11 Beautiful Cities and Towns To Visit In Finland

Winter consistently evokes thoughts of Lapland, which subsequently leads to thoughts of Finland. Soon enough, we find ourselves exploring various options to visit one of our favorite regions of the world.

Our encounters in Finland have been greatly enriched by Finnish acquaintances who guide us to the finest places and activities available. While Finland is often associated with winter, snow, and the capital city of Helsinki, numerous other remarkable cities and towns warrant your attention during your visit. 🇫🇮

1.) Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and home to Santa Claus, serves as an ideal starting point for organizing your journey into the more remote areas of Finland’s northern province.

Located directly within the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is an exciting destination in its own right.

2.) Savonlinna

This historic town is the cultural and historical center of one of Finland’s most picturesque regions—Savo. Situated by Lake Saimaa, Savonlinna offers a myriad of activities and opportunities to explore the seemingly endless waterways of Eastern Finland.

3.) Porvoo

The medieval town of Porvoo is conveniently located approximately 30 miles from Helsinki and is undoubtedly worth visiting if you’re in the capital. Its historical old town features charming, colorful traditional houses, making it a captivating sight. Furthermore, Porvoo is renowned for its numerous interior design boutiques and has long been a preferred destination for many Finnish artists.

4.) Mariehamn

Mariehamn, the capital of the autonomous province of Åland, serves as an excellent base for exploring the thousands of skerries, islands, and their pristine nature.

5.) Salla

One of Finland’s most cherished pastimes is undoubtedly enjoying time in the sauna. Salla offers an authentic sauna experience, where individuals can indulge in the steamy ambiance and then plunge into the ice-cold, crystal-clear lake—completely in the nude!

As Salla is situated in Lapland, numerous exciting winter activities await, so consider staying for several days to experience everything it has to offer.

6.) Vaasa

Vaasa was initially located 6 km further south until it was entirely consumed by fire in 1852. Today, the remnants of its ancient ruins form part of a National Park, which is open to exploration. Notably, Vaasa is a bilingual city, with nearly a quarter of the population speaking Swedish. Nearby, the impressive Söderfjärden crater, formed by a meteor millions of years ago, is worth a visit.

7.) Oulu

Oulu is among the northernmost cities globally and offers a unique Finnish experience in winter. It also serves as a suitable base for observing the Northern Lights, although you might need to travel outside the city to escape the light pollution typical of urban areas.

8.) Lappeenranta

Lappeenranta is located at the southern tip of Lake Saimaa and was founded by Queen Christina of Sweden. It’s particularly popular in summer, offering an array of activities due to the proximity to the lake. Additionally, Lappeenranta is an excellent starting point for a day trip to the Russian town of Vyborg.

9.) Turku

Turku is the oldest city in Finland and arguably one of the most significant in Finnish history. A visit here allows for an immersive experience into the culture, history, and traditions of Finland.

10.) Tampere

Our initial experience in Tampere was visiting friends, and we had such an enjoyable time that we felt compelled to return. The city exudes a delightful atmosphere, combining access to various amenities while still retaining the charm of a small town.

From our experiences, the ideal times to visit are during the heart of winter, allowing you to embrace the snow and during mid-summer when the sun shines brightly and the lakes invite you to enjoy the outdoors.

11.) Helsinki

Of course, a list of notable Finnish cities would be incomplete without Helsinki. Similar to Tampere, we’ve visited Helsinki in both winter and summer. However, summer is unequivocally the best season to experience this vibrant city, with its colorful landscape and abundant activities, all while remaining close to nature.