Summary
The extensive and frigid spine of Scandinavia, Finland consistently captivates visitors. It entices travelers with promises of Lapland’s remote forests and peaks, snow-laden ski resorts, the Sami culture, and Santa Claus, alongside the contemporary cities of Helsinki and Turku. Furthermore, it is renowned for its extraordinarily welcoming inhabitants and striking design studios, not to mention some of the most stunning and rugged coastlines in the world. In this article, we explore 15 of its premier destinations.
Let us investigate the top places to visit in Finland:
1. Tampere
A blend of industry and creativity, Finnish hospitality, and a flourishing arts scene, Tampere is positioned between the vast lakes of Pyhajarvi and Nasijarvi. These lakes present endless possibilities for boating, hiking, and cross-country skiing during the winter months.
In the urban area, former red-brick mill buildings now host eclectic exhibitions, including the Hiekka Art Museum and the Lenin exhibit. The Moominvalley Museum and the Amuri open-air park present insights into Finland’s beloved author Tove Jansson and the nation’s labor history. The city center is traversed by the roaring Tammerkoski Rapids, with the bustling Keskustori Square and Hameenkatu lined with tea houses, heavy metal pubs, and small eateries serving black blood sausage.
2. Porvoo
With more than 600 years of history, Porvoo stands as one of Finland’s few genuine medieval towns. It is nestled along the picturesque Baltic Coast, just a brief trip east from Helsinki. The town features a patchwork of charming timber homes painted in vibrant colors and cobbled squares rich in historical significance, all surrounded by the remnants of structures built by the Swedish settlers of the Middle Ages.
At the center lies the stunning Porvoo Cathedral, whose half-wood facade is steeped in stories of Russian and Danish invaders. Locals congregate in the marketplace of Old Porvoo to enjoy coffee and watch the day unfold.
3. Lapland
Spanning from the snow-covered forests of Riisitunturi to the desolate fells of the north, and from the frozen ice plains of the Gulf of Bothnia to the rugged boreal tundra of the Arctic Circle, Lapland embodies the essence of uncharted wilderness.
Visitors flock here to navigate husky sleds and explore the wild forests surrounding the ice-fringed Lake Inari. They come to savor hearty reindeer steaks and cloudberry preserves, to visit Santa Claus in his mythical domain, to ski the open hills, engage with the Sami culture and their beautiful villages, trek the rugged borders with Sweden, and admire ancient wooden churches scattered throughout the northern landscapes.
4. Oulu
Overlooking Sweden from the northern gulf, Oulu is a delightful town characterized by its islets and bridges, prosperous neighborhoods, and esteemed universities. It brims with greenery during the summer months, with the shores of the brackish River Oulujoki dividing the town center into an array of charming cays as the delta extends outward toward the saline waves of Bothnia.
Here, visitors can explore the lively cobblestones of Kauppatori square, bustling with farmer’s markets on weekends, and the vibrant main thoroughfare of Rotuaari, which features towering department stores alongside a mix of student cafes and bars. The aesthetic is further enhanced by the elegant neo-Renaissance facades of the City Hall and an innovative science center.
5. Helsinki
As the cultural, economic, and political center of Finland, Helsinki undoubtedly ranks among the most must-visit capitals in Scandinavia. It thrives on its location along the Uusimaa coast, where the Baltic Sea meets its myriad inlets and harbors, with its magnificent gold-gilded and whitewashed architecture reflecting the influences of historic Petersburg.
This neoclassical facade, including the magnificent Lutheran Cathedral, represents only part of the city’s charm. Helsinki’s residents are remarkably innovative and edgy, showcasing a plethora of design studios as well as trendy cafes, avant-garde exhibitions at the Ateneum, unique architectural masterpieces like Kiasma, and a dynamic nightlife scene.
6. Archipelago National Park
A collection of innumerable islets, cays, sandbanks, protruding rocks, and fragmented land that extends into the chilly Baltic Sea at the southwestern edge of Finland, the stunning Archipelago National Park remains one of the nation’s hidden treasures.
Some islands here are minuscule, providing merely a mound or rugged peak to visitors aboard cruising sightseeing boats. Conversely, islands like Oro Fortress Island—offering insights into Finland’s militarized history during the Russian occupation—and Jurmo, highlighting the authentic rustic charm of this windswept coastline, are rich in culture and character.
7. Turku
Turku experienced several centuries as the most significant and dynamic town in Finland, a medieval era showcased through a wealth of historical monuments ranging from the fortified Turku Castle to the square-cut tower of the majestic Turku Cathedral.
