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Finland Tours & Trips

Home to saunas, Santa Claus and the Northern Lights , it's not hard to see why Finland is named the Happiest Country in the World. Whether you want to ride a reindeer through the snow-filled forests of Lapland, celebrate the summer solstice at a Midsummer Festival in Helsinki, or be immersed by the tranquillity of the Finnish Lakeland, the cold weather is contrasted by warm locals who have a glass of glögi with your name on it. Combine your adventure of Finland with a Norway and Sweden vacation package for a true Nordic experience.

138 Finland tour packages with 382 reviews

• Northern Lights

Midnight Sun – 7 Days in Lapland

Our experience with Nordic Unique was great. As a little older group some tours did not appeal to us and they were great about rearranging the itinerary. There could have been a little more communication prior to the trip. I would also suggest some kayaks at the lake. Our guide Matthias (Niales) was awesome!! He was patient, kind, knowledgeable and a great cook.

• Christmas & New Year

Magic of Finland & Arctic Adventure with Northern Lights & Glass Igloo

• In-depth Cultural

Small Group Helsinki and South Karelia in 5 days (Guaranteed departure)

This was a lovely tour that I would recommend to anyone who is new to Finland. Everything was easy. Transfer drivers were on time at each stop. Alex, the tour director, made everyone feel welcome and important. His knowledge of the Nordic and Baltic states is amazing. And he seems to be fluent in just about every European language. The local Helsinki guide (I’m embarrassed to say I forget her name) was also knowledgeable and very happy to answer questions. The train rides to Lappeenranta and back were very comfortable. In Lappeenranta I was particularly spoiled as I was the only person for this leg of the tour, so I had the guide to myself. Arja was a delight. As a long time resident and business owner of the town, she knew it inside out. We strolled like old friends through the streets and pathways as I soaked up the beautiful scenery, culture and history of the this beautiful land. I would highly recommend this tour for the relaxing and informative time it provides.

• $120 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Finnish Lapland in Winter

Great trip. Unique experiences

• Hiking & Trekking

Hike and Craft in Arctic Lakeland Kainuu

Highlights of Helsinki & Lappeenranta - 5 Days

Helsinki & South Karelia Express - 5 Day

Looking for tours beyond just finland.

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including Finland.

• Educational

Autumn Adventure in Kuusamo

Great experience. Guides are very knowledgeable and make sure you have a great time. The surroundings are amazing and it is all well planned out.

Rovaniemi (Apukka area): The northern lights - 7 days

Tailor-Made Finland Adventure to Lapland

Tolle und eindrückliche Reise

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Activity holiday in Koli National Park

Helsinki - Turku - Tampere

• Ski, Snowboard & Snow

Finnish Lapland Winter Family Holiday

Canoe Expedition in Lapland

• Kayak & Canoe

Canoeing escape into the Wilderness in Finland, 105km

What people love about finland tours.

Excellent trip in the wonderful outdoors!

Finland Destinations

• Lapland (52)
• Arctic / North Pole (44)
• Finland Northern Lights (15)
• Northern Lights (8)

Travel Styles

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• Singles and Solo (62)
• For Couples (25)
• Seniors (32)
• Explorer (69)
• Family (61)
• Personalized (59)
• Fully Guided (57)
• Partially Guided (43)
• Active (38)
• Private (38)
• Self-Guided (30)
• Northern Lights (24)
• In-depth Cultural (16)
• Intl. Flights Included (12)
• Hiking & Trekking (9)
• Self Drive (6)
• 3 Day Tours (5)
• 7 Day Tours (59)
• 10 Day Tours (27)
• Spring 2024 (24)
• Summer 2024 (50)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (40)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (49)
• Spring 2025 (37)
• Summer 2025 (7)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (8)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (13)
• April 2024 (13)
• May 2024 (27)
• June 2024 (44)
• July 2024 (34)
• August 2024 (46)
• September 2024 (30)
• October 2024 (27)
• November 2024 (31)
• December 2024 (41)
• January 2025 (31)
• February 2025 (36)
• March 2025 (35)
• April 2025 (14)
• May 2025 (8)
• June 2025 (7)
• July 2025 (7)
• August 2025 (7)
• September 2025 (7)
• October 2025 (7)
• November 2025 (9)

Finland Tours starting in

• Starting in Helsinki (23)
• Starting in Rovaniemi (16)
• Starting in Kuusamo (11)
• Starting in Stockholm (5)
• Finland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

Touropia Travel Experts

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14 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Finland

Finland has had a turbulent history. Occupied by the Swedes and later the Russians, the country was finally granted independence in 1917. A number of hallmarks of this colorful past remain scattered throughout the country, in the form of captivating ruins, meandering cobblestone streets, and towering fortresses.

However, Finland is most famed for its incredible natural beauty. Crystal clear lakes, stunning island archipelagos, and towards the north, pristine winter wonderlands dominate the landscape. Meanwhile, modern cities and towns stay in tune with the times by offering world-class dining and accommodation options. Here’s a look at the top tourist attractions in Finland:

14. Old Rauma

The small city of Rauma was founded in the 1300’s, making it one of the most ancient towns in Finland. The old section of the township is characterized by colorful, historical buildings and winding, cobblestone streets. Many cafes and restaurants line the recently restored Market Square in the old town.

The area is well-known for its traditional bobbin lace making trade, and there is an annual Lace Week to celebrate this traditional local skill. In addition to these points of interest, a number of churches with celebrated frescos dating back to the Middle Ages and beyond are well worth taking some time to explore.

13. Turku Castle

This magnificent castle has been standing since the late 13th century. Along with Turku Cathedral, which was built at the same time, it is the oldest occupied building in Finland. The impressive structure overlooks the Aura River and has become Turku’s most iconic building. Originally constructed as a military fortress, it changed hands many times throughout medieval era. Today, Turku Castle is one of the most visited museums in Finland and renowned for its grandeur.

During the summer months, there are daily tours of the castle. If visitors are exploring on their own, they will need at least half a day to truly make the most of this amazing spot, as the castle is filled to the brim with twisting passages, period furniture, multiple exhibits and outdoor courtyards.

12. Helsinki Cathedral

The capital city of Helsinki is home to a magnificent church: the Helsinki Cathedral. However, it is not your classically envisioned church, it celebrates a unique, neo-classical style of architecture. Construction began on the cathedral in 1830, and it finally opened its doors in 1852 as a Finnish Evangelical Lutheran church.

Twelve statues of Jesus’ apostles stand guard on the roof outside the cathedral, which overlooks the city and its harbor. After visiting, most tourists head over to Market Square, which is lined with various food stalls and restaurants featuring heated patios, making it the ideal place for a bite to eat.

11. Sami Culture in Inari

The Sami people are the only officially recognized aboriginal people living within the European Union. Many have maintained their traditional livelihoods, which consist of hunting and gathering, small-scale farming, and reindeer herding, although they have recently made a shift towards tourism and handicrafts.

Inari is the focal point for the Sami people. It is the place to go to learn about their fascinating culture and traditions. It is here in Inari that the Sami parliament lives, which governs over their linguistic and cultural operations. Inari is also home to the Sami Museum, Sami Cultural Centre, and welcomes visitors to traditional reindeer farms. Outside of the municipality lie multiple, sprawling wilderness parks.

10. Lake Saimaa

Lake Saimaa is the largest lake in Finland, and home to well over ten thousand islands. The area has been aptly nicknamed Lakeland. Made up of winding waterways, lush green islands and dense forests, it is extremely popular with Finnish cottagers, and visiting tourists; with kayaking and trekking being the area’s most popular activities.

The region has a rich history with steamboats, which were used as transport before cars became widely available. However, these days the area is all about slowing down and simply enjoying the pristine landscapes surrounding Lake Saimaa.

9. Suomenlinna Fortress

During the Swedish reign in Finland, the Swedes built Suomenlinna Fortress upon six islands. It was designed as a military fortress and is strategically located at the entrance of Helsinki Harbor. Construction started in the 18th century, and the fortress was ruled over by the Swedes, Russians, and Finnish.

After the Finnish were granted independence in 1917 they renamed the fortress Suomenlinna Fortress, which translates to the Fortress of Finland. Today, over 800 inhabitants live in Suomenlinna, mostly operating within the tourism industry.

8. Urho Kekkonen National Park

This national park is the second largest in Finland. It is very diverse and attracts hikers, trekkers, and skiers. There are still some indigenous Sami people who practice traditional reindeer herding within the area. As such, reindeer, and husky safaris can be enjoyed here.

Reaching all the way to the Russian border in the north, Korvatunturi or Ear Fell, is famous among the Finnish as the home of Santa Claus. Clear streams, deep gorges and rolling hills make up the stunning natural landscape, which changes dramatically from season to season, transitioning from verdant green to sparkling white.

7. Skiing in Levi

Visitors come to Levi for its incredible skiing. The world-class slopes are nearly empty most of the year, lines for the chair lifts are non-existent, and the area generates regular snowfall. Facilities in Levi are modern and clean.

There are a number of dining and nightlife options that cater to the skiers at Levi Resort, and even if skiing is not your cup of tea, there are many other snow-related activities in the vicinity, including snowmobiling, husky and reindeer safaris, and snow shoeing. Visitors should not miss visiting Levin Iglut Resort while in the area, famous for its glass-roofed igloos.

6. Olavinlinna Castle

Sitting on an island overlooking Lake Saimaa, Olvinlinna Castle is truly magnificent. Built to strategically protect the Savo Region, it became an important fortification against attacks from the Russians in the east.

Every year since 1912, the castle holds its Annual Opera Festival, which attracts guests from around the world. The castle is open to the public daily and offers an impressive guided tour, which divulges all the secrets hiding within the castle walls.

5. Old Porvoo

The riverside town of Porvoo is Finland’s second oldest. It has become iconic for the ruby red wooden houses that line the Porvoonjoki River on the edge of town. The river flows out into the Gulf of Finland, connecting Porvoo to Helsinki, and during the summertime a charming steamboat transports visitors between the two places.

Cobblestone streets and quaint wooden houses are the standard here, along with many trendy shops and restaurants with open-air patios. The town boasts idyllic parks, an open market square, and picturesque landmark buildings. This is a great place for a weekend getaway, a day trip from the capital, or even a relaxing, longer holiday.

4. Experience a Finnish Sauna

Finnish houses are unique in the sense that almost every home has a sauna. This is truly a national tradition. In fact, the Finns invented the concept. Saunas are a wooden room, attached or apart from the home, heated by steam from hot rocks.

The classic experience includes shedding your clothes, entering the steamy room, and jumping in a lake or river afterwards. It is polite to have a shower before entering the sauna. Even if you don’t know any locals to join with, many resorts offer this classic Finnish experience for guests.

3. Aland Islands

This tiny region of Finland contains the nation’s only Swedes speaking majority. The archipelago is located in the Baltic sea south of mainland Finland. The well-developed roads and ferry system make island hopping easy. The most popular activities in the area include visiting the capital of Mariehamn, exploring abandoned medieval ruins, or adventuring around deserted islands.

The capital has a cosmopolitan dining and accommodation scene. Outside of the city, visitors can enjoy the gorgeous seascapes, or have a go at kayaking, hiking, boating, and other outdoor activities.

2. Snow Castle of Kemi

Each year Kemi welcomes visitors to the world’s largest fort made of ice. In the spring it melts, and each winter they rebuild the wonderland with slightly new architectural designs. The area includes a hotel, restaurant (with ice mugs!), art gallery, and even a chapel.

The hotel rooms can be viewed during the day, and visitors come from around the world to be married or christened in the chapel. The Snow Castle is open from January to April, when temperatures are at their coldest, but there are now plans to build a Snow Castle in 2019 that will last year-round.

1. Northern Lights in Lapland

The Northern Lights should be experienced by everyone at least once in their lives, and Lapland offers the full glory of this natural spectacle up close and personal. On a clear and starry night in winter, visitors have an extremely high chance of witnessing this magical phenomenon.

The evanescent hues of green, blue, yellow, purple and red dancing across the sky will make you feel like you are in a fairytale.

Map of Things to Do in Finland

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THE 10 BEST Finland Tours & Excursions

Finland tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Photography Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki

2. Helsinki to Tallinn Guided Tour with return Cruise tickets

3. Northern Lights Rovaniemi: Guaranteed Viewing & Unlimited Mileage

4. Helsinki and Suomenlinna Sightseeing Tour

5. Rovaniemi Northern Lights Photography Small-Group Tour

6. Helsinki VIP City Tour and Medieval Porvoo by Private car with Personal Guide

7. Porvoo tour from Helsinki or Vantaa

8. Northern Lights Wilderness Small-Group Tour from Rovaniemi

9. Magical Taiga Forest Hike with Lunch and Transportation

10. Day Time Guided Ski Adventure Near Lake Norvajärvi

11. Tip-based Free Walking Tour Helsinki - RED UMBRELLA TOURS

12. CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki

13. Aurora Hunting Pro Tour

14. Helsinki in Nutshell: Suomenlinna & City Highlights by Eco-Friendly Ways

15. Helsinki to Tallinn Self-Guided Day Return Voyage MyStar/Megastar

16. PRIVATE Glass Igloo Dinner Under Northern Lights

17. National Park Hike & Finnish Smoke Sauna Experience with Campfire Lunch

18. Visit to the Frozen Waterfalls of Korouoma National Park

19. Helsinki Like a Local: Customized Private Tour

20. Helsinki walking tour with a city planner

21. Tallinn Day Cruise from Helsinki

22. Half-Day Nature Adventure to Nuuksio National Park from Helsinki

23. Helsinki Canal Cruise

24. PRIVATE Helsinki and Medieval Porvoo VIP Tour

25. Private TukTuk guided Tour in Helsinki 2,5 hrs

26. Helsinki Highlights Sightseeing Guided Tour, Small Group

27. Small-Group Husky Mushing Experience in Rovaniemi

28. Hiking Experience in a National Park with Backpacker Helsinki Tour

29. Porvoo All-Way Guided Sightseeing Tour from Helsinki

30. Happy Helsinki Walking Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Europe Tours
• Finland Tours

Finland Tours and Trips 2024/2025

The Scandinavian country of Finland is a beautiful destination year-round. In the south, the capital city of Helsinki has a beautiful harbour offering sailing tours and cruises, while Lapland in the north is ideal for sightings of the Northern Lights. Families flock to Rovaniemi each year in hopes of seeing Santa Claus, while snowshoers and skiers head to Kuusamo to get in touch with nature.

