Finland, known as the ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes,’ is a Nordic jewel where nature, tradition, and innovation blend seamlessly. This natural beauty, combined with abundant space, a dramatic variety of seasons, and very much a world-class design culture, makes a travelling experience truly unique. Whether you are seeking the magic of the northern lights or the charm of bustling metropolises, making the most of your adventure as soon as you cross the Finnish border will be easier with these five trip tips:
- Embrace Nature in National Parks
Finland’s natural beauty is one of its biggest draws. With over 40 national parks, visitors have numerous opportunities to explore pristine nature. Parks like Nuuksio, located near Helsinki, and Koli, farther north, show serene lakes, thick pine forest, and dramatic hills. All parks are abundantly maintained, and generally have designated paths for hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing, depending on the season. Wildlife watchers may have the chance to see reindeer, elk, or possibly the elusive lynx. The serene landscape is accompanied by an incredible sense of peace, ideal for avoiding the buzz of urban sounds.
- Savor Finnish Cuisine
You may be surprised by the hearty flavours, creativity, and use of natural ingredients in Finnish food. Root vegetables, fresh berries, rye bread, and wild mushrooms often make the basis of many traditional Finnish dishes. Try “lohikeitto”, a creamy salmon haze ideal for those lazy days, or “karjalanpiirakka”, a rye pastry filled with rice porridge. Coffee lovers will feel at home, as Finns consume more coffee per capita than any other nation, while beer drinkers can enjoy numerous local ales and craft beers. Artisan bakeries and food halls, like Helsinki’s Old Market Hall, offer accessible tastes of Finland’s evolving food scene. Seasonal menus frequently reflect what’s available from the forest or ocean, keeping effects fresh and sustainable.
- Join an Exciting Tour
Joining a guided tour is one of the most enriching ways to discover Finland’s diversity. Go on an excellent Finland tour around Lapland or festive cities to enjoy a dynamic itinerary filled with unforgettable moments, all while saving time on logistics. Whether you travel north in nature or in a gleeful megacity experience like Helsinki or Turku, tours allow for curated perception, original guides, and a seamless travel experience. In Lapland, visiting includes husky safaris, sleeping in glass igloos under the aurora borealis, and meeting the indigenous Sámi. Notably, the city experiences emphasize seasonal markets, architecture, and regional dishes.
- Experience Local Sauna Culture
No trip to Finland is complete without trying an authentic sauna. Deeply embedded in Finnish daily life, saunas are further than relaxation; they are a tradition tied to cleanliness, community, and even church. Whether you choose a lakeside rustic cabin or a satiny civic gym, the experience is transformative. After a good sweat, take a plunge into a cold lake or roll in fresh snow, as numerous Finns do. The calm and quiet of the sauna space enhances the moment. For those visiting Helsinki, the Löyly sauna combines modern architecture with littoral views, offering an ideal entry into this cherished ritual.
- Plan with the Seasons in Mind
Finland’s sprucely defined seasons shape everything from activities to transport. Summer brings us the Midnight Sun, with almost 24 hours of daylight for the visitor in the north. A perfect time for hiking, carnivals celebrating hot weather, and lakeside getaways. Conversely, the wintertime brings a country covered in snow, providing a playground for skiing, snowmobiling, and hunting for the Northern Lights. Autumn is scenically filled with pictorial oranges and reds that visitors love investigating and photographing. Spring may be short-lived, but nothing beats the energy and inspiration that nature emits when waking up in springtime. During the seasons, having timing in your travels will affect your experiences overall. For example, in Lapland, some roads are impassable when deep snow blankets them, while summer carnivals fill up fast, so do book early.
Finland offers something to every traveller: solitude in nature, design and culture in the urban centers, and unique experiences will leave a lifetime of memories. Whether you are enjoying a peaceful sauna or watching the colourful light show of the sky, Finland encourages you to slow down and be present. Now that you are equipped with these 5 tips, you are more prepared to explore this wonderful country mindfully and meaningfully.
Peter is an LGBT travel and lifestyle writer at Queer Voices magazine, living between Australia and Europe. Besides writing, he also worked as a freelance fashion stylist for many magazines. A true craft beer and soy latte aficionado, he loves spending his days at the beach and visiting second-hand stores on a daily basis. Follow Peter on Twitter below for more tips.
