Finland Travel Insights

1 Week in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With one week in Finland, you can experience two to three destinations at a comfortable pace, like Helsinki and Rovaniemi, on a combined city and outdoor itinerary, ideal for first-timers. Travelers set on seeing the northern lights should choose the "Aurora Adventure," and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the "Lapland Winter Adventure," which includes skiing and snowshoeing in Pyhä. Families will love the wildlife safaris on the Summer Adventure, while foodies can sample Finnish flavors on a culinary tour.

2 Weeks in Finland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in Finland, you can take in the highlights of Helsinki and the Lapland region on an epic winter holiday, complete with a northern lights tour, a snowmobile adventure, and a visit to Santa's Village. For all things Christmas, opt for a winter itinerary that visits Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland to learn about their unique holiday traditions. If you prefer summer, take advantage of the midnight sun on a Finland nature tour that'll get you exploring deep into Lapland's pristine wilderness.

Lapland Animal Summer Adventure: Rovaniemi, Kuusamo & Pyhä - 7 Days

Northern Finland transforms in the summertime, and there's no shortage of activities and animals to seek out under the midnight sun. On this seven-day itinerary, meet domestic animals like huskies and reindeer as well as wild ones, like brown bears, golden eagles, and wolves. Try fishing in one of the area's many lakes, visit the only polar bear in the country at a wildlife park, and spend a sunlit night looking for passing bears before the week is up.

Southern Finland Culinary Tour: Helsinki & Turku - 7 Days

Discover southern Finland's authentic flavors on this weeklong culinary itinerary. Explore the market halls of Helsinki and Turku, sampling the local ingredients that fuel cafés, restaurants, and bars across the country. A focus on food doesn't mean you'll miss out on any major attractions, though. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the grounds of Suomenlinna, an old Swedish fortress, and nibble on fresh pastries as you float down Turku's Aura river.

10 Days in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

10 days in Finland is enough time to explore Lapland, venture to a nearby national park or wildlife park, and partake in wintry activities like snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and northern lights-chasing. Or, catch the midnight sun phenomenon in summer between hiking through the wilderness and biking along waterways. Opt for a Christmas-focused experience that delves into Finnish culture, embark on a multiday snowshoe trek, or city-hop to the Baltic capitals, rich in architecture and history.

Finland Summer Nature Tour - 14 Days

Outdoorsy types will love this stunning tour of Finland that takes place during the long days of summertime. The adventure begins in the stylish capital, Helsinki, and Finland's oldest city, Turku, where you'll participate in a range of activities in a nearby archipelago facing Sweden. Then ride a train north to Lapland for a series of guided excursions—i.e., hiking, fishing, bear-watching—and plenty of free time to experience the peaceful scenery at your own pace.

5 Days in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Five days in Lapland is enough time to experience Rovaniemi, the region's capital, and use it as a base for wintry activities like visiting Santa Claus Village, snowmobiling, or Artic hiking and ice fishing. Chase the northern lights in winter when it's darkest, or catch the midnight sun during a summertime itinerary.

Sustainable Finland & Baltic Christmas Adventure - 14 Days

This Christmas-themed European tour covers four countries as you travel by sustainable transportation in the form of luxury buses, ferries, and trains. It starts in Lithuanian's capital, Vilnius, where you'll make a traditional holiday dish and explore a 14th-century fortress. Then make your way to more Christmassy capitals like Riga, Tallinn, and Helsinki—meeting local experts along the way—before landing in the northernmost region in Finland (and the official home of Santa Claus).

Finland Epic Winter Holiday - 14 Days

This epic tour is a perfect way to spend the Christmas holidays for those who appreciate wintry scenery and early evenings (hello, northern lights!). Kick off the trip in Helsinki with a taste of the Finnish capital and medieval town of Porvoo, and then travel by train to Lapland. Here you'll spend several days sampling a range of snow sports, learning Sámi culture, and cuddling with Alaskan huskies. Visit the big man himself in Santa Claus Village to complete the festive adventure.

