot endangered Saimaa ringed seals lounging on the rocks or catch glimpses of osprey soaring overhead while kayaking through the crystal-clear waters. The lake’s shores offer cozy cottages and traditional Finnish saunas where you can unwind after a day of fishing or hiking. For a unique adventure, take a cruise through the maze of islands and narrow channels, or try your hand at ice fishing during the winter months when the lake freezes over.
Savonlinna, Finland
Visitors flock to the lakeside town of Savonlinna for its famous medieval Olavinlinna Castle, but this Finnish gem offers much more than just ancient stone walls. Set on a series of islands between two vast lakes, the town serves as an important cultural hub in eastern Finland. During summer, the Savonlinna Opera Festival fills the castle’s courtyard with world-class performances, drawing music lovers from across Europe. While the opera takes center stage in July, you can find plenty to do year-round, from boat cruises through the maze-like waters to exploring local markets where vendors sell traditional Karelian pastries and fresh lake fish.
Kuopio, Finland
You’ll want to put Kuopio on your Finland itinerary, especially if you love experiencing Finnish culture in its purest form. Located in the heart of the Finnish Lakeland region, this charming city offers the perfect mix of nature and urban life, with the massive Lake Kallavesi right on its doorstep and the famous Puijo Tower providing sweeping views across the landscape.
Vaasa, Finland
Take a peek at Finnish coastal life in Vaasa, where the sea meets the city in perfect harmony. The town sits along the Gulf of Bothnia, offering visitors a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Wander through the Market Square to sample local treats, or head to the Kvarken Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can hike rocky islands and spot seabirds. For art lovers, the Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art showcases rotating exhibitions in a converted customs warehouse. When evening falls, grab dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants where you can watch boats drift by while enjoying fresh seafood.
Oulu, Finland
Explore the cultural heart of northern Finland in Oulu, where modern tech meets centuries-old tradition. Start your day at the bustling Market Square, where local vendors sell fresh fish and seasonal berries alongside handmade crafts. Take a bike ride along the seaside paths to spot the iconic Toripolliisi statue and the pink-hued City Hall. For science buffs, the Tietomaa Science Centre offers hands-on exhibits across six floors, making it Finland’s first and largest science center. When evening comes, catch a performance at the Oulu Music Centre or join the locals for dinner at one of the cozy restaurants serving fresh-caught salmon and traditional Finnish dishes.
Koli National Park, Finland
Explore Finland’s most beloved natural landscape at Koli National Park, known for its iconic hilltop views over Lake Pielinen. The park’s main lookout point rises 1,145 feet above sea level, offering a classic Finnish vista that’s been featured on countless postcards and travel guides. You can hike through ancient forests in summer or ski down well-maintained slopes in winter. For a memorable meal with a view, stop by Restaurant Grill it! Koli, perched at the summit of Ukko-Koli hill. It’s an ideal spot to rest your feet while taking in the scenery that has inspired Finnish artists for generations.
Inari, Finland
Ever watched the Northern Lights dance across a starlit sky while reindeer roam freely below? That’s just another evening in Inari, Finland’s largest and most northern municipality, where Sami culture and Arctic wilderness come together. The heart of Finnish Lapland, this remote village sits on the shores of Lake Inari, a vast expanse of water that freezes solid enough in winter to drive cars across. From September to March, you can chase the Aurora Borealis, while summer brings the famous midnight sun – weeks of constant daylight perfect for hiking through ancient pine forests. The Siida Museum offers a window into indigenous Sami life, and nearby reindeer farms let you experience local traditions firsthand.
This is interesting:
Did you know that Inari is the heart of Sami culture in Finland, where reindeer herding is still an essential part of daily life and traditions? Beyond its cultural significance, this remote village sits in prime Northern Lights territory, making it one of the best places on Earth to catch nature’s most famous light show during the long polar nights that last from November to January.
Naantali, Finland
Many visitors come to Naantali for its famous Moominworld theme park, but this charming coastal town offers much more than just cartoon characters. Located on Finland’s southwestern coast, Naantali boasts one of the country’s most well-preserved wooden old towns and serves as the official summer residence of the Finnish president. The town’s sheltered harbor fills with boats during the warmer months, while its narrow streets lined with traditional wooden houses transport visitors back to its medieval roots. Whether you’re soaking in the therapeutic waters at the spa, exploring the 15th-century monastery, or enjoying fresh seafood at the marina restaurants, Naantali provides an authentic slice of Finnish coastal life throughout the year.
Suomenlinna Fortress, Finland
Perched on a cluster of islands just off Helsinki’s coast, Suomenlinna Fortress tells a story that spans nearly three centuries of Finnish history. This UNESCO World Heritage site is more than just stone walls and cannons – it’s a living piece of the past where locals and visitors alike come to picnic on grassy hills and explore winding tunnels. I’ve spent hours wandering through its cobblestone paths, discovering hidden bunkers, and watching ferries glide across the Baltic Sea from its rocky shores. While most tourists visit as a quick day trip from Helsinki, those who take their time here are treated to quiet morning walks through the fortress walls, peaceful cafes housed in historic buildings, and sunset views that make you forget you’re just a 15-minute boat ride from Finland’s busy capital.
Yyteri Beach, Finland
You might be surprised to find one of northern Europe’s most beautiful beaches tucked away on Finland’s west coast, but Yyteri Beach is exactly that. This 6-kilometer stretch of fine golden sand feels more like a Mediterranean coastline than what you’d expect to find in Scandinavia. The shallow waters of the Baltic Sea make it perfect for swimming during the warmer months, while the steady winds have turned it into a favorite spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Even in winter, locals bundle up and come here for long walks along the dunes – which, by the way, are the highest in Finland. It’s not your typical Finnish destination, but that’s precisely what makes it so special.
Hossa National Park, Finland
I first discovered Hossa National Park during a summer trek through eastern Finland in 2019. Located near the Russian border in the Kainuu region, Hossa stands out as one of Finland’s newer national parks, officially designated in 2017 to celebrate the country’s 100 years of independence. Ancient rock paintings and crystal-clear lakes dot the landscape here, along with well-marked hiking trails that wind through old-growth pine forests. The park’s crown jewel is the Julma-Ölkky canyon lake, where sheer cliff walls plunge into deep waters, creating perfect conditions for canoeing and fishing. The Color Canyon trail offers a unique perspective of the region’s geology, with its red sandstone walls telling stories of Finland’s prehistoric past.