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Things to Do in Finland

Activities to Do in Finland

Visit Turku, See the Nordic Lake Saimaa, Stay at the Kemi Ice Hotel, Learn about Finnish history at Siida Museum, Enjoy a picnic at Suomenlinna, Indulge in a husky or reindeer sleigh ride, Meet Santa in the Santa Claus Village, See the Northern Lights and many more.

Want to know about the things to do in Finland? Worry no more, as we bring to you some of the most exciting and fun-filled activities that you can indulge in when you visit the Land of the Midnight Sun. For avid nature lovers, Finland offers you its thousands of natural saunas and lakes, where you can take a dip in, or indulge in rejuvenation.

If you are wondering what to do in Finland, don’t forget the famous Northern Lights that you can chase here. And for a more unique and memorable experience, you can sleep inside a glass igloo while the Northern Lights shine bright above you! You can also indulge in various adventure activities in Finland, including reindeer or husky sleigh rides, ice water cruises, skiing, or even ice skating on the frozen Baltic!

Whether you're exploring Finland as part of a larger Europe trip or focusing solely on this Nordic wonder, the country promises a magical experience. From visiting the famous castles and beaches, to shopping at the Market Square in Helsinki, meeting the real Santa in the Santa Claus Village, or even learning about the culture of this abundant country, there are a lot of things in Finland that you can enjoy. You can also pay a visit to some of the most beautiful national parks and forested regions of Finland for a more natural taste of this vibrant land.

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Santa Claus Village
Located in Rovaniemi in Finland, right in the Arctic Circle, the Santa Claus Village is one of the best and most famous attractions in the country. Also known as Santa’s official North Pole residence, this village is the hometown of Santa Claus and opened its doors to visitors in the late 1900s. This is where you can find a real-life Santa receiving all your letters and greeting his fans in person.

In addition to meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus, you can also see the Elf School where Santa’s elves work all day long to receive your letters and send presents to children all over the world. Additionally, the village also has Santa’s official Post Office, from where you can send a letter to your family and friends. There are several handicrafts and souvenir shops located here, where you can get your hands on small knick-knacks or learn about the Finnish Christmas traditions and folklore. You can even get your photo clicked with Father Christmas here! Located right on the Arctic Circle, the village offers a lot of activities to the hundreds and thousands of visitors that come here all around the year.

The Santa Claus Village is also one of the top places in Finland to catch sights of the pristine Northern Lights. Additionally, it is a great place to indulge in sleigh rides, driven by none other than Santa’s reindeers. 
Some of the main attractions of the Santa Claus Village in Finland include Santa’s office and Christmas house, Santa’s Post Office, husky and snowmobile parks, reindeer farms, and more.
Suomenlinna Fortress
The 18th Century sea fortress of Suomenlinna is the ultimate picnic destination due to the sheer beauty surrounding it. Overlooking the crystal clear blue oceanic waters, the Finnish castle is an extremely important historical war remnant from the early 1800 century.

Located close to the village of Lovisa, the beautiful building served as the Naval base and fortress for a long time. Known as one of the prime tourist places in Finland in Helsinki, the fortress is spread across 6 interlinked islands.

Location: 00190 Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki Market Square

Helsinki Market Square, or Kauppatori, is a vibrant hub in the heart of Finland’s capital, offering a rich tapestry of local culture and commerce. Nestled by the waterfront, this bustling market has been a central gathering place since the 18th century. Its open-air stalls brim with a variety of goods, from fresh Finnish produce and artisanal crafts to traditional Finnish delicacies like salmon soup and reindeer meat. The market also features a lively array of souvenirs, handmade items, and fresh flowers.

Åland Archipelago
Situated amidst the Gulf of Bothnia in the Baltic Sea region, the Aland Archipelago consists of over 6000 rocky islands of which only a handful are inhabited. Stunning scenic beauty aside, these islands are primarily known for sweet and wild red berries, vineyards, fisheries, and white sandy beaches.

If exploring the beautiful flora and fauna is not interesting enough, there are numerous trails that travelers can explore.  Cycling and hiking aside, travelers can experience the true wilderness while lodging and camping amidst dense forest covers and seclusions these islands offer.

