Finland highlights & map
Finland’s highlights, both scenic and cultural, vary wildly from the Arctic reaches of northern Lapland, to the central pine forests, and expansive archipelagos of the southwest. There are superior hiking, cycling, canoeing, wildlife watching and snow sports – but the region you choose to do these in will depend on the time of year; winter lasts considerably longer in the north, which may impact on your planned activities. Finland’s road network is well maintained, and there are excellent (if pricey) bus and train services. However, the country is huge and its landscapes – though beautiful – are monotonous, so we recommend picking just one or two regions and getting really stuck in, to avoid spending all your vacation traveling.
Our Finland Vacations
Finland Northern Lights vacation, Wilderness Auroras
Winter activities & Aurora hunting in the Finnish wilderness
From
£1395 to £1575
5 days
inc UK flights
Cross-country skiing vacation in Finland, Russian border
Guided hut-to-hut cross-country skiing vacation in Finland
From
€1030
7 days
ex flights
Lapland vacation, husky safari & log cottage
Luxurious log suite,northern lights & overnight husky safari
From
€1923
5 days
ex flights
Northern lights family vacation, tailor made
A mix of Lapland family activities and a relaxing Spa hotel
From
£1065 to £1225
4 days
inc UK flights
Finland winter activity vacation & Northern Lights
Discover this Finnish winter activity wilderness week
From
US $2449 to US $2749
8 days
ex flights
Husky safari in Finland
Sled with huskies through spectacular Finnish scenery
From
£2155 to £2465
8 days
inc UK flights
Winter adventure in Finland
Experiences which stay with you
From
£1995 to £2225
8 days
inc UK flights
Northern Lights Autumn vacation in Finland
Autumn Northern Lights quest in Finland
From
£985
4 days
inc UK flights
Snowshoeing vacation in Finland
A great introduction to trekking in Iceland
From
US $1879 to US $2179
8 days
ex flights
Northern Lights vacation in Finnish Lapland, Harriniva
Hunt for the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland
From
£1745 to £1845
8 days
inc UK flights
Cross-country skiing vacation in Finland
Fun, relaxing cross-country skiing for beginners and pros.
From
€1150
8 days
ex flights
Northern lights short break, Finland
Leisurely stay in Finnish Lapland & an Aurora alert system
From
£1225 to £1645
5 days
inc UK flights
Self drive family vacation in Finland
A self-drive vacation in Finland for families.
From
€545 to €900
9 days
ex flights
Northern Lights vacation, Finnish Lapland
Unique aurora tour with huskys, snowshoeing and snowmobiling
From
€1204
3 days
ex flights
Luxury wilderness Northern Lights vacation, Finland
Nangu Northern Lights Activity Vacation
From
£1795 to £2095
5 days
inc UK flights
Christmas in Finland, log cabin stay
Family friendly activity vacation with Santa Claus visit
From
€989 to €1035
5 days
ex flights
Winter cottage vacation in Finnish Lapland
Log fires, lakeside trails & a range of winter activities
From
£1845 to £1995
8 days
inc UK flights
Brown bear watching in Finland
Observe the rare European Brown Bear
From
US $760 to US $800
4 days
ex flights
Scandinavia small group tour
Soak up a little Scandinavian minimalism
From
US $6940 to US $7215
21 days
ex flights
Winter vacation in Finnish Lapland, tailor made
Combine unbeatable comfort with winter adventure
From
£785 to £975
3 days
inc UK flights
Family winter activity vacation in Finland
A combination of activities, cottages & snowy landscapes
From
£1845 to £1995
8 days
inc UK flights
Finland snowshoeing vacation
Explore this stunning setting of Oulanka National Park
From
US $2099
8 days
ex flights
Northern Lights short break in Nellim, Finland
Short Northern Lights break in Finland.
From
£1095 to £1395
4 days
inc UK flights
Finnish Lapland winter vacation, husky safari
A fantastic three-day husky safari in Finnish Lapland
From
£1795 to £1865
5 days
inc UK flights
Lapland New Year vacation, Northern Lights
New Year celebrations, Tromsø & the Northern Lights Route
From
£1845
5 days
inc UK flights
Snowshoeing vacation in Finland
A great snowshoe tour in the new Hossa National Park.