Active Finland Summer Adventure: Helsinki, Turku & Rovaniemi - 10 Days

The idea of visiting Finland might conjure up images of ice and snow, but this 10-day itinerary reveals the beauty of the Nordic country in the summertime. Spend time biking and walking around coastal Helsinki and Turku and explore the largest archipelago in the world. Then, take the train north to Rovaniemi in Lapland, and hike, canoe, and photograph your way through the unending days of summer in the Arctic Circle.

Lapland Winter Adventure - 7 Days

This weeklong adventure includes Finnish Lapland's classic winter experiences—and some extra activities you might not expect. Alongside enchanting horse-drawn sleigh rides and snowmobile safaris chasing the northern lights, try your hand at ice fishing, snowshoe your way to an amethyst mine, and ski deep-powder slopes north of the Arctic Circle. Authentic visits to a family-run husky park and an off-the-tourist trail reindeer farm round off an unforgettable trip.

Ultimate Lapland Aurora Adventure - 7 Days

This week-long trip to Finnish Lapland is packed full of wonderful winter adventures. Ice-climb your way up a cliff and plunge into an icy Arctic lake. Zip around the landscape on an electric snowmobile, go snowshoeing through the forest under the moonlight and travel deep into the snow-dusted wilderness to meet huskies and reindeer—all under a shimmering green glow as the northern lights dance across the night sky.

Ultimate Lapland Aurora Adventure - 5 Days

Meet Santa Claus himself in his "official" home of Lapland, Finland's magical far-northern region. Staying in Rovaniemi, the gateway to the Arctic Circle, you'll experience the town's festivities (it's Christmas year-round in these parts) and the enchanting wilderness surrounding it. As well as dropping into the Santa Claus Village, you'll soar across glistening snow on a dogsled ride, hang out with reindeer on a safari, give eSleds a whirl, and chase the mesmerizing northern lights.

Lapland Christmas Vacation - 5 Days

Take a trip to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, on this magical five-day Christmas-filled itinerary. Start with an exhilarating snowmobile safari and cross the frozen landscapes of the Arctic Circle or take a seat in a cozy sled pulled by reindeer to meet Santa. Come nightfall you'll get to unwind in a traditional Finnish sauna. On your final day, choose between experiencing an authentic Finnish Christmas of cookie-making and tree-trimming or exploring the ice sculptures of the nearby SnowHotel.

Finnish Winter Wonderland: Helsinki & Rovaniemi - 7 Days

Enjoy a fantastic winter getaway in Finland with a week full of outdoor adventures. Start in Helsinki and discover its key monuments. Head far north to Lapland and stay in the capital, Rovaniemi, to witness the northern lights. Get cozy with the reindeer as you take a sleigh ride through the Arctic wilderness before cuddling huskies at play. Hike to Korouoma Canyon for stunning views of frozen waterfalls, then warm up by a fire in the woods as you revel in a spectacular winter wonderland.

Finland Ultimate Christmas Adventure - 10 Days

Get in the Christmas spirit with this customizable 10-day itinerary. It starts in Finland's capital, Helsinki, where you'll visit a UNESCO-listed fortress before checking out the nearby medieval town, Porvoo. Then take an overnight sleeper train to the Lapland region, above the Arctic Circle, where snow is practically guaranteed. Here you'll ski, snowshoe, snowmobile, dogsled, relax in a sauna, and let reindeer take you to Santa Claus himself—this is his official home, after all.

Rovaniemi Winter Adventure - 5 Days

Welcome to Rovaniemi, the gateway to the Arctic Circle and the capital of Lapland—Finland's northernmost region. This five-day itinerary is designed to make the most of the snowy wintertime, with activities in the beautiful frozen wilderness surrounding the city. Every day brings a new once-in-a-lifetime outdoor adventure, from floating in icy open water to chasing the northern lights, ice fishing, and hiking—and sometimes sliding!— in a snow-laden canyon.

Winter Holiday in Finland's Arctic Circle - 10 Days

Get ready for a 10-day winter adventure in Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland. Enjoy the most famous activities in this part of the Arctic Circle, which include skiing, snowmobiling, dogsledding, going on reindeer safaris, and witnessing the northern lights. An added treat is visiting an authentic Sámi village, home to the only Indigenous tribe in the European Union.