• Finland Travel Guide
• Best Time To Visit Finland

55 Trips in Finland with 102 Reviews

• Starts Basecamp Oulanka, Finland
• Ends Basecamp Oulanka, Finland

Finnish Wilderness Week

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Winter adventure & Trekking and Hiking
• Accommodation Resort & Lodge
• Transport Bus & Snowmobile
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• Operated in English
• Dec 08 Only 6 seats left
• Dec 15 Only 8 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Helsinki, Finland
• Ends Rovaniemi, Finland

Finnish Lapland in Winter

• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Local culture & Natural landmarks sightseeing Local culture , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Northern lights tours & Honeymoon 'data-more-tripid='10301'>+3 more
• Accommodation Guest House, Resort, Hotel & Sleeper Train
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Ferry & Sleeper Train
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,115
• Special Deal (5%): - US$ 206
• Total Price from: US$ 3,909
• Nov 30 Only 5 seats left
• Jan 04 Only 9 seats left

Finnish Winter Adventure Family Holiday

• Activities Family & Winter adventure
• Accommodation Resort
• Transport Snowmobile
• Age Range 9-95 yrs
• Dec 22 Only 8 seats left
• Dec 29 Only 7 seats left

• Starts Rovaniemi, Finland

Aurora & Glass Igloo Explorer - 5 Days

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Private Vehicle, Bus & Snowmobile
• Age Range 18-80 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,285
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 343
• Total Price from: US$ 1,942
• Nov 16 10+ seats left
• Nov 17 10+ seats left

Snowshoeing in Finland

• Activities Northern lights tours & Winter adventure
• Jan 12 Only 8 seats left
• Jan 26 Only 8 seats left

• Ends Helsinki, Finland

The Northern Lights of Finland

• Activities Northern lights tours & City sightseeing
• Accommodation Resort & Hotel
• Transport Flight & Coach
• Age Range 1-95 yrs
• Nov 04 10+ seats left
• Nov 09 Only 10 seats left

• Starts Kuhmo, Finland
• Ends Kuhmo, Finland

Christmas in Finland - 6 Days

• Activities Festivals and events & Snowmobiling Festivals and events , Snowmobiling , Food tours & Dog sledding 'data-more-tripid='16140'>+2 more
• Dec 22 10+ seats left

• Starts Turku, Finland
• Ends Turku, Finland

The Turku Archipelago

• Tour Type Private Tour
• Activities Bicycle tours & Explorer
• Accommodation Hotel & Guest House
• Transport Ferry
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• Jun 02 10+ seats left
• Jun 09 10+ seats left

Finland Wilderness Discovery - 5 Days

• Activities Wildlife & Honeymoon
• Accommodation Hut & Resort
• Transport Bus
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,485
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 373
• Total Price from: US$ 2,112
• Nov 01 10+ seats left
• Nov 02 10+ seats left

• Starts Oslo, Norway

Scandinavia Explorer

• Activities Countryside and village visits & Cultural, religious and historic sites Countryside and village visits , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Museum and gallery visits & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='3059'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Hut
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Boat & Ferry
• Brochure Price: US$ 6,530
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 653
• Total Price from: US$ 5,877
• May 18 Only 2 seats left
• May 22 Only 5 seats left

• Ends Vilnius, Lithuania

Baltic Experience

• Activities Countryside and village visits & Cultural, religious and historic sites Countryside and village visits , Cultural, religious and historic sites , National parks , Museum and gallery visits & Adventure 'data-more-tripid='3058'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Home-stay
• Transport Ferry, Train, Bus & Private Vehicle
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,180
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 318
• Total Price from: US$ 2,862
• May 11 Only 7 seats left
• May 22 Only 1 seat left

New Year's in Finland - 7 Days

• Activities Festivals and events & Snowmobiling Festivals and events , Snowmobiling , Skiing and Snowboarding & Dog sledding 'data-more-tripid='16050'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Dec 27 10+ seats left

• Starts Vilnius, Lithuania

Baltic Adventure

• Activities Photography tours & Cultural, religious and historic sites Photography tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Local culture & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='5016'>+2 more
• Transport Ferry, Private Vehicle & Bus
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,699
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 405
• Total Price from: US$ 2,294
• Jun 09 Only 1 seat left
• Jun 16 10+ seats left

Lapland & Husky Highlights - 5 Days

• Brochure Price: US$ 1,895
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 284
• Total Price from: US$ 1,611
• Nov 18 10+ seats left
• Nov 19 10+ seats left

Traveling to Finland? Chat with a local travel specialist in Finland who can help organize your trip.

Finland Tour Reviews

• At 16 Apr 2017

Finland - Tour Highlights and Travel Tips

Spending holidays in Finland is like visiting a winter wonderland. However, this northern European nation rarely gets the attention it deserves. Finland is one of the most outstanding and breath-taking countries in the world. In winter, its snow-covered forests, frozen valleys, and endless horizons will transport you to a fairy-tale world. During the summer, tree lines as far as the eye can see, clear blue skies, and untouched lakes will make you want to stay forever. A trip to Finland needs to be in your travel bucket list if it isn’t already. Don’t miss out on some of the most breath-taking landscapes on earth. 

Travel Highlights

• Visit Suomenlinna, which is an 18th century sea fortress and a UNESCO world heritage site.
• Visit Helsinki Senate Square, a must-see in every visit to Helsinki.
• Rovaniemi is the “official” home of Santa Claus, and a mere one hour flight from Helsinki .
• Högberget’s Cave is another outstanding sight that was formed during an ice age.
• The Legendary Gold Fields of Lapland is full of myths and adventure.

Travel Tips

• Finland is the land of saunas. It would be a crime to not seek one out while visiting. The country claims to have roughly 3.5 million saunas in all of Finland, which is equivalent to a sauna for every 1.6 people.
• Thanks to the strong influences from Sweden and Russia, Finnish architecture is one of the most breath-taking ones in Europe. Go for a walk around Helsinki and admire the architecture, especially works by Alvar Aalto.
• If you’re looking to connect with nature, there’s no better place than Finland. Pack appropriately and head out to the Finnish archipelago for an amazing experience.
• If you’re not planning on driving, then it’s a good idea to obtain a Rail Pass while in Finland. These passes could save you quite a bit on transportation, and help you get around the country easily.
• For those who want to visit Finland on a budget, opt for the Fall and Winter months. Prices at these times are, as you might expect, much cheaper than the high season. Frozen Finnish landscapes are truly mesmerizing, which makes it absolutely worth it.
• If you’re hunting for northern lights, then the winter months are the best times to visit. Sign up for a northern light safari, and go out hunting for northern lights on a snowmobile!

Finland has seasonal weather so please do check up on best time to visit Finland before planning your tour. And if you’re still hunting for more things to do and places to explore in Finland, do check out our Finland Travel Guide for more information.

• Finland budget tours
• Eco tours in Finland
• Finland guided tours
• Finland family tour packages
• Finland luxury tours
• Finland small group tours
• Finland solo trips
• Finland tours for senior citizens
• Finland tours for young adults
• Finland group tours
• Finland last minute deals
• Finland travel deals

Popular Destinations

• Helsinki Tours

Popular Activities

• Cultural, religious and historic sites tours
• Explorer tours

Upcoming Departures

• Spring 2024/2025
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The 9 Best Finland Tours For Unforgettable Adventures That Are Achievable & Affordable!

Posted on Last updated: March 27, 2024

Categories Tours , Europe , Finland

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

Finland is the happiest country in the world, at least according to the World Happiness Report. But you don’t need anyone to tell you that when you’re wrapped up in warm layers, sitting by a campfire – or sleeping in a glass igloo – gazing upward, spellbound by the sky ablaze in ethereal light. 

The Aurora borealis or Northern Lights is on many travelers’ bucket lists not only because it is a natural spectacle of epic proportions, but also because it can be elusive. The universe has to, quite literally, conspire for this dazzling sky show to appear, which is why it can only be seen in certain places at certain times of the year under very specific conditions. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience worth planning for.

And because you’ll want it to be perfect, you would want to work with industry experts who know when and where to take you to increase your chances of seeing the spectacular light show. You just might miss it by one night and not get another chance for a long time. Because it’s a rare natural phenomenon, the Northern Lights are best experienced under the care and guidance of experienced tour providers. 

On the ground, Finland lures active adventurers into its myriad playgrounds, whether blanketed in thick powdery snow, dotted with inlets and islands, or blessed with hundreds of placid emerald lakes. Whizz past wintry forests while riding a wooden sled powered by a motor or pulled by pack animals. 

Ride on a wooden sled pulled by reindeer through snowcapped woodlands and breathe in the crisp winter air. Soak up the stillness of a wintry world that seems to be at the very ends of the earth, and let that dancing curtain of eerie green glow speak to you at a primal level. Maybe then you’ll understand why the Finns are one of the happiest peoples on Earth (and science backs them up).

Let experts on the ground arrange these expeditions for you and take the hassle out of packing gear. You won’t need to bring skis or snowshoes or bicycles as they can be supplied onsite by well-equipped tour operators. All you need to pack is your personal effects and travel documents. And, of course, a yearning for adventure.

Below the Arctic Circle, Finland beckons with vast waters stretching east to the Russian border in a region known as Lakeland. Well-connected to Helsinki by rail, Lappeenranta is the gateway to cruises on Lake Saimaa, the country’s largest. Enjoy a dinner cruise as the ship navigates narrow channels, quiet beach coves, forested islands and boreal woodlands.

To the southwest lies the jagged coast of Finland extending into the Baltic Sea. It is strewn with inlets and islands linked by ferry service. At its heart lies Turku, once the Finnish capital, now a thriving university town with a trove of historical riches. Gear up with a helmet and fill your panniers. The gravel roads and narrow lanes beg slow travel.

And then there’s Helsinki and the capital region, with hints of Scandinavian influence in its design aesthetic, and obvious Russian influence in its Neoclassical brick buildings. It has kept its heritage well-preserved in dozens of museums and UNESCO sites.

Helsinki is well connected internationally, but so are Turku and Rovaniemi. So where to? Let these tours help you decide where to go. Wherever you end up, you’ll likely find a sauna to soak in.

Page Contents

Finland Northern Lights Tour

Small-group helsinki and south karelia, aurora borealis & glass igloo, finland family adventure – 5 days, off the trails – snowshoeing tour, finland – arctic adventure with northern lights & glass igloo , the northern lights of finland, finnish wilderness week, agate travel.

Location: Lapland

Itinerary: Saariselka

Group Size: 4

Age Range: 2 to 80

Physical Activity:  

Operator: Agate Travel

Length: 4 Days

What to Expect

Short, small-group taster tour that combines Aurora hunting with sleigh rides and Sami cultural immersion.

• Northern Lights
• Sleigh ride
• Snowmobile safari
• Glass Igloo

What the Experience is Like

Zip through the wintry landscape on a snowmobile safari to meet a Sami host on a reindeer farm. Learn about reindeer farming, sledding and their traditional way of life. Hop on a night bus to chase the Auroras and witness, by the campfire, how they magically light up the sky if the conditions are right.

(Would you like to learn more about the Sami, Lapland’s indigenous people? Sign up for this 4-day Aurora-hunting tour and get it straight right from a reindeer farmer’s mouth.)

Continue on to Muotka Wilderness for a husky safari and a range of other optional activities like snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Spend a warm night under a glass igloo, with the enchanting auroras dancing overhead. Explore Muotka at your own pace before transferring to Ivalo Airport.

Inclusions are three nights in a standard hotel, including an Aurora glass cabin, with three breakfasts. 

This tour is run by Agate Travel who’s been in the business for 25 years providing guided tour service, and flights and train booking. They focus on offering tailor-made tours to ensure their clients realize their dream holidays regardless of budget, group size or travel style.

In a nutshell

More than just an Aurora-hunting trip, this 4-Day Finland Northern Lights Tour combines cultural interaction and active holidays in one short and nifty package.

Click Tours

Location: Lakeland

Itinerary: Helsinki – Lappeenranta

Group Size: 15

Age Range: 4 to 99

Physical Activity:  Low to Medium

Operator: Click Tours

Length: 5 Days

Fully guided, small group taster tour of Helsinki and the Lakeland region in eastern Finland. 

• Helsinki highlights
• Dinner Cruise 
• Rail journey

Discover the headline attractions of the Finnish capital – Senate Square, Church-on-the-Rock, and Sibelius Monument – on arrival and on the second day of your tour. Arrange an optional ferry trip to the Suomenlinna Fortress to see this 18th-century fortification up close.

(Do you love rail journeys? And maybe a dinner cruise? This 5-day tour package from Helsinki to Lake Saimaa hits both.)

Board a train bound for Lappeenranta to explore this lakeside town, gateway to Lake Saimaa and the Saimaa Canal. Hop on board a ship to enjoy a dinner cruise. Before boarding the afternoon train back to Helsinki, explore the local museum exhibiting the history of the (Russian) border region and fill up with slow-cooked Karelian meat stew of beef, pork and lamb.

Enjoy centrally located 4-star hotel accommodation with 4 buffet breakfasts. Economy-class express train tickets are included. Operated in English and German in Helsinki.

This small group tour is run by Click Tours and offers an exhaustive menu of tour packages and tailor-made trips that suit all travel types, age groups and group sizes so anyone can “travel.discover.enjoy.”

This 5-Day Small Group Helsinki and South Karelia tour hits headline attractions to whet your appetite for more.

V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia

Itinerary: Rovaniemi

Group Size: 30

Age Range: 12 to 80

Physical Activity:  Medium

Operator: Vision of Scandinavia DMC

This partially guided explorer tour into the capital of Lapland brings you to Santa’s doorstep and under a glass dome for a chance to see the Northern Lights.

• Husky sleigh ride
• Santa meet and greet

Cross the Arctic Circle, meet and greet Santa Claus in his hometown, and saddle up for a reindeer sleigh ride. Visit a husky farm, go on a short husky safari led by a musher, and see elk, Arctic fox, wolverines and bears in their wilderness environment in Ranua.

Round out the tour with free time in Rovaniemi to learn about the Sami, indigenous people of Lapland. Explore the town at your own pace and sleep in the warmth of a glass igloo with the enchanting Northern Lights overhead.