Location:
Åland, Finland
Lake Saimaa
Spread over an area of 4500 sq km, the ancient freshwater lake of Saimaa is regarded as one of the most crucial natural bio reserve ecosystems of Finland. Home to the Saimaa ringed seal, one of the rarest and most endangered seal species, the lake is a true respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Aside from offering a beautiful view of the Northern Lights, the lake is surrounded by numerous tiny fishing villages and seafood eateries for tourists to explore while visiting Lake Saimaa.

Location:
Southeastern Finland
Lemmenjoki National Park
Home to the indigenous tribes of Sami, Lemmenjoki National park is a beautiful combination of snow-draped greenery that surrounds the crystal clear river flowing amidst the undulating hilly terrain. Hiking trails, camping stations, and fishing aside, the beautiful National park is of grave cultural importance.

From tasting the ever-delicious reindeer stew with the local Sami people to skiing through the white snowy trails, travelers have too many options to explore in Lemmenjoki without ever getting bored.

Location:
Inari and Kittilä, Lapland, in Northern Finland
Levi
Located in the Aurora Zone of the Arctic Circle, Levi is home to one of the largest resorts in Finland. Geographically Levi is a huge barren landscape situated at an elevation of over 530 meters above sea level. This is the reason why the undulating and never-ending landscape of Levi Fell makes it among the most picture-perfect skiing destinations.

The glass dome cabins of the Levi Resorts give guests the rare chance to view the sheer beauty of the Northern Lights in its panoramic best.

Location:
Kittilä, Finland
Sibelius Monument
Regarded as one of the most important architectural pride and one among the popular places to visit in Finland, Sibelius Monument is situated in Toolo of Helsinki. The monument is dedicated to one of the most notable composers and musicians of Finland, Jean Sibelius. Designed by the famed Finish Sculptor and designer Eila Vilhelmina Hiltunen, the monument is the limelight of the Sibelius Park that opened up for the tourists in 1967.

Regarded as a masterpiece in the world of architectural sculpting, the Sibelius Monument was one of the pioneering examples of welding art that was introduced by Ms. Hiltunen, which is why one of the smaller replicas of the monument is carefully preserved at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

Location:
Sibeliuksen puisto, Mechelininkatu, 00250 Helsinki, Finland
Museum Vapriikki
Nestled on the picturesque banks of the Tammerkoski rapids, Museum Vapriikki is housed in the ancient red-brick structure of the Tampella factory area.  The museum of Vapriikki is basically a conglomeration of several museums, including the Mineral Museum, the Doll Museum, the Media Museum, Postal Museum, and the Natural History Museum.

Spread across an area of whopping 14,000 square meters, Museum Vapriikki is one the best places to visit in Tampere for history buffs.

Location:
Alaverstaanraitti 5, 33101 Tampere, Finland

Timing:
10 AM to 6 PM; Closed on Monday

Entry fee:
12 euros per head
Olavinlinna Castle
Olavinlinna Castle is a castle that dates back to the 15th century. It is situated in Savonlinna in Finland in between the islands which connect two lakes named Haukivesi and Pihlajavesi. It is a popular tourist spot that is well known for its awesome architecture made by medieval stones.

A very famous opera festival is held in this castle every year in the summer season since 1912. This beautiful fortress was built by Eric Axelsson Tott in the year 1475. After that, it has become one of the best places in Finland to visit where you will not only be able to enjoy the heritage but also the intricate architectural designs.. There is a museum here where you will get to see a lot of religious items from Russia and Finland.

Location:
57130 Savonlinna, Finland
Snow Castle Of Kemi
Snow Castle of Kemi is the biggest fort made of snow in the whole world. The most unique feature of one of the popular places to visit in Finland is that it gets rebuilt every year during winter. And every single year the architecture of the fort is completely different from the previous year. This phenomenon was started in the year 1996 and around 300000 visitors dropped to see the beauty. It is situated in Kemi city and then in 2017, it was changed to Mansikkanokankatu.

It also has a hotel, a chapel and a restaurant inside it. Many people rent the chapel for their wedding events. The restaurant here has tables and seats made with Ice and is completely covered with reindeer fur. The whole area is decorated with amazing ice sculptures as well. 

Location:
Fleminginkatu 15, 94100 Kemi, Finland
Pyynikki Observation Tower
Lying on the western side of Tampere, Pyynikki Observation Tower serves as an excellent vantage point, offering mesmerizing panoramic views of the entire city and the surrounding lakeland. Constructed back in 1929, this observation tower sustained some bomb damages during the First World War.

