Tips
Explore Finland: Breathtaking Destinations and Memorable Adventures You Can’t Miss
Author: Alka
Welcome to your fine escape to the land of a thousand lakes – Finland! Pinch yourself as you board the flight to this winter wonderland, a Northern European country bordering Norway, Sweden, and Russia. Even though Finland lies off the beaten tourist path, its unspoiled nature, vibrant art-filled cities, and deep boreal forests offer a bundle of stunning places to visit & here is a checklist for you!
1. Helsinki: Start your tour with the capital city of Finland and a fantastic destination to explore with a mix of modern architecture, rich history, and stunning natural landscapes. It has stunning architecture, fascinating museums, and beautiful parks, to name a few:
- Suomenlinna Sea Fortress: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can explore historic buildings, walk through the tunnel, and enjoy stunning sea views located on a cluster of islands. You can reach it by a short ferry ride from the city center making it a perfect spot to start your journey.
- Helsinki Cathedral: Head towards the iconic Senate Square, where you’ll find the magnificent Helsinki Cathedral- a beautiful landmark in the city completed in 1852 and a great place to take stunning photos. The neoclassical architecture and the surrounding buildings are a perfect introduction to the city.
- Ateneum Museum and Market Square: The Museum is home to Finland’s most famous artworks to look upon. You can try traditional Finnish cuisine at Market Square or a coffee at one of the city’s many cafes. You can also take in views from beautiful outdoor terraces and parks in summer.
2. Rovaniemi: It’s the capital of Lapland and a magical destination to explore, located in the Arctic Circle and known as the ‘official’ hometown of Santa Claus, the places to visit here include:.
- Santa Claus Village: All your childhood stories will come into reality as you meet Santa, across the Arctic Circle, and send postcards from the Santa Claus Post Office making it a magical experience for both children and adults.
- Ranua Wildlife Park: If you’re interested in Arctic Wildlife, it’s the perfect spot to see and learn about animals such as Polar Bears, wolves, and reindeer- it is just an hour’s drive from Rovaniemi city. If you have time then though not directly in Rovaniemi, the Kemi Snow Castle is a short drive away and features stunning ice sculptures, ice walls, and even an ice chapel.
- Adventure Activities: For adventure seekers, Rovaniemi has plenty of outdoor activities to offer,as you can witness the Northern Lights during the winter months via guided tours that take you out into the wilderness to view the natural phenomenon in its full glory, experience the Arctic wilderness by snowmobile, take a ride on husky sled through the snowy landscapes or visit one of the traditional reindeer farms to learn about the Sami culture where you can feed the reindeer and even take a short sleigh ride.
3. Savonlinna: It is a charming city in the heart of Finnish Lakeland, known for its beautiful landscapes, historical landmarks, and castles.
- Olavinlinna Castle: This well-preserved medieval castle is a must-see attraction and you can take a guided tour and learn about its history. The castle hosts various events including the Savonlinna Opera Festival which takes place every summer attracting thousands of visitors from worldwide and a great way to experience Finnish culture and music. You can try local delicacies like Karelian pies, smoked salmon, and blueberry pie.
- Linnansaari National Park: In the middle of Lake Saimaa, the park is known for its untouched nature and unique wildlife. You can take guided tours for seal safaris and kayaking tours to navigate through the park’s intricate waterways and observe its diverse wildlife. You can take a boat ride to the park and explore its many hiking trails.
4.Koli National Park: Located in North Karelia, Finland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse outdoor activities. You can take a guided experience or explore it independently as the park offers a range of options to suit your interests. The tour starts sharply at 11 a.m. and takes you to the park’s most iconic spots including Ukko-Koli, Akka-Koli, and Paha-Koli which are celebrated for their panoramic views. Here you also have an opportunity to learn the basics of snowshoeing while traversing the snowy terrains of Koli, taking in the serene winter landscapes.
5. Lake Saimaa: It is Finland’s largest lake that showcases its natural beauty and unique wildlife. You can opt for VIP cruises from Savonlinna allowing passengers to explore various parts of Lake Saima. You can go for seal-watching tours or take a sustainable adventure cruise that highlights the lake’s pristine environment. For adventure seekers, you have plenty of options to choose from such as Canoeing and Kayaking to explore the lake’s serene waters and intricate archipelagos.
CONCLUSION
As you bid farewell to Finland, you’ll carry more than just souvenirs- you’ll take home the glow of auroras and the warmth of a land that welcomes you quietly but stays with you forever. Finland may be beyond the mainstream tourist route, but once you find it, you’ll never truly leave as you can experience unforgettable adventure and fun under the midnight sun or northern lights! So, pack your stuff and take off!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Tip: The best time to explore Finland is from November to mid-April when winter transforms into a snowy wonderland. Just be sure to bundle up with thermals and master the art of layering to stay cozy in the Nordic chill!
1. How to Reach?
- By Flight: There are no direct flights from India to Finland, but you can reach Helsinki(HEL) with one-stop layovers in major cities such as Istanbul, Dubai, Paris, and London that take up to 10-15 hours depending upon the layovers. Major airlines like Finnair, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airlines operate flights from Europe, Asia, and North America.
- By Train & Bus: If you’re already in Europe, you can take a train to Sweden (Stockholm) and then continue by ferry to Helsinki. Buses also operate between Finland and neighboring countries like Sweden, Estonia, and Norway.
2. Local Transport
- Trains connect major cities like Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, and Rovaniemi wherein Lapland Express is great for those visiting the far north and Eurail Pass is an excellent option for international tourists traveling across Europe and Finland.
- OnniBus and Matkahuolto provide nationwide bus services, including travel to remote areas in small towns.
- Ferries are part of the unique Archipelago Trail and can be used to hop between islands.
3. Visa and other details
- Travelers from non-EU countries need a Schengen visa to enter Finland, so apply in advance through the nearest Finnish embassy. You need to have your flight tickets, hotel bookings, travel insurance, and bank statements as essential documents.
- Exchange Indian currency to Euros before travel or use international debit/credit cards.
4. Accommodation
- Standard option: Hostel Diana Park and Cheap Sleep Hostel
- Deluxe option: Radisson Blu Hotel and Hotel Scandic Marina
- Luxury option: Hilton Helsinki Strand
5. Places to Eat
- Vegetarian option: Green Hippo Cafe and Perunamuusi ( for Finnish vegetarian dishes)
- Non-vegetarian option: Muru and Ravintola Aino ( for authentic dishes)
- Vegan option: OmNam and Veganissimo
