Identified for its breathtaking landscapes, thick forests, Northern Lights and, huge areas of unspoiled wilderness I can by no means get sufficient of this mysterious and intriguing nation. From stunning Finnish Lapland to funky Helsinki, listed here are my private favorite locations I’d like to share with you…
1. Helsinki
This capital is a singular and eclectic combine of latest and Artwork Noveau structure, wonderful designer eating places, energetic bars, inventive cafes, stunning boutiques, and galleries wrapped up in a single fashionable, neat, compact package deal!
Additionally, throw in some quirks and eccentricities—locals casually strolling throughout the frozen sea throughout mid-winter, the lengthy rows of heavy metallic bars, and the super-cute Moomin cafe—and also you’ve received your self fairly a rare metropolis! The Finnish capital has gained an enormous fan!
It’s additionally a really progressive place with a burgeoning vegan scene, a dedication to sustainability, and a captivating small-town friendliness.
My favorite highlights embody Uspenski Cathedral, the Sibelius monument, the Katajanokka district and Temppeliaukio Church (aka the distinctive rock church which has turn into an enormous vacationer hotspot)!
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2. Rovaniemi
After all, everybody has heard of Santa Claus, however do you know he was primarily based in Finland? Rovaniemi was house to the unique determine Santa Clause was primarily based on, so if in case you have a baby with wild Christmas eyes, Rovaniemi is the best place to take them on a Finnish vacation!
Within the metropolis, residents have lovingly embraced the legend and determine of Christmas, so sights and sounds of the season could be seen all through the land.
Adults also can get pleasure from this space, with distinctive Northern Lights views and countless days throughout June and July when the solar by no means units. This season is known as the Midnight Solar.
3. Suomenlinna
Suomenlinna is one for the historical past followers! Suomenlinna was constructed as a fortress in 1748 and has all the time served as a fortress in some type or one other, however additionally it is house to a small group of residents.
This space of Finland has not all the time been part of the nation however has modified palms a number of occasions. As soon as owned by Russia and Sweden, this island is now a World Heritage Website and one of the crucial visited locations in the entire nation.
I believed it was a really intriguing and distinctive vacationer attraction full of rugged coastal landscapes, historic sea fortifications, and beautiful views of the Baltic Sea. I additionally cherished with the ability to see Helsinki’s skyline within the distance!
4. Arctic Resort Kakslauttanen
That is beautiful, tranquil, however a lot sought-after resort as a consequence of its unbelievable, distinctive lodging that it provides!
Situated in Kakslauttanen, Finland, the massive draw is their world-famous glass igloos, which let you expertise the sensation of sleeping below the celebrities and, after all, benefit from the Northern Gentle ought to make an look.
Surrounded by thick forest and the Kakslauttanen River and coated in snow throughout the winter months, this place isn’t low-cost, nevertheless it certain is the stuff of desires!
5. Nuuksio Nationwide Park
Nationwide parks are identified for offering an escape from on a regular basis fashionable life, and that’s precisely what you will see on the beautiful Nuuksio Nationwide Park.
This nature lover’s dream is simply outdoors Finland’s capital and provides an array of alternatives to reconnect with nature and benefit from the epic fantastic thing about the forest.
Tenting and mountain climbing are permitted on this nationwide park, and the numerous waterfalls and breathtaking picture alternatives preserve vacationers and locals coming again many times!
6. Porvoo
By way of a quaint little fishing village, Porvoo shouldn’t be, however with simply over 50,000 residents, it does preserve numerous a small-town really feel however with big-city desires.
This a part of Finland is among the six remaining medieval cities and was first talked about in historical past within the 14th century.
Historical past is in all places you look in Porvoo, and vacationers get pleasure from varied actions, from kayaking the waterways to having fun with the numerous quaint outlets and cafes all through the town.
The attract of Porvoo is usually linked to its capacity to recapture the old-world really feel whereas managing as a contemporary city. I might say I don’t overlook to pack your digital camera. This place is very photogenic!
7. Lake Saimaa
This nation has a considerable variety of lakes—essentially the most in Europe! Lake Saimaa is the most important of those interconnected our bodies of water.
The lake system could be considered from land, however you should journey by boat to see the large scope and distinctive fantastic thing about this outstanding piece of paradise.