(Book this 5-day Rovaniemi tour with an overnight stay in a glass igloo if you want the beguiling Aurora borealis to put you to sleep.)

Standard hotel and heated glass igloo accommodation are included. Breakfasts are daily, with one farewell dinner.

This big-group tour is run by Vision of Scandinavia, a Copenhagen-based destination management company (DMC) with 25 years of experience providing tours to individuals and groups, with an eye for customized and luxury packages.

So maybe you want the Northern Lights to come to you instead of you chasing them? Then this 5-Day Aurora Borealis & Glass Igloo tour would be perfect for you.

On The Go Tours

Itinerary: Kittila

Age Range: 5 to 99

Physical Activity: Medium to Active

Operator: On The Go Tours

A short fully-guided Arctic adventure packed with sleigh rides for the whole family to enjoy.

• Husky sledding
• Reindeer sledding
• Aurora hunting

Transfer to hotel in Yllasjarvi on arrival at Kittila Airport. Head outside tonight and scout the skies for the ethereal Northern Lights. After learning the basics of husky sledding, take turns in the driving position as you follow the guide through snow-covered forests and tracks.

Sit behind a caravan of reindeer and zoom through forests heavy with snow after meeting the animals on a farm. Venture out on an optional snowmobile safari through the Arctic wilderness in your free time. Enjoy well-earned hot drinks after the rides.

Enjoy 4 nights’ accommodation at a 3-star hotel with four breakfasts (vegan/vegetarian options available).

Award-winning On The Go tours specializes in offering group tours to the most popular sites and destinations where passengers enjoy authentic experiences. On The Go, Tours guarantees departures on group tours when minimum passenger numbers are met.

Take the kids on this Finland Family Adventure – for 5 Days and they will come away with memorable animal encounters and have lots of fun with you.

Itinerary: Hossa National Park

Group Size: 12

Age Range: 14 to 75

Physical Activity:  Active to Adventurous

Operator: Upitrek

Length: 7 Days

Small group, weeklong snowshoeing trek from one wilderness cabin to another, encountering sites of historical and archaeological importance along the way.

• Stay in wilderness cabins
• Lots of picnics around an open fire
• Ancient rock paintings
• Places of historic significance

Settle in at your lakeshore accommodation in the heart of Hossa National Park, which will be your base for the first three nights. Learn the necessary snowshoeing skills and start venturing out. Warm up in the lakeside sauna and if you can brave it, take a dip in the icy waters. 

Venture into Colour Rock to see the 4000-year-old rock paintings. Proceed on snowshoe to the next wilderness cabin until you reach the last cabin, which will house you until the end of the trek. Trek through snow-laden birch, pine and spruce forests, along ridges and on frozen lakes. Enjoy a picnic lunch by an open fire as you go along.

Head back to the Hossa National Park visitor center to soothe aching muscles in the sauna and enjoy a well-deserved farewell dinner. Leave for Kuusamo airport after breakfast.

(Does trekking on icy wilderness appeal to you? This week-long tour in Lapland’s taiga lets you experience nature at its purest.)

Expect to share accommodation in 2-4 person and dormitory-type log cabins. Meals include 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches (4 outdoor), 5 dinners and snacks on arrival night. Vegetarian food is available on request. Five evening saunas and 3 ice swimming are included in the package. Sleeping bags, mummy liners, bed linen and bath towels are supplied on some nights. 

Upitrek specializes in offering un-motorized small-group activity holidays in the Kainuu area of Eastern Finland. These include summer and winter multi-activities, snowshoeing treks, hikes, cross-country skiing and husky sledding. Their snowshoeing treks are guaranteed departures.

If you’d like to experience the Arctic wilderness on foot on a weeklong journey from hut to hut with plenty of picnics and saunas in between, book this 7-Day Off The Trails – Snowshoeing tour for a Lapland adventure you will long remember.

Bucket List Group Travel

Itinerary: Rovaniemi – Luosto – Inari

Age Range: 18 to 60

Physical Activity:  Active 

Operator: Bucket List Group Travel

Partially guided Aurora hunting tour with a good measure of active diversions, wildlife (and Santa Claus) encounters and sleigh rides along the way.

• Chasing the Northern Lights
• Arctic wildlife
• Amethyst mine
• Meet and greet Santa Claus
• Reindeer sleigh ride
• Snowshoeing and snow castle

Enjoy a welcome dinner by the campfire before going out to chase auroras. See Arctic animals in their natural environment. Soak in a traditional sauna and brave swimming in the ice. Buckle up on a snowmobile to chase Auroras while enjoying BBQ by the campfire.

(Do you love to hunt for something elusive? Go on and spend six nights in Lapland chasing Auroras in this weeklong Arctic adventure.)

Daytimes are spent digging up for your own amethyst at a mine, visiting museums to learn about Lapland and the native Sami, meeting with Santa Claus at his hometown, and seeing reindeer in their farms. Expect snowshoeing excursions into the Arctic forest and sleigh rides.

Night times are mostly spent chasing the Northern Lights. A visit to a snow castle caps off your Lapland adventure.

Accommodation for 5 nights is in a forest cottage, glass igloo or 4-star hotel with 6 breakfasts (vegetarian/vegan food options available on request). Winter clothes are supplied.

Like what it says on the label, Bucket List Group Travel offers several travel themes designed around bucket list interests. Their group tours are usually small and solo-travel friendly, which means no mandatory single supplements on most of their trips. 

If Aurora hunting is at the top of your bucket list and you also want to enjoy winter activities on the side, this 7-Day Finland – Arctic Adventure with Northern Lights & Glass Igloo tour is for you.

Location: Helsinki – Lapland

Itinerary: Helsinki – Kakslauttanen

Group Size: 44

Physical Activity:  Active

Operator: Collette

Length: 8 Days

Big group, the weeklong nightly pursuit of the Northern Lights with active daytime diversions like safaris and sleigh rides, and in-depth cultural interactions. Fully guided.

• Nightly Aurora-hunting
• Safaris and sleigh rides
• Santa Claus meet and greet

Explore Helsinki at your own pace on Day 2 after an overnight flight and meet new friends during the welcome dinner. Discover the capital city highlights on Day 3 with a local guide. Fly to Ivalo (included) for a trek toward Inari in pursuit of the Northern Lights. Meet and greet Santa Claus at his home. Saddle up for a reindeer safari through the Arctic wilderness to hunt for auroras. 

Lead a team of huskies on a safari after learning the necessary skills. Sleep in warmth under a glass igloo with the Northern Lights flaming overhead. Fly back to Helsinki for an afternoon of free time before regrouping for a farewell dinner downtown.

(Want to increase your odds of seeing the Northern Lights? Nightly outings on this 8-Day Northern Lights of Finland might just do the trick.)

Expect six nights’ accommodation in a 4-star and a 5-star hotel with six breakfasts and five dinners. A covid-19 vaccination certificate printed on paper is required for international travelers to join the tours.

Collette is a multi-awarded family-owned travel company headquartered in the United States with 100 years of experience in the travel industry. Given its lengthy existence, it offers an exhaustive list of land tours, river cruises, rail journeys and more for all types of travelers of any group size or age.

Sign up for this 8-Day Northern Lights of Finland tour for a nightly search of the Northern Lights with sleigh rides, cultural immersion, and a touch of luxury.

Exodus Travels

Itinerary: Rovaniemi – Oulanka National Park

Group Size: 16

Age Range: 16 to 99

Operator: Exodus Travels

Daily expeditions to the surrounding trails on snowshoes, skis, and husky sleds.

• Winter sports
• Lots of saunas

Settle in at Basecamp in the heart of Oulanka National Park in northeastern Finland. Learn the basics of cross-country skiing, wilderness survival, and quinzee-making.

Explore the snow-laden wilderness trails, glide through fresh powder, or chase the Northern Lights on skis, snowshoes and husky sleds. Soak in a sauna in your free time. Enjoy a farewell dinner before flying back to Rovaniemi.

(Can’t decide which winter sport suits you best? Go out and try your hand at several this Finnish Wilderness Week .)

Twin-room sharing, sometimes with a member of a different Exodus tour. Seven breakfasts, five lunches and seven evening meals will be served using locally sourced ingredients that may include the wild game. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. All specialist and Arctic winter equipment and clothing are provided.

National Geographic’s pick for Best Tour Operator of 2021, Exodus Travels specializes in offering activity and adventure holidays, which they began 45 years ago. As they are pioneers in this type of travel, Exodus champions travel that is eco-friendly and beneficial to local communities.

In a nutshell, if you’d like to get away from it all but still want to have full meals and warm shelter, this Finnish Wilderness Week package is perfect for you.

If none of these tours work for you in Finland, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.

Take a look at all the group tours in Finland now , which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.

Finland Tours

From the pastel, neoclassical streets of Helsinki to the farthest reaches of northern Lapland, Finland astounds at every turn. The Nordic nation has been inhabited for over 4,500 years and over time, has developed into a prosperous country with a distinct culture. Over 70% of the land is covered in forests, culminating in fresh air and spectacular scenery.

Head north to the famed Lappi (lapland) region and prepare to be stunned by the winter wonderland that awaits. The maakunta’s (region) capital Rovaniemi is known as the home of  Santa Claus himself and boasts some of the world’s best views of the Aurora Borealis. Go reindeer-sledding through the snowy forests and sip warm glögi (spiced berry juice) as the northern lights swirl across the sky. Finland is an unforgettable destination for the inspired traveller. Click here to learn more about when is the best time to visit Finland.

Finland Featured tours

17 day follow the lights - northbound, 22 day grand scandinavia with deluxe norway coastal cruise, 17 day norway winter premium small group tour, 21 day norway winter & iceland premium small group tour, 18 day follow the midnight sun with norway cruise & scenic railway, 18 day scandinavia uncovered, 15 day follow the lights - southbound, 20 day norway winter & southern fjords premium small group tour, experiences.

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Finland Tours

Discover Helsinki or Finnish Lapland with Authentic Scandinavia on of our independent or escorted coach tours.

Many think of Finland as the land of thousand lakes and Santa Claus. But there is so much more to it! Visit the lively capital Helsinki, a melting pot of Eastern and Western cultures, in combination with for example St. Petersburg, Tallinn or the Scandinavian capitals. Finnish Lapland invites you to see the Midnight Sun during summer and Northern Lights during winter, and offers many exciting activities.

Explore our Finland Tours

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1. find your dream tour.

Choose from our selection of tours — or discuss the options with our travel specialists.

2. Request your booking

Complete the online process — add extra nights and experiences and combine tours. 

3. Prepare for your journey

Book your flights, receive your travel documents and get ready for an experience of a lifetime.

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

The Ultimate 7 Day Finland Itinerary for Winter

Last updated: April 17, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 22 Comments

If you’re looking for the perfect winter wonderland destination, look no further than Finland.

We’ve had some incredible trips to Finland in winter. It was the first place I saw the Northern Lights , the snowy landscapes are spectacular, and there are loads of fantastic winter activities to choose from.

Finland is a fairly big country though, so you might be wondering how best to spend your time here when visiting in winter. Well, wonder no more. With our detailed 1 week Finland itinerary we’ve got you covered.

This itinerary will have you visiting many of the highlights of Finland, including Finnish Lapland and the capital city of Helsinki. It will take you deep into the Arctic Circle, give you the chance to sleep in a glass igloo, and even have you meeting Santa himself.

We’ve also put this itinerary together to offer you flexible transport options. Whilst we generally prefer to hire a car and self-drive, we appreciate not everyone will be comfortable driving in Finland in winter. So this itinerary can be done with or without a car.

In terms of time, we’ve put this guide together for around a week in Finland. We think this is a good length of time to visit Finland in winter.

Of course, you can visit for as long or short a time as you want, but if you are hoping to experience phenomenon like the Northern Lights, giving yourself a bit of extra time will significantly increase the chances of experiencing them.

Ok, that’s enough preamble. Let’s take a look at our detailed day by day itinerary for visiting Finland in winter.

Finland Itinerary for Winter

This itinerary covers a range of activities and sights in Finland. Obviously everyone’s interests will vary, so do please adjust it to suit your personal preferences.

Also, don’t forget that it can be very cold in Finland in winter, with temperatures likely to be well below freezing throughout your visit. We have a detailed guide to what to pack for Finland in winter , which we recommend taking a look at so you are prepared for your trip.

Day 1: Helsinki

We recommend that you spend your first couple of days in Helsinki, the capital city of Finland. There’s a huge amount to do in the city, which has a great many museums, restaurants, a historical sea fortress, and other attractions.

On your first day in Helsinki, we’d suggest getting acquainted with the city center and visiting some of the attractions. The city center of Helsinki is fairly compact, and you can get pretty much anywhere with public transportation and walking.

A great starting point is the Helsinki City Museum . Here, you will learn all about the history and development of the city. It’s free, and open every day.

Just near to the city museum is Helsinki Cathedral . This large white building is one of the more recognizable landmarks of Helsinki. It’s spectacular to view from the outside, but you can also go inside too of course. It’s open every day, and free to visit.

If you want a more in-depth overview of the history, culture and people of Finland, then we can recommend a visit to the National Museum of Finland . This covers a huge time period, from prehistoric times to the present day, and is an excellent way to learn a lot about the whole country. It’s open Tuesday – Sundays, and there’s an entry fee.

We could go on listing museums in Helsinki, as the city has a huge number to choose from, catering for almost every interest. From design , to contemporary art , to photography , to architecture , there’s really an incredible choice. There’s even a museum about hotels !

You won’t have time to visit all of these of course, but we can definitely recommend visiting a few during your time in the city. There are lots of choices, so you can just choose a few that appeal to you.

If you do plan on visiting a number of the museums or other attractions in Helsinki, consider investing in either a museum card or the Helsinki Card (buy the latter here ).

These cover a range of attractions, and the Helsinki card also includes transport around the city, which will save you walking around in the cold. The Helsinki card can be great value for money – see our full review of the Helsinki card to see if it’s worth investing in for your trip.

Of course, there’s also more to do in Helsinki than visit museums. We can suggest taking some time to go Christmas shopping (even if it’s after Christmas, you can stock up for the next one!).

If you do visit in December before Christmas, then you will also definitely want to check out the Helsinki Christmas market and try some traditional Christmas foods and drinks. These include Glögi (a type of mulled wine) and star-shaped Christmas pastries.

Kankurin Tupa would be our recommended destination for Christmas shopping in Helsinki. This is a department store which specialises in Finnish items, and has a whole section dedicated to Christmas.

