Identified for its breathtaking landscapes, thick forests, Northern Lights and, huge areas of unspoiled wilderness I can by no means get sufficient of this mysterious and intriguing nation. From stunning Finnish Lapland to funky Helsinki, listed below are my private favorite locations I’d like to share with you…
1. Helsinki
The Finnish capital was such a singular metropolis! I additionally thought it was strikingly stunning with an eclectic mixture of neoclassical, Artwork Deco and trendy structure with designer eating places, vigorous bars, inventive cafes, stunning boutiques, and artwork galleries all set towards a backdrop of lush inexperienced parks and the expansive Baltic Sea.
It was additionally a compact place with a relaxed but vibrant vibe. In addition to its fashionable eye for design I additionally cherished its quirks and eccentricities – right here I noticed locals casually strolling throughout the frozen sea throughout mid-winter, lengthy rows of retro-looking heavy metallic bars, and the super-cute Moomin cafe!
It was additionally a really progressive place with a flourishing vegan scene, a dedication to being as inexperienced and sustainable as they will and an enthralling small-town friendliness!
It was situated in southern Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, a part of the Baltic Sea. It was based in 1550 and was designated because the capital of Finland in 1812 and is house to round 650,000 individuals right this moment.
I spent a enjoyable 4 days right here and explored the historic Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, strolled by means of the picturesque Esplanadi Park, visited the spectacular Helsinki and Uspenski Cathedrals, found up to date Finnish artwork at Kiasma, gazed on the distinctive Temppeliaukio Church (aka the rock church) loved a standard Finnish sauna at Löyly, strolled alongside the Katajanokka district which was often called the Artwork Nouveau residential district, photographed the Sibelius monument and sampled critically tasty native delicacies on the bustling Previous Market Corridor.
- Location: South a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer season (to benefit from the festivals, out of doors cafes, and lengthy sunny days).
- Actions on supply: Sightseeing, visiting museums, exploring artwork galleries, eating, and purchasing.
- Map Location and Instructions
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2. Rovaniemi
That is the capital of Lapland! I believed it was a gem in a really distinctive approach with surreally breathtaking Arctic landscapes dotted with trendy structure and cosy homes, all set underneath the mesmerising Northern Lights. It exuded a magical, enchanting adventurous vibe, made much more by its standing of being official hometown of Santa Claus himself!
Rovaniemi exudes a magical and adventurous vibe, stuffed with the spirit of the Arctic and the enchantment of being Santa Claus’s house, making it a festive and welcoming vacation spot year-round. I completely cherished how residents lovingly embraced the legend and determine of Christmas, and the sights and sounds of the season may be seen all through the entire place and naturally.
It was situated in northern Finland, proper on the Arctic Circle, serving as the executive capital and industrial middle of Finland’s northernmost province, Lapland. It was based in 1783 and rebuilt with designs by Alvar Aalto after near-total destruction in World Battle II, right this moment it has a inhabitants of 63,000 individuals is a much-loved vacationer vacation spot for household holidays.
I flew into Rovaniemi Airport and spent 4 days there and crossed the Arctic Circle line at Santa Claus Village, met Santa himself, explored the Arktikum Museum and learnt about Arctic life, loved the Ranua Wildlife Park, noticed the incredile Northern Lights from a glass igloo, and squeezed in sledging and snowmobiling.
The locals additionally informed me about their magical summer season months in June and July when the solar by no means units. It’s known as the Midnight Solar, and it turned their days right into a dreamy – and really lengthy – journey!
- Location: North a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Winter (for the Northern Lights and Christmas experiences).
- Actions on supply: Northern Lights viewing, visiting Santa Claus Village, and snowmobiling.
- Map Location and Instructions
3. Suomenlinna
This was a historic sea fortress and an UNESCO World Heritage web site! I believed it was a gem with a pretty mix of rugged coastal landscapes and historic structure, together with well-preserved fortifications, charming wood homes, and plush inexperienced areas, beautiful views of the Baltic Sea, a tranquil, laid again vibe and a small group of residents all set towards the backdrop of the scenic Helsinki archipelago!
I discovered it nestled simply off the coast of Helsinki accessible by way of a brief ferry trip from the town middle throughout the Helsinki harbor. It was constructed in 1748 as a maritime fortress and naval base, is now a UNESCO World Heritage web site that spans throughout six islands and homes about 800 residents.
I took a 15-minute ferry trip from the Market Sq. in Helsinki and spent the day there. I explored the sprawling fortress with its large partitions and cannons, visited the attention-grabbing Suomenlinna Museum and the Submarine Vesikko and learnt about its navy historical past, strolled alongside the scenic waterfront paths, loved picnics on its grassy fields, and browsed native crafts within the quaint outlets scattered all through the islands.
