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Finland is the crunch of snow underfoot in the stillness of a pine forest; it’s the gentle jangle of sleigh bells as reindeer canter past; it’s that first awe-struck moment bathed in the glow of the Northern Lights. But it’s also the bustle of Helsinki’s waterfront in summer; it’s the smell of fish sizzling on an outdoor grill; it’s the gentle ripple in the surface of the lake as you cast off in your canoe. This beautiful Nordic country has something to offer travellers all year round, whether you’re looking for invigorating outdoor pursuits, incredible wildlife encounters or a stimulating cultural experience.
"What makes Finland special is the endless midnight sun and awe-inspiring aurora borealis that is visible 200 days of the year"
Cycle, hike and kayak your way around Finland
With 40 national parks, 188,000 lakes and almost as many islands, there’s a lot of Finland to explore. The countryside is wild and unspoilt, cloaked in thick forest and criss-crossed by hiking trails. The air is cleaner here, the water is clearer, and you’ll often have the amazing views all to yourself.
This pristine environment is home to an astonishing array of wildlife. Have your camera at the ready as you head into woods where bears and wolves still lurk, and keep your eyes peeled for eagles, lynx and wolverines.
Finland is a fantastic destination to experience on two wheels, whether it’s a gentle ride through bike-friendly Helsinki, an island-hopping cycle tour of the Turku Archipelago or mountain biking over Lapland’s rugged fells. In summer, explore the central Lakeland region by kayak or vintage steamship, and get to the heart of what it means to be Finnish.
Winter Adventures in Finnish Lapland
Lapland is Finland’s Arctic north, a glistening winter playground where the Northern Lights dance across the sky. The aurora is visible 200 days a year in Finland, and Lapland is the very best place to see this incredible phenomenon.
Lapland is also famous as the home of Father Christmas, and meeting the elves at Santa Claus Village is a magical experience. It’s not just Santa who relies on Rudolph and friends; Lapland is the ancestral terrain of the Sami, the nomadic reindeer herders of the far north.
Head out into Lapland’s great outdoors and get your pulse racing with a host of high-octane activities, including husky-sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. At the end of an action-packed day you can retreat to your cosy log cabin, or wrap up warm and head out again in search of the aurora.
Helsinki: The year round city break destination
Finland’s capital blends Nordic design and sustainable living with a cityscape inspired by imperial St Petersburg. Helsinki straddles myriad islands and bays, giving the city a real seaside vibe, and it’s also one of the world’s most cycle-friendly capitals.
Summer in Helsinki is a time to enjoy the long daylight hours, when outdoor bars and cafés fill up with Finns making the most of the sunshine. A busy festival calendar caters to lovers of the arts, showcasing everything from classical music to heavy metal.
Temperatures drop and daylight wanes during winter, but this is still a wonderful time to visit. Helsinki twinkles with fairy lights in the lead-up to Christmas, and the smell of mulled wine (glögi) fills the air. Shop for traditional handicrafts at the delightful Christmas market, get your skates on at the ice rink and learn about traditions such as Tiernapojat, when youngsters re-enact the story of the Three Kings in a musical procession.
Summer holidays in the land of the Midnight Sun
Finland is much more than just a winter destination, with so much to enjoy once the snow melts and the days grow longer. Finns celebrate the arrival of warmer weather at the summer solstice, a time for gathering at lakeside cottages and swimming, fishing or enjoying an invigorating sauna.
Summer is also a time to enjoy nature at its most bountiful, when the fruits of the forest ripen and the locals head out to forage berries and wild mushrooms. This is the perfect season to visit the beautiful Lakeland region, or to cycle Turku’s popular Archipelago Trail.
In summer the streets of Helsinki come alive with music and the sound of clinking glasses, as locals enjoy warm evenings and near 24-hour daylight. Sip a chilled cider on a sunny outdoor terrace, go for a stroll in one of the capital’s lovely parks, or enjoy an island-hopping cruise around the picturesque archipelago.
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