From
€940
7 days
ex flights
Fat biking vacation in Finland
Delve deep into Europe's last great wilderness
From
US $2479
8 days
ex flights
Finland wild food vacation
Learn to cook wild food in Finnish wilderness
From
€690
4 days
ex flights
Finland hiking vacation
A hut-to-hut hiking journey along Finland's eastern border
From
€1020
8 days
ex flights
Northern Lights activity break in Finland, Arctic Hills
Experience the wilderness by car, snowmobile, skies, huskies
From
€1349
4 days
ex flights
1. Colour Rock (Hossa)
2. Helsinki
3. Inari
4. Kuopio
5. Lake Saimaa
6. Lakeland
7. Lapland
8. Luosto
9. Oulanka National Park
10. Oulu
11. Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park
12. Rovaniemi
13. Tampere
14. Turku
15. Western Uusimaa
16. Wild Taiga
2. Helsinki
3. Inari
4. Kuopio
5. Lake Saimaa
6. Lakeland
7. Lapland
8. Luosto
9. Oulanka National Park
10. Oulu
11. Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park
12. Rovaniemi
13. Tampere
14. Turku
15. Western Uusimaa
16. Wild Taiga
Colour Rock (Hossa)
1. Colour Rock (Hossa)
Värikallio, commonly known as the "Colour Rock," is one of Finland’s largest rock art sites. Dating back to the Stone Age, the 61 paintings are located along the scenic Hossa hiking route, and depict wildlife, hunting and shamanic rituals. They are dramatically situated on a rock wall emerging from Lake Somerjärvi – and were probably created from a boat or while the lake was frozen.
Helsinki
2. Helsinki
Helsinki is perched on a peninsula which creeps into the island filled Gulf of Finland. Its Art Nouveau architecture is well preserved, and the city has a laid-back feel, especially in summer. Excellent museums and quirky bars (including one carved from ice!) will keep you busy day and night. Don’t miss Suomenlinna, an 18th century maritime fortress built on a group of islands.
Inari
3. Inari
Despite being Finland's largest municipality, Inari has a population of less than 7,000, including many native Sámi. Much of the region is covered by national parks and designated wilderness areas. Winter sports include downhill and cross-country skiing, husky and reindeer sledding, while in summer the landscape is a glorious backdrop for hiking, canoeing, mountain biking and fishing.
Kuopio
4. Kuopio
Sitting peacefully on Lake Kallavesi, the harbour town of Kuopio draws visitors all year round. Summer activities include steamer cruises and lakeside hikes, while in winter there are numerous ski routes through the surrounding spruce forests. A grid of old wooden houses has been preserved in the city center, and the Puijo Panorama Tower offers the best views in the region.
Lake Saimaa
5. Lake Saimaa
Several attractive towns are huddled along the jagged, 15,000km shoreline of Finland’s largest lake, and its many narrow canals and archipelagos offer calm waters and harbours which are ideal for kayaking. Winding lakeside trails are fantastic for hikers and cyclists. Linnansaari National Park is one of the most popular regions, and the best place to spot rare ringed seals.
Lakeland
6. Lakeland
Finland has around 188,000 lakes. Its Lakeland region is a wonderful blend of picturesque towns, vast, glassy expanses of water, scatterings of forest filled islands, and untouched nature reserves. Kayak across a lake, hike through the spectacular landscape, cycle the shorelines and look out for Saimaa ringed seals – one of the world’s most endangered seal species.
Lapland
7. Lapland
Finland's most northerly province is enshrined in folklore and fairytale, with its residents - real and mythical - including the reindeer herding Sámi, lynx and wolves, and Father Christmas and his elves. European nature at its most raw, Lapland is the place to see the Northern Lights, track brown bears and cross country ski across kilometres of unmarked snow.
Luosto
8. Luosto
Just 90 minutes from the Arctic Circle, Luosto is the leaping-off point for all classic Lapland activities – husky and reindeer sledding, Northern Lights tours, skiing, ice fishing, and even ice swimming and climbing. The nearby Pyhä-Luosto National Park is located on a fell chain covered in ancient pine forests, offering fabulous cross country skiing and hiking trails.
Oulanka National Park
9. Oulanka National Park
Oulanka is known for its 80km Karhunkierros hiking trail, though there are many shorter nature walks during which you can spot the park’s native endangered wildlife and over 100 species of birds. Around the park’s pine forests, sandy valleys and vast swamplands, several rustic wooden cabins have been renovated and can be used free of charge. The white water rapids offer fantastic rafting.
Oulu
10. Oulu
Northern Finland’s unofficial capital, Oulu is a neat university city scattered across several islands, with well planned bicycle routes, free WiFi in the city center… and, perhaps more famously, the Air Guitar World Championships each August. For the more traditional, fishing, white water rafting on the melted spring rivers and canoeing also take place here.
Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park
11. Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park
One of Finland’s oldest and largest national parks, Pallas-Yllästunturi protects 1,020 km2 of Lapland, including ancient forests, high fells and 350km of hiking trails. Marking the border between the north and south, the park contains many arctic as well as southern species, and farming gives way to reindeer herding. Its air is said to be the cleanest in Europe.