We can also recommend getting coffee and cake at one of Finland’s best known cafes, Ekberg 1852 . This has been in Helsinki since, you guessed it, 1852, and they have an excellent selection of Finnish delicacies which obviously include baked goods.

Finally, find somewhere for a delicious evening meal, and retire, having gotten your first day of sight-seeing in Finland under your belt.

Where to Stay in Helsinki

We have stayed at a number of accommodation options in Helsinki, including apartment rentals and hotels.

Some options we suggest you take a look at include:

• Hostel Diana Park
• Hellsten Helsinki Senate
• Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
• Hotel Katajanokka .

You can also see listings for Helsinki on Vrbo here .

Day 2: Helsinki

For your second day in Helsinki our suggestion is to head out to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress .

This is a UNESCO world heritage site, and in our opinion is a must-do attraction when visiting Helsinki.

There is a huge amount to see and do on the island, and you could easily spend from half a day to a full day here, depending on what you want to see and do.

First, you can explore the six islands that the fortress spans on foot, admiring the impressive fortress construction. As you’re visiting in winter, you will of course want to wrap up warmly and have good footwear. Be wary of icy ground which can make for slippery conditions.

There are also five museums on the island, although not all of these are open year-round. The ones that are open in winter are the Suomenlinna Museum and the Military Museum. I would definitely encourage you to visit the former at least, as this details the history of the fortress and the island.

Both of these museums have an entry fee, and they are also both included on the  Helsinki Card . Holders of this card also get ferry transport to and from Suomenlinna Fortress, which otherwise costs €5. Ferries run every day, and you can see the schedule here .

After Suomenlinna Fortress, you might still have time to fit in a few more sights. Some other attractions in Helsinki we would suggest which are near the ferry point from the island include the Helsinki Skywheel for great views across the city, Uspenski Cathedral and the Old Market Hall for food.

Finally, a really popular activity that you must try while you are in Finland is to take a sauna. This is one of the most traditional Finnish experiences you can have.

There are a few options when it comes having a sauna in Finland. Most hotels and even some apartments will come with a sauna, which will often be the easiest way. There are also public saunas in Helsinki.

You can also take a tour which includes a sauna. From Helsinki for example, take a look at this tour , which includes a traditional smoke sauna and the chance to do a cold icy plunge – if you’re feeling brave!

And that wraps up your second day in Finland and your last day in Helsinki. If you’d like some more ideas for what to do in the city, see our guide to things to do in Helsinki , which has many more ideas.

How to Get to Rovaniemi from Helsinki

Your next destination is Rovaniemi. You have a few options for getting from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. The fastest option will be to fly. There are a number of airlines offering flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, with the flight time being around an hour. Flights are relatively inexpensive and there are multiple departures a day.

If you fly, you can either depart on the evening of day 2 or early in the morning of day 3. You can check flight times and prices, and  book online here .

You can also take the overnight sleeper train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. This route is known as the Santa Claus Express, and the journey takes around 12 hours. If you choose to do this, you will need to leave on the evening on day 2. You can see timetables and book this train online  here .

It’s also possible to take a bus from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. This takes around 13 hours. Just note that taking the bus will eat up quite a bit of your day so is the least time efficient option. Check bus times and prices, and book tickets here .

You can also drive to Helsinki to Rovaniemi. This is around a 9.5 hour drive of 500 miles / 800km. Again, this is a long journey and we’d advise against this as well as it will be a tiring journey that will use up your holiday. However, if you want to do this, you can compare car rental prices across a range of suppliers  on Discover Cars here .

If you are planning your own trip and booking your own transport, our recommendation for getting from Helsinki to Rovaniemi would be to either fly or take the overnight train.

If you’d rather not have to worry about planning your own transport, you might also consider taking a guided tour. These will generally cover your transport and accommodation as well as some meals and activities, leaving you to focus on just enjoying yourself.

There are a few tours we suggest that have similar itineraries and activities to our itinerary, and include Helsinki, Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle. Note that most tours from Helsinki use the overnight train service, and focus on activities in and around Rovaniemi.

• this 6 day tour which includes Helsinki and Rovaniemi, and a number of activities
• this 5 day tour which includes Helsinki and Rovaniemi
• this 7 day tour which also includes Helsinki and Rovaniemi

If you take one of these tours, they will arrange all your transport and connections for you during your trip, which is definitely an option to think about.

Day 3: Rovaniemi

Welcome to Lapland! Rovaniemi sits right on the edge of the Arctic Circle, the most northerly of the lines of latitude. Above this line you can experience the Midnight Sun in summer, as well as days in winter when the sun never rises at all!

Rovaniemi makes an excellent base for a wide range of winter activities in Finland . These includes Northern Lights viewing, ice karting, snowmobiling, husky sledding, reindeer sledding, sleeping in a snow hotel, ice fishing – the list goes on!

For this itinerary, which I’ve put together on the basis that you don’t need a car, the plan is to base yourself in Rovaniemi for three days and to do a number of winter activities from the city. There are also several attractions in and around Rovaniemi to visit.

This itinerary will of course also work perfectly well with a car. I’ve visited Rovaniemi in winter with and without a car on my two visits. If you plan to rent a car, you can arrange to pick up a rental car either at the airport or in the town center once you arrive. The only consideration if you do hire a car is to ensure that your accommodation includes free parking.

Now, on with the itinerary. Note that many of the museums and attractions in Rovaniemi are not open every day, with Monday being a popular day for them to close. So depending on your timings you might want to juggle this itinerary around a little bit.

First, I’m going to suggest you head to the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. This is around a 10-minute drive outside the city. If you’re arriving from the airport, it’s between the airport and Rovaniemi, so makes for a logical first stop if you arrive in the morning.

You can get to Santa Claus Village by driving, taking the   S anta’s Express bus , a local bus, or by taxi.

There’s a lot to do at the Santa Claus village, and it’s a great place to check off a few of your winter activities. First though, you’re going to want to actually meet the man himself.

Yep, as the name suggests, the Santa Claus village is actually home to Santa Claus himself. He lives here year round with his elves, planning for the big day, and sorting and reading all the mail he receives.

It’s free to visit Santa, although if you want a photo or video with him there’s a fee for that.

As well as visiting Santa, you can also visit Santa’s post office. A fun thing you can do here is mail a Christmas card that will be kept and posted at Christmas time. So even if you visit Rovaniemi in January, you can get all your Christmas cards mailed!

Beyond Santa, there’s plenty more to see and do at Santa’s Village. You can take a photo of you standing on the Arctic Circle marker, and can also arrange other activities such as a reindeer sled ride, a husky ride, or a snowmobile ride.

Of these, we’d suggest that a husky ride would be a great option. Bear Hill husky is our favourite husky operator in this region, and I actually took a two day husky safari with them. They operate a number of tours with pickup from Santa’s village, including this one .

You can also book an experience like this which includes your visit to Santa Claus and a snowmobile ride to a reindeer farm.

You can also do a longer 7 hour tour if you want a more complete experience.

Assuming you take the shorter tour, our suggestion for the rest of your day is to visit Rovaniemi and familiarise yourself with the town. There’s plenty to do here. We’d particularly recommend a visit to Arktikum .

This museum and science center is perfect for learning all about the people, history and culture of the area. There are a number of permanent exhibits here, with the content on life in the arctic being my favourite.

Once you have explored some of the highlights of Rovaniemi, you will likely want to have your evening meal.

If you’re still feeling adventurous, we can highly recommend scheduling some time to try and spot the Northern Lights. You can do this yourself by finding somewhere away from the city lights. If you don’t have a car, the area by Arktikum is a popular spot.

Alternatively, you can take a dedicated Northern Lights tour. Some of these also include other activities like snowmobiling or a traditional Finnish sauna. These are a good option because the Northern Lights are definitely not guaranteed, so doing another activity will ensure you are occupied and having fun, with seeing the Northern Lights as a bonus!

Some options to consider for seeing the Northern Lights from Rovaniemi are:

• This 5 hour tour where you look for the Northern Lights whilst having a traditional firewood sauna experience
• This photography-focused Northern Lights tour
• There are lots more Northern Lights tours from Rovaniemi to choose from, which you can see here .

If you want to get photos of the Northern Lights, you will need to read up a little in advance as they can be quite challenging to photograph. I have a complete guide to how to photograph the Northern Lights , which I can definitely suggest you take a look at so you are prepared.

I also recommend you download an app for your smartphone that will notify you of aurora activity. I have tried a few of these, and have settled on My Aurora Forecast Pro.

I have found it to be the most reliable app that doesn’t drain my phone battery, but has always reliably alerted me to aurora activity. This is available for both Android  and  iOS , and is available in both free (ad-supported) and paid versions.

We think that’s enough for your third day in Finland! Of course, you can schedule a Northern Lights tour for any of your days in Rovaniemi, but we recommend popping out every evening if you can to at least try and see them yourself, as they can be fickle. If you have a car, driving a little out of the city will afford you the best viewing experience.

Where to Stay in Rovaniemi

You’re obviously going to need somewhere to stay for your time in Rovaniemi. We’ve tried a few different accommodation options, and have shortlisted the following as our favourites.

• Hostel Cafe Koti – a well rated hostel with a good restaurant on site
• Guesthouse Borealis – convenient for the train station and great value
• Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus – centrally located well rated 3* hotel
• Arctic Light Hotel – boutique hotel in the centre of Rovaniemi
• Arctic Treehouse Hotel – unique accommodation just outside Santa Claus village

We can also recommend checking out the options for Rovaniemi on Vrbo here .

Day 4: Rovaniemi

We’re going to suggest a full day trip today out of Rovaniemi and down to the town of Kemi on the coast.

Here, you’re going to take a truly unique trip – a ride on an icebreaker boat!

Launched in 1961, the Sampo is a genuine icebreaker built for serious arctic conditions. She had a long and distinguished career in the Gulf of Bothnia, where for thirty years she kept the shipping lanes clear of ice.

In 1987, the town of Kemi bought the Sampo, and since 1988 she has been operating as a tourist attraction from the town port.

This was one of the most fun experiences that I had in Finland in winter. Riding an ice breaker across a frozen sea is a really amazing adventure that is quite unique. The sound of the breaking as the ship ploughs through it is incredible, and I could have just watched the ice breaking and the bow and the frozen sea stretching off to the horizon all day.

However, there’s more to a trip on the Sampo than just watching the ship do her thing. You can also don a full dry suit, and go for a swim in the frozen sea! The ship creates a hole in the ice, and the passengers then take it in turns to don full dry suits and bob around.

This was a lot of fun, although it was definitely less like swimming and more like floating. During this time, it was also possible to take a walk on the snow covered ice, which was also a unique experience.

All in all, I can highly recommend the trip on the Sampo icebreaker. The ship is also very comfortable, and there’s a restaurant on board. Depending on the ticket you choose, there’s an option which includes a buffet meal on board as well.

It’s worth checking the dates and times for the icebreaker well in advance of your trip as it doesn’t sail every day, so if this is something you want to do you will need to plan your trip around it. It also often sells out in advance. You can see times and prices here .

If you are driving, it’s around 90 minutes each way from Rovaniemi to Kemi. If you want to travel by train you can take the train from Rovaniemi to Kemi, and select shuttle pick-up from the Kemi train station to the harbor.

Or you can book a day tour which includes your round-trip transport directly from Rovaniemi to the ice breaker.

Day 5: Rovaniemi

For your last full day in Rovaniemi I’m going to suggest you have a full day of winter activities. After all, you came to Finland in winter to have a winter adventure!

There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to winter adventures, so I’ll just provide some options and let you decide what you might enjoy the most. Some of these activities are shorter, so you could do more than one if you wanted, whilst others are full day trips.

Hiking / Snowshoeing

One of the best way to experience winter in Finland is to get out into the countryside and take a walk!

Of course, walking in snow can be a bit challenging, as we tend to sink in. The solution? Snowshoes! These are large and wide devices which clip onto your shoes, and spread your weight out on the snow. This lets you walk without sinking in.

If you want to explore on your own, you can either buy a pair of snowshoes or rent them.

Another option is to take a tour. For example, this tour has you snowshoeing through the snow covered forests near Rovaniemi, before trying your hand at another popular Finnish winter activity – ice fishing!

There are some other great hiking tours you can take from Rovaniemi. I’d particularly recommend going hiking in the Korouoma National Park. This is found 160km from Rovaniemi, so will take a couple of hours to drive to. However, in winter the park is famed for its frozen waterfalls, of which there 14.

The best way to see these is to take a hike in the park. You can either drive yourself, or you can take a tour from Rovaniemi which should include an experienced guide and the correct outerwear and footwear.

We’d recommend either this half day hike or this full day hike .

Ice Fishing

A really popular activity amongst Finnish people in winter is ice fishing. This sport has you drilling a hole into the ice on a frozen lake or river, and then using special ice fishing equipment to try and catch a fish.

We have tried ice fishing a few times, and to be honest, we have never caught a fish.

That said, other people on the tours we’ve taken have caught fish, as has our guide, so it is definitely possible!

Even though we’ve never caught a fish, we’ve always had a lot of fun ice fishing. It’s a wonderful way to get out into the outdoors, and most tours include some kind of food or at least hot drinks cooked over a fire.

The best way to go ice fishing is definitely to take a tour. Whilst you could hire your own equipment and go yourself, it is definitely a lot safer to accompany a local expert when heading out onto frozen lakes and rivers!

There are a number of ice fishing tours that depart from Rovaniemi, including the following.

• A 2.5 hour tour which focuses on ice fishing – great if you just want to get an idea of what it’s all about without committing to a longer trip.
• This 4 hour tour includes both snowshoeing and ice fishing
• A 7 hour full day tour that includes ice fishing, a traditional Finnish sauna experience as well as a BBQ lunch – which will include your fish if you catch any!

You can also pair up an ice fishing experience with snowmobiling. For example, this is a 5 hour snowmobile and ice fishing day, whilst this is a half day tour with snowmobiling and ice fishing .

Snowmobiling

I love snowmobiling, and every time we’ve visited Finland I’ve done my best to go snowmobiling at least once.

Snowmobiling is, in my opinion, a huge amount of fun. It’s also a great activity to pair with other activities, such as watching the Northern Lights or going ice fishing. You use the snowmobile to get to where you are going, do the activity, and then ride the snowmobile back.

