Finland covers an impressive 338,000 square kilometers, but surprisingly, it has a population of less than 6 million. Despite this, it has numerous hidden gems, unique national treasures, and distinctive locations you won’t find anywhere else. Bordering Russia on the right, Sweden on the left, and Norway to the north, it’s a land of fascinating contrasts.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to 9 must-visit places and activities to enjoy in Finland. Remember, it’s a large country, so if you plan to see all these sites, ensure you don’t have a tight schedule. The southern part is densely populated, which makes the rest of the country feel almost deserted at times. Don’t worry though, it’s easy for locals to spot a tourist.
Ready? Let’s dive into the 9 fascinating attractions that caught our attention!
Visiting Finland in late autumn or winter? Be prepared for extremely cold temperatures. One of the most interesting places to stay is the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. This resort offers the unique experience of sleeping in an igloo, right near the Arctic Circle, making it probably the northernmost location you’ll ever visit unless you’re from somewhere like Alaska or Canada. Despite its unique setting, the resort is surprisingly affordable, though prices can vary. You can book online easily, and just make sure to pack warm clothes. Food and drinks are included in the package.
Traveling from the Arctic Circle to Helsinki? There are several options: train, bus, or plane. If you choose the bus or train, make sure to charge your smartphone and bring a power bank to stay entertained during the trip.
Kruunuvouri is an intriguing place that used to be a luxurious destination for the wealthy but has since lost its shine. It’s a fascinating spot to explore and see the remnants of its former glory.
Near Espoo, there’s the infamous Lake Bodom. In the 1960s, a tragic event occurred here where three teenagers were murdered. The case remained unsolved for decades until one surviving teenager was declared a suspect 40 years later, adding an eerie mystery to the lake. If you’re up for it, Lake Bodom is a chilling but fascinating place to visit.
For a complete change of pace, check out the Snow Castle in Kemi. Open from January to April, this castle and all its amenities are made entirely of snow and ice. However, staying in one of their villas can be quite pricey. Still, we believe it’s worth saving up for at least a weekend stay to experience this winter wonderland.
In Helsinki, there’s a peculiar landmark that resembles something you’ll recognize immediately. Built in 1891, this architectural marvel initially belonged to a fire insurance company and later became property of a Finnish bank in 1972. Now owned by Nordea, it’s a piece of history definitely worth a photo if you’re already in the area.
Fancy some art? The Pello art exhibition takes things to the next level with 3D installations created by artists from Finland and beyond. Some pieces are eerie, others beautiful, and some just plain weird. The only way to truly appreciate it all is to visit Pello yourself.
Just south of Sodankylä, in a place called Lampivaara, you can dig for your own amethysts. This might sound unusual, but the mine here has enough amethysts to last for hundreds of years. These gems, formed 2,000 million years ago, make for a unique and ancient souvenir for friends and family.
Finally, we saved the best for last: the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. Thanks to its northern location, Finland is a prime spot to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon. If you visit between September and March and particularly in Lapland, make sure to stay up late at least once to catch this mesmerizing light display. Although you can see the Northern Lights around 10 to 20 days a year in Finland in general, up in Lapland, your chances are much higher. There are many travel packages designed specifically for viewing the Northern Lights, so don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.