Finland is a Nordic country of a thousand lakes and the Northern Lights and is a gem where the purity of nature is combined with cultural experiences that are all unique. It does not matter whether you are charmed by the wilderness of the Arctic in Lapland or the color of the city in Helsinki, you will have a memorable travel experience in Finland all year round. Whether it is a snow adventure in the winter or a sunny midsummer festival, it is magical to every type of traveler.

The idea of planning your Finnish holiday is made even more fruitful when you have the right information. It is at this point that Finland visa tips come in handy, and here we are going to guide you through the best places to visit in Finland, traveling arrangements, cultural protocols, and memorable moments that the country boasts. We should study the best 10 things to do in Finland so that you can get the best out of your Nordic experience.

1. See Northern Lights in Lapland 

A visit to Finland is incomplete without having the opportunity of witnessing the Aurora Borealis which is one of the most beautiful natural occurrence on earth. Lapland in the period September to March is the best location to observe the Northern Lights. Go to some distant villages such as Saariselk, Rovaniemi or Kakslauttanen, where there is little light pollution. To make the whole experience even more magical, maybe you want to spend the night in a glass igloo where you can watch the lights moving over the sky as you sleep in bed. Finland travel tip: Download apps that will help to monitor the best viewing hours such as Aurora Forecast and dress in layers to keep you warm when outdoors during the long hours.

2. Visit the Capital City of Helsinki 

Helsinki is a vibrant cross of contemporary design, old places, and vibrant food and design industry. Pay a visit to the Helsinki Cathedral, wander in the Market Square and enjoy the artistic taste in the Design Museum. Do not leave out Loyly or a stylish and seaside sauna which also offers great views of the Baltic Sea as a relaxation center. Finland travel tip: Buy a Helsinki Card that will allow you to travel by public transport unlimitedly and visit the main attractions free of charge or at a discount.

3. Sauna Culture Becoming Part of You 

In Finland, Sauna is not only a hobby, it is a lifestyle. There are more than 2 million saunas in the country, which are found in houses, on the lakeside cabins, hotels and even in the city center. Take a trip to a classic wood-fired sauna and top it off with a cooling swim in a frozen lake or snowball (yes, it exists!). Travel tip Finland: When you go to a sauna, keep in mind that it is common to be naked in single-gender saunas, and it is expected to shower before entering.

4. Go to the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi 

Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is a place you can visit, especially when you are traveling with children, or you simply want to experience a bit of holiday magic. It is open all the year around, and you can enjoy Christmas every day, meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, send postcards in the Santa Claus Post Office.

5. Finnish Lakeland Discovery 

Finnish Lakeland is a peaceful area with the biggest lake district in Europe and is a place to visit by people who love nature. Visit the beautiful Lake Saimaa or take a kayaking adventure, go walking in the forest or hire a traditional wooden cottage to get a quiet rest. The wildlife enthusiasts may even see the Saimaa ringed seals, which is one of the rarest species of seals found in the fresh water.

6. Make a Visit to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress 

Suomenlinna is historic sea fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Helsinki that can be reached by ferry within a short distance. Constructed in the 18 th century, it presents a combination of military architecture, museums, tunnels, and a picturesque view of the coast line. It is a wonderful half-day visit to study the history of Maritime industry in Finland and have a picnic on the seaside.

7. Visit a Finnish festival 

Find yourself among the Finnish culture by visiting one of the numerous festivals held in the country. Visit the Flow Festival, one of the biggest music and arts events in Helsinki, or take part in the Midnight Sun Festival in the north in the summer. Wife Carrying Championship or the Air Guitar World Championships are quite unique Finnish events.

8. Experiment Traditional Finnish Food 

Finnish cuisine is rustic, straightforward and strongly based on what nature has to offer in the country. Do not skip such dishes as karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pies), lohikeitto (salmon soup), grilled reindeer, and cloudberry desserts. Go to local markets such as the Hakaniemi Market Hall in Helsinki to get some local tastes. Finland travel tip: A lot of restaurants offer lunch buffets at a cheaper price- take advantage and taste a variety of dishes in a cheap way.

9. See the Midnight Sun 

During summer and in northern Finland, the sun does not set at all during several weeks, which presents a surrealistic feeling of constant daylight. The so-called Midnight Sun is best observed above the Arctic Circle in such cities as Inari, Utsjoki or Kilpisjarvi. Take a hike, go canoeing or even golf in the middle of the night!

10. Go Skiing and Snowboarding 

Finland transforms into a winter sports paradise during the colder months. Resorts like Levi, Ylläs, and Ruka offer excellent ski slopes, snowboarding trails, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. These resorts cater to both beginners and pros, and also offer Northern Lights excursions and après-ski saunas.

Conclusion 

Finland is a destination that goes far beyond the ordinary. Whether you're marveling at the Northern Lights, unwinding in a lakeside sauna, or strolling through the chic streets of Helsinki, the country offers diverse experiences throughout the year. It caters to solo travelers, couples, families, and adventure seekers alike, making it a truly versatile Nordic treasure.

To make your journey smooth and enjoyable, remember to follow essential Finland travel tips such as booking early during peak seasons, dressing in layers for weather changes, and embracing local customs like sauna etiquette. With these in mind, your trip to Finland will be nothing short of extraordinary.