Of course, you can also have a “pure” snowmobiling experience too, where you just ride the vehicle.

Snowmobiles are nearly all for two people, so when you go on a snowmobile tour there will usually always be one person driving, and one person as the passenger. On all the tours I’ve been on the guides have always ensured that people swap so both can have the experience of driving if they want. Additionally, it’s usually possible to pay a supplement to ride on your own if you prefer.

If you are visiting Finland with children, you should be aware that most snowmobiles can’t be operated by children under 15 years of age.

Some children can ride as passengers, but this isn’t universal, so you will want to check the tour details and contact the company to be sure before booking. For example, this is a family friendly snowmobile tour.

Some snowmobiling tours from Rovaniemi to consider include the following.

• This tour which just has you snowmobiling and is a good way to get a feel for riding these machines.
• This half day tour which includes snowmobiling, a visit to a reindeer farm, and a husky and reindeer sled ride. If you want to experience a number of activities in one tour, this is a great option.
• This half day tour which includes snowmobiling, ice fishing, campfire, and lunch.
• This evening snowmobile tour to see the Northern Lights which also includes a traditional Lappish BBQ. This tour is family friendly, and would make a great evening out after doing other activities in the daytime. Plus you might catch the Northern Lights!

Hopefully this gives you plenty of ideas for the types of snowmobiling tours you can do from Rovaniemi.

Husky Sledding

If you prefer your snow transport to be bit more traditional but still lots of fun, then husky sledding is likely going to be something you’ll enjoy a great deal.

As the name suggests, husky sledding involves a team of huskies, and a sled. Huskies are a special breed of dog which are well adapted to long periods of intense activity as well as cold conditions. Put more simply, they love running in the snow.

Husky sledding has you harnessing a team of husky dogs to a sled. There are usually between six and eight dogs, and each sled will generally have a driver and a passenger. The driver will stand at the back of the sled to steer and brake, whilst the passenger relaxes and enjoys the view.

Husky sledding is a really popular activity when visiting Finland in winter, and one we highly recommend. I’ve written a whole post outlining my experience dog sledding in Lapland , which you should find useful.

Like most of the other activities on our list, there are lots of operators running husky sledding tours in Rovaniemi. We recommend and have used Bear Hill Husky, they really care about their dogs, and they have a range of sledding experience to suit everyone. Some examples to consider are as follows.

• The offer shorter tours which usually include 45 minutes of actual dog sledding over a 2.5 hour visit. As well as the sledding, you also get the opportunity to learn about and meet the dogs – and get plenty of photos. For example, see this morning tour .
• If you want a more immersive and complete experience, they also offer a longer full day tour which includes around seven hours of husky sledding as you cover a distance of 30-40km. This also includes a campfire lunch, hot juice, and cookies.

We think one of these options would be great for anyone looking for a wonderful husky sledding experience in Lapland.

Visiting an Amethyst mine

The final option we have on our list of things you could do on your last day in Rovaniemi is to visit an Amethyst mine .

There’s one working amethyst mine in Finland, and it’s found on the top of a hill in the Pyha-Luosto National Park .

This national park is home to the remnants of a mountain chain which is over two billion years old. It’s a popular place for a range of outdoor activities, including snowshoeing, hiking and skiing.

However, it’s the amethyst mine that I think you should visit. This is found in Lampivaara, and here you can learn all about amethyst mining, as well as having a go at mining for amethyst yourself!

If you have your own vehicle it’s around a 90 minute ride from Rovaniemi to Lampivaara. Here, there’s a tracked vehicle which ferries people up to the top of the mountain to visit the mine. This experience needs to be booked in advance, which you can do here .

Of course, there’s lots more to do be in Rovaniemi and surrounds beyond everything we’ve listed here, which is why we think it makes for a great base to explore. For more inspiration, see our guide to things to do in Rovaniemi .

Days 6 & 7: Head North

From Rovaniemi, my suggestion is to head further north into Lapland. This will give you even more chances to see the Northern Lights, as well as stay at some really unique and more remote locations.

You’ll also have more chances to do lots of winter activities including dog sledding, ice fishing, ice karting, seeing Santa, staying in ice hotels, spending time in a Finnish sauna, snowmobiling, and skiing.

As always, you have choices for where you decide to go! Here are our three suggested options for you to choose from, depending on your interests. Of course, if you are driving yourself, you can visit more than one of these options.

The first option you have is to head north to Saariselka. This is found 250km / 155mi north of the arctic circle, making this an excellent place to see the Northern Lights.

You can reach Saariselka by car or public bus from Rovaniemi. There’s also Ivalo airport , 25km to the north of the city, which has services to Helsinki and other European destinations.

When we visited Saariselka, we stayed in the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort . This is one of the most popular places to stay in a glass igloo in Finland, and was where the concept of glass igloos first originated.

I stayed in a glass igloo at Kakslauttanen, and it was a night I will never forget.

Naturally there’s more to Kakslauttanen than glass igloos. The resort has a wide range of accommodation options, depending on what you are interested in. I can definitely recommend staying in a glass igloo for one night on your trip just for the experience. There’s also a range of winter activities available here.

You can see our full review of Kakslauttanen here .

Where to stay in Saariselka

Whilst we very much enjoyed our stay at Kakslauttanen, it’s not the only option in Saariselka. You might consider one of the following options:

• Wilderness Hotel Muotka & Igloos – A well reviewed and popular option with cottages featuring glass domed ceilings and a private sauna
• Log House Kuukkeli – if you’d prefer to stay in a more traditional property, this guesthouse is built in the traditional log cabin style and offers great value accommodation
• Northern Lights Village – features glass roofed cabins with private bathrooms and its own reindeer paddock.
• Saariselkä Kuukkeli Inn – a well reviewed more budget oriented option. Rooms have free-wifi, and shared bathrooms

During your time visiting Saariselka you’ll find plenty to do to keep you occupied. If there are any winter activities you want to take part in, you can of course do them, including snowmobiling, ice fishing, husky sledding, snowshoeing and more. Naturally, you’ll also want to spend time searching for the Northern Lights!

Most accommodation providers will be able to arrange these activities for you directly.

Another popular area you can visit from Saariselka, either as a day trip or overnight, is Inari. This is a little further north,  and is in fact home to Finland’s northernmost holiday resort.

This is a very sparsely populated region, and is a focal point of the Sámi culture. You can learn about this culture and people at Siida , home to the Sámi Museum and the Northern Lapland Nature Centre. This is open throughout the winter on every day except Monday, and there’s a fee to visit.

Another option is to visit the Kittilä region. This is a particularly good option if you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, as it’s home to Levi , Finland’s largest ski resort.

So if you want to get some skiing or snowboarding in on your trip to Finland, this would be the best place to do just that.

There’s lots more to do in the Kittilä area than skiing though.

The area is popular for a range of winter activities, with hiking and cross-country skiing in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park being a popular option. You can also go snowshoeing, ice fishing , ice karting, husky sledding and snowmobiling of course!

In Lanio, you’ll find the Lapland Hotels SnowVillage . This village is made every year from thousands of tonnes of ice and snow, and features a hotel, restaurant, bar, and even a chapel. There are also log cabins on site. You can stay here overnight or just visit for the day. The theme varies each year, with 2018-19 having a Game of Thrones focus.

Another excellent attraction that we enjoyed visiting in Kittilä was Samiland . This is found at Levi Summit, which you can reach by taking a lift from the ski resort.

Samiland features an indoor and outdoor exhibit space dedicated to the Sami people, and covers the history, culture and mythology of the people, as well as their traditional building and mythology. There’s a small entry fee which is well worth it.

You can reach Kittilä by car or bus from Rovaniemi. The distance is 150km / 93mi. Kittilä airport serves Kittila/Levi, with flights from Helsinki and a number of destinations across Europe.

Where to stay in Kittilä

There are a range of accommodation options in Kittilä. Some options to consider are as follows.

• Design Hotel Levi – perfect for those of you wanting to be able to ski from your door, this hotel is found right at the foot of the Levi resort ski lifts
• Lapland Hotels SnowVillage – if you want to live out your dream of sleeping in a snow hotel while in Finland, this is the place to come!
• Hotel Kittilä – 15 minutes from the Levi Ski resort, this is a great value option
• Guesthouse Golden Goose – found in the centre of Kittilä village, this is a well rated guesthouse with an on-site sauna
• Levi Northern Lights Huts – found on an old reindeer farm, this is the place to stay in Levi if you want the glass roof experience

Wherever you choose to go from Rovaniemi, we think that spending your last couple of days deep inside the arctic circle, chasing the Northern Lights and taking part in more winter activities, would be the perfect way to end your trip in Finland.

Then, you can return to Rovaniemi, drop off your hire car if you have one, and fly home. Alternatively, there are flights available from Kittilä or Ivalo airports.

That’s it for our winter itinerary of Finland! Now we want to share some practical advice to help you plan your trip.

Map of 7 Day Finland Winter Itinerary

To help you visualise this itinerary we’ve put together a map, which you can also see on Google Maps here .

Finland Itinerary Overview

Here’s an overview of this itinerary for quick reference:

• Day 1: Helsinki – Helsinki City Museum, Helsinki Cathedral, National Museum of Finland
• Day 2: Helsinki – Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Helsinki Skywheel, Uspenski Cathedral, Old Market Hall
• Day 3: Rovaniemi – Santa Claus Village, Husky Tour, Arktikum
• Day 4: Rovaniemi – Day trip on Sampo ice breaker, Northern Lights
• Day 5: Rovaniemi – Snowshoeing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, husky sledding, amethyst mine
• Day 6 & 7: North Finland – Saariselka, Kittilä

How to Get Around Finland in Winter

You might be wondering what the best way to get around Finland in winter is.

Well, you have a number of options.

For longer distances, such as the trip between Helsinki and Rovaniemi, we would recommend either taking the train or flying.

Flying will be the fastest option, and is likely to be the cheapest as well if you book well in advance. You can check flight times and prices, and  book online here . For the train, you can see timetables and book online here .

For shorter distances, such as exploring around Rovaniemi and getting between the sights on our itinerary, you have a couple of options.

First, you can rent a car and drive. We prefer to self-drive when we travel where possible as it gives us more flexibility with what we stop to see, where we go and when we leave.

Car rental in Finland is comparable to other parts of Europe. In winter, cars will come with studded tyres, and the roads are well maintained.

If you want to drive in Finland using this itinerary, we’d recommend hiring a car in Rovaniemi for pickup from the airport. You can compare car rental prices and book online here .

Of course, we appreciate that driving in the extreme winter conditions that Finland experiences is not going to be for everyone. With this in mind we have set this itinerary up so you don’t have to drive if you don’t want to.

By combining public transport and a variety of tours which include transport, you can absolutely experience Finland in winter without needing to hire a car or worry about driving.

Tours of Finland in Winter

If you love the sound of the trip I’ve put together, but don’t like the thought of planning it all out, booking activities, hotels and transport, then you might consider taking a tour instead.

There are of many tour options to consider, which we have summarised as follow.

• this selection of tours which includes a number of options in Lapland

Hopefully one of these works out for you if you choose to take a tour of Finland in winter.

You can see more tour options for Finland on TourRadar here , they list tours from a wide range of operators at various price points, so you can find the one you want. We have used TourRadar to book tours in destinations around the world and always had a good experience.

Further Reading for Visiting Finland in Winter

And that’s it for our one week winter itinerary for Finland. We hope it’s given you lots of ideas to help you plan your trip. Before you head off and start booking your adventure, we did just want to share with you some more resources we’ve put together on our time in Finland, to help you with your planning.

• We have a guide to things to do in Rovaniemi , to give you more inspiration for what to do in the town
• We have a comprehensive guide to all our favourite winter activities in Finland
• Finland is very cold in winter, and the key to a good trip is to pack appropriately! To help you out, we have put together a detailed guide to what to pack for Finland in winter
• If you’re looking for more destinations to visit in Finland, see our guides to visiting Porvoo , visiting Oulu and visiting Rauma
• Helsinki is the capital city of Finland, and one we definitely recommend you spend some time. See our guide to things to do in Helsinki , a suggested 1 day Helsinki itinerary , and our review of the Helsinki card to help you plan your time here
• Another of our favourite winter locations in Finland is Iso Syote. See our guide to visiting Iso Syote here .
• Want to try some unique accommodation? See our review of this famous glass igloo hotel in Finland
• It’s not all about winter – Finland is an awesome summer destination too! See our guide to visiting Finland in summer
• Finally, if you’re looking for a guidebook, you might checkout the Lonely Planet guide to Finland or the Insight Guide to Finland

And that’s it for our 7 day itinerary for Finland in winter. As always, we are happy to answer your questions – just pop them in the comments section below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

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There are 22 comments on this post

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Cyndi Puah says

8th March 2024 at 3:22 pm

may i know itinerary and the cost of the package

Laurence Norah says

8th March 2024 at 3:52 pm

The itinerary is laid out in the guide above, and it’s designed for people to follow themselves, it’s not a guided experience. If you’d like a guided tour of Finland, I can recommend checking out the options on TourRadar for Finland here , they have lots of tours at different prices from many operators, so you can choose one that suits your needs.

Have a great time in Finland!

19th June 2023 at 3:36 pm

Do you have any suggestions on extending this to Northern Norway. Perhaps a 10-14 day trip?

19th June 2023 at 4:13 pm

You absolutely could extend this trip to Northern Norway and that would make for a wonderful adventure. However as we’ve only visited southern Norway, we don’t have any specific advice for you. We hope you have a great trip though!

17th December 2022 at 2:10 pm

hi, thanks for the detailed blog. do you have any contacts for local private driver that we can engaged to bring us around or see northern lights?

18th December 2022 at 11:51 am

We don’t have any personal contacts for drivers, however, there are plenty of operators who can drive you to see the northern lights. Here is a list of some examples. So this is definitely a service you can book! If you wanted a longer tour, over multiple days, I’d suggest checking on sites like Viator or TourRadar to see what is available.

Pearlyn says

29th September 2022 at 6:00 am

Hi Laurence, this is really a great post that summarises what I need ! I’m planning to head to rovaniemi and lapland for 8 days ,would you recommend signing up tours from websites like nordic visitor etc? Do you have a recommended tour that covers both rovaniemi and lapland ? if the transport is included then that will really make it a lot more fuss free Thank you !

1st October 2022 at 5:47 pm

Hi Pearlyn!

