Finland Travel Guide - A Winter Wonderland With a Twist
Published onย ย November 4๏ผ2024ย ย 23:13PMย Byย Alice
Fly between Helsinki and Rovaniemi on Finnair or the overnight car carrier train run by VR (Valtion Rautatiet). Lake and archipelago cruises are also available during summertime.
Skiing
Ski and snowboard enthusiasts will delight in Finlandโs extensive mountain slopes. The snow is plentiful and the resorts are easily accessible by rental cars โ ideal for navigating this rugged terrain.
The best time to visit for skiing is the beginning of spring or January and February, which are a bit quieter than the peak season from December to mid-February. Plan ahead, though, as the slopes and accommodations fill up quickly during this time.
Winter (December to February) is an enchanted setting for a holiday, from a stay in a snow village to a dog sled expedition under the Northern Lights. From playful hobby horse tours to exhilarating ice fishing, thereโs plenty to discover in this frozen paradise.
Snowboarding
Finland is best known as the home of Santa Claus but it has a lot more to offer. Magnificent scenery and a laid-back culture combine to make it the perfect ski destination.
Explore the enchanting capital Helsinki with its iconic landmarks such as the neoclassical Helsinki Cathedral and Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has guarded Helsinki for centuries.
If youโre looking for a more extreme experience, head to the snow-sure slopes of Ruka in Lapland. With 17 slopes and special accommodation such as glass cabins, this is a place to really get your boarding legs. The light hours are short here so you will need a good pair of goggles to cope with the dark. Then relax in a sauna after your day on the slopes. See our full guide to skiing in Finland for more information.
Snowmobiling
Whether youโre an adrenaline junkie or just want to experience the beauty of arctic nature, Finland has a snowmobile tour for you. Take a guided tour and feel the thrill of driving over frozen lakes, secluded forests, and expansive felltop vistas.
Many tours start with a safety briefing and teach participants how to operate their snowmobiles and communicate with their guide using communication signals throughout the trip. Some, like this one in Rovaniemi, also offer eSleds (electric snowmobiles)โnot only are they more environmentally friendly than their gas-guzzling brethren, but they disturb the natural ambiance less.
Be sure to carry extra clothing, water, a trail map and compass, and matches. The Arctic wilderness is remote, and search and rescue is limited. The emergency number is 112. Learn basic Finnish language and familiarise yourself with local weather conditions and travel safety tips.
Snowshoeing
From cosmopolitan Helsinki to the icy wilderness of Lapland, Finlandโs diverse landscapes offer an array of outdoor winter adventures. Experience Finnish culture, cuisine, and nature while you enjoy clean air, a warm people, and a unique blend of modernity and tradition.
Unlike skiing, snowshoeing is easier for those with no prior experience and is the perfect winter option for hikers who donโt want to put their hiking boots away. Snowshoeing paths crisscross pristine winter landscapes that you canโt access by road, from the rugged fells of the Kainuu region to the frozen lakes and ice sculptures of Lapland.
On the final day of their winter adventure in Lapland, our Travel Guides rehydrated with an invigorating sauna session and then bravely plunged into a frozen lake. It was a fitting end to a captivating journey, one that highlighted the invigorating spirit of this Nordic winter wonderland.
Hiking
From its epic mountains to serene waterfalls to wilderness lakes, Finland's nature is utterly awe-inspiring. However, the country reserves its full splendor for those willing to explore it on foot. Strike out on a hike and you'll discover a real-life Narnia of tree-lined meadows, splintered islands, and far-flung Lapland, whose tundra shelters herds of Sami reindeer.
The Hetta-Pallas Trail whisks hikers up and over windswept fells in Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park, revealing stirring views of old-growth taiga forest and bilberry-blanketed bogs along the way. Hikers also can take a deep breath here: The area boasts some of the cleanest air on Earth.
Karhunkierros (Bear's Trail) is the most famous hiking trail in Finland. The 82-km route cuts through tremendously wild Oulanka National Park, where cliffs, gorges, and rock formations loom over rushing waters. It's an experience few can replicate - and it's one that should be done in a group.
Sightseeing
From the dazzling capital of Helsinki to the vast wilderness of Lapland, Finland offers the traveler an experience that's as rich and varied as its natural landscape. From serene lakes to majestic cathedrals, it calls out to the adventurer, tourist, shopper and culture-lover alike.
Suomenlinna Castle
One of the best things to do in Helsinki is to explore the city's 330 islands, most notably the UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna, which was built by the Swedes to scare off Vikings (you can get there with regular municipal ferries).
The Finns also love to party and Finlandโs large towns and cities have a great selection of stylish bars and clubs. They often feature live bands and floorshows and are popular with young people. For something a little more intimate, there are lots of lovely terraces and small, family-owned bars to visit.
Shopping
The shopperโs paradise that is Helsinki is a great place to find unique Finnish souvenirs. From kukkaroja hats to ryijy bread, to Sami crafts like trinket boxes and reindeer antler pendants (look for the label โSami Duodjiโ).
Homeware stores such as Lokal sell handpicked items that combine beauty with functionality and sustainability. You can also browse through the curated group exhibitions in the storeโs gallery to combine your shopping trip with culture.
The Fortress of Suomenlinna and the UNESCO-listed Uspenski Cathedral are both worth visiting for their architecture, history and beautiful location. The best way to get around the city is by foot or bicycle. Alternatively, take one of the bus lines or the metro. Renting a car is an option for more freedom and flexibility.
Nightlife
Finland may be best known for its breath-taking natural beauty, secluded islands and rich culture, but it also has a lively nightlife scene. With a range of bars, clubs and terraces to choose from, Finland is a prime destination for those looking for a fun-filled city break in 2023.
Whether youโre into karaoke or stylish cocktail bars, Helsinki has an entertainment option for everyone. Located in Vironniemi, Pien Shop offers a fusion of bar and club culture with an eclectic atmosphere. Alternatively, Apollo Live Club is a repurposed movie theatre and features live performances and karaoke.
Across the country, Turku offers a diverse nightlife scene that seamlessly blends history with modern entertainment. Guests can enjoy theme parties at Koulu, where echoes of the past are intertwined with contemporary beats. Alternatively, the 45 Special music venue hosts a line-up of Finnish and international artists.
Culture
Finns are renowned for their egalitarian, open-minded and pragmatic attitudes. They value punctuality and good manners. They appreciate that visitors take the time to learn the language and understand the local culture.
Finland's rich culture is largely influenced by the countryโs history. The Finnish people are proud of composers such as Jean Sibelius and contemporary artists like Kaija Saariaho and Magnus Lindberg. They're also proud that their semi-nomadic Sami people have preserved their unique culture in Lapland.
Sports are a vital part of Finnish culture. The locals take pride in ice hockey, football and pesapallo (Finnish baseball). The films of Aki Kaurismaki have shone a spotlight on Helsinkiโs lurid bar scene. But Finns are just as happy spending summers at their own kesamokki (summer cottages). During Midsummer the whole country shuts down and the residents go for barbecue parties, saunas and swims in the lakes and sea.
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