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
The Finnish capital was such a singular metropolis! I additionally thought it was strikingly stunning with an eclectic mixture of neoclassical, Artwork Deco and trendy structure with designer eating places, full of life bars, inventive cafes, stunning boutiques, and artwork galleries all set towards a backdrop of lush inexperienced parks and the expansive Baltic Sea.
It was additionally a compact place with a relaxed but vibrant vibe. In addition to its fashionable eye for design I additionally cherished its quirks and eccentricities – right here I noticed locals casually strolling throughout the frozen sea throughout mid-winter, lengthy rows of retro-looking heavy steel bars, and the super-cute Moomin cafe!
It was additionally a really progressive place with a flourishing vegan scene, a dedication to being as inexperienced and sustainable as they’ll and an enthralling small-town friendliness!
It was situated in southern Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, a part of the Baltic Sea. It was based in 1550 and was designated because the capital of Finland in 1812 and is house to round 650,000 individuals right this moment.
I spent a enjoyable 4 days right here and explored the historic Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, strolled via the picturesque Esplanadi Park, visited the spectacular Helsinki and Uspenski Cathedrals, found up to date Finnish artwork at Kiasma, gazed on the distinctive Temppeliaukio Church (aka the rock church) loved a standard Finnish sauna at Löyly, strolled alongside the Katajanokka district which was often known as the Artwork Nouveau residential district, photographed the Sibelius monument and sampled significantly tasty native delicacies on the bustling Outdated Market Corridor.
- Location: South a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (to benefit from the festivals, out of doors cafes, and lengthy sunny days).
- Actions on supply: Sightseeing, visiting museums, exploring artwork galleries, eating, and buying.
- Map Location and Instructions
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2. Rovaniemi
That is the capital of Lapland! I assumed it was a gem in a really distinctive approach with surreally breathtaking Arctic landscapes dotted with trendy structure and cosy homes, all set underneath the mesmerising Northern Lights. It exuded a magical, enchanting adventurous vibe, made much more by its standing of being official hometown of Santa Claus himself!
Rovaniemi exudes a magical and adventurous vibe, crammed with the spirit of the Arctic and the enchantment of being Santa Claus’s house, making it a festive and welcoming vacation spot year-round. I completely cherished how residents lovingly embraced the legend and determine of Christmas, and the sights and sounds of the season may be seen all through the entire place and naturally.
It was situated in northern Finland, proper on the Arctic Circle, serving as the executive capital and industrial heart of Finland’s northernmost province, Lapland. It was based in 1783 and rebuilt with designs by Alvar Aalto after near-total destruction in World Battle II, right this moment it has a inhabitants of 63,000 individuals is a much-loved vacationer vacation spot for household holidays.
I flew into Rovaniemi Airport and spent 4 days there and crossed the Arctic Circle line at Santa Claus Village, met Santa himself, explored the Arktikum Museum and learnt about Arctic life, loved the Ranua Wildlife Park, noticed the incredile Northern Lights from a glass igloo, and squeezed in sledging and snowmobiling.
The locals additionally advised me about their magical summer time months in June and July when the solar by no means units. It’s known as the Midnight Solar, and it turned their days right into a dreamy – and really lengthy – journey!
- Location: North a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for the Northern Lights and Christmas experiences).
- Actions on supply: Northern Lights viewing, visiting Santa Claus Village, and snowmobiling.
- Map Location and Instructions
3. Suomenlinna
This was a historic sea fortress and an UNESCO World Heritage website! I assumed it was a gem with a lovely mix of rugged coastal landscapes and historic structure, together with well-preserved fortifications, charming picket homes, and luxurious inexperienced areas, attractive views of the Baltic Sea, a tranquil, laid again vibe and a small neighborhood of residents all set towards the backdrop of the scenic Helsinki archipelago!
I discovered it nestled simply off the coast of Helsinki accessible through a brief ferry experience from the town heart throughout the Helsinki harbor. It was constructed in 1748 as a maritime fortress and naval base, is now a UNESCO World Heritage website that spans throughout six islands and homes about 800 residents.
I took a 15-minute ferry experience from the Market Sq. in Helsinki and spent the day there. I explored the sprawling fortress with its large partitions and cannons, visited the fascinating Suomenlinna Museum and the Submarine Vesikko and learnt about its navy historical past, strolled alongside the scenic waterfront paths, loved picnics on its grassy fields, and browsed native crafts within the quaint retailers scattered all through the islands.
- Location: South a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (for strolling excursions and exploring the fortress in nice climate).
- Actions on supply: Exploring the ocean fortress, strolling excursions, visiting museums, and having fun with coastal views.
- Map Location and Instructions
My private highlights…
- 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 result of its unbelievable and distinctive lodging that it gives!
