Visiting Finland, Land of a Thousand Lakes and Northern Lights
Pristine wilderness and deep quiet make Finland a draw for anyone looking to unplug and dive into Nordic culture.
Helsinki, Modern and Lively
The coastal capital Helsinki stands out for its clean design, walkable streets, and island ferries. Make time for the Lutheran Cathedral, the city's main landmark, and the Kallio neighborhood, where you will find hip bars and a lively local nightlife. Architecture fans will spot works by Alvar Aalto dotted all over the city.
Lapland, Winter Magic
Lapland, up in the far north, is where you go for genuine snow country. Think endless white expanses and silent pine forests under the glow of the northern lights. Rovaniemi acts as the regional hub and hosts Santa Claus Village, a major family stop.
The Thousand Lakes and Their Serenity
Finland earned its nickname from the sheer number of calm inland waterways. The Lake District in the center of the country is prime territory for kayaking, fishing, or kicking back at a traditional lakeside cabin with a sauna. Further east, the historic town of Savonlinna hosts a summer opera festival inside the medieval walls of Olavinlinna castle.
Protected National Parks
With nearly 40 national parks, Finland makes it easy to hit the trails. Oulanka National Park features rushing rivers and suspension bridges across varied terrain. Closer south, Nuuksio National Park sits right outside Helsinki for a quick afternoon hike in the woods.
Nordic Flavors from Land and Sea
Finnish food leans heavily on the surrounding forests and waters. Start with smoked salmon, wild berries like lingonberries, and reindeer stew. To drink, try local Finnish vodka or glögi, the traditional spiced hot wine.
When to go
Summer runs from June to August, bringing the midnight sun and solstice celebrations like Midsummer. Winter lasts from December to March, which is the time to head north for snow sports and northern lights hunting.
How to get there
Finnair runs nonstop flights to Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport from several North American cities, an eight to nine hour crossing, with round-trip tickets in the off-season starting around $230*. Ferries from Sweden and Estonia also offer an easy way in.
How to get around
The train network runs clean and on time, linking cities like Helsinki, Rovaniemi, and Turku. For maximum flexibility, look into car rental, which comes in handy once you head up to Lapland or rural backroads.
