The unkempt wilderness of this odd but irresistible land makes for an inspiring and totally unique holiday destination. Natural beauty prevails with low hills and rolling plains interspersed with many thousands of lakes, around 180,000 of them in fact, defining the landscape! The lure of Finnish Lapland and of course the potential for a glimpse of the Northern Lights makes Finland an exciting winter family holiday destination but how else could you fill your time in this part of Northern Europe? Well, take a look at my pick of the top 5 things to do in Finland…
Explore the capital, Helsinki
If you thought hard enough, you would probably know that Helsinki is the capital of Finland but I wouldn’t blame you if your knowledge on the place ends there. It’s a fascinating city with plenty on offer for travellers to the country. It has that perfect blend of international flavours contained within a small-town atmosphere, all in a dramatic coastal location. With the last point in mind, Suomenlinna, a dramatic coastal fortress is a must see during your time in Helsinki. Within the city centre a treasure trove of museums and churches await you; start with the iconic Lutheran Cathedral with its mint green domes wonderfully contrasted against the bright white walls. It dates to the mid 1800’s and really is worth seeing! Elsewhere across the city, uncover the variety of attractions from the many city parks right through to amusement parks like Linnanmäki which is home to the country’s oldest wooden rollercoaster.
Get lost in the National Parks
The abundant natural beauty is one of the biggest draws to this stunning country and incredibly, considering its size, it boasts more than 30 national parks, each protecting various natural gems and boasting varied and beautiful landscapes. The Archipelago National Park which is the name of an area formed in the Ice Age is 90% underwater making it a fascinating place to explore by canoe. You might prefer to hike deep into the trees and camp under the great night sky in Helvetinjärvi National Park, Riisitunturi National Park or countless others. The untouched nature is truly breath-taking and will leave you with fond memories long after you have returned home, so be sure to soak it up and enjoy the break from everyday life.
Go Skiing
Unlike neighbouring Norway and Sweden, Finland doesn’t boast majestic mountains and craggy outcrops; its offerings are much more modest with the highest mountain, Mount Halti, reaching 4,478ft. That said, there is still some excellent skiing to be enjoyed and it makes for a fun addition to your Finnish itinerary if you are visiting during the winter. Levi resort is a great choice for beginner and intermediate skiers with a selection of 48 runs to enjoy while if there is a more experience skier in your group, there are 4 black runs with their name on them! The fun doesn’t have to stop there though; this is a winter wonderland of activities with husky sledding, snowmobile rides and even ice fishing on offer. Tahko is another great option without having to travel quite as far north, while Yllas is the largest resort in Finland, boasting a total of 63 runs. Take a look at our Finland ski guide for a bit more information about the best ski resorts to visit!
Visit Finland’s Old Towns
Finland is a unique country in many ways and unlike the Old Towns you might find in other countries, the one’s in Finland are mainly comprised of slatted wooden buildings, giving a quaint and charming feeling. Rauma and Porvoo are great places to start if you have limited time and are probably the best known in the country; especially Rauma with its wooden houses in the town centre being protected on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Located on the coast, it’s one of the most historic towns in the country and fascinating to explore with some great museums and churches to include in your itinerary. Porvoo offers a similar experience and is proposed to be included on the UNESCO list also. Whichever you choose to visit, you will find a charming and atmospheric town bursting with history when you arrive.
Experience a traditional Finnish sauna
The sauna experience is a staple tradition in the Finnish culture, the locals absolutely love it and its popularity is spreading around the world. It’s natural of course therefore that if you travel to Finland, you really need to experience it first-hand. It’s custom to be naked, which might be a bit difficult but us prudish Brits to be comfortable with at first, and men and women will use separate saunas or take turns. Practically every family has their own sauna but if you don’t make friends with any locals, don’t worry there are plenty to visit. A popular one in Helsinki goes by the name of Kotiharjun sauna and will be easy to track down!
So, in a country that is filled with fascinating traditions, quirky festivals, enchanting cities and more picturesque scenes than you can shake your camera at, your time in Finland is certain to be eventful. These are just 5 of the ways you can enjoy yourself!
