Top 15 Breathtaking Places to Explore in Finland

This sometimes mysterious country is known for its breathtaking forests, stunning aurora displays, vast areas of unspoiled wilderness and its fondness for saunas!

From the breathtaking landscapes of Finnish Lapland to creative bistros filled with cloudberry liquor-swilling locals in Helsinki, here are my personal favourite places I’d love to share with you…

1. Helsinki

This capital is a unique and eclectic mix of contemporary and Art Noveau architecture, excellent designer restaurants, lively bars, creative cafes, beautiful boutiques, and galleries wrapped up in one stylish, neat, compact package!

Also, throw in some quirks and eccentricities—locals casually walking across the frozen sea during mid-winter, the long rows of heavy metal bars, and the super-cute Moomin cafe—and you’ve got yourself quite an extraordinary city! The Finnish capital has gained a huge fan! 

It’s also a very progressive place with a burgeoning vegan scene, a commitment to sustainability, and a charming small-town friendliness.

My favourite highlights include Uspenski Cathedral, the Sibelius monument, the Katajanokka district and Temppeliaukio Church (aka the unique rock church which has become a huge tourist hotspot)! 

2. Rovaniemi

Of course, everyone has heard of Santa Claus, but did you know he was based in Finland? Rovaniemi was home to the original figure Santa Clause was based on, so if you have a child with wild Christmas eyes, Rovaniemi is the ideal place to take them on a Finnish holiday! 

In the city, residents have lovingly embraced the legend and figure of Christmas, so sights and sounds of the season can be seen throughout the land.

Adults can also enjoy this area, with exceptional Northern Lights views and endless days during June and July when the sun never sets. This season is referred to as the Midnight Sun.

3. Suomenlinna

Few areas anywhere in the world hold as much history as Suomenlinna. This area of Finland has not always been a part of the country but has changed hands a few times.

Once owned by Russia and Sweden, this island is now one of the most visited places in the country.

Suomenlinna was constructed as a fortress in 1748 and has always served as a fortress in some form or another, but it is also home to a small community of residents. Suomenlinna is certainly something to behold; in my opinion, this World Heritage Site should not be missed! 

4. Arctic Resort Kakslauttanen

It is a stunning, tranquil, but much sought-after resort due to its incredible, unique accommodations.

Located in Kakslauttanen, Finland, the big draw is their world-famous glass igloos, which allow you to experience the feeling of sleeping under the stars and, of course, make the most of the Northern Light should make an appearance.

Surrounded by thick forest and the Kakslauttanen River and covered in snow during the winter months, this place isn’t cheap, but it sure is the stuff of dreams!

5. Nuuksio National Park

National parks are known for providing an escape from everyday modern life, and that is exactly what you will find at the stunning Nuuksio National Park.

This nature lover’s dream is just outside Finland’s capital and offers an array of opportunities to reconnect with nature and enjoy the epic beauty of the forest.

Camping and hiking are permitted in this national park, and the many waterfalls and breathtaking photo opportunities keep tourists and locals coming back again and again! 

6. Porvoo

In terms of a quaint little fishing village, Porvoo is not, but with just over 50,000 residents, it does maintain a lot of a small-town feel but with big-city dreams.

This part of Finland is one of the six remaining medieval towns and was first mentioned in history in the 14th century.

History is everywhere you look in Porvoo, and tourists enjoy various activities, from kayaking the waterways to enjoying the many quaint shops and cafes throughout the city.

The allure of Porvoo is often linked to its ability to recapture the old-world feel while managing as a modern town. I would say I don’t forget to pack your camera. This place is highly photogenic!

7. Lake Saimaa

This country has a substantial number of lakes—the most in Europe! Lake Saimaa is the largest of these interconnected bodies of water.

The lake system can be viewed from land, but you must travel by boat to see the massive scope and exceptional beauty of this remarkable piece of paradise.

Tours are common on Lake Saimaa, and I highly recommend going on one to try and catch a glimpse of the Saimaa Ringed Seal, which is currently endangered—merely a few hundred exist! Aw! 

8. Oulanka National Park

Oulanka National Park is an extraordinary magical wilderness, especially during the winter. It covers an area of 270 square kilometres in Finnish Lapland (the far north of the county).

Initially established in 1956, it caters to many outdoor and adventure lovers. During the summer, you’ll hear Brooks gushing and rivers rushing between the densely packed trees. During the winter, the snowy wonderland is also somewhere that often hosts the incredible Northern Lights.

I highly recommend staying at Basecamp Oulanka, as I did, sampling their homemade cloudberry liquors, and taking refreshing dips in their outdoor hot tub!

9. Turku Archipelago 

A unique aspect of Finland can be found in the Turku Archipelago. The locals like to think this is one of the most stunning beauty spots in the whole world!

I do agree that the sprawling 20,000-island chain is something extraordinary. I also admire that even though each island is separate, they all seem to work together as an encompassed community.

A network of ferries manages island travel, so tourists need not contend with renting a vehicle. However, renting a bicycle can be a huge help as this is the general mode of transport for most people living and visiting the area.

10. Utsjoki

Located in Lapland and bordering Norway, Utsjoki’s small population of just over 1,200 helps maintain the small village feel that attracts many visitors yearly.

This Sami village is where tourists can slow down from hectic city life and enjoy the sheer beauty of nature’s splendour. The Tenojoki River flows along Utsjoki’s northern border, attracting its share of fishermen.

11. Naantali

A land of endless festivals and embracing Finish culture awaits you in Naatali! This is a pretty resort town located in Southwest Finland, and festivals such as the Naantali Music Festival happen every June from the 6th to the 17th, attracting visitors from around the globe. The town, in general, maintains a unique old-world atmosphere that keeps visitors coming back again and a gain.

Kultaranta Gardens is just one of the many attractions in Naantali. It features a unique look at the 100-year history of the nation’s presidents.

12. Mariehamn

This is the capital of the gorgeous Åland islands, and Mariehamn attracts visitors for its magnificent beauty but also its walkability! Many enjoy visiting this classic shipping town as getting from one end to another is easy without ever setting foot in a car.

Ferries and foot traffic are the most common modes of transportation here. For the best view of this growing city, a trek up to Badhusberg will allow you to see Mariehamn from the top.

I would highly recommend browsing various shops and restaurants while strolling along Torggatan, the pedestrian precinct in central Mariehamn.

13. Saariselka

The main attraction in Saariselki is the Aurora Borealis! The Northern Lights attract countless tourists annually and encapsulate the imagination as streams of colour dance across the night sky.

In Saariselka, they make the event even more special with uniquely designed cabins. These cabins offer a pure view of the northern lights while guests remain toasty warm inside.

During the summer season, guests enjoy a trek into one of the last remaining vast wilderness opportunities in Europe. With so many forests disappearing, returning to nature in a wilderness-driven landscape like Saariselka is nice.

14. Repovesi National Park

 

Located only 3 hours from Helsinki in the municipalities of Kouvola and Mäntyharju, this former site for intensive commercial forestry, the Repovesi area successfully transformed into a gorgeous national park.

A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, the parks are filled with hills blanketed with thick, rugged forests and clear blue lakes both in summer and winter. During the winter, the whole place is covered in pure white snow.

15. Lake Pielinen 

Located in eastern Finland’s Karelia region, Pielinen Lake is the fourth largest in Finland. Its large drainage basin covers both east Finland and Russia.

In my opinion, it’s an unspoiled and tranquil spot home to many points offering fantastic views and recreational activities such as hiking and cycling. Other sights include small villages and towns on the forested hills of Karelia.