What do you imagine when you think of Finland? Is it the country’s adventurous spirit – dog-sledding, chasing the northern lights, and exploring pristine nature – or its cosmopolitan cities? Are you searching for a vacation destination that will help you get back to the most natural version of yourself, or do you want to reinvent yourself somewhere entirely new?
Whatever you’re looking for, we bet you can find it in Finland. This off-the-beaten-track destination is only growing in popularity now that people are discovering just how beautiful the scenery is and how friendly and welcoming the locals are, so what are you waiting for?
Finland’s magic won’t be kept under wraps for much longer, so if you’re thinking of visiting, the time is now. No matter where you are in your planning, our complete guide to planning a trip to Finland has you covered from start to finish!
The best time to visit Finland
Finland is a country of contrasts: a trip to this country in the winter will look very different to one taken in the summer! While there isn’t one best time to visit FInland, travellers should consider what they’d like to do before setting off. How would you most like to experience Finland?
- Ice and snow: Winter is possibly Finland’s most iconic season. When most people picture a trip to this country, they’re likely picturing the winter months! Winter in Finland generally lasts from December until April, but the months of February and March are the best times to visit if you’re looking for more daylight.
- In bloom: The springtime is a beautiful time to visit Finland. The sun returns from the darkness of winter, and the wide green landscapes across the country begin to reappear.
- Summer sun: Travellers don’t often think of FInland as a warm-weather destination, but the summer is a beautiful time to visit! Travellers who like relaxing by expansive lakes, hiking through untouched forests, and enjoying bright and sunny weather should consider a trip to Finland in the summer.
Budgeting for a trip to Finland
Finland is accessible to travellers with all budgets – travelling Finland is possible for about 51 euros ($56 USD) per day. Of course, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find luxury experiences in Finland, if you’re so inclined! “Luxury” in Finland doesn’t mean the traditional grand penthouse suites and rich food – here, luxury means carving out a place for yourself to relax, get back to nature, and breathe.
While travelling around Finland, consider taking the train. Not only is this the more environmentally-conscious option (and with a country this beautiful, don’t you want to do everything you can to preserve it?), you’ll also save a lot of money in transportation costs, and get to enjoy some seriously incredible views along the way to boot!
What to pack for a trip to Finland
Packing for your trip to Finland will vary greatly depending on what time of year you’re visiting! While Finland fully enjoys all four seasons, we’ll break down the essentials for summer and winter here.
Finland packing list for summer
- Waterproof jacket
- Layers
- Bug spray
- Sun screen
- A bathing suit for those long days by the lake!
Finland packing list for winter
- Your warmest coat
- Warm layers (long-sleeved shirts, fleece sweaters, etc.)
- Waterproof gloves/mittens
- Warm, waterproof boots
Where to go in Finland
Helsinki
The most popular destination in Finland, Helsinki more than deserves its reputation as a vibrant, quirky city ripe for exploration. Here, you’ll find towering architecture in amongst the glittering bays of the Baltic Sea – you’ll never lack for incredible views in Finland, and Helsinki is certainly no exception!
Helsinki’s food scene is a major draw for many travellers. In addition to the plentiful fresh seafood such as Baltic herring, Helsinki has in recent years become home to chefs from all over the world keen to share their international fare with the Finnish people – and lucky travellers, of course!
Tampere
For travellers who crave a healthy dose of culture with their travels, Tampere is a dream destination. Home to a philharmonic orchestra, annual jazz, tango, and floral festivals, and a long and proud history of theatre productions, you’ll find something for everyone in this city in southern Finland.
Sitting between two lakes, Tampere is sometimes affectionately referred to as “the Manchester of Finland” (Fins even occasionally refer to it as “Manse”). Much like its British cousin, Tampere was once the centre of industry in Finland, and has since developed into a rich and diverse city in its own right.
Turku
If you’re planning on heading to Turku on your travels, make sure not to mention it to anyone from Tampere! The two cities share a friendly rivalry – it’s not uncommon to hear locals poking fun at each others’ regional dialects, local architecture, and other idiosyncrasies.
Turku itself is the oldest town in the country of Finland, making it a perfect destination for history buffs – Turku actually used to be the capital of Finland before it was moved to Helsinki in 1812.
Travellers looking for a relaxed vibe with plenty of gorgeous nature should look no further than Turku – the city sits at the mouth of the Aura River and travellers can travel back and forth across it on the Föri, a free ferry.
Visiting Finland means waking up in the morning with countless options for spending your day – whether you’re the type of traveller who prefers to plan everything months in advance, down to the minute, or you just can’t wait to get out there and see where the adventure takes you, planning a trip anywhere can be stressful. With some easy research, though, your trip to Finland is sure to go off without a hitch!
Where would you most like to visit in Finland?