Ultimate Arctic Adventure in Finland - 10 Days

This 10-day excursion into the great white north kicks off with a wild snowmobile tour through the wilderness and continues with a four-day snowshoe hike across the stunning fell landscapes of Pellas National Park. Rounding out the experience is a swim in a frozen Arctic lake followed by two days of dogsledding with friendly Alaskan huskies.

Discover Summer in Northern Finland- 5 Days

Experience the magic of northern Finland in summer as you hike, canoe, and float in the "Land of the Midnight Sun." Based in the Lapland capital of Rovaniemi, you'll visit Santa and his village, which is open year-round, and meet his reindeer. Get the best shots of the midnight sun at the perfect time. See the region by canoe before floating in a nearby lake. Hike through the forest to spot wildlife and stunning landscapes before finishing with an evening of storytelling around a bonfire.

Finland Arctic Wildlife Adventure - 5 Days

Spend five glorious days in Lapland, the far northern region of Finland, as you discover its stunning scenery and wildlife. Based in the capital of Rovaniemi, you'll start with a photography tour in the Arctic woodlands. Stay warm, bundled in blankets during a nighttime sleigh ride, and see every star in the sky. Visit a local reindeer farm before exploring Ranua Wildlife Park, where you'll keep your eyes peeled for native Arctic species, including the polar bear.

How Many Days to Spend in Finland

Finland is a fun, relaxed destination—there's always time for a sauna—however long or short your trip. In five to seven days, you can check out the capital city, Helsinki, and surrounding natural areas, such as Finnish Lakeland. Meanwhile, depending on the season and your interests, you could head north to Lapland. And with an extended 10-day trip, you can delve deeper into the wilderness and national parks to enjoy fun winter or summer outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking.

Best Time of Year to Visit Finland

Despite spanning the Arctic Circle, Finland is a fantastic destination at any time of year. Summer (June-August) draws visitors for vibrant cultural festivals, sunny days and warm temperatures, and the endless daylight of the midnight sun. Winter is equally stunning for its snowy landscapes and snowsports and a chance to see the northern lights and meet Santa on his home turf. And spring and fall are ideal if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a temperate climate.

Finland in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

December is the dead of winter in Finland, which means cold temperatures and minimal hours of daylight. However, Lapland is the mythical home of Santa Claus, and where better to celebrate Christmas? Read on to find out more about visiting Finland in December.

Finland in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

November is the tail end of fall and the start of winter in Finland. This means dark and gloomy conditions in most of the country, with the possibility of snow sports in the north. Read on to find out more about where to go and what to do in Finland in November.

Finland in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

October is right in the middle of fall in Finland, and it's a good month to visit if you enjoy the vibrant colors of nature. Temperatures drop, especially in the north, but there's the chance to spot the Aurora borealis. Read on to learn more about traveling to Finland in October.

Finland in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

September is an underrated month to travel to Finland, but if you love fall colors, this month should be on your radar. There are also some great cultural festivals to retreat indoors to this month. Read on to find out more about traveling to Finland in September.

Finland in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

While summer is in full swing in more southern parts of Europe, it's winding down in Finland. Temperatures get cooler, and locals go back to school and work. This means it could be a great time to visit Finland. Read on to learn more about traveling to Finland in August.

Finland in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

If you like warm weather and long days, July is the perfect month to visit Finland. It's the middle of summer, and the locals take much of the month off to celebrate and enjoy nature. Read on to learn more about traveling to Finland in July.

Finland in June: Travel Tips, Weather & More

After such long, dark winters, Finns really know how to celebrate the arrival of summer in June. The days are long, and the countryside is green, so June is a good time to get out and experience both. Read on to learn more about traveling to Finland this month.

Finland in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

May is properly the spring season in Finland and is a delightful month to travel to the northern European country. While temperatures won't be very high, the days are long, and the general mood is celebratory. Read on to learn more about traveling to Finland in May.