- Location: South a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer season (for strolling excursions and exploring the fortress in nice climate).
- Actions on supply: Exploring the ocean fortress, strolling excursions, visiting museums, and having fun with coastal views.
- Map Location and Instructions
My private highlights…
- Having the ability to see Helsinki’s skyline within the distance!
4. Arctic Resort Kakslauttanen
This was a really Insta-worthy journey expertise! It was a critically breathtaking spot with distinctive glass igloos and cosy log cabins nestled within the pristine snowscape of Lapland, the place as I visitor I may gaze on the Northern Lights from the consolation of my beds.
It felt each serene and magical – it felt like I used to be sleeping underneath the celebs however nonetheless being tremendous cozy and it was a very spectacular expertise to observe the Northern Lights shimmer and dance throughout the sky! I’ve to confess t wasn’t low cost (worth vary from €450 to over €800 per night time), but it surely was a very as soon as in a lifetime expertise!
It was situated deep in Finnish Lapland, close to the city of Saariselkä, round 250 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, and is a part of a area with a sparse inhabitants with just below 2,000 residents. It had a historic significance as a former buying and selling put up and gateway to Arctic explorations.
- Location: North a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Winter (for the glass igloos and Northern Lights views).
- Actions on supply: Northern Lights viewing, staying in glass igloos, sledging, and snowshoeing.
- Map Location and Instructions
5. Nuuksio Nationwide Park
This was a nature lover’s dream! I found this protected space was a gem of a spot with tranquil forests, clear glowing lakes, inexperienced rolling hills and miles of well-marked climbing trails.
It’s situated within the southern a part of the nation, close to the town of Espoo, nearly 30 kilometres northwest of Helsinki. Established in 1994 to protect the varied Espoo area ecosystem and it spans round 55 sq. kilometres.
I drove right here from Helsinki which took half-hour and when right here I hiked alongside well-marked trails such because the Haukankierros Path, canoed on the serene Lake Haukkalampi (there have been canoe leases situated there!), noticed uncommon woodland birds and flying squirrels, participated in guided nature walks, stayed in a single day in a comfortable conventional Finnish huts (there was additionally designated tenting areas), and exploring the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, which had attention-grabbing interactive exhibitions.
- Location: South a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer season (for climbing, tenting, and wildlife viewing).
- Actions on supply: Climbing, tenting, wildlife viewing, and biking.
- Lodging: Nuuksio Hostel, Haltia Lake Lodge, and close by tenting websites.
- Map Location and Instructions
- Nuuksio Nationwide Park Web site
6. Porvoo
That is one in every of Finland’s second oldest cities! I believed it was very fairly with a picturesque riverside setting adorned with vibrant outdated wood homes, slim cobblestone streets, and a handful of placing historic landmarks.
To me, it felt quaint and creative, stuffed with a way of historical past and a vigorous cultural allure that flowed from its vintage outlets, native galleries, and cosy cafés lining its outdated streets and the high quality riverside eating places.
I discovered it nestled on the Porvoo River, in southern Finland, round 50 kilometres east of Helsinki. It’s truly one in every of solely six remaining medieval cities and was first documented in historical past within the 14th century however right this moment has a inhabitants of round 50,000 and is known for its well-preserved wood homes and cultural heritage.
I drove right here on a day journey from Helsinki which took. I explored the very enticing Previous City with its vibrant wood homes, visited the medieval Porvoo Cathedral, strolled alongside the riverfront, loved distinctive outlets and native crafts on the Brunberg Chocolate Manufacturing unit, dined in charming cafes, and took scenic pictures from the outdated railway bridge for (the place there have been gorgeous views of the beautiful metropolis)!
- Location: South a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer season (to discover the historic city and benefit from the riverside ambiance).
- Actions on supply: Sightseeing, visiting historic websites, purchasing in native boutiques, and riverside eating.
- Map Location and Instructions
7. Lake Saimaa
That is Finland’s largest lake! I found a beautiful magnificence spot with huge, clear shimmering waters dotted with forested islands, charming lakeside cottages, sandy and rocky seashores, and picturesque wood saunas that blended seamlessly into the unspoiled Finnish wilderness! I used to be completely taken with how peaceable and rejuvenating right here – it was an ideal escape into nature!
Situated within the southeastern a part of the nation, it spanned a number of areas together with South Karelia and South Savo, and is Finland’s largest lake, masking round 4,400 sq. kilometres. It was shaped after the final Ice Age, has been a significant waterway for commerce and journey for hundreds of years, and is surrounded by small cities and villages.