This place is often visited by the locals and the tourists for serene evening strolls. This observation tower also houses a quaint cafe, serving fresh and delicious doughnuts, which makes it one of the interesting places to visit in Tampere for kids and dessert lovers.

Location:
Näkötornintie 20, 33230 Tampere, Finland

Timing:
9 AM to 8 PM

Entry fee:
2 euros per head for children & 1 euro per head for children
Urho Kekkonen National Park
Urho Kekkonen National Park is one of the most famous national Parks in Finland which was founded in the year 1983. The national park covers an area close to 2550 square kilometres. The park is named after the late Prime minister and President of Finland.

The most soothing part of this park is the Suojoki river that flows through the park and gives the visitors a beautiful experience for backwaters. If you want to see the natural beauty of this National Park then you must start your journey from Kiilopaa centre.

Location:
Lapland, Finland
Tampere Cathedral
Formerly known as the “Church of St. John”, the Tampere Cathedral came into existence during the 20th century. Constructed during the period of Russian rule over Finland, this majestic cathedral flaunts the brilliant Nordic National Romantic Style architectural design, which is a version of the iconic art nouveau.

One of the reasons that the Tampere Cathedral is counted among the most favourite places to see in Tampere for every architecture buff is its alluring frescos that adorn the interior of this church. These Frescos were painted between 1905 and 1906 by the legendary painter Hugo Simberg.

Location:
Tuomiokirkonkatu, 33100 Tampere, Finland

Timing:
10 AM to 5 PM
Nuuksio National Park
Finland has a total of 40 national parks and Nuuksio National Park is one among them. It was founded in the year 1994 and is considered to be the second closest one to the capital. It is a park where you can reach very easily using normal public transportation.

If you like hiking then this park can serve you well. It has around 8 different trails for hiking and the length and difficulty levels are as per the experience of the hiker. You can also go for a bike trip or horse riding here. If you go to this National Park you will also get the chance to go camping as well as skiing at some particular spots. 

Location:
Espoo, Kirkkonummi and Vihti
Kaleva Church
Established back in 1966 by the iconic architects Reima and Raili Pietilä, the very popular Kaleva Church is a protected building. Appearing like a magnificent concrete silo from its side, the church is locally called “The Silo of the Souls”.

The church attracts eyes with its mesmerizing interior furnishings and magnificent walls with huge windows extending from the roof to the floor. When witnessed from the top, the shape of the beautiful Kaleva Church resembles a fish, which is an ideogram of early Christianity. 

Location:
Liisanpuisto 1, 33540 Tampere, Finland

Timing:
11 AM to 3 PM
Archipelago National Park
Archipelago National Park is situated in the Southwest of Finland and it started its journey in the year 1983. This park covers around 500 square kilometres of the area and it is in the form of an archipelago. It is one of the most visited UNESCO biosphere reserves in the whole world.

If you want to see some traditional agricultural areas, then this National Park is the perfect fit for you. This park was also created to protect the culture of an archipelago in Finland.

Location:
Southwest Finland, Finland
Finnish Hockey Hall Of Fame
Located within the premises of the Vapriikki museum complex, the renowned Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame exhibits important assets related to the sport of hockey in Finland. It also celebrates the success of the iconic hockey players of the country.

The Finnish National Team has bagged Olympic medals and World Championships in the past 50 years and the Finnish Hockey Hall of Fame proudly represents all those glorious wins. While you are here, you can learn about the evolution of hockey in Finland and pay homage to the winners of the NHL Stanley Cup like Esa Tikkanen & Ville Nieminen.

Location: Alaverstaanraitti 5, 33100 Tampere, Finland

Timing: 10 AM to 6 PM; Closed on Monday
Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church

Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church, nestled in the serene wilderness near Inari, Finland, is a captivating testament to the region's cultural and natural heritage. Dating back to the 1760s, this quaint wooden church exudes rustic charm against the backdrop of pristine forests and glistening lakes. Its simple yet elegant architecture reflects traditional Scandinavian design, with a striking bell tower that rises above the surrounding landscape.

Ranua Zoo

The Ranua Zoo in Finland is known for the igloo accommodation with some of the best views of Lapland. This is also one of the go places for those who want to have a look at Lake Rukajarvi too. 

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Finland Things To Do FAQs

Which are the best things to do in Finland?

