10 Best Things to Do in Finland

Levi is one of the largest ski and recreation resorts in Finland. It’s located 170 km north of the Arctic Circle and the city of Rovaniemi. You can find a wide range of slopes that are suitable for both novice and experienced skiers, as well as 2 snow parks and 230 km of cross-country skiing trails. Snowmobiling and dog sledding are popular options, too.

The ski season in Levi usually starts in October and lasts until mid-May. The area surrounding the ski resort has many hotels, cottages and apartments. Levi is the only ski resort in Finland to host one of the Alpine Skiing World Cup competitions. World Cup Levi is usually held at the start of the season in November, before the weather gets too cold.

New and old public saunas in Helsinki and other bigger cities have never been so popular. In Allas Sea Pool, in Helsinki, you can go to the sauna and then dive into their outdoor pools in the middle of Katajanokka, and sunbathe in lounge chairs. One of the floating outdoor pools is filled with filtered seawater, so its temperature changes according to the seawater temperature. Customers can also enjoy their trendy restaurant and terrace areas. 

One example of Helsinki's newer sauna trends is Löyly. At walking distance from the centre, sculpture-like Löyly offers its customers terraces on the roof with a great view, and a traditional woodfire stove sauna as well as a smoke sauna. There are plenty of popular public saunas all over the country as well. Tampere calls itself the sauna city of Finland, and this is warranted since it does have the most public saunas in Finland. There is also a smoke sauna, for example, in Kiilopää, Lapland, where you can cool down in a fell brook between sauna visits.

The best way to explore the varied nature and busy villages of Finland is by going on a road trip you organise yourself – all you need is the vehicle and a pinch of adventurous spirit. Caravanners and other road travellers have plenty of accommodation options from a tent and a camping area to inns, B&Bs and hotels. 

Don't try to plan the trip too precisely beforehand, because on a road trip plans are meant to change, and you can choose the accommodation on the next day according to what you feel like on the spot. The best thing about a road trip is the feeling of freedom that you get to share with friends or family.

It's easiest to explore the stunning sea views and idyllic villages in the archipelago by following the 155-mile-long Archipelago Trail, where you go from one island to the next using bridges, ferries and cable ferries. In the summer you'll find plenty of services along the trail, such as inns, hotels, restaurants and shops. You can also follow the trail by bus, but if you have your own mode of transport, you're in charge of the pace; so if you're cycling, for example, you get to experience all the smells and colours of the archipelago in the summer. This gorgeous trail offers unique views and a sea atmosphere, and travellers are greeted sometimes by green countryside scenery and other times by bustling harbours.

Idyllic wooden house areas in Finland include Porvoo, Rauma, Loviisa and Naantali which are known for their beautiful architecture. When you walk down the atmospheric cobblestone and gravel roads, you'll come across a lot of small shops and museums, where you get to admire these valuable houses from the inside, too. You can buy different kinds of local delicacies or unique products from local craft makers and designers. You get to enjoy the idyllic atmosphere a little longer by staying over in one of the many inns in the area.

Suomenlinna is a fortress built in the 18th century and was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Nowadays, it's a popular day trip destination for locals and tourists alike. Suomenlinna sea fortress offers something for everyone; the history and architecture of the place are unique, but the area is also very popular as a picnic spot. It's also a permanent home for around 800 people. Some of the most important sights are the King's Gate, Great Courtyard and Suomenlinna Church. They offer guided tours, but you can also explore the area independently. You can get to Suomenlinna by ferry that operates all year round, and in the summer you can also get there by water bus. You can buy your picnic supplies easily at the Market Square while waiting for the ferry, and the 15-minute-long ferry ride gives you a chance to admire the city and sea views.

Did you know there are 40 national parks in Finland? That means it's very likely you'll find one wherever you're staying, so we recommend heading out for a day trip. Ample views offer a perfect place to rest and give you an opportunity to slow down a bit. The national parks' mission is to protect the diversity of nature, and they are the most valuable part of Finnish nature. You can admire the iconic Finnish scenery and other sights in nature by foot, bike or skis, and while there, look for the varied flora and fauna of the area. The national parks are huge so there's definitely room for everybody, and before you know it, you've recharged your batteries.

Many people's travel dreams include sleeping in a glass igloo in Lapland, where you get to admire the northern lights and a starry sky directly from your bed. The best time to admire the night sky is in the autumn when it's dark enough during the night so you can see the starry sky clearly. You can find these igloos for example at a 30-minute drive from Rovaniemi, in an area where the city lights won't disturb your view of the night sky. The igloos have all the amenities from comfortable beds to bathrooms, and guests can often use a sauna or a hot tub as well. From the igloo, it's easy to go do other things in the area, for example, go for a husky ride or explore Santa Claus Village. Winter activities also include snowshoe walking and snow sculpting.

The most well-known sight in Eastern Finland has rugged forest and lake views that have inspired several Finnish artists, and the area is a popular destination for outings. Koli is on the coast of Lake Pielinen and it stretches to an area of about 19 square miles. You can explore its breathtaking views by foot, skis or kayak, and you can take advantage of your everyman's rights and pick mushrooms and berries or go fishing. The highest point of the national park is Ukko-Koli, which is 1,138 feet above sea level and the highest point of the southern half of Finland. From the top you'll see gorgeous views of the 4th biggest lake in Finland, Pielinen, and of valuable old forests that are covered in snow in the winter.

Lake Saimaa's unique nature and multiple activities and cultural sights attract visitors from near and far. The winding lake archipelago hides a surprising amount of unique nature and culture experiences in its nooks and crannies. Beloved by the Finns, the Saimaa ringed seal lives in the Liinansaari National Park. You can increase your chances of seeing the seal by joining a guided tour. There are 4,500–6,000 year old rock paintings in Astuvansalmi that tell a story of the area, and they've also found some dwellings from the Stone Age nearby. You can reach the rock paintings by boat, kayak or cruise in the summer. South of Saimaa there's the medieval Olavinlinna Castle that hosts the yearly Savonlinna Opera Festival, which is the most internationally well-known Finnish cultural event.