I drove three hours from Helsinki and stayed for a summer season weekend and though it wasn’t overly crowded with vacationers, but it surely there have been different guests right here. I cruised by means of its scenic waterways on a ship tour, explored Linnansaari and Kolovesi Nationwide Parks and extremely noticed the uncommon Saimaa ringed seal, relaxed in conventional lakeside saunas, swam at sandy and rocky seashores, visited the medieval Olavinlinna Fort in Savonlinna, and loved kayaking and island hopping throughout its huge, unspoiled waters.
- Location: Southeast a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer season (for boat excursions and seeing the Saimaa Ringed Seal).
- Actions on supply: Boat excursions, climbing, and wildlife viewing.
- Map Location and Instructions
8. Oulanka Nationwide Park
I used to be fully wowed by this particular place! It was a unprecedented stunning and unspoiled spot with dramatic landscapes of speeding rivers, deep canyons, dense boreal forests, rustic wilderness huts and suspension bridges. In the course of the winter (after I visited!) it was a frozen magical wilderness with temperatures starting from -10°C to -30°C.
To me, it felt wild and adventurous, providing an immersive expertise in untouched nature which I felt was a real escape from trendy life! This space was very distant!
It was situated in northeastern Finland, close to the Russian border, spanning the areas of Lapland and Northern Ostrobothnia, with its foremost entrance close to the city of Kuusamo. The park was established in 1956 and lined round 270 sq. kilometers.
I flew into Kuusamo Airport after which it was a 50 km bus trip which felt like we had been driving deep within the coronary heart of the snowy wilderness. I stayed per week on the rustic eco-lodge Basecamp Oulanka and we hiked the regionally well-known Karhunkierros Path on snowshoes, admired the frozen Kiutaköngäs Rapids, went cross-country snowboarding by means of silent snow-covered forests, noticed wild reindeer, learnt easy methods to construct a quinzee, stayed in cosy wilderness huts, after which skilled the Insta-worthy magic of the Northern Lights over the pristine Arctic panorama (my photograph above)!
In summer season I used to be informed guests hiked the Karhunkierros Path, went canoeing or kayaking on the Kitka and Oulanka Rivers and exploring the park’s scenic viewpoints and waterfalls.
- Location: Northeast a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Winter (for Northern Lights and snow-covered landscapes).
- Actions on supply: Climbing, cross-country snowboarding, wildlife viewing, and river rafting.
- Lodging: Basecamp Oulanka, Oulanka Wilderness Camp, and close by cabins.
- Map Location and Instructions
My highlights…
- Sampling the home made cloudberry liquors and really refreshing dips in an out of doors scorching tub at Basecamp Oulanka.
9. Turku Archipelago
It is a fantastic hidden gem! The proud locals informed me they thought it probably the most breathtaking locations on earth, and I can completely see why it was stuffed with lush, inexperienced islands surrounded by clear, glowing waters, dotted with quaint wood cottages, historic lighthouses, picturesque harbours, and tranquil sandy seashores.
I used to be additionally charmed by its relaxed, serene and slow-paced vibe and the way regardless of every island being very distinct, all of them come collectively to create a tight-knit group. This communal spirit, mixed with the islands’ individuality, made it a really particular place to go to!
Situated off the southwestern coast of the nation, it stretched from the town of Turku and prolonged towards the Åland Islands within the Baltic Sea. It consisted of over 20,000 islands and has been a key a part of Finland’s maritime historical past for the reason that medieval period, with a small everlasting inhabitants of round 40,000, but it surely additionally attracting 1000’s of vacationers annually, particularly in the course of the summer season months.
I flew into Turku Airport from Helsinki, then drove to the archipelago staying for a really stress-free week. Touring across the islands was really easy with the community of ferries, there was no have to hire a automotive I simply rented a bicycle as an alternative.
I went on a ship journey, kayaked between the islands, cycled alongside the scenic Archipelago Path, explored the medieval Turku Fort, visited the charming seaside city of Naantali which was house to the quirky and enjoyable Moomin World, hiked the Archipelago Nationwide Park, relaxed on the seashores of Pargas, and revel in native delicacies in picturesque waterfront eating places.
- Location: Southwest a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer season (for island hopping and biking by means of the islands).
- Actions on supply: Island hopping, biking, crusing, and kayaking.
- Lodging: Archipelago Inn, Saaristohotelli Vaihela, and island cottages.
- Map Location and Instructions
10. Utsjoki
This distant village is situated close to the Arctic Circle! I believed it was breathtaking with pristine Arctic landscapes, with huge wilderness, rolling hills, the meandering Teno River and conventional Sámi wood homes. It felt peaceable, untouched and distant, the place the solitude made me really feel extra reference to nature and really feel removed from the bustle of on a regular basis life.
It’s tucked away within the far northern a part of the nation, within the Lapland area, close to the border with Norway, and is the northernmost municipality in Finland, situated alongside the Teno River. It has a inhabitants of round 1,200, has a wealthy Sámi cultural heritage and it nice for Nothern Gentle recognizing so it attracts round just a few thousand guests yearly.