Additionally, the city boasts a lively student atmosphere, along with many outdoor pubs, bars, and venues featuring live music. The picturesque location near the Archipelago National Park, coupled with craft exhibitions and the untouched historical wonders in the Luostarinmaki district, alongside the beautiful beech forests and golf courses of Ruissalo, elevates Turku’s appeal.
8. Koli National Park
Located along the hilly shores of Lake Pielinen, stretching through southern Finland and North Karelia, Koli National Park showcases magnificent views of ancient spruce forests and waterfront fir groves. It is no surprise that this landscape has inspired artists and romantics alike; its breathtaking natural beauty makes it a sought-after destination for hiking and winter sports, encapsulated by two ski resorts.
Moreover, Koli is recognized as a cultural hotspot, celebrated for its rustic heritage and ancient agricultural practices. These traditions are best appreciated from vantage points at Ukko-Koli Hill and Vesivaara.
9. Seurasaari
Situated among the Baltic waters just west of Helsinki, the lush and tranquil island of Seurasaari is considered one of Europe’s premier open-air museums. Overflowing with traditional wooden barns, decorated manors, small rowing boats, and rustic cabins, it effectively illustrates the conventional Finnish lifestyle.
Nevertheless, Seurasaari is not solely about its renowned heritage park. Visitors can also discover secluded beaches—one designated for nudists—and enchanting moss-covered cabins nestled in the woodlands. During midsummer, the island transforms as bonfires spring up, showcasing the enduring nature of age-old traditions.
10. Hameenlinna
The serene town of Hameenlinna is located between the waters and verdant wilderness of Tavastia in southern Finland. It remains off the usual tourist paths, enveloped in lush coniferous forests. The town is crowned by a magnificent Swedish castle, erected in the 1200s to secure trading routes extending to the Gulf of Bothnia.
Today, this historical fortress continues to dominate the city skyline, while the residence of the composer Sibelius and the Hameenlinna Historical Museum provide a glimpse into the region’s cultural and historical evolution since the 16th century.
11. Vaasa
Vaasa stands as a testament to the long-standing Swedish influence in this western portion of Finland, merging its rich heritage with a lively university culture and modern vitality. In the city center, visitors will discover national monuments, particularly significant in this town that felt the brunt of Russian invasions, alongside revitalized mill buildings that now house technology and innovation hubs.
The picturesque Market Square serves as the vibrant core of life in Vaasa, while the waterfront promenades and the Gothic Revival architecture of the historical maritime buildings underscore its long-standing maritime connection.
12. Kuopio
Located in the captivating Finnish lake district of Northern Savonia, Kuopio is nestled between the serene waters of Kallavesi and expansive stretches of spruce forests that transition from snowy whites to vibrant greens throughout the seasons.
The town is particularly favored by adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its National Romantic architectural landscape, rounded City Hall, and spacious central square provide an excellent launching point for outdoor activities, such as hiking the picturesque trails on Laivonsaari island, engaging in cross-country skiing on some of the best routes in Finland, or leisurely strolling through the countryside dotted with traditional windmills and charming farms.
13. Lemmenjoki National Park
Resembling Europe’s equivalent to the wilderness of Alaska and Canada, Lemmenjoki National Park spans a remarkable 2,850 square kilometers along the northern fringes of Finland, where rugged fells transition to ice fields and distinct fjords bordering Norway.
This expansive area is traversed by over 60 kilometers of well-marked hiking trails, drawing numerous backpackers and walkers each year to explore the vast hinterland characterized by cascading spruce forests, towering pines, shimmering lakes that freeze in winter, and reindeer-filled woodlands of the far North. Others are drawn to the traditional gold-digging communities or the indigenous Sami homelands, where rustic timber villages are rich in historical traditions.
14. Levi
Covered in snow during its extended winters and perfectly situated amid the scenic, tree-dotted fells of the Arctic Circle, Levi ranks as Finland’s premier winter resort. Skiers flock here in large numbers to relish the abundant powder and reliable snow conditions across its 43 alpine runs, catering to beginners as well as intermediates, with a selection of challenging black runs available.
As night falls, the delightful town comes alive, with its pine-clad sauna spas and reindeer farms illuminated by the mystical Northern Lights—truly a winter paradise!
15. Aland Islands
Serving as an archipelago gateway to the Gulf of Bothnia, the Swedish-speaking Aland Islands offer a unique experience. The locals take pride in their duty-free, tax-free offerings to Finnish visitors during the summer months, as well as their delectable Aland pancakes. They also highlight a rich tapestry of Russian fortresses and ruins left by Swedish monarchs, such as Kastelholm.
However, the true allure lies within the backcountry that emerges from the Baltic Sea, marked by shimmering white-sand beaches, rocky coastlines populated with sheep, winding seaside bridges, and lush spruce forests.
