The colorful and art-filled towns of Helsinki and Turku, the depths of the northern forests, and the thinly inhabited outer archipelago are just two examples of Finland's many lovely places and attractions.
Additionally, it is a relatively undiscovered region of Europe, most likely because it is far from the main tourist routes. However, the country's numerous cultural and historical landmarks and the natural surroundings that have not been altered make it an ideal destination. Below are the best things you can do in Finland.
1. Visit Santa Claus Village
One of Finland's top and most well-known attractions is Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, close to the Arctic Circle. This hamlet, which has welcomed guests since the late 1900s, is Santa Claus's birthplace and official North Pole dwelling. A real-life Santa Claus is here, ready to read your letters and meet his fans face-to-face.
The Elf School, where Santa's elves spend all day reading letters from children and delivering gifts to kids throughout the globe, is another must-visit attraction at the North Pole.
2. Explore a lighthouse island.
The biggest archipelago in the World is located in Finland. You can find lighthouses wherever you find islands. Look at these lighthouses! Even while most lighthouses in Finland are now automated, it doesn't mean they're abandoned. Many of them are great day trips or weekend getaway destinations.
If you want to hear nothing except the sound of the waves, spend a day or two on a remote island; that should do it. Taking a boat or ferry over the water will help you forget your troubles.
3. Suomenlinna Fortress
You can reach the 18th-century fort on Suomenlinna, one of the biggest sea fortifications in the World, from Helsinki's Market Square by taking a 15-minute ferry journey (a mini-cruise that offers beautiful views of the city as a bonus).
The fortress castle, originally called Sveaborg, was the primary attraction, which started building in 1748 when Sweden was still a dominion. The fortress fell into disrepair when its inhabitants gave it up to the Russian invasion in 1808.
After regaining their independence in 1917, the Finns gradually restored the landmark by taking control of the fortifications. In addition to being a renowned tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was an active submarine base during WWII.
4. Go Skiing or Ride a Dogsled
In the winter, the Arctic is a dream come true for people who love skiing and ice sports. You can see Sami villages, drive a reindeer sled, cross-country ski for miles, or snowshoe. You can also go on a dogsled safari across frozen lakes. You might even see the beautiful Northern Lights.
If you want a more difficult skiing experience, you can go 170 kilometers north of Rovaniemi to Levi, a winter sports hub with miles of beautiful Nordic trails lit up for night skiing.
So, these are the runs and hills of Finland's largest downhill ski area. You can see the northern lights from inside when you stay in one of Levi's hotels with a glass roof.
5. Watch the Northern Lights
Seeing these brilliant curtains of light fall over the sky is a once-in-a-lifetime experience from the perspective of the majority of humans. Finland is often considered among the World's top destinations for viewing the aurora borealis.
Although there are instances when the lights can be seen even in the most southern sections of the country, the best place to see them is in the region that is either close to or north of the Arctic Circle.
Tourists who come to this spot between September and March with clear skies can almost certainly expect to see a stunning view. Hotel rooms in the north are available at many properties for people who want to see the lights. Aside from that, the Finnish Meteorological Institute lets you sign up for free email updates about the Northern Lights.
6. Explore the hiking trails of Lake Saimaa.
Lake Saimaa is a big lake that is bordered by thick pine trees. A waterways tour will not give you any reason to be disappointed. One of the most fun things to do in Finland is to visit this location. This lake, the largest in Finland and the fourth largest in Europe is an excellent location for activities outside.
Here, you can find a multitude of good birdwatching opportunities as well as hiking routes. Not forgetting the abundance of wonderful locations to go kayaking or canoeing.
7. Lemmenjoki National Park
Anyone interested in experiencing the vastness of the Arctic will adore Lemmenjoki National Park. The boreal forest area is Finland's largest park and one of Europe's most significant sections of wildlands, covering more than 2,589 square kilometers. It is also the largest park in Finland.
Those interested in hiking can use the hundreds of kilometers of paths that have been mapped, the free and open wilderness huts, and the more luxurious rental huts equipped with saunas and camps.
The Lemmenjoki River, the park's namesake, is a breathtaking sight as it runs down from the fells into a valley surrounded by towering pine trees. Guests can either rent a boat or go on a tour. Brown bears, wolves, wild golden eagles, moose, and reindeer can be found in this location.
8. Ranua Wildlife Park
This park is both a zoo and a wildlife preserve. It is home to more than fifty kinds of animals that live in the Arctic in their natural environment. Polar bears Venus and Manse are the most famous people in this area. They are the only ones who live in Finland. It makes sense that the park is home to many reindeer. There are also many smaller wild forest reindeer and other types of deer.
Small animals like mink, otters, and stoats can also be found in the park. Large species like moose and brown bear live there, dogs like the Arctic fox, grey wolf, and dhole, and smaller animals like these. There is also a large variety of owls, geese, eagles, and other birds. Visitors can explore the grounds independently or take an "arctic safari" to learn more about the animals and their environment.
9. Snow Castle of Kemi
Kemi has the World's biggest ice fort, and people are welcome to visit yearly. In the spring, it melts, and in the winter, they build the wonderland again, but each time, they use a slightly different set of building plans. There is a church, a hotel, a restaurant (with ice mugs!), an art gallery, and more.
Many people worldwide come to the church to get married or have their children christened, and the hotel rooms are open for guests. The Snow Castle is open from January to April when it is the coolest. There are, however, plans to build a Snow Castle in 2019 that will be open all year.
10. Aland Islands
Finland's sole Swedish-speaking majority is located in this small region in the Baltic Sea to the south of Finland's mainland, where the archipelago lies.
Mariehamn, the capital, is a famous place to visit, and people often go exploring on empty islands or looking for long-lost medieval artifacts. Food and hotels in the city are from all over the World. You can go hiking, kayaking, boating, or other activities outside.