To get there I flew into Ivalo Airport after which it was a bus trip 160 km away which took three hours. I stayed for 4 days and snow-shoed by means of snowy forests, went cross-country snowboarding within the surrounding hills, managed to see the magical Northern Lights, visited conventional Sámi villages, learnt concerning the native individuals within the Utsjoki Sámi Museum and explored the snowy trails within the Kevo Strict Nature Reserve.
- Location: North a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Winter (for the Northern Lights and Sámi tradition).
- Actions on supply: Northern Lights viewing, climbing, studying about Sámi tradition, and fishing.
- Lodging: Utsjoki Aurora Holidays, Vacation Village Valle, and riverside cabins.
- Map Location and Instructions
11. Naantali
It is a fairly resort city stuffed with Finnish tradition! I believed it was very enticing with vibrant wood homes within the historic outdated city, a serene harbour lined with cozy cafés and boutiques, and a handful of peaceable sandy seashores, a picturesque waterfront alongside the archipelago, and plush gardens, all set towards the gorgeous backdrop of the Baltic Sea. I used to be additionally received over by the I cherished the gradual paced and distinctive old-world ambiance in addition to its small seaside city allure.
- Location: Southwest a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer season (for festivals, waterfront views, and exploring the Previous City).
- Actions on supply: Exploring the Previous City, visiting Moominworld, having fun with waterfront views, and attending festivals.
- Map Location and Instructions
12. Mariehamn
I believed this was a pleasant gem! It’s the capital of the gorgeous Åland Islands and I cherished how straightforward it’s to discover this charming transport city on foot after catching a ferry right here. I may stroll from one finish to the opposite with out ever needing a automotive and simply stare upon its charming surroundings and picturesque streets!
On my journey, I cherished shopping the quaint outlets and eating places whereas strolling alongside Torggatan which was the primary pedestrian road within the centre.
For the perfect view of this rising metropolis, I trekked as much as Badhusberg the place I may see panoramic views of Mariehamn from up excessive!
- Location: Southwest a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer season (for nice climate and exploring the Åland Islands by foot or bike).
- Actions on supply: Sightseeing, biking, visiting museums, and exploring the Åland Islands.
- Lodging: Lodge Arkipelag, Park Alandia Lodge, and comfortable guesthouses.
- Map Location and Instructions
13. Saariselka
That is a tremendous place to attempt to see the the Aurora Borealis! The Northern Lights appeal to numerous vacationers yearly and encapsulate the creativeness as streams of color dance throughout the night time sky.
I really like how they make the occasion much more particular with uniquely designed cabins. These cabins supplied an excellent view of the northern lights whereas we remained heat inside!
In the course of the summer season season, friends get pleasure from a trek into one of many final remaining huge wilderness alternatives in Europe. With so many forests disappearing, returning to nature in a wilderness-driven panorama like Saariselka is an excellent expertise!
- Location: North a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Winter (for the Northern Lights and winter sports activities).
- Actions on supply: Northern Lights viewing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and husky safaris.
- Lodging: Northern Lights Village, Star Arctic Lodge, and vacation cottages.
- Map Location and Instructions
14. Repovesi Nationwide Park
Situated solely 3 hours from Helsinki within the municipalities of Kouvola and Mäntyharju, this former web site for intensive industrial forestry, the Repovesi space efficiently remodeled into a beautiful nationwide park.
A haven for out of doors fans, I believed it was gorgeous place stuffed with hills blanketed with thick, rugged forests and clear blue lakes each in summer season and winter. In the course of the winter, the entire place is roofed in pure white snow and truthfully it’s a very unbelievable and really Instagram-worthy sight!
- Location: Southeast a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer season (for climbing, canoeing, and exploring the wilderness).
- Actions on supply: Climbing, canoeing, mountaineering, and wildlife watching.
- Lodging: Tentsile Expertise EcoCamp, Repovesi Nationwide Park cabins, and close by lodges.
- Map Location and Instructions
15. Lake Pielinen
Situated in japanese Finland’s Karelia area, Pielinen Lake is the fourth largest in Finland. Its massive drainage basin covers each east Finland and Russia.
I really like this unspoiled and tranquil spot. It has improbable views and leisure actions reminiscent of climbing and biking in the course of the summer season months. There’s additionally plenty of fairly small villages and cities situated on the forested hills of Karelia.
- Location: East a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer season (for climbing and biking with stunning lake views).
- Actions on supply: Climbing, biking, boating, and fishing.
- Lodging: Break Sokos Lodge Koli, Pielinen cottages, and lakeside guesthouses.
- Map Location and Instructions