Thanks very much! So I’ve not used Nordic Visitor before but I am aware of them and they get good reviews I believe, so that should be fine. What I would suggest is taking a look at the Finland tours on TourRadar here – they list tours from most of the companies who run tours, and you can filter by duration and price. So that should help you narrow down your options. For example, a tour like this might be an option, but there are quite a few to choose from 🙂

Have a great trip!

Shelly says

30th August 2022 at 1:56 am

Hi, So I’m really interested in the ice breaker tour but if I go in Dec. would the tour be mostly be in the dark? Would we be able to see the ice and things around us?

30th August 2022 at 11:14 am

Great question. So daylight hours in December are definitely limited. A great website is this one , where you can plug in a location and it will show you the sunrise and sunset times, as well as the dawk/dusk times (civil twilight).

For December it shows that you are looking at sunrise between 10am and 10.45 (depending on when in December), and sunset between 2.17pm and 2.50pm. Dawn and dusk add just under two hours to that, so it won’t be totally dark, but it will be definitely be darker.

So yes, you should be able to see the ice around you, and you will also get either a sunrise or sunset from the boat, depending on which cruise you take.

Let me know if you have any more questions!

Shelly Mcintosh says

30th August 2022 at 12:19 pm

Thank you so much! In your opinion what is the best time to go? What gives me the best chance to see the northern lights and also do all the wonderful winter activities. I was planning a trip in Nov but I see the ice breaker doesn’t start till dec and I see Dec has Limited daylight. By the way this was by far the best blog I have come across! So useful and informative.

30th August 2022 at 1:01 pm

My pleasure Shelly, and thanks! So we have visited Finland in December and the days are definitely quite short, especially in the northern areas. My favourite time is February, there is more guarantee of snow, the days are already a lot longer and there is still a good chance of seeing the northern lights. My best Northern lights experience was actually in February. So if that’s an option that would be my preference.

Have a wonderful trip, and feel free to ask any more questions as you plan!

20th April 2022 at 2:57 pm

Hi Laurence and Jessica,

This is amazing blog I have never come across. It’s so detailed and to the extend you’d brought me into Finland while reading. Phenomenal!

I am planning to make a December family trip with 3 children from age 11 to 15. Your itinerary definitely suit to my plan. I am wondering how easy of the public transportation like bus from point to point as you’ve mentioned? It’s unlike other EU countries where we can get train easily.

20th April 2022 at 4:36 pm

Thanks very much, we’re glad you found it helpful 🙂 So the public transport is pretty easy to use in Finland. You will just want to check schedules for where you plan on going. If you are following this itinerary, then the easiest option is to take the train (or fly) from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. If you plan on going further north, you’ll need to take a bus. We’ve taken a few long distance buses in Finland and they have all been fine. Let me know if you have any more questions!

Samir Patrawala says

12th October 2021 at 1:20 am

Dear Laurence,

I am Sameer from Explorus Travel, India. Just read your detailed itinerary for Finland in Winter. It’s a kind of encyclopaedia for me. Amazing!

I have a question: Most of the photos on this page are clicked in daylight (they are bright, sunny pics). But what I read is that Sun almost doesn’t rise at all in Dec / Jan in Rovaniemi. So how can one get an opportunity to click such sunny and bright photos in absence of sun light / day light? Isn’t the stay experience in Dec boring and dull in absence of light? I mean how much can one enjoy darkness without good photos? Or are your photos clicked during those two hours when there’s little day light?

Many thanks in advance.

Kind regards

12th October 2021 at 10:53 am

Great to hear from you! So these photos are from a few different visits, some in January and some in February. The experience of how much light there is will vary depending on where you are in Finland. In Rovaniemi, the darkest day of the year is the 22nd December, where there’s only 2.5 hours of sunlight. However, there is still sunlight. If you visit in mid-February, you get 8.5 hours between sunrise and sunset. So there is plenty of light. I would generally suggest not visiting over the very darkest days in December, but it quickly changes and the days get longer if you visit in February or even late January.

Hope this helps!

Sameer Patrawala says

12th October 2021 at 11:35 am

Thank you so much for your prompt and satisfactory response.

Would you recommend Northern Norway for Northern Lights in December last week or Rovaniemi Finland? I am asking in terms of maximum available day-light.

Kind regards Sameer Patrawala Explorus

12th October 2021 at 12:25 pm

My pleasure 🙂

So Northern Norway is way inside the Arctic Circle. In the last week of December, or in December at all in fact, you won’t get any sunlight. You can see sunrise and sunset times for a place like Tromso in Northern Norway here: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/norway/tromso?month=12&year=2021

Rovaniemi is on the edge of the Arctic circle, which is why you don’t get the permanent darkness. If you are looking for the northern lights, then usually the further north you go the better your chances. However, I have seen incredible displays from southern Finland too, so it’s all just a question of luck really. If you want some sunlight though, northern Norway in December might not be the best option!

Trizzy says

26th September 2021 at 6:50 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica, First off, amazing and detailed itinerary! This is the type of blog I love to read when researching- keep it up! 🙂 Also, would you say early November is a good time to visit Finland and see the northern lights?

Many thanks again!

26th September 2021 at 10:36 am

Thank you very much Trizzy! So yes, November would be a fine month to see the northern lights. The only thing to bear in mind is that there might not be snow everywhere in early November (this changes each year of course), so if you wanted snowy landscapes as well as the northern lights, it’s something to keep in mind. Of course, there could also be lots of snow! But it’s not guaranteed.

I hope this helps!

Jessica says

9th April 2020 at 5:27 pm

I am following your travel blog for a while now. Love your content and photos. I am actually planing to visit Finland later this year as soon as this quarantine is over and I have one question. Do you recommend visiting smaller cities in Finland? For example this town Sastamala – I have friend there and don’t know what to expect as it is small town and there isn’t as much information online.

9th April 2020 at 6:50 pm

Hi Jessica!

Thanks very much. So the smaller cities in Finland are worth visiting, we have been to places like Oulu, Rauma and so on. There is usually something of interest in each town or city, and if you have a friend there they should be able to give you some advice as to what there is to do and see 🙂 So I would check with them and see what they say!

have a great trip when you get to go, and stay well!

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Finland Road Trip Itinerary – Things to See in Finland in 2 Weeks

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2 Weeks Finland Itinerary

For a trip covering the whole of Finland, you will need at least two weeks. It is the minimum amount of time to cover such a huge country. The north-south extent of the country is 1100 km. This itinerary covers most of the best cities  and several spectacular natural landmarks and national parks . If you prefer to spend an extended time in Lapland, read this itinerary for a detailed Finland trip.

So let’s get back to one of the most stunning road trips we ever had!

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Finland Road Trip Itinerary and Map

If you are planning a trip to Finland, you came to a good place. Here you will find the most popular cities, best national parks, and some hidden gems that need to be on your self-drive itinerary.

Two weeks in Finland is enough to see most of the top sights, but one week in Finland lets you explore part of this route. You can focus either on the northern or the southern part. For extra tips, other practical advice, read our Finland Travel Guide .

Road Trip Finland

The easiest and cheapest way to explore Finland is by car. Rent your car from the airport directly to save time and money.

Car rentals are available in most Finnish airports. We recommend the following:   Hertz  | SiXT | Europcar

Let’s start your Finland self-drive tour!

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1-2. Days: 2 Days Helsinki

Your trip to Finland will very likely start in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. It is a rather small city and easy to cover the best sights in 2 days. It’s a perfect starting point for your trip to Finland.

The 13 Best Hotels in Helsinki, Finland, For Every Budget

1. Day in Helsinki:

The Esplanadi park (Esplanadinpuisto) is a popular starting point as the tourist information is also located there (corner of Pohjoisesplanadi and Unioninkatu). Follow the park towards the sea and turn north along Unioninkatu to reach the Senate Square (Senaatintori) at the eastern end of the park . The Lutheran Cathedral will be just in front of you. Then follow Aleksanterinkatu to the east turn south to Mariankatu. After one block, you will see the Eastern Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral .

Then follow Pohjoisesplanadi street to reach Market Square (Kauppatori) . The best time to visit is during opening hours. During the afternoon, head (or take a tram) to the Church in the Rock (Temppeliaukion kirkko) , as the name suggests, it’s a church indeed in a rock! The Sibelius Monument (and Organ) is nearby, and so does my personal favorite. A small cafe with the free tram museum is just a couple of minutes’ walk from here. If you fancy a drink from the top of a tower, visit Hotel Torni and its bar on the top floor to have a panoramic view of Helsinki. For the night, stay in one of the best hotels in Helsinki .

2. Day in Helsinki:

You can’t leave Helsinki without checking the Suomenlinna fortress . Go to Market Square (Kauppatori) to find the ferry to the island. Helsinki public transport tickets are also valid for the ferry. The islands have pricey restaurants and cafes, but a picnic is also a good choice in good weather. In the afternoon, visit the newly opened public sauna, the Löyly , to make your experience full.

We also enjoyed visiting the abandoned villas of Helsinki . If you are up to an adventure, it’s a nice program in a green area for the summer.

Don’t forget to read our guide to unique and must-see places in Helsinki . 🙂

3. Day: Day Trip to Porvoo

Porvoo is a small town an hour away from Helsinki. You can reach it by public bus too (10-15€).

Porvoo is the second oldest town in Finland and is well-known for its historic Old Town and colorful riverside warehouses. The 15th-century Cathedral and the 18th century Town Hall are just a few of the decorative buildings you will see. The colorful warehouses were built to protect fruits, wines, coffee, tobacco, wood, spices, and other goods shipped along the river. They were painted with red ochre in the 18th century to honor a visit by Swedish King Gustav. Porvoo also gave a home to Finland’s national poet, Johan Ludvig Runeberg , whose home is a little museum today.

Spend the night in Helsinki.

4-5. Days: 2 Days in Turku & the Archipelago

Drive to Turku in the morning (2 hours). Turku is the oldest city in Finland (founded in the 13th century) and used to be a capital for a shorter time during the 19th century.

The best time to visit the city is during the summer, but the cultural sights are worth a brief visit during the winter.

Must-see places in Turku in one day

• Turku Castle Archangel Michael’s Church ( Mikaelin Kirkko)
• Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova Turku Main Library (Turun Kaupunginkirjasto),
• Turku Cathedral (Turun Tuomiokirkko)
• Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum
• Panimoravintola Koulu
• Turku Art Museum (Turun Taidemuseo)

On your second day, take a boat trip (summertime!) to the Archipelago and head to Tampere in the evening.

6. Day: Tampere

Tampere’s cultural and architectural heritage is based on the city’s industrial past as it was the center of heavy industry.

The city has a unique geographical location too. Tampere lies on a narrow isthmus between Lake Näsijärvi, which reaches far to the north, and Lake Pyhäjärvi in the south. Moreover, there are 200 lakes and ponds in Tampere!

Must-See in Tampere

• Tammerkoski rapids (currently runs in a canal) and several hydroelectric dams in the downtown
• Beautiful historic buildings dating back to the late 19th century in the Downtown area: the  Finlayson historic factory complex  ( north side of the downtown, west side of Tammerkoski rapids ) and the  Tampella historic factory complex  (n orth side of downtown, east side of Tammerkoski rapids )
• Pyynikki ridge , the 85-meter-high narrow isthmus between the two lakes
• Pyynikki observation tower
• Nekala  area is famous for its old wooden houses and cultural landscape
• Tampere City Library  ( Metso )

7. Day: Jyväskylä

Drive to Jyväskylä. It’s currently a popular university city and well-known for the famous architect  Alvar Aalto’s work. Several famous buildings are connected to his name, such as the Town Theater ( kaupunginteatteri ), some buildings in the university’s main campus, and the Alvar Aalto Museum .

The Water Tower  ( Vesilinna ) is a building on top of the ridge ( Harju ) that acts as an observation tower, restaurant, and Natural History Museum and dispensing water to the town. You will have a great view of the city and its lakes from the top.

Near Jyvaskyla, the  Leivonmäki National Park is a family-friendly place.  The trails between the lakes and mires are easy, and there was even one accessible (wheelchair friendly) trail we could explore by stroller.

8. Day: Driving and a Stop in Kuopio (Version A)

You spend the day driving from Jyväskylä to Joensuu (3.5-4 hours) via Kuopio. The Old Town Center and the  Puijo Panorama Tower  are worth checking out. A couple of times a year (also in summer!), ski jumping competitions are organized in Puijo.

After the brief visit and stretching your legs, head to Joensuu in the afternoon.

8. Day: Driving and a Stop in Savonlinna (Version B)

How about visiting the most northern medieval castle in Europe?  Olavinlinna, the  St. Olaf’s Castle is worth a bit longer driving. Instead of Kuopio, drive to Savonlinna to the east and walk around Finland’s best-preserved castle and some of the little museums.

The total driving time for the day is about 4.5-5 hours.

9.Day: Joensuu & Koli National Park

In Joensuu, the Carelicum Museum offers an insight into the region’s history, culture, and life. You can also take a short walk in the center: the town hall and the old wooden buildings are the most interesting sites around. During summer, make sure you check out the Bunker Museum in Marjala.

In the afternoon, head to Koli National Park and explore the countrywide famous landscape during a short hike to Ukko Koli’s peak. If you want to stay longer in North Karelia, read our guide for the best sights .

10. Day: Driving to North and Ranua Wildlife Park (Version A)

Early morning start driving to the north. You will have about 5-6 hours of a drive ahead of you before you reach Ranua. Visit the Arctic Zoo and head to Rovaniemi for the night.

10. Day: Visit Oulu (Version B)

This bronze police statue is the symbol of Oulu. It is surrounded by well-preserved wooden buildings and the picturesque Market Hall (on the right). The city is full of green areas that pleasant, especially during spring to fall.

If you have more time, you can visit  Hailuoto Island or the Koitelinkoski Rapids at Kiiminki as well.

In winter, make sure you stop by the ice castle in Kemi  on your way from Oulu to Rovaniemi.

11-12. Days: Rovaniemi, Lapland

1. Day in Rovaniemi:

The next stop on your road tri pin Finland is Rovaniemi, the city of Santa Claus 🙂 On your first day, spend most of your time in Santa Claus Village (or with smaller kids in SantaPark ), visit a husky farm, and ride a snowmobile.

2. Day in Rovaniemi:

Visit the Arktikum Museum  and explore the city center. Check out the Lordi’s square and the Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge ( Jätkänkynttilä ). If you would like to know more about Rovaniemi’s other activities, check out our city guide (winter edition)  or (summer edition) !

