Finland is a land of pristine nature and wild adventure. It is the place to go if you are looking for a unique travel experience.
The Finnish countryside has much to offer, from elk and reindeer to snow-clad mountains, arctic wildlife and a magical Northern Lights show. We have rounded up the best places to visit in Finland for you to explore.
1. Helsinki
Helsinki is a modern and stylish city with plenty of things to do. It's known for its Nordic influences and is the World Design Capital in 2012.
The city centre is full of architecturally unique sights that will linger in your memory. Start with the imposing Finnish Parliament building and National Museum.
After these, head to Senate Square to see the stunning Evangelical Lutheran cathedral. It has an amazing interior with a large green dome and four smaller ones.
It's one of the best-known landmarks in Finland and is an excellent place to take photographs.
A walk north from the parliament buildings along Mannerheimintie will bring you to the Temppeliaukio Church, an underground rock-carved church built into the ancient solid rock of the peninsula. Or head to Kamppi Chapel, a serene wooden chapel designed for peace and reflection.
2. Old Rauma
Old Rauma is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to visit in Finland. This charming wooden town centre contains 600 historical buildings that are still occupied, and is full of colorful architecture.
There are many museums in Old Rauma where tourists can learn more about its history and local traditions. The Rauma Museum, located in the former town hall building, has a permanent exhibition focusing on the town’s fine tradition of lace making.
Another attraction is the Maritime Museum, which has incredible artifacts and features an impressive navigation simulator. There are also a number of interesting boutiques and cafes.
I recommend a visit to Old Rauma at any time of year. You can find a nice balance between history and modernity here, and it’s a great day trip from Helsinki.
3. Hameenlinna
Hameenlinna is a hidden gem of a town with plenty to see and do. The town is home to a beautiful natural landscape filled with lakes and peppered with artifacts from Finnish cultural history.
There are numerous attractions to visit in Hameenlinna, including the famous Hame Castle. This massive, twin-towered, red-brick fortress was built to secure Swedish power in Finland during the 13th century.
Another major attraction in Hameenlinna is the Museum Militaria, which is located right next to the Hame Castle. This is one of the largest war and military history museums in Finland.
Other popular attractions in Hameenlinna include Peltola Golf, Aulanko Nature Reserve, and a variety of top hotels and rental accommodations near Peltola Golf. Many of these accommodations provide easy access to the nature reserve via public transport, along with dining options with open air selections.
4. Rovaniemi
The Arctic capital of Finland and hometown to Santa Claus, Rovaniemi is a fantastic place to spend some time during your Finland vacation. This Lappish city is home to many attractions, from husky-sledding and snowmobiling to Northern Lights chasing.
- There’s also plenty to do if you’re not into a sled-hauling experience, including visiting the Santa Claus Village, crossing the Arctic Circle, and exploring the forests of Finnish Lapland. However, if you’re looking for something more active, consider heading to one of the many ski resorts in and around the city.
- Another great thing to do while you’re in Rovaniemi is visit the Arktikum Museum, a fantastic art gallery. They have an ever-changing collection of modern and contemporary art, showcasing Finnish artists as well as Lapland-born artists.
- Finally, there’s the Cafe & Bar Koti, where you can sample a taste of Finnish culture - coffee and pulla (foam cups). They also have a variety of baked pastries and soup lunch specials.
