FINLAND
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
ABOUT
FINLAND
The country that brought you saunas and Santa Claus doesn’t do drama. It does peace, pine trees, and pristine silence like a luxury brand.
Finland is where lakes number in the thousands, where design is clean and considered, and where you might see the Northern Lights from your hotel bed. This isn’t your average Arctic fantasy.
It’s where reindeer share highways, where silence is a social skill, and where coffee is consumed like it’s a survival ritual.
Here’s the thing about calm. It’s contagious. Forests that feel like they’re listening. Locals who answer with a nod but mean a poem. And yes, that glass igloo really is worth the trip.
From Helsinki’s sleek edges to Lapland’s snow globe serenity, Finland doesn’t just embrace winter. It makes it an art form.
Finland is for travelers who find magic in stillness.
It’s for winter wanderers, sauna lovers, and those who crave the quiet thrill of snow-dusted forests and shimmering auroras. It’s for people who seek luxury in silence, joy in simplicity, and beauty in understatement.
Here, days unfold slowly. Coffee is sipped, not rushed. Conversations are thoughtful. Saunas aren’t an indulgence—they’re a way of life.
This is a destination where nature whispers, design speaks volumes, and everything feels intentional.
Whether you’re snowshoeing under the northern lights, curling up in a glass igloo, or gliding across a frozen lake, Finland lets you feel the world differently.
And once you’ve felt it, no other winter will compare.
POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN
FINLAND
PLACES TO SEE
Helsinki Cathedral
Neoclassical church dominating Senate Square.
Suomenlinna
Sea fortress across six islands and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Santa Claus Village
Festive attraction at the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi.
Lake Saimaa
Finland’s largest lake with forest-lined shores and rare seals.
Northern Lights in Lapland
Aurora borealis dancing across Arctic skies.
Temppeliaukio Church
Unique rock-hewn church with superb acoustics.
Nuuksio National Park
Forests and lakes just outside Helsinki for easy day hikes.
QUICK FACTS
GETTING AROUND
Between Cities
Trains connect major cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Rovaniemi, with high-speed options available. Domestic flights are useful for reaching Lapland or remote northern towns.
Around Cities
Public transit in Helsinki includes trams, buses, ferries, and a metro—all easy to use and well-integrated. Walking is enjoyable in pedestrian-friendly city centers, and biking is popular in warmer months.
CRUISING & ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation
Finland specializes in thoughtful, design-forward accommodations that highlight nature. From glass-roofed igloos for Northern Lights viewing to lakeside cabins and urban boutique hotels, comfort and calm are central to the experience. In Lapland, luxury lodges blend Arctic adventure with cozy elegance.
Cruises
While Finland doesn’t offer river cruising, it shines with coastal and archipelago cruising. In summer, small-ship and ferry routes explore the Baltic Sea, stopping in Helsinki and smaller towns along the coast. These voyages often connect Finland with Sweden, Estonia, or Russia, offering scenic access to Nordic culture and nature.
SHOP, EAT & DRINK
Shop
Look for minimalist homewares, reindeer leather goods, and Sámi crafts. Popular items include Marimekko textiles, Iittala glassware, and cozy wool accessories.
Eat
Try reindeer stew, creamy salmon soup, and rye bread with local cheese. Finnish food is simple and seasonal, often featuring forest berries and wild mushrooms.
Drink
Sip strong Finnish coffee, local gin, or berry liqueurs. In winter, warm up with glögi (mulled wine) or sample a craft beer brewed with Arctic flair.
TIME ZONE
Finland is in Eastern European Time (GMT+2) and observes daylight saving time, shifting to GMT+3 during summer months.
RIDE SHARE & TAXIS
Uber and Bolt operate in cities like Helsinki. Taxis are well-regulated and can be booked via apps or hotel concierge.
ELECTRICITY & PLUGS
Uber and Bolt operate in cities like Helsinki. Taxis are well-regulated and can be booked via apps or hotel concierge.
CLIMATE
Finland has cold, snowy winters and mild summers, especially in the south. The north experiences Arctic conditions and long winter nights. Summer (June to August) is the best time for travel, offering long daylight hours and pleasant weather.
FILM/TV & FAMOUS FACES
Finland’s wintry landscapes and Helsinki’s cityscape have appeared in Nordic noir series and films such as The Man Without a Past—and recently featured in Netflix's Vikings: Valhalla. It’s also the birthplace of composer Jean Sibelius, heavy metal icons like Nightwish, and rally driver Mika Häkkinen.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN
FINLAND
EXPERIENCES TO HAVE
Seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland
Staying in a glass igloo under the Arctic sky
Sauna and ice plunge by a frozen lake
Dog sledding through snowy forests
Canoeing through a summer lake district
Visiting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
Foraging for mushrooms and berries in the wild
Skiing under the polar night
Sleeping in a design-forward Helsinki hotel
Wandering a seaside market with hot salmon soup
Exploring the Suomenlinna sea fortress
Watching the midnight sun in the far north
YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING ABOUT
FINLAND
FAQ's
Is Finland safe for tourists?
Yes—Finland consistently ranks among the world’s safest countries, with low crime rates and excellent public services. Use common sense in crowded areas, and follow local winter safety tips when navigating icy streets or wilderness areas.
How many days do I need in Finland?
Seven to ten days allows you to explore Helsinki, enjoy the Lakeland or archipelago, and experience Lapland’s snowy adventures or summer’s midnight sun. Shorter trips can still fit in highlights, while longer stays offer deeper immersion in nature and culture.
When is the best time to visit Finland?
December–March is ideal for winter sports, Northern Lights, and cozy sauna culture. June–August brings warm weather, endless daylight, and lively festivals. Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds, lower prices, and stunning seasonal scenery.
LEARN MORE ABOUT
TRAVELING IN
FINLAND
Into the Silence: Forest Bathing and Foraging in Finnish Lapland
Wander mossy pine forests with a local guide who teaches you to spot edible berries, listen to birdsong, and breathe like a Finn. It’s peaceful, grounding, and just might reset your nervous system.
Sauna, Ice, Repeat: The Ritual Every Finn Swears By
Step into a wood-fired sauna, then plunge into an icy lake—or a snowbank if you’re brave. You’ll emerge refreshed, rosy-cheeked, and wondering why you don’t do this every weekend.
Sisu in the City: How Helsinki Blends Cool Design with Inner Grit
Explore sleek cafés, hidden galleries, and sustainable style in the world’s northernmost capital. Along the way, you’ll discover “sisu”—that untranslatable Finnish blend of strength, perseverance, and quiet confidence.
Finland gave us space to breathe
Between the quiet beauty of the north and the creativity of the cities, we felt inspired and grounded. This wasn’t just a trip—it was a mindset shift.
Harper L.
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