Read our guide to the best hotels  or the most spectacular glass igloos in the area!

12-13. Days: Levi and/or Pallas-Ylläs National Park

Levi is a short drive away (in the Lappish scale) from Rovaniemi. About 1-1.5 hours. Skiing, ice fishing, and more skiing. Levi is a popular destination for Finns during the winter season. We had our best snowmobile adventure in Levi !

Winter hiking and snowshoeing are also a must-try. Pallastunturi is a better location, but Levi offers trips too. The never-ending snowy fells (tunturit) in the national park have a variety of trails for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. The National Park has two skiing centers for snowboarding and downhill skiing. Choose based on your preference.  Here are some ideas for winter activities.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the snow village near Kittilä in your drive during the winter. We got married there 😉

In summer, visit the top of Levi fell , and then drive to the national park to look for reindeer in the wild and have a hike or walk based on your fitness. Levi is very quiet during the summer.

14. Day: Ivalo and Return by Flight to Helsinki

Drive up to the north of Lapland to enjoy your last day, learning more about the Sami culture. Visit the Siida, the Sámi Museum, in Inari, and Northern Lapland Nature Centre and later fly back to Helsinki. In winter, you can try most of the winter activities offered in Rovaniemi or Levi.

Road Trip in Lapland

If you have extra time or prefer nature over the southern cities, check out our Lapland road trip itinerary for other places to visit in the north! It is the best location to observe the mesmerizing northern lights in Finland .

Finland Itinerary with Kids

We love traveling in Finland with our family. We went on our first weekend-trip when our son was only 2 months old, and we keep exploring it. Finland is an easy country to travel to with kids . If you have a baby, you will find useful the changing rooms and feeding rooms. We prefer traveling by car, but long-distance trains have children with a little playground to entertain the little ones. There are also many attractions aimed at families: enough mentioning Santa Claus and Angry Birds .

Some places that you must visit with kids:

• Ranua Wildlife Park
• Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
• Some of the Angry Birds Puisto (Playgrounds) – in most cities have them!
• Moomin Valley in Naantali

In wintertime, make sure you dress your kids and yourselves warm enough. Check our tips on what to wear in winter .

Car Seat for Kids

Remember to rent a car seat or booster for children under 135 cm height. It’s compulsory in Finland.

Driving and Speed Limits in Finland in Winter

You have to prepare for around half a year of snow, and driving conditions can be challenging from time to time. Most cars have studded tires and engine heaters. Also, in winter, the speed limits are lower to ensure bigger safety.

When is the Best Time to Visit Finland

There is no simple answer to which is the best time to travel to Finland. Winter is nonetheless the most popular (yet the coldest) time of the year to visit Finland. Driving conditions can be hard due to the amount of snow, and the days are rather short (or non-existent in the north). It is still possible to visit cultural sights and hunt for northern lights . February and March, and sometimes even April in Lapland, still count as winter in Finland, and those months we can highly recommend for winter road trips if you are eager to see (or hike across) snowy landscapes.

Spring and summer, however, are charming for road trips. The days are long, bright, and warm(er), and after April, the amount of snow is minimal even in Lapland. In late June, the midsummer celebrations (in Finnish Juhannus) are an interesting event all across Finland. If you can, make sure you include those dates into your itinerary.

For more inspiration, check our other Finland travel blog posts out!

About the Author

Katalin Katalin is a Lapland-based outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking, road-tripping, and traveling with her family. She spends her free time far away from civilization in one of the national parks around the world, explores off-the-beaten-path places, or hops on a road trip with her kids in an RV. Read more about her adventures and the blog .

4 thoughts on “Finland Road Trip Itinerary – Things to See in Finland in 2 Weeks”

2 pax. Coming from Singapore. estimated dates 6th June 2020 to 17th June Helsinki start and finish Compact car 3/4 star hotel ensuite Want to cover as much as possible so stay in one place two days Could you provide estimate cost for above leaving out airfares, lunch and dinners

You should count around 150€ per day at least. 3-4 star hotels: 80-150€ per night Car, fuel, and parking: around 50€ per day (but it really depends on driving distances)

Really nice blog and beautiful pictures would love to visit that places once.

I am planning to go to Finland this year. I will remember your guide 🙂

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Free Self-Guided Helsinki Walking Tour by a Finn (with Map!)

• March 2, 2024

Helsinki is quaint, laid back, severely underrated, and in many ways the microcosm of Finland. Having resided in Finland for 9 years, I fell in love with Helsinki over the course of my numerous visits to the city. A Helsinki walking tour is one of the best ways to see most of the city’s most popular attractions, important landmarks and explore some elegant neighborhoods. This post includes a map for a self-guided free walking tour of Helsinki. Enjoy your walk! 🙂

Please note that this article contains affiliate links. Learn more about it on our Disclosure page. We use ads to support our small business – we hope you don’t mind them too much.

Table of Contents

• 1 Why Choose This Free Self-Guided Helsinki Walking Tour
• 2 Helsinki Walking Tour Itinerary
• 3 Guided Helsinki Walking Tours
• 4 Where To Stay in Helsinki?
• 5 What Else to See in Helsinki
• 6 More Self-Guided Walking Tours in Europe

Why Choose This Free Self-Guided Helsinki Walking Tour?

This free self-guided Helsinki walking tour itinerary is perfect if you are short on time and trying to save some money. With our free map, you can follow the route quite easily without having to hire an expensive guide for the day.

The tour will take you past the city’s major attractions, landmark public buildings, cultural venues, charming neighborhoods, shopping streets, restaurants, and cafes. You will also see examples of modern architecture.

A particular focus of this walking tour of Helsinki lies in neighborhoods rich in some stunning Art Nouveau (or Jugendstil) architecture, areas that aren’t normally frequented by tourists.

Helsinki is a treasure trove for those who appreciate such architecture and it brings out the real flavor of the city. With more than 600 Art Nouveau buildings, Helsinki is only second to Riga in the number of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe.

Helsinki Walking Tour Itinerary

The walking tour covers a total distance of approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles). This walk can be rather demanding, particularly in the summer.

Depending on how fast you go, you could even make a full day of sightseeing out of it. The tour starts at the famous Karl Fazer Cafe in central Helsinki and terminates at Helsinki Central Station.

Feel free to take a break if you feel jaded along the way. I have included some cafes and restaurants in the map where you can take a breather and grab a bite.

On this Helsinki walking tour, you will see:

• Karl Fazer Cafe
• National Library of Finland
• Senate Square
• Helsinki Cathedral
• Aleksanterinkatu
• Pohjola Insurance Building
• Mannerheimintie
• Kamppi Chapel of Silence
• Amos Rex Art Museum
• Mannerheim Statue
• Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
• Finnish Parliament Building
• Helsinki Music Center
• Helsinki Central Library Oodi
• National Museum of Finland
• Finlandia Hall
• Rock Church
• Punavuori District
• Ullanlinna District
• St. John’s Cathedral
• Design Museum
• Esplanadi Park
• Havis Amanda
• Market Square
• Old Market Hall
• Helsinki City Hall
• Presidential Palace of Finland
• Old Customs House
• Katajanokka District
• Uspenski Cathedral
• Kruununhaka District
• Finnish House of Nobility
• Finnish National Theater
• Ateneum Art Museum
• Helsinki Central Station

1. Karl Fazer Cafe

Kick-off your Helsinki walking tour at the renowned Karl Fazer Cafe . Fazer is an important brand in Finland and Fazer chocolates and sweets are the most popular ones in Finland.

The Karl Fazer Cafe is their flagship cafe and you can get all kinds of yummy cakes and pastries here. The coffee they serve is pretty good too. The cafe also has a section where you can pick up Fazer sweets and gifts.

2. National Library of Finland

The National Library of Finland may seem like an odd attraction, but the library’s main interior hall is home to Helsinki’s most mesmerizing murals and also features magnificent marble columns.

The pinnacles of the 28 marble columns are gilded with gold leaf, while the images and ornaments on the domed ceiling symbolize knowledge and learning.

Best of all, it is free to enter, so quickly peek inside and snap pictures. You can check the opening hours here .

3. Senate Square

The Senate Square has been Helsinki’s main square since the 17th century. The present square was built in 1808 by the Russians when they took charge of Finland.

The famous German architect Carl Ludvig Engel designed the square in such a manner that the buildings on the four sides of the square represented the four powers of the state as conceived at the time: senate, church, university, and commerce.

A lone statue of Tsar Alexander II stands in the center of the square. The main building of the University of Helsinki and the Government Palace (which houses the Prime Minister’s office) also lie in the square.

All these buildings are fine examples of Neoclassical architecture.

4. Helsinki Cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral is perhaps the most iconic edifice in Helsinki’s cityscape. The chalk-white, blue-domed Helsinki Cathedral dominates the Senate Square from its position above the stairs leading to it from the square.

The cathedral was also designed by Carl Ludwig Engel but was only finished in 1852, 12 years after his demise.

Its exterior is graced by statues of 16th-century Protestant reformers like Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon, and Mikael Agricola, who translated the Bible into Finnish. Its interior is quite spartan as is customary with most Lutheran churches.

5. Aleksanterinkatu

Aleksanterinkatu is Helsinki’s premier commercial street that stretches from the Presidential Palace and continues to meet Mannerheimintie. It is the city’s oldest street and is home to numerous fashionable shops, boutiques, and bars.

The street is always abuzz with activity and is a great place to observe Helsinki’s charming old trams. Aleksanterinkatu is also home to the flagship Stockmann department store which is the largest such store in the Nordic region.

6. Pohjola Insurance Building

Don’t forget to take some photos of the lovely Pohjola Insurance Building on Aleksanterinkatu. Its facade of rough-hewn soapstone and red granite is decorated with sculptures of devils, monsters, and trolls from the Kalevala, Finland’s national epic.

The Pohjola Insurance Building is one of the prime examples of the National Romantic Style of Finnish Art Nouveau.

7. Mannerheimintie

At 5.5 km in length, Mannerheimintie is Helsinki’s longest street and most important street. It is named in honor of the Finnish military leader Carl Gustaf Mannerheim.

Mannerheimintie stretches between various neighborhoods of Helsinki and is home to many eateries, bars, and malls. It is also the location of some of the city’s most prominent buildings, cultural venues, and landmarks.

8. Kamppi Chapel of Silence

The Kamppi Chapel of Silence is an unusual and intriguing wooden building located in one of the city’s busiest squares. Its lustrous copper exterior and oval-shaped design make it difficult to overlook.

Take a look inside even if religion isn’t your thing and you’ll notice that the chapel offers an oasis of calm from the bustling city.

The Kamppi Chapel of Silence is open daily from 10:00-18:00. The entrance is free.

9. Amos Rex Art Museum

The Amos Rex Art Museum lies behind the famous Lasipalatsi (Glass House) building which is home to the Art Deco Rex Cinema (Bio Rex). The historic Lasipalatsi Square has been metamorphosed into a surreal undulating moonscape.

A series of bulbous domes with circular windows sprout out of the ground connecting the plaza to an underground art hub, the Amos Rex Art Museum.

The futuristic design is something that Stanley Kubrick would have been envious of and you can often see people of all ages scaling the five volcanic space pods posing for selfies.

10. Mannerheim Statue

The Mannerheim Statue is one of the prominent monuments you’ll encounter when walking up Mannerheimintie.

Baron Carl Gustav Emil Mannerheim (1867–1951) was a political and military leader, explorer, general in the Russian Imperial Army, and President of Finland from 1944–46.

He played an undeniably large role in Finland’s military conflicts in the first half of the 20th century. Mannerheim even topped a nationwide poll of 100 Greatest Finns in 2004.

The bronze statue is raised on a granite podium and shows Mannerheim on horseback.

11. Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma

The Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma is an impressive showcase of modern architecture. Kiasma’s curvilinear wall allows natural light from the exterior to illuminate the galleries inside during the day, while also providing a dynamic wall of light from within at night.

The shape of the building is supposed to mirror Helsinki’s geometry. Kiasma hosts mixed-media shows, art installations, contemporary drama, and art workshops.

12. Finnish Parliament Building

The imposing Finnish Parliament building casts a large shadow over Mannherheimintie. It opened in 1931 and its austere Neoclassicism combined with early 20th-century modernism gives it a solemn appearance.

The building’s 14 Corinthian columns and 46 steps leading up to the main entrance provide a good backdrop for photos.

In 1906, Finland granted women’s suffrage and in doing so also became the first country in the world to grant women the right to stand for parliament.

13. Helsinki Music Center

The Helsinki Music Center is another typically snazzy and striking piece of Finnish architecture. It is the city’s premier venue for classical music concerts.

The building comprises various cuboid glass sections and is topped with a sloping grass roof.

Helsinki Music Center’s main concert hall is famed for its vineyard-style terraced seating design. The music center is also home to the renowned Sibelius Academy, where budding Finnish musicians learn their trade.

14. Helsinki Central Library Oodi

The brand new Oodi Central Library is the latest prominent addition to Helsinki’s cityscape. Visiting Oodi is one of the cool and exciting things to do in Helsinki and it’s not hard to see why.

The multi-million dollar library features not only books but 3D printers, recording studios, gaming rooms, a small cinema, and other leisure facilities

The best thing is that these are all free for the public to use. Due to the sweeping design of the building and its large glass structure, visitors are treated to some nice views over the city from the inside.

15. National Museum of Finland

The National Museum of Finland is one of the notable points of interest on this free self-guided walking tour of Helsinki.

The museum showcases Finnish history from prehistoric times to the present era. The building dates to 1916 and is an architectural landmark being another prime example of National Romanticism in Helsinki.

It sort of resembles a Gothic church with its stonework and tower. The building is guarded by a stone bear, an important national symbol.

Inside the entrance hall of the building, the ceiling is decorated with scenes from Finland’s national epic, a poem known as the Kalevala.

16. Finlandia Hall

The last notable point of interest in your Helsinki walking tour itinerary on Mannerheimintie is the famous Finlandia Hall.

The Finlandia Hall hosts conferences and events, as well as a variety of music and dance performances. This angular building was designed by Alvar Aalto, Finland’s most famous architect, and is one of his most popular and celebrated creations.

Alvar Aalto was one of the most acclaimed architects of the 20th century. Many of Aalto’s designs focus on simplicity and functionality, and the Finlandia Hall is no exception.