1. Visit Turku: One of the best things to do in Finland is to pay a visit to the oldest city in the country, Turku. Dating back to the early 18th century, this fun and lively city retains the old-world charm that one must experience at least once. You can also explore the ancient streets of Turku, as you watch the pristine Aura River pass by.
When in Turku, you can also explore the Turku Castle, which is the largest surviving medieval building in all of Finland. There are numerous museums and repurposed bars here as well.

Location: Turku, Southwest Finland

2. See the Nordic Lake Saimaa: The Nordic lakes are popular all across the world. Amongst the best attractions and things in Finland, visiting Lake Saimaa is undoubtedly the most famous of all. During your visit to this country, don’t forget to visit Lake Saimaa, which is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in the European continent. It is here where you can catch glimpses of the unique, endangered and rare Saimaa Ringed Seal, also known as Norppa.
Or, if you are on the look out for this rare and endangered marine animal, go for a water safari, cruise or kayak tour of Lake Saimaa and the surrounding islands.

Location: Southeast Finland

3. Stay at the Kemi Ice Hotel: If wondering what to do in Finland then plan to spend a memorable night at the Kemi Ice Hotel in Lumilinna. Made completely out of snow and ice, this stunning hotel offers you a unique, one-of-a-kind experience in this Nordic country. With the average temperatures remaining around -5 degrees Celsius, the hotel offers beds made of lambskin and sleeping bags with fleece interiors. A stay here is guaranteed to be nothing short of magical, with ice carvings decorating your rooms, heated bathroom facilities and more. You can also see the snow chapel, ice sculptures, gemstone gallery and other attractions here.

Location: Fleminginkatu 15, 94100 Kemi, Finland
Price: € 200 onwards
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

4. Learn about Finnish history at Siida Museum: Amongst the top activities in Finland is a visit to the Siida Museum. Located on the stunning Lake Inari in Inari, this is one of the best museums in the country, which tells you stories about the Laplanders or Sami, a semi-nomadic tribe in Finland. From photographs and interactive sections, to galleries telling you about the existence of the Sami from the prehistoric times to the modern days, the museum also has a theatre where you can learn about the Northern Lights.

Location: Inarintie 46, 99870 Inari, Finland
Price: € 72 onwards
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

5. Enjoy a picnic at Suomenlinna: A picnic at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Suomenlinna Island is one of the top things in Finland. Enjoy a day trip to this island by taking a ferry from Helsinki. In addition to enjoying a thrilling picnic near the shores, you can also explore the 18th century fortress on the island. The island also boasts of almost 300 ancient buildings, with intact cannons and other weapons used during warfare.

Location: 00190 Helsinki, Finland

6. Indulge in a husky or reindeer sleigh ride: Thinking of what to do in Finland? Go for a once in a lifetime sleigh ride, and get driven by huskies or reindeers. Experience the cold wilderness of Finland whilst being pulled by a pack of huskies or Santa’s reindeers in Lapland. While you can avail a reindeer or husky sleigh ride any time of the year, the best time to enjoy this thrilling activity is during the winter months, when you can explore the snowy wilderness of Lapland under the stunning Northern Lights.

Location: Lapland, Finland
Price: € 30 onwards

7. Meet Santa in the Santa Claus Village: Undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Finland is to visit Rovaniemi in the northern part of the country and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. You can also see the Elf School here, or learn to make Santa’s favourite gingerbread treats. Other attractions of this village include a Calligraphy School, where you can pen a handwritten letter to Santa, and the Post Office, where you can see the staggering number of letters people send to Santa.
You can also cross the Arctic Circle through an underground tunnel at the Santa Claus Village.

Location: 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland
Timings: 11:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m.

8. See the Northern Lights: If you are on the hunt to see the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, then Finland is one of the best places to be. Visit Lapland and get a chance to experience this natural phenomenon for a scintillating Northern Light experience. Capture it on your camera, soak in the views or indulge in a sleigh ride under the stunning display of dancing lights in the night sky upon your visit of Finland.
Whatever you do, the experience is sure to be nothing less than surreal, hypnotising and magical.

Location: Lapland, Finland

Planning a visit to Finland, checkout our best selling: Finland Tour Packages
                                                                                            Finland Tour Packages from Delhi

What are the things to do in Finland at night?

1. Stay in a glass igloo: One of the best things to do in Finland at night is to stay inside a glass igloo, while you soak in crystal clear views of the glittering night sky with millions of stars, devoid of any pollution or disturbance.