Positioned in Kakslauttanen, its house to the world-famous glass igloos, which felt like I used to be sleeping underneath the celebs however nonetheless being tremendous cozy! It was additionally a good way to expertise watching the Northern Lights they made an look on the final night time of our keep. It was a really spectacular expertise to observe them shimmer and dance throughout the sky!
Surrounded by thick forest and the Kakslauttanen River and coated in snow through the winter months, I’ve to confess this place isn’t low-cost, nevertheless it truthfully was a kind of as soon as in a lifetime experiences!
- Location: North a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for the glass igloos and Northern Lights views).
- Actions on supply: Northern Lights viewing, staying in glass igloos, canine sledding, and snowshoeing.
- Lodging: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (glass igloos and log cabins).
- Map Location and Instructions
5. Nuuksio Nationwide Park
It is a nature lover’s dream! Positioned simply outdoors Finland’s capital and I go to Nuuksio Nationwide Park to reconnect with nature, escape from metropolis hassles and benefit from the beautiful pure – and really unspoiled – magnificence.
I’m at all times captivated by the surroundings right here which incorporates peaceable forests, shimmering lakes, and rocky cliffs and there’s many miles of well-marked mountain climbing and biking trails. There are additionally designated tenting website and alternatives for wild tenting.
- Location: South a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (for mountain climbing, tenting, and wildlife viewing).
- Actions on supply: Mountaineering, tenting, wildlife viewing, and biking.
- Lodging: Nuuksio Hostel, Haltia Lake Lodge, and close by tenting websites.
- Map Location and Instructions
6. Porvoo
Porvoo is a like a cross between a quaint fishing village and a comfortable small-town really feel whereas nonetheless aiming for the celebs! It’s additionally very fairly with an enthralling mixture of the outdated and the brand new. It’s truly one in all solely six remaining medieval cities and was first documented in historical past within the 14th century.
It’s situated on Porvoo River and surrounded by inexperienced landscapes and I like the lovable and colourful picket homes which lined the riverside and charming cobblestone streets.
Historical past is in all places I appeared on this distinctive city and on my journey I kayaked the river and explored the various quaint retailers, cafes and riverside eating places which served up every thing from conventional Finnish delicacies to effective eating and worldwide fayre.
- Location: South a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (to discover the historic city and benefit from the riverside environment).
- Actions on supply: Sightseeing, visiting historic websites, buying in native boutiques, and riverside eating.
- Lodging: Lodge Haikko Manor, Lodge Pariisin Ville, and riverside guesthouses.
- Map Location and Instructions
7. Lake Saimaa
This nation has a considerable variety of lakes—probably the most in Europe! Lake Saimaa is the biggest of those interconnected our bodies of water.
The lake system may be considered from land, however I explored it by boat to see the huge scope and distinctive great thing about this outstanding and tranquil space.
I extremely advocate happening a guided boat tour to at least one to attempt to catch a glimpse of the Saimaa Ringed Seal, which is presently endangered and only some hundred exist now!
- Location: Southeast a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (for boat excursions, fishing, and seeing the Saimaa Ringed Seal).
- Actions on supply: Boat excursions, fishing, mountain climbing, and wildlife viewing.
- Lodging: Lodge & Spa Resort Järvisydän, Sahanlahti Resort, and lakeside cabins.
- Map Location and Instructions
8. Oulanka Nationwide Park
I completely cherished Oulanka Nationwide Park and we travelled right here within the winter when it turns into a unprecedented magical wilderness. 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 time, you’ll hear Brooks gushing and rivers speeding between the densely packed timber. Throughout the winter it’s a unbelievable place to identify the Northern Lights and we have been fortunate sufficient to see (and {photograph} them on our journey).
We stayed at Basecamp Oulanka and cherished the all of the out of doors adventures it hosts in addition to sampling their selfmade cloudberry liquors, and taking very refreshing dips of their out of doors scorching tub!
- Location: Northeast a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for Northern Lights and snow-covered landscapes).
- Actions on supply: Mountaineering, cross-country snowboarding, wildlife viewing, and river rafting.
- Lodging: Basecamp Oulanka, Oulanka Wilderness Camp, and close by cabins.
- Map Location and Instructions
9. Turku Archipelago
It is a fantastic hidden gem! The locals consider it’s one of the crucial breathtaking locations on Earth, and I can completely see why! This unbelievable chain of 20,000 islands is nothing wanting extraordinary.
I used to be fascinated that regardless of every island being very distinct, all of them come collectively to create a tight-knit neighborhood. I assumed the vibe right here was actually particular!
Touring across the islands was really easy with the community of ferries—there was no must lease a automobile I simply rented a bicycle as an alternative. It was the proper approach to take in the island vibe and really feel like an area on the similar time!
- Location: Southwest a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (for island hopping and biking via the islands).
