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Finland travel guide

Our Finland travel guide unwraps the home of Father Christmas - and reveals that there is so much more to this Arctic nation than reindeer, sledges and forest snowscapes. Summer days are long and light, with opportunities for trekking and kayaking. Winter offers up the Northern Lights, snowshoeing and cross country skiing, and whenever you visit, don't miss the chance to meet the indigenous Sami - guardians of one of Europe's last wildernesses.

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Finland travel guide

Its most famous resident may be Santa Claus, but a Finland vacation is definitely not just for Christmas. Europe’s seventh-largest country straddles the Arctic Circle, encompassing splintered archipelagos, 188,000 lakes, and far-flung Finnish Lapland, stretching towards the North Pole.

This real-life Narnia shelters creatures few still associate with Europe - brown bears, wolves, elk, moose, and ferocious, fantastical-sounding wolverines; along with the indigenous, reindeer-herding Sámi.

The Finns have an unusual yet strong sense of identity – neither Scandinavian nor truly Baltic, having resisted the Red Army. Finnish life is shaped by the drastically differing seasons – from the sublime summer days where the sun barely dips below the horizon, to the polar nights which can drop below -30°C. Warmer weather sees the Finns flocking to lakeside summer homes to soak up the midnight sun, while the cold is combatted in a most quintessential way: the sauna.

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Sámi culture

The Sámi are the original inhabitants of Lapland, and spending time with them on your Finland vacation will add a fantastic new perspective on this remote region. Around 10 percent of Sámi still herd reindeer, which they use for milk, clothing, meat and bedding, and their rich culture includes weaving, traditional cuisine, improvised singing and shamanic drumming.

Arctic climate

Far from being endlessly cold and dim, Finland’s climate varies greatly depending on latitude and season. Away from the darkness of the solstice, winter days can be gloriously clear, with bright, crisp snow. In summer, the sun never really sets, and temperatures can reach the mid-20Cs – ideal for water based vacation activities such as canoeing, boating and lakeside retreats.

Mucking in

Multi-day cross-country trips can be very hands-on. Everyone does their part, and this takes a long time because everything – food, water, your hands – is frozen. For some, working on vacation is unthinkable. But for many, feeding and settling the huskies, gathering logs for the fire and making holes in the ice for water are the most incredible parts of their Finland vacation.

Getting back to basics

Finland’s towns are as modern as any in Scandinavia – but the best vacations are about “getting away from it all”, and a Finland vacation offers that like few other European destinations. Don’t lament the lack of electricity or whine about the non-existent wifi; savour the rustic cabins, lamplight, log fires, reindeer skin blankets, pitch black nights and raw, unspoiled nature.

Rated

Husky safaris

It's debatable who enjoys husky sledding more; the driver or the dogs. The huskies' excitement will no doubt add to your own; after a short lesson you'll be in charge or your own four-legged team, harnessing them before mushing through frozen, Christmas-card scenery with just the sound of paws on snow and swishing sleigh runners. Magical.

Northern lights

Nature's greatest light show can last from a few minutes up to a couple of hours, and disappears into the dark northern night as suddenly as it appears. Sitting by a fire on a frozen lake, laughing and sharing warm drinks with fellow travelers while waiting for the elusive spectacle is all part of the Arctic's most otherworldly experience.

Reindeer farms

Pivotal to Sámi culture, reindeer are used for food, clothing, milk and jewellery, and the life of the farmers is intricately linked to the feeding, mating and movements of their herds. Meeting them during your Finland vacation and learning about their lives is fascinating. The reindeer are actually free to roam through the forests, yet each Sámi herder recognises his own animals amongst hundreds of others.

Helsinki

Mainland Europe’s northernmost capital is perched on a peninsula which creeps into the island-filled Gulf of Finland. Its Art Nouveau architecture is well preserved, and Helsinki has a laid-back feel, especially in summer when the Finns spend as much time soaking up the sun as possible. Excellent museums and quirky bars will keep you busy day and night.

Overrated

Father Christmas daytrips

Those who grumble that Christmas is becoming ever more superficial may want to check out the latest festive activity: a daytrip to see Father Christmas. Flying from the UK and Lapland and back in a day, whizzed around the snowy activities, this Finland vacation is sure to be memorable for all the wrong reasons, as well as contributing nothing to local communities and creating a horrendously high carbon footprint.

Downhill skiing

To truly appreciate the landscapes during your vacation to Finland, cross country skiing is the way to go. Faster than walking, less exhausting than snowshoeing, it allows you to build up speed, have campfire lunches in the forest and sleep in a different location each night, making the most of Finland's warm culture as well as its nature; unlike downhill skiing on an enclosed resort.

Zoos

There is plenty of incredible wildlife in Finland - with wolves, bears and wolverines all inhabiting the Wild Taiga forests. Given the thrill of wild encounters, on guided treks or during a night in a hide, it's extra baffling why one of Finland's star attractions is a zoo - complete with a captive polar bear, no less - an animal not even native to the country.

Synthetic, hi-tech snow gear

The hardy Finns know how to deal with the cold – and they recommend natural fabric for your Finland vacation every time. Warm outwear (all-in-ones, mittens) is generally provided by the tour companies and lodges, but you’ll need to bring thin, insulating base layers, and wool and silk are superior for warmth. Don’t shun the reindeer skins on offer at some of the cabins, either!

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Finland or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.

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Toll free 1-866-821-6866

Calling us from outside the US?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Food, shopping & people

Eating & drinking

Try the Kuopio speciality kalakukko: a tasty, giant fish pie.

Karelian pasty, called karjalanpiirakka, is a pastry crust filled with rice. Hot butter is spread over the pastry before eating.

Get warm in the winter with glögi, a spiced, mulled wine poured over almonds and raisins.