2. Spend some time at one of the many saunas: Finland is known all over the world for some of the best saunas. So, after the sun sets here, head over to a sauna and enjoy some relaxation and rejuvenation. You can also indulge in spa treatments at the saunas in Finland.

3. Catch the Northern lights: One of the best activities in Finland, especially at night, is to catch the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis in action. Boasting of having some of the best Northern Lights experiences, there are many places in Finland where you can chase this phenomenon, capture it in your lenses and soak in its scintillating views.

Must Checkout: Finland Northern Lights Tour Package
                            Beaches in Finland

What are the romantic things to do in Finland for couples?

1. Explore the Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden: One of the most tranquil and romantic activities in Finland is a trip to the beautiful Kaisaniemi Botanical Gardens, where you can find over 1,300 species of plants from all over the world in its 20 glasshouses. You can also catch sights of gigantic water lilies here.

2. Soak in views of the Baltic Sea from the Sky Wheel: When determining what to do in Finland with your partner, take a ride in the Sky Wheel in Helsinki. This Ferris wheel goes up to 40 metres high, and offers some of the most spectacular views of the city and the Baltic sea.

3. Share a cake at Ekberg: Head over to this 19th century bakery at downtown Helsinki and indulge in traditional Finnish delights with your significant other. This place is best known for its freshly baked breads, napoleon cakes and smorgasbord, among other delicious snacks.

Also Checkout: Helsinki Tour Packages
                           Things to do in Helsinki Finland

Which are the famous beaches in Finland?

1. Yyteri beach, Pori: Sprawling across 4 miles on the Baltic Shore, the Yyteri Beach is the longest beach in Finland, with clean, white sands, sand dunes, and a host of other activities that you can indulge in.

2. Bellevue Beach, Hanko: Known as one of the best beaches in Finland, this beach is quite unexplored, and has shallow waters and fine sand, which makes it great for sunbathing or swimming.

3. Nallikari Beach, Oulu: Amongst the most popular beaches in the country, this beach is famous for the wide array of restaurants, food stalls, hotels, cottages and water sports it offers. It is also a great place to enjoy ice skating during the winters.

4. Ispoinen Beach, Turku: A great beach to enjoy sunbathing and swimming, the Ispoinen Beach also boasts of a public unisex sauna, where you can relax and rejuvenate.

5. Hietaniemi Beach, Helsinki: Also known as Hietsu, this beach is known for its natural, fine sands, azure waters and a serene ambience. From beach and water sports to relaxing, there is a lot you can do here.

Must Checkout: Places to Visit in Finland
                            Places to Visit in Rovaniemi Finland

How can I reach Finland?

The best way to reach Finland is by air. Regular flights to Helsinki in Finland operate from the major metropolitan cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai, among others. You can also avail connecting flights from India to other European cities from where you can fly into Finland.

What is the best time to visit Finland?

The best time to visit Finland is during the summer months of June to early September. This is when the climate in Finland is warm, with longer days and blossoming natural landscapes, making it great to enjoy sightseeing, adventure activities and more.

What is Finland famous for?

Known as the Land of the Midnight Sun, Finland is one of the best places in the world to witness the natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. Famous for being the happiest country in the world, Finland boasts of the cleanest air as well as the best education system in the world. The presence of stunning verdant landscapes, Nordic lakes and great architecture also make Finland quite famous. Some other things that this country is known for includes its saunas, the Santa Claus Village, the Saimaa Ringed Seal and adventure sports, among others.

Is it safe to go to Finland?

Yes, it is safe to go to Finland. In addition to fairly low rates of crime and violence here, Finland also has warm and friendly locals and helpful authorities if you are likely to face any issues. However, it is best to remain vigilant and aware at all times during your trip and to not wander off alone in secluded areas, especially in the dark.

Which is the off season in Finland?

The months from November to March, during the cold winter season, is the off season in Finland. Owing to the occurrence of snowfall, Finland is relatively less crowded around this time than the rest of the year. However, ski resorts all over Finland and Lapland typically see a rush of tourists during these months.

How many days are enough in Finland?

A minimum of seven days is required to explore Finland at its best. Typically, a 7-to-15-day trip to Finland is enough to not just visit the famous sightseeing attractions in Finland, but also indulge in the various experiences and activities here.

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