Best Places To Travel In Finland: Top Picks & Tips

Helsinki, Lapland, Turku, Saimaa, Åland: a mix of cities, lakes, islands, and Arctic wilderness are the best places t travel  in Finland

Last winter, Linda and I visited Finland. We stayed there for more than two weeks. After exploring the country, we selected the best places to travel in Finland. In this article, we share a clear, practical, and expert view of the top destinations, travel tips, seasonal advice, and sample itineraries. Whether you want northern lights in Lapland, design and food in Helsinki, island life in Åland, or quiet lakes in Saimaa, this guide helps you plan smart trips and make confident choices.

Why visit Finland?

Finland blends wild nature with refined urban life. The mix of forests, lakes, archipelagos, and modern cities makes it one of the best places to travel in Finland for many tastes. You can chase northern lights, relax in lakeside saunas, see modern design, or bike tiny island roads.

I have led tours and worked with local guides. I know the seasons, the transport quirks, and where crowds avoid great views. This section explains key reasons to visit and what each season offers.

Top 10 best places to travel in Finland

Below are the top picks, with practical notes on what to do, when to go, and travel tips. Each entry focuses on real travel value and unique experiences.

1. Helsinki — Finland’s capital and design hub

Overview
Helsinki is compact, modern, and full of culture. It blends neoclassical architecture with bold design labs and seaside vibe.

Things to do

• Visit the Design District and museums.
• Walk around Market Square and try local food.
• Take a ferry to Suomenlinna sea fortress.

Best time to visit
Summer for festivals, late spring for mild weather, and winter for low crowds.

Tips
Buy a transit card for buses, trams, and ferries. Reserve museum tickets in high season.

2. Rovaniemi and Lapland — Arctic adventure and northern lights

Overview
Rovaniemi is the gateway to Lapland and a top place to see northern lights and winter activities.

Things to do

• Join a northern lights hunt with local guides.
• Try husky sledding, reindeer rides, and snowmobiling.
• Visit Santa Claus Village if traveling with family.

Best time to visit
Late September to early April for northern lights and winter sports. Summer offers midnight sun and hiking.

Tips
Layer clothing and plan flexible dates for aurora viewing. Book winter activities months ahead.

3. Turku — history, castles, and riverfront life

Overview
Turku is Finland’s oldest city. It has a castle, cathedral, and lively river culture.

Things to do

• Explore Turku Castle and Cathedral.
• Take river cruises and shop at local markets.
• Use Turku as a base for nearby archipelago islands.

Best time to visit
Late spring through early autumn for events and island access.

Tips
Buy the Turku Card for discounts on attractions and transport.

4. Porvoo — charming old town close to Helsinki

Overview
Porvoo is a small, historic town with cobbled streets and wooden houses. It is perfect for a day trip from Helsinki.

Things to do

• Stroll the Old Town and visit artisan shops.
• Enjoy riverside cafes and local pastries.
• Visit the Porvoo Cathedral.

Best time to visit
Year round. Summer has outdoor cafes and festivals.

Tips
Arrive early to avoid tour groups. Combine with a coastal drive.

5. Saimaa Lake District — lakes, cruises, and quiet retreats

Overview
Saimaa is Finland’s largest lake system. It is ideal for nature lovers and slow travel.

Things to do

• Rent a cottage or take a lake cruise.
• Try fishing, canoeing, and sauna on the shore.
• Look for Saimaa ringed seal in protected areas.

Best time to visit
Late spring to early autumn for water activities. Winter offers ice fishing and silence.

Tips
Book cottages in advance in July and August. Respect wildlife rules.

6. Åland Islands — Nordic island life and cycling routes

Overview
Åland is an autonomous, Swedish-speaking archipelago with calm seas and stone-lined fields.

Things to do

• Cycle between islands and enjoy seafood.
• Visit maritime museums and quiet harbors.
• Take island-hopping ferries.

Best time to visit
Late May through September for cycling and warm weather.

Tips
Bring a bike or rent locally. Plan ferry times ahead of peak season.

7. Koli National Park — classic Finnish views and hiking

Overview
Koli offers iconic Finnish landscapes: rolling hills, forests, and lake views. It is a short drive from Joensuu.

Things to do

• Hike marked trails and visit the viewpoint.
• Enjoy photography at sunrise and sunset.
• Stay in a cozy lodge or cabin.

Best time to visit
Summer and autumn for hikes and foliage. Winter for snowshoeing.

Tips
Follow trail markers and pack good shoes. Stay at small guesthouses to support local hosts.

8. Oulu and Northern Coast — festivals and tech culture

Overview
Oulu blends tech innovation with coastal charm. It’s a lively northern city with music and outdoor life.