Excursions are frequent on Lake Saimaa, and I extremely advocate happening one to attempt to catch a glimpse of the Saimaa Ringed Seal, which is at present endangered—merely a number of hundred exist! Aw!
8. Oulanka Nationwide Park
Oulanka Nationwide Park is a rare magical wilderness, particularly throughout the winter. It covers an space of 270 sq. kilometres in Finnish Lapland (the far north of the county).
Initially established in 1956, it caters to many out of doors and journey lovers. Throughout the summer season, you’ll hear Brooks gushing and rivers speeding between the densely packed timber. Throughout the winter, the snowy wonderland can also be someplace that usually hosts the unbelievable Northern Lights.
I extremely advocate staying at Basecamp Oulanka, as I did, sampling their home made cloudberry liquors, and taking refreshing dips of their out of doors scorching tub!
9. Turku Archipelago
A novel side of Finland could be discovered within the Turku Archipelago. The locals wish to suppose this is among the most beautiful magnificence spots in the entire world!
I do agree that the sprawling 20,000-island chain is one thing extraordinary. I additionally admire that though every island is separate, all of them appear to work collectively as an encompassed group.
A community of ferries manages island journey, so vacationers needn’t deal with renting a car. Nevertheless, renting a bicycle could be a big assist as that is the final mode of transport for most individuals dwelling and visiting the world.
10. Utsjoki
Situated in Lapland and bordering Norway, Utsjoki’s small inhabitants of simply over 1,200 helps preserve the small village really feel that draws many guests yearly.
This Sami village is the place vacationers can decelerate from hectic metropolis life and benefit from the sheer fantastic thing about nature’s splendour. The Tenojoki River flows alongside Utsjoki’s northern border, attracting its share of fishermen.
11. Naantali
A land of countless festivals and embracing End tradition awaits you in Naatali! This can be a fairly resort city positioned in Southwest Finland, and festivals such because the Naantali Music Competition occur each June from the sixth to the seventeenth, attracting guests from across the globe. The city, on the whole, maintains a singular old-world ambiance that retains guests coming again once more and a acquire.
Kultaranta Gardens is simply one of many many points of interest in Naantali. It encompasses a distinctive have a look at the 100-year historical past of the nation’s presidents.
12. Mariehamn
That is the capital of the attractive Åland islands, and Mariehamn attracts guests for its magnificent magnificence but in addition its walkability! Many get pleasure from visiting this traditional transport city as getting from one finish to a different is straightforward with out ever setting foot in a automobile.
Ferries and foot visitors are the commonest modes of transportation right here. For the most effective view of this rising metropolis, a trek as much as Badhusberg will can help you see Mariehamn from the highest.
I might extremely advocate shopping varied outlets and eating places whereas strolling alongside Torggatan, the pedestrian precinct in central Mariehamn.
13. Saariselka
The primary attraction in Saariselki is the Aurora Borealis! The Northern Lights entice numerous vacationers yearly and encapsulate the creativeness as streams of color dance throughout the night time sky.
In Saariselka, they make the occasion much more particular with uniquely designed cabins. These cabins supply a pure view of the northern lights whereas friends stay toasty heat inside.
Throughout the summer season season, friends get pleasure from a trek into one of many final remaining huge wilderness alternatives in Europe. With so many forests disappearing, returning to nature in a wilderness-driven panorama like Saariselka is sweet.
14. Repovesi Nationwide Park
Situated solely 3 hours from Helsinki within the municipalities of Kouvola and Mäntyharju, this former website for intensive industrial forestry, the Repovesi space efficiently remodeled into a stunning nationwide park.
A haven for out of doors fans, the parks are full of hills blanketed with thick, rugged forests and clear blue lakes each in summer season and winter. Throughout the winter, the entire place is roofed in pure white snow.
15. Lake Pielinen
Situated in japanese Finland’s Karelia area, Pielinen Lake is the fourth largest in Finland. Its giant drainage basin covers each east Finland and Russia.
I really like this unspoiled and tranquil spot. It has incredible views and leisure actions reminiscent of mountain climbing and biking throughout the summer season months. There’s additionally plenty of fairly small villages and cities positioned on the forested hills of Karelia.