Rovaniemi
12. Rovaniemi
Just 5km south of the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is the home of Father Christmas, who can be visited here year round. As the capital of Finnish Lapland, this lively university city is the departure point for activities including Northern Lights tours, reindeer and husky sledding, skiing, skating and ice fishing.
Tampere
13. Tampere
Tampere’s industrial past earned it the nickname 'the Manchester of the North.' Sitting on a narrow strip of land between two large lakes, the city is splashed with 200 smaller lakes, and the historical buildings downtown have been converted into shops, museums and restaurants. Finland’s oldest working sauna is situated in the attractive bohemian quarter of Pispala.
Turku
14. Turku
Turku is Finland’s oldest city, and with its cathedral, castle, cobbled streets and idyllic market square, it has a distinctly medieval feel. Sail to a nearby island, bike or hike the archipelago to enjoy unspoiled nature at the splintered edge of northern Europe. Lakeside beaches, adventure parks and bicycle hire make this a great, active destination for kids.
Western Uusimaa
15. Western Uusimaa
The area stretching along the fragmented coast to the west of Helsinki is known as Uusimaa. This region is a wonderful summer destination, when the long days allow you to cram in many hours of cycling, hiking, relaxing on beaches and island hopping. There are many small towns and villages, with both Finnish and Swedish speaking inhabitants.
Wild Taiga
16. Wild Taiga
Extending along the Russian border, Wild Taiga’s thick forests, hills and rivers are home to some of Europe’s rarest species, including moose, wolverines, wolves and bears. But it’s not just for nature lovers; as one of Finland’s earliest inhabited regions, Wild Taiga has a well preserved culture, and visitors can enjoy theatre, dance, chamber music and learning about traditional livelihoods.
Our top Finland Vacation
Finland Northern Lights vacation, Wilderness Auroras
Winter activities & Aurora hunting in the Finnish wilderness
From
£1395 to £1575
5 days
inc UK flights
Small group travel:
2019: 1 Dec, 15 Dec
2020: 5 Jan, 12 Jan, 19 Jan, 9 Feb, 16 Feb, 1 Mar, 15 Mar, 29 Mar
2019: 1 Dec, 15 Dec
2020: 5 Jan, 12 Jan, 19 Jan, 9 Feb, 16 Feb, 1 Mar, 15 Mar, 29 Mar
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.
Travel times in Finland
The following times give you a rough idea of the driving times between the main Finland highlights. Be aware that it is a legal requirement for headlights to be used at all times, even during the day, and that winter tyres – preferably with studs – must be used during the winter months. Travel will take longer in winter – lower speed limits are also enforced.
More about Finland
The best time to visit Finland depends on what you're wishing to do as the winter season from December through to April is ideal for dog sledding and winter sports (Feb and Mar best time to go for daylight) whereas the arrival of the spring in May sees the sun making a welcoming return prior to the long hot summer days from June to August.
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.
It's no accident that Finland is one of our most popular destinations for an activity vacation.
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.
The Wild Taiga in winter is about as close to Narnia as you can get without wandering into a wardrobe.
There’s no more exhilarating and rewarding way to discover the snowy Finnish wilderness than on a husky safari, with a team of dogs pulling you through pure white landscapes and across frozen lakes.
You don’t need to travel to Alaska to see gigantic brown bears; the Wild Taiga region of Finland is home to a population of these fascinating creatures and a supporting cast of other animals, too, from wolves and wolverine to elk and reindeer.
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.
If you’re heading to Lapland we implore you to find out more about the indigenous Sámi people who’ve made this northernmost region of Finland their ancestral home.
This winter wonderland, home to Father Christmas, friendly huskies and igloo-worthy snowfall, would be a dream destination for many children.
It's hard to go wrong when traveling in Finland, as the country is so beautifully set up for responsible travel.
Find all our Finland guides in one place, from Husky safaris to the Northern Lights and everything in between.
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Photo credits: [Page banner: Tero Laakso] [Colour Rock (Hossa): Guillaume Baviere]
[Helsinki: Tapio Haaja]
[Inari: Richard Mortel]
[Kuopio: Tumi-1983]
[Lake Saimaa: Miguel Virkkunen Carvalho]
[Lakeland: Visit Lakeland]
[Lapland: Taneli Lahtinen]
[Luosto: Ray Garcia]
[Oulanka National Park: Lysy]
[Oulu: Santeri Viinamäki]
[Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park: Markus Trienke]
[Rovaniemi: Gerald Zojer]
[Tampere: Tiia Monto]
[Turku: Flöschen]
[Western Uusimaa: Timo Newton-Syms]
[Wild Taiga: Frank Vassen]
[Travel times in Finland: Timo Newton-Syms]
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