Helsinki Cathedral – on the must see and do list when visiting Finland

Finland, a mysterious Northern country about the size of Germany is home to the Midnight Sun, the Northern Lights and is the original home of Santa Claus. The country of a bit above 5.5 million people is home to many natural wonders and some vibrant cities. If you are planning a trip to Finland, here are some highlights you must see and do in Finland.

Best time to visit Finland

If you are after the best weather then the summer months June-August are the best time to visit Finland. This is also when you will experience the Midnight Sun when the sun never sets and days and nights roll into one. However, if your main purpose is to see the Northern Lights then the best time to visit is during the colder months of December-March. Now, what to see and do in Finland.

What to See and Do in Finland

Spend a few days in the Capital, Helsinki

The capital of Finland is Helsinki and most people start their visit to Finland here. And it is a great place to spend a few days. You can book yourself onto a tour to take you to the sites or you could purchase a Helsinki Card which allows you to enjoy free public transport, entry to some sights and museums and discounts on shopping and dining. You can choose from 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour validity depending on how long you plan to stay in Helsinki. Once you have your transport sorted you will need somewhere to stay. Here are some suggestions:

Hostel: Just a five minute walk from the Central Train Station in Central Helsinki is Yard Hostel offering everything you need for your visit to Helsinki. If wanting to be a out of town and only a short ferry ride away stay over on the island where the Fortress of Suomelinna is at Hostel Suomelinna,
Budget Hotel: For a conveniently located hotel try the Holiday Inn.
Splurge Hotel: Why not spoil yourself at the Scandic Grand in their restaurant or sauna.

Visit Kiasma

Kiasma, is Helsinki’s contemporary art museum.  You can experience the museum through touch, sight, and hearing, it is a place that amuses both adults and kids. Kiasma is a place that accepts you as you are, and where you are allowed to be anybody you desire. Since the museum often showcases experimental interactive exhibits, you might as well get lost in time (and space) while visiting.

Walk on the main street

Mannerheimintie is Helsinki’s longest street, reaching out to 5.5 kilometers in length. It goes through various neighborhoods and passes many cultural sights such as the Finnish Parliament Building, the Museum of Kiasma, the Helsinki Music Center, and Alvar Aalto’s Finlandia Hall. As you’re exploring the main street, take a look at Aleksanterinkatu. It is the primary shopping street and the oldest street in Helsinki, where you can find everything from fashion to statues and squares.

Take a break at Kamppi Chapel of Silence

Kamppi Chapel of Silence is located in one of Helsinki’s busiest areas. The chapel is made for everyone who seeks silence in the buzzing capital. The walls of the building are soundproof, ensuring you get the peace you need.

See the Rock Church

The Rock Church, Finland’s most popular architectural scene was designed by 2 brothers in the late 60s. The Church is located underground and was sculpted out of a large block of granite. When sunlight enters the church from above, the interior lights up, creating a beautiful sight.

Visit the Fortress of Suomelinna

A short ferry ride from Helsinki lies the Fortress of Suomelinna. It is a cultural treasure and one of the most popular sights in Finland. The sea fortress is one of the biggest of its kind in the world. Its construction began in the middle of the 18^th century when the country was still part of Sweden. Although the place is an attractive tourist spot, it is also home to around 900 people who live in the renovated barracks and ramparts.

See the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are something to behold

Seeing the Northern Lights is something special. The further north you travel, the greater is the chance you’ll actually see the magical Aurora Borealis yourself. In Finland, this natural phenomenon can appear on 200 nights a year! Choose a month from September to March, and hope for a clear sky. The lights usually occur around midnight, or an hour or two before or after.

Experience the Midnight Sun

The Land of the Midnight Sun is a well-earned nickname of Finland. In contrast to the darkness in the winter months, the sun does not set at all in the country’s most Northern parts during summertime. Even in the capital and the Southern part of Finland, on a couple of nights, the sun only dips above the horizon for a moment. The best place to enjoy the 24h sunlight, is in nature. Go canoeing, hiking, or swimming in the beautiful light of the night. A special way to experience the Midnight Sun (or the Northern Lights perhaps) is to rent a glass igloo in one of the many resorts in Lapland. In a glass igloo, you can be sure not to miss any stunning views!

Go Skiing

Finland is home to around 75 ski resorts, and for a good reason – one-fifth of the population considers themselves as active skiers. Finns simply love snow sports. And how could they not? If you’re living in a country that is overtaken by thick white snow, it is hard not to fall in love with it.

When the season starts in late October, the most popular snow park Levi is already packed. Levi, Ylläs, Ruka, and Pyhä-Luosto make up the “Big Four” of Lapland’s ski resorts. They offer many activities for kids and adults, from skiing and snowboarding to Husky tours. After all, once you visit Finland, you can’t leave the country without having a fun day in the snow.

Sweat in a Finnish Sauna

Enjoy a Sauna

Since 40 degrees Celsius isn’t something that can be found in Scandinavia, Finns love to sweat in another way. Sauna is a big part of the culture in all Scandinavian countries. In fact, Sauna is the only Finnish word that has made it into the everyday English language. Many saunas can be found near lakes, allowing you to jump right into the cold water after sweating in the 80-degree heat. In the winter, Finns like many other Scandinavians, like to practice ice swimming after the sauna. Kotiharju Sauna and Arla Sauna are the most popular saunas in Helsinki however, there are many quality saunas to enjoy throughout Finland. 

Island-hop in the archipelago

With over 40,000 islands along the coastline, Finland has the largest archipelago in the world. Lighthouses and old wooden villages are everywhere you look, accompanied by national parks and historical mansions. Whether you decide to take the trip by ferry, kayak, or just bike along the coast, you’re guaranteed to have an adventure.

Meet Santa Clause in Rovaniemi

If you are a Santa Clause lover you can visit him in the village of Rovaniemi in Lapland, just over the border from Finland. The Santa Clause Village is open every day of the year, so it doesn’t matter when you visit, as he is always there. 

Final Words on Visiting Finland

The mysterious land of Finland holds more than meets the eye. Since over 70% of the country is covered in forests, Finland is home to many national parks. That being said, you shouldn’t miss a chance to have a ski trip in the Nordic mountains. Don’t forget to look around in the quirky capital, either. Since Helsinki carries culture in its streets and buildings, the capital is a must-see when visiting the country. When you leave, make sure to fill your pockets with the fresh air of Finland.

Extend your stay in Finland

If you really enjoyed your stay in Finland and would like to extend it you may consider to live, work and play in Finland on a working holiday visa. Currently Finland has reciprocal working holiday agreements with Australia and New Zealand for citizens aged 18-30 years of age. If granted the visa, you will be able to stay for up to 1 year. If you are a European Union citizen then check out the europa.eu website for details on living and working in Finland. Types of work you could pick up include berry and fruit picking or in the skiing industry (which is huge).

Check out other Working Holiday Visa Programs in Scandinavia here.