Finland in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

In the middle of Finland's short spring, April in Finland ranges from pleasantly warm to still frozen, depending on where you go. Much of the country is grinding back to life after a long hibernation, so cultural events start appearing on this calendar during this month. Read on to learn more about traveling to Finland in April.

Finland in March: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Wintery conditions linger in Finland in March, but with the days getting longer, many travelers find this month the best time to enjoy snow sports in the Nordic country. Read on to find out more about traveling to Finland in March.

Finland in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More

If you've always dreamed of seeing the colorful northern lights or riding a reindeer sleigh through silent Arctic forests, travel to Finland in February to turn these dreams into reality. The temperatures are cold and the nights long, but you might find it's worth it. Read on to learn more about traveling to Finland in February.

Finland in January: Travel Tips, Weather & More

If you're into snow sports or just want to experience a magical Nordic Winterland, there's no better place to be than Finland in January. Yes, the temperatures are cold and the days short, but a blanket of snow transforms the countryside. Read on to learn more about traveling to Finland in January.

Nordic & Baltic Gems: Finland, Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania - 12 Days

Discover a different side of Europe on this 12-day journey through Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. From Helsinki, you'll make your way south through the capitals, countryside, and rich cultural heritage of the Baltics. Tour Tallinn's medieval streets, spot rare wildlife in Lahemaa National Park, stroll the windswept shores of Lake Peipus, and explore the castles of Sigulda and Turaida. After sampling the specialties of Riga's famous covered market, your adventure ends in ancient Vilnius.

Magical Lapland: Santa's Village, Dogsledding & the Northern Lights - 5 Days

Cross the Arctic Circle into Finland's far north on this unforgettable five-day winter adventure. Explore the Lapland town of Rovaniemi, where you can dog sled through snowy forests and meet Santa's reindeer. When the skies darken, you'll set out in search of the spectacular northern lights, spending one special night in a heated glass igloo under the stars.

Discover Finland's Golden Triangle: Helsinki, Tampere & Turku - 6 Days

Discover Finland's Golden Triangle—formed by the cities of Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku. Learn about the role these cities played in Finland's history and how, today, they are the economic and population center of the country. You'll start in the capital, Helsinki, with a city tour and an excursion to the historic Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and partake in the city's lively and innovative dining scene. At Tampere, the city surrounded by lakes, you'll learn its history and take a lake cruise to enjoy the region's unique beauty.

Travel Feature: Cloudberry Culture in Finnish Lapland

When the Midnight Sun shines, Ranua locals grab their buckets, put on their boots, and hit the swamps in search of an elusive Arctic delicacy. Every July—for just three weeks—this remote part of Finnish Lapland succumbs to cloudberry fever, when long days are spent picking, visiting fruit markets, and feasting on the luscious berries. This is Finland's self-defined 'cloudberry capital', and visitors can join in the fun.

Rovaniemi & Kemi - 6 Days

Welcome to Lapland! With four days in Rovaniemi, there's so much you can see and do. Visit Rudolph and the elves at Santa Claus Village, catch the Northern Lights, and sled with Huskies through a silent forest. Add on two more days for an optional excursion to the icy wonderland of Kemi.

Lapland Highlights - 5 Days

Visit Santa Claus's hometown (Rovaniemi) and fall in love with winter sports haven Ylläs on this snow-dusted winter wonderland adventure above the Arctic Circle! Snuggle a husky, pose for a selfie with a reindeer, snowshoe through the wilderness, participate in epic snowball fights, and hunt for the elusive, magical northern lights.

Northern Lights Road Trip from Rovaniemi to Tromsø - 9 Days

From dog sledding to snowshoeing, this adventure above the Arctic Circle covers all the winter activities the region has to offer. With a private guide behind the wheel, there's no need to worry about icy roads and reindeer crossings - just sit back, relax, and enjoy the hidden gems of the polar north.

Lapland Winter Activities - 5 Days

Outdoorsy travelers and snow-lovers rejoice: this Lapland winter tour was crafted with you in mind. Spend five days on snowshoes and skis, making your way across a winter wonderland that spans both Finland and Norway. Explore Norwegian fjords and arctic tundra - and keep an eye on the snow for wolverine and lynx prints.