- Actions on supply: Island hopping, biking, crusing, and kayaking.
- Lodging: Archipelago Inn, Saaristohotelli Vaihela, and island cottages.
- Map Location and Instructions
10. Utsjoki
It is a dreamy unspoilt gem! Positioned in Finland’s northernmost area in Lapland and bordering Norway, its an enthralling village crammed beautiful Arctic landscapes, intriguing Sámi tradition, and beautiful views of the Teno River.
Utsjoki’s small inhabitants of simply over 1,200 helps keep the small village despite the fact that it attracts round 20,000 to 25,000 guests annually. This Sami village is the place I can escape hectic metropolis life and luxuriate in pure magnificence at its most interesting.
- Location: North a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for the Northern Lights and Sámi tradition).
- Actions on supply: Northern Lights viewing, mountain climbing, studying about Sámi tradition, and fishing.
- Lodging: Utsjoki Aurora Holidays, Vacation Village Valle, and riverside cabins.
- Map Location and Instructions
11. Naantali
It is a fairly resort city with a vibrant calendar of festivals and Finnish tradition! I like its charming surroundings which is crammed with colourful picket homes, picturesque waterfront alongside the archipelago, and luxurious gardens, all set towards the beautiful backdrop of the Baltic Sea.
Positioned in Southwest Finland, festivals such because the Naantali Music Pageant occur each June from the sixth to the seventeenth, attracting guests from across the globe. I like the distinctive old-world environment that this city has in addition to its beautiful river views.
On my journey, I visited the historic and chic Kultaranta Palace and Gardens which have been constructed within the late nineteenth century, the upscale Naantali Spa, the place I had stress-free wellness remedies, the charming Outdated City which was crammed with cobblestone streets and superbly preserved picket homes; and the splendidly whimsical Moominworld!
- Location: Southwest a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (for festivals, waterfront views, and exploring the Outdated City).
- Actions on supply: Exploring the Outdated City, visiting Moominworld, having fun with waterfront views, and attending festivals.
- Lodging: Naantali Spa, Lodge Palo, and guesthouses within the Outdated City.
- Map Location and Instructions
12. Mariehamn
I assumed this was a pleasant gem! It’s the capital of the beautiful Åland Islands and I cherished how straightforward it’s to discover this charming transport city on foot after catching a ferry right here. I may stroll from one finish to the opposite with out ever needing a automobile and simply stare upon its charming surroundings and picturesque streets!
On my journey, I cherished shopping the quaint retailers and eating places whereas strolling alongside Torggatan which was the primary pedestrian road within the centre.
For the most effective view of this rising metropolis, I trekked as much as Badhusberg the place I may see panoramic views of Mariehamn from up excessive!
- Location: Southwest a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (for nice climate and exploring the Åland Islands by foot or bike).
- Actions on supply: Sightseeing, biking, visiting museums, and exploring the Åland Islands.
- Lodging: Lodge Arkipelag, Park Alandia Lodge, and comfy guesthouses.
- Map Location and Instructions
13. Saariselka
That is a tremendous place to attempt to see the the Aurora Borealis! The Northern Lights entice numerous vacationers yearly and encapsulate the creativeness as streams of color dance throughout the night time sky.
I like how they make the occasion much more particular with uniquely designed cabins. These cabins supplied an excellent view of the northern lights whereas we remained heat inside!
Throughout the summer time season, friends take pleasure in 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 an excellent expertise!
- Location: North a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Winter (for the Northern Lights and winter sports activities).
- Actions on supply: Northern Lights viewing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and husky safaris.
- Lodging: Northern Lights Village, Star Arctic Lodge, and vacation cottages.
- Map Location and Instructions
14. Repovesi Nationwide Park
Positioned 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, I assumed it was beautiful place crammed with hills blanketed with thick, rugged forests and clear blue lakes each in summer time and winter. Throughout the winter, the entire place is roofed in pure white snow and truthfully it’s a really unbelievable and really Instagram-worthy sight!
- Location: Southeast a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (for mountain climbing, canoeing, and exploring the wilderness).
- Actions on supply: Mountaineering, canoeing, mountaineering, and wildlife watching.
- Lodging: Tentsile Expertise EcoCamp, Repovesi Nationwide Park cabins, and close by lodges.
- Map Location and Instructions
15. Lake Pielinen
Positioned 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 like this unspoiled and tranquil spot. It has unbelievable views and leisure actions similar to mountain climbing and biking through the summer time months. There’s additionally a lot of fairly small villages and cities situated on the forested hills of Karelia.
- Location: East a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (for mountain climbing and biking with stunning lake views).
- Actions on supply: Mountaineering, biking, boating, and fishing.
- Lodging: Break Sokos Lodge Koli, Pielinen cottages, and lakeside guesthouses.
- Map Location and Instructions