Taste the Finnish landscape. Arctic wild berries, including bilberries, cloudberries and lingonberries, are served in juices and jams, or to accompany meat.

Finnish is famously, fiendishly complex, but any attempt to speak it is sure to break the ice with your hosts.

People & culture

Fought over by the Russians and Swedes for centuries, Finland has both Finnish and Swedish as official languages. Nine indigenous languages are also spoken by the 9,300 Sámi people here; Saami is the most widely spoken of these. English is widely understood in cities.

Something very hot may be called “Kuuma kuin saunassa” meaning “Hot like a sauna” of course.

Ask a Sámi if they speak English: “Hálatgo Eagalasgiela?”

If you're sledding and hear “Varo!”, be careful - it means “watch out!”

Gifts & shopping

In Lapland, the ‘Sámi Duodji’ label shows that souvenirs have been made by local Sámi craftspeople.

Pendants and trinket boxes are skillfully carved from reindeer antlers by Sámi craftspeople.

Keep warm even when you’re back home - knitted mittens and reindeer skin slippers are a cosy Finnish treat.

Sámi weaving is a beautiful, colourful tradition. We particularly love the belts, handwoven on traditional looms.

Lapland is sparsely populated with people, yet there are around 200,000 reindeer farmed by just 6,500 herdsmen.

How much does it cost?

Beer in a bar: £4.60

Cup of coffee: £2.80

Traditional pastry in a cafe: £2 - £3

Reindeer stew with lingonberries: £25

A session in a sauna: £15 per hour – or free in your hotel

More about Finland

Finland weather & best time to visit

The best time to visit Finland depends on what you wish to do as winter is ideal for dog sledding and winter sports whereas the arrival of spring in May sees the sun making a return prior to the long hot summer days.

Finland map & highlights

Click on our interactive Finland map and highlights to discover some of the best places to visit in both summer and winter, whether you're seeking wolverines, wild bears, snowshoeing, Santa or Sami hospitality.

Things to do in Finland

It's hard to know where to start when planning a trip to Finland but we've picked out our top activities to get you started - from admiring the Aurora to mushing huskies, tracking wolverines and thawing out in a sauna.

Seeing Northern Lights in Finland

If you’re looking to put a bit of colour into the darker depths of winter there’s no better place to start than Finland and if you’re also looking for more info on the best time to go then read as you keep watching the skies.

Finland winter activity vacations

From snow shoeing and cross country skiing to husky safaris, Northern Lights and warming fires, Finland in the winter abounds with things to do so slip on your woolly socks, grab a glass of Glögi and read on for more info.

Finland husky safaris

There’s no more exhilarating and rewarding way to discover the snowy Finnish wilderness other than on a husky safari, with a team of dogs pulling you through pure white landscapes and across vast frozen lakes.

Cycling vacations in Finland

Finns grow up learning about jokamiehenoikeus: every man’s right to roam. The Finnish landscape is everyone’s, including yours, to explore and forage – so long as you do so carefully.

Bear watching in Finland

You don’t need to travel to Alaska to see brown bears; the Wild Taiga region of Finland is home to these fascinating creatures and a supporting cast of other animals, too, from wolves and wolverine to elk and reindeer.

Rail vacations in Finland

Rail vacations in Finland are far more relaxing than driving. They also encourage an element of destination-hopping, so you will be able to visit Oulu and Kemi instead of heading straight to busy Rovaniemi in Lapland.

Summer vacations in Finland

If you think that Lapland is just about snow and Santa then think again as summer vacations in Finland help to create a far more accessible and affordable outdoor experience. including self-drive tours and hiking vacations.

Sami culture in Finland

Although traditionally semi nomadic reindeer herders, the Sámi are adapting to a changing world with responsible tourism playing a role in keeping alive the languages, music and folklore tales from around the Arctic Circle.

Fat biking in Finland

If you fancy fat biking in Oulanka National Park, these mountain bikes with big chunky tyres are a great way to enjoy some Arctic exercise and have fun as part of a small guided group without damaging the environment.

Unusual vacations in Finland

Vacations in Finland don’t have to mean Santa. You could exercise huskies in autumn to help them get fit for sledding season or visit the country in summer, when far fewer people think to come, and try vacationing like a Finn in a log cabin.

Honeymoons in Finland

Finns prize privacy and remoteness above all else, and many choose to vacation in their home country, fleeing to their family cabins in search of solitude. Just like Finns, honeymooners appreciate a bit of alone time – just replace that family cabin with a place for two.

Responsible snowmobile safaris

The first eSleds have made their debut in Finland, and in the responsible travel stakes, electric beats traditional snowmobiles hands-down, but how can you make sure your snowmobile safari is good for Finnish Lapland?

Traveling in Finland with kids

Traveling in Finland with kids is a wonderful experience for families of any age, with snowshoeing and canoeing on the cards for older children, and snowmen, sledging and reindeer-nuzzling delights for younger ones.

Finland travel tips

Our specialist vacation companies and travelers have shared their Finland travel advice on everything from cross country skiing and the best time to see wildlife, to packing for the cold and eating locally sourced food.

Responsible tourism in Finland

It's hard to go wrong when traveling in this nature loving nation but there are a few things to be aware of including hunting, Sami rights and huskies vs snowmobiles; read our thoughts on responsible tourism in Finland.

All our Finland guides

Find all our Finland guides in one place, from Husky safaris to the Northern Lights and everything in between.

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Written by Vicki Brown

ABTA member P7085 so you are fully protected

Photo credits: [Page banner: Tero Laakso] [Underrated: Eero Kemilä / Visit Finland] [Rated: fox jia] [Overrated: Sqv7n] [People & language: Tapio Haaja] [How much does it cost?: Santeri Viinamäki]

Finland travel guide