Things to do

• Attend music festivals in summer.
• Explore riverfront parks and markets.
• Use as base for coastal beaches and islands.

Best time to visit
Summer for events and mild weather.

Tips
Try local fish dishes and visit the technology museums.

9. Kemi — icebreaker cruises and winter spectacle

Overview
Kemi is known for its icebreaker ship tours and winter activities on the Gulf of Bothnia.

Things to do

• Join an icebreaker cruise and walk on ice.
• Visit the SnowCastle if open.
• Try northern cuisine in town.

Best time to visit
January to March for icebreaker season.

Tips
Book icebreaker tickets early. Dress for polar winds on the sea.

10. Nuuksio National Park — quick nature escape from Helsinki

Overview
Nuuksio is close to Helsinki and perfect for short escapes. It offers forests, lakes, and marked trails.

Things to do

• Day hikes and canoe trips.
• Spot local wildlife like elk and birds.
• Try an outdoor sauna experience.

Best time to visit
Spring through autumn for hiking. Winter for cross-country skiing.

Tips
Take public transport from Helsinki for easy access. Expect simple facilities.

Practical travel tips for visiting Finland

This section covers money, transport, timing, and simple safety notes. Use these tips to plan efficient trips.

Money and budget
Finland uses the euro. Card payments work almost everywhere. Expect higher prices than average in Europe.

Getting around

• Use trains for long routes and buses for remote spots.
• Ferries link archipelagos and coastal towns.
• Rent a car for flexible rural travel.

Weather and clothing
Pack layers. Summers are mild. Winters are cold and long. A warm hat and insulated boots matter.

Connectivity and language
English is widely spoken. Learn a few Finnish or Swedish phrases as a courtesy.

Health, safety, and rules

• Tap water is safe everywhere.
• Respect nature rules and fire restrictions.
• Emergency number is 112.

Personal experience
I have relied on trains and local buses across Finland. Trains are on time and clean. In rural areas, plan trips with buffer time.

Sustainable travel and respecting local culture

Finland prizes nature and quiet. Travelers should match that tone. Small acts help keep Finland special.

Sustainable practices

• Choose public transport or cycle.
• Stay in small lodges and support local guides.
• Keep to marked trails and avoid disturbing wildlife.

Cultural etiquette

• Remove shoes when visiting homes.
• Ask before photographing people, especially in remote communities.
• Learn basic greetings to show respect.

Limitations and honesty
Some remote places have limited services. Seasonal closures are common. Plan backups and confirm bookings.

Sample itineraries: short, medium, and long

Use these templates to shape trips. Each is flexible and can be tweaked for seasons.

3-day city and nature mix

• Day 1: Helsinki city tour, Design District, Suomenlinna.
• Day 2: Train to Nuuksio for a hike and sauna.
• Day 3: Day trip to Porvoo and evening return.

7-day Lapland and Helsinki

• Days 1–2: Helsinki highlights.
• Days 3–7: Fly to Rovaniemi, northern lights hunts, husky safari, cultural visits.

14-day full-country loop

• Start in Helsinki, head west to Turku and Åland, north to Oulu, east to Koli, finish in Lapland.
• Use trains and ferries. Mix cottages and hotels.

Personal note
When I led a 10-day trip, the best feedback came from mixing city culture and quiet nature. Allow downtime to appreciate simple moments.

Source: youtube.com

Frequently Asked Questions of best places to travel in finland

What is the best time to visit Finland for northern lights?

Late September to early April is the best time to see northern lights, with peak clarity from December to March in Lapland. Clear, dark nights improve chances.

Do I need a visa to visit Finland?

Citizens of the EU, EEA, and many other countries do not need a visa for short stays. Check official sources for up-to-date visa rules before travel.

Is Finland expensive for travelers?

Finland is generally more expensive than many European countries. Use public transport, book in advance, and eat at markets to lower costs.

How safe is Finland for solo travelers?

Finland is very safe for solo travelers with low crime rates and reliable emergency services. Standard travel vigilance is still wise in cities and remote areas.

Can I see the midnight sun, and where?

Yes. The midnight sun occurs above the Arctic Circle from late May to mid-July. Visit Lapland or northern coastal regions to experience it.

Conclusion

Finland offers varied landscapes and experiences, making it one of the best places to travel in Finland whether you seek cities, islands, lakes, or Arctic adventures. Use the destination notes and practical tips here to tailor your trip. Start by picking a season and one or two regions, then layer activities and rest days. If you found this guide helpful, subscribe for more travel planning tips, share your questions below, or leave a comment with your planned route.