His buildings get their aesthetic character from their dynamic relationship with their natural surroundings, unique use of materials, and smart use of lighting. Most of Aalto’s notable buildings can be found throughout Finland.

17. Rock Church

The captivating Rock Church (Temppeliaukio Kirkko) is one of my personal favorite sites in Helsinki.

This unique structure was designed by two brothers (Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen) in the late 1960s is one of Finland’s most popular architectural sights. It lies underground and was carved out of a large block of granite.

The Rock Church is distinguished by its ceiling, an enormous, domed, copper disk, separated from the rough-surfaced rock walls by a ribbed ring of glass.

It is lined with 22 km of copper stripping, and light is reflected inwards from 180 skylights. The austere interior is relatively free of iconography and religious symbolism.

The Rock Chuch is open daily but opening hours vary, so check the website before you visit. The entrance costs 5 EUR.

18. Punavuori District

Punavuori is a popular district in southwestern Helsinki that has undergone gentrification and is now an upscale trendy area popular with artists, and hipsters.

Punavuori is one of my favorite places in Helsinki. There is a slew of boutiques, cafes, bars, and restaurants here.

Punavuori is also home to some lovely green spaces here such as Punavuori Park. The streets of Fredrikinkatu and Bulevardi are laden with castle-like Art Nouveau-style blocks of flats with grand towers.

19. Ullanlinna District

One of the joys of exploring central Helsinki on foot is seeing some lovely classical architecture. Ullanlinna is an affluent district in southern Helsinki that is home to some of the most sought-after properties in the city.

Numerous foreign embassies, old villa-like mansions, and upscale restaurants are located in this district. There are lots of green spaces around here such as Meripuisto and Observatory Hill Park.

What really sets this neighborhood apart though, is its stunning Art Nouveau architecture. This makes it very different from the usual drab architecture found in most Finnish neighborhoods.

Make sure to stroll down Huvilakatu which is a goldmine for Art Nouveau connoisseurs. Candy-colored low-rises dot this wonderful street.

Many of them are over a century old and continue as part of an almost unbroken chain along the length of the street. The facades of the villa-like houses, their towers, and balconies are creatively decorated.

20. St. John’s Church

The twin-spired Neo-Gothic St. John’s Church is the largest church in Helsinki. It is located on a hill and was completed in 1891 with imposing steeples and an amazing red-brick exterior.

The church has wonderful acoustics and is a particular favorite for choral concerts.

21. Design Museum

The Design Museum is another impressive Neo-Gothic edifice you’ll encounter in Helsinki.

Finland is internationally famous for its cutting-edge design and the Design Museum showcases the nation’s history of industrial, fashion, and graphic design from the late 19th century to the present day.

22. Esplanadi Park

Esplanadi Park (or simply Espa) is an urban park in downtown Helsinki that is surrounded by the grand Esplanadi boulevard. Cafes, bistros, and upmarket boutiques dot the boulevard.

The park is not as big as some of the other parks in Helsinki but it’s a great place to relax, have a couple of drinks, or just watch the world go by. When the weather is nice there are usually some live music events in the park.

23. Havis Amanda

Havis Amanda is the most popular and iconic statue in Helsinki. The statue shows a nude mermaid leaning backward with four fish spouting water at her feet and surrounded by four sea lions.

Havis Amanda (or Manta) is regarded as a symbol of Helsinki and is the focal point of the annual Vappu (May Day) festivities.

24. Market Square

The open-air Market Square (Kauppatori) is situated at the east end of Esplanadi Park by the south harbor. It is home to numerous stalls that sell local produce and Finnish handicrafts making it a good spot to buy Finnish souvenirs.

Locals and tourists alike descend upon the Market Square on the weekends and during the summer season. The Market Square is also the location of the famous Baltic Herring Market which takes place in October.

25. Old Market Hall

Helsinki’s Old Market Hall has been operating since 1889 and has a huge selection of traders selling all sorts of food items. The market hall offers visitors a huge variety of quality fresh food (seafood in particular) and has a very unique atmosphere.

The Old Market Hall is not just a place for tourists since many locals do their shopping here. You can also pick up canned bear, elk meat, reindeer jerky, and jams, items that could make for interesting souvenirs or gifts.

You May Also Like

→ Looking for more Finnish souvenirs? Check out our complete guide to what to bring home from Finland.

26. City Hall

The City Hall was designed by Carl Ludwig Engel in Neoclassical style in 1833. It served as a hotel till 1913 and hosted many important cultural premiers.

Today, it is home to the office of the Mayor of Helsinki and hosts City Council meetings.

27. Presidential Palace of Finland

The Presidential Palace is the official residence of the Finnish President. This 19th-century Neoclassical edifice is another one of Engel’s creations and you can see the similarities in its design and structure with the design of his other buildings.

28. Old Customs House

Constructed in the early 20th century, the Old Customs House is one of the fascinating historic buildings in Helsinki.

It was designed in the National Romantic style by renowned architect Gustaf Nyström. This massive building is truly an architectural marvel and I really love its brick stonework, intricate details, and beautiful design.

The building served as a bonded warehouse until the 1960s, after which it lay abandoned for over 40 years. It is now home to some companies and is used as an exhibition area.

29. Katajanokka District

Katajanokka is an upscale and atmospheric district situated on a peninsula east of the center. I am really fond of this alluring neighborhood that is rarely frequented by tourists.

Similar to Ullanlinna, it’s peppered with elegant Jugendstil buildings and is like a Finnish Art Nouveau open-air museum.

Marvel at the pastel-colored walls and rich designs of the towers and windows on Laivastokatu, Luotsikatu, Kauppiaankatu, and Vyökatu.

You will be mesmerized! Look out for unique and ornate decorations on doors and rooftops. Oh, how I envy those who live there!

30. Uspenski Cathedral

The impressive Uspenski Cathedral lies on a hillock just a stone’s throw away from the Market Square. Completed in 1868, this cathedral claims to be the largest Orthodox Church in Western Europe.

The red facade of this Eastern Orthodox cathedral is beautiful with its crosses and hulking domes. It is even more attractive from the inside with icons of saints and ornate figurines.

The opening hours of Uspenski Cathedral are Tuesday-Friday: 09:30-16:00 (until 18:00 from June-August), Saturday: 10:00- 15:00, Sunday: 12:00-15:00. The entrance is free.

31. Kruununhaka District

Kruununhaka is another elegant district in central Helsinki that is home to several important civic institutions. Being one of the oldest areas of Helsinki you’ll encounter a number of vintage shops here.

The architecture of Kruununhaka is a mixture of Neoclassical and Art Nouveau. Meritullinkatu, Mariankatu, and Rauhankatu are three streets here that are rich in Art Nouveau architecture.

32. Finnish House of Nobility

The Neo-Gothic ‘Finnish House of Nobility’ dates back to 1862 and houses the chief assembly hall and offices for genealogy and maintenance of family records of the Finnish nobles.

The building is mostly used for private events, gala dinners, and seminars. You can find information about guided tours on their website .

I’m really glad that I had the pleasure of seeing its unique interior. The coats of arms of 357 noble families embellish the walls of its main hall.

33. Finnish National Theater

The Finnish National Theater is the oldest Finnish-speaking theater in the nation, dating back to 1872 (founded in Pori).

It is an important cultural institution in Finland and even played a vital role in the Finnish push for independence. The building, completed in 1902, is yet another hallmark example of the National Romantic Style of architecture.

In my opinion, it looks more like a medieval residence or a dollhouse rather than a theater. The facade is gorgeous, with its granite walls, red roof and turrets, and detailed ornaments.

The scuttlebutt around here is that the Finnish National Theater is haunted by at least three ghosts. One is a former actress dressed in white who roams the corridors in search of a script and the other two are former Finnish stage actors, one of whom is the notorious Urho Somersalmi. Somersalmi infamously hacked his wife to death with an axe that he received as a gift from the Finnish Actors’ Union and then hanged himself on a ceiling lamp hook!

34. Ateneum Art Museum

The Ateneum Art Museum is home to the largest collections of classical art in Finland. The museum is home to more than 20,000 works of art, mostly by Finnish artists from the mid-18th to the mid-20th century.

Some of Finland’s most cherished artworks are located here including Hugo Simbert’s gloomily symbolic The Garden of Death and Akseli Gallen-Kallela’s Boy with a Crow . The museum building dates back to 1887 and its elegant facade is adorned with statues and reliefs which contain a lot of symbols.

35. Helsinki Central Station

The last stop of this self-guided Helsinki walking tour is Helsinki Central Station, often heralded as one of the world’s most beautiful railway stations.

Completed in 1919, this pink-granite edifice is considered a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture in Helsinki. More than 400,000 people pass through the Helsinki Central Station daily making it Finland’s busiest building.

The giant pairs of statues of stone men that stand next to the entrance each hold a translucent lantern. They are so iconic that they have even been used as animated mascots in railroad ads!

What’s interesting is that the building incorporates striking Modernist features, such as the great portal archway and clock tower, displaying architect Eliel Saarinen’s move toward more streamlined modernism.

While the Helsinki Central Station is one of the most beautiful edifices in Helsinki, the same cannot be said of the structure directly opposite to its entrance. The building in question is of course, the infamous Makkaratalo (Sausage House), which gained its unsavory nickname courtesy of the concrete sausage-shaped band encircling its exterior. Often regarded the ugliest building in Helsinki, this brutalist eyesore represents the worst of Stalinist-style architecture.

Guided Helsinki Walking Tours

If you are very short on time or simply don’t want to deal with the hassle of a self-guided Helsinki walking tour, you can also opt to take a guided tour instead.

Helsinki Half-Day City Tour : This private, 4-hour tour of Helsinki takes you around all of the major sights and highlights of the Finnish capital. Led by a local guide, you can get a feel for Helsinki’s unique atmosphere and listen to interesting stories and legends along the way.

Helsinki Architecture Walking Tour with an Expert : This small group 3-hour tour takes you around Helsinki and helps you gain a deeper appreciation of Helsinki’s buildings and structures.

Where To Stay in Helsinki?

The best place to stay in Helsinki would be in the city center and in the vicinity.

Virtually all of Helsinki’s main attractions can be found here, so it’s a perfect base for sightseeing. I have made sure to recommend only the best of the best (in terms of quality and value) 🙂

Hostel:  Eurohostel , a popular choice for budget-minded travelers looking for someplace close to the city center

Budget: Omena Hotel Lönnrotinkatu , an excellent choice if you’re on the lookout for a frugal, no-frills option in central Helsinki

Mid-range:  Hotel Helka , an excellent mid-range choice in central Helsinki

Splurge : Hotel Kämp , undoubtedly Helsinki’s most prestigious hotel and still the benchmark for hotel opulence

What Else to See in Helsinki

Obviously, there is plenty more to see in Helsinki than what we have covered in our walking tour.

You’re in good hands as below I have compiled some of our most popular posts on how to spend the best time in Helsinki and its surroundings.

More Self-Guided Walking Tours in Europe

In case you enjoyed our self-guided Helsinki walking tour, do check out our other self-guided walking tours of major European cities.

• Free Self-Guided Madrid Walking Tour
• Free Self-Guided Florence Walking Tour
• Free Self-Guided Copenhagen Walking Tour
• Free Self-Guided Stockholm Walking Tour
• Free Self-Guided Oslo Walking Tour
• Free Self-Guided Hamburg Walking Tour
• Free Self-Guided Munich Walking Tour
• Free Self-Guided Vienna Walking Tour
• Free Self-Guided Prague Walking Tour
• Free Self-Guided Budapest Walking Tour
• Free Self-Guided Bratislava Walking Tour
• Free Self-Guided Tallinn Walking Tour
• Free Self-Guided Vilnius Walking Tour
• Free Self-Guided Riga Walking Tour
• Free Self-Guided Edinburgh Walking Tour

Now, what do you think? Did you enjoy our self-guided walking tour of Helsinki? Are there any other stops that we should be adding? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Hello there, fellow globetrotters! I’m Mihir, a passionate travel blogger with an insatiable wanderlust. My journey across the world is fueled by curiosity and a hunger for unique experiences. As a travel writer, photographer, and adventurer, I’ve explored more than 35 countries, aiming to provide readers with a distinctive glimpse of our diverse world. Join me as I blend captivating storytelling with stunning visuals, guiding you through hidden gems and cultural treasures. Besides traveling, my other loves are my beloved cats, architecture, art, craft beer, classic movies, history, and Australian Rules Football (Go Dons!).

18 thoughts on “Free Self-Guided Helsinki Walking Tour by a Finn (with Map!)”

Hello! Love the structure of you blog. Thanks for the great tips. Do you think it’s feasible to do this in one day, or would suggest doing it over a couple of days? Thanks Rachel

Hi Rachel, thank you! The walking tour can be done in 4-6 hours. If you want to go at a leisurely pace or go inside to check out the individual attractions, you can do it over a couple of days. Cheers!

We have used your tours in Tallinn, Helsinki, Stockholm and Cooenhagen. We loved each one. So informative and clear. Thanks so much!

Hi Jess, thank you for your kind words. Glad you enjoyed the tours. Cheers!

Hi – I loved this walking guide, opening it in Google maps made it so easy and we had a great day following it. Thank you very much. Pete

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! Glad you found our guide useful and had a great time in Helsinki. Cheers!

Hi, Thanks for the guide, it’s brilliant! I have just spent two lovely days in Helsinki, following your guide leisurely. May I suggest two corrections, please? In the first set of directions between nn. 1 and 2 the same street name appears twice. I believe the correct version should read:

Your next stop is the National Library of Finland (2). To get there, head north on Kluuvikatu, turn right onto (either Aleksanterinkatu or Yliopistonkatu) and turn left onto Unioninkatu. You’ll be walking a distance of 400 m.

The second one is that in the Uspenski Cathedral they DO allow to take photos, just not with flash.

Many thanks, Kirill

Dear Kirill, thank you so much for your valuable feedback. I have now rectified the errors. Nice to know that they allow photographs inside Uspenski Cathedral now. Glad you had a great time in Helsinki!

Best regards, Mihir

This is an awesome guide! We will be in Helsinki in early Feb. Instead of walking 12km to see these sites, is it possible to rent a bicycle to travel instead? Would it be crazy to cycle in winter and in icy roads? Relatively cheap to rent a bicycle for two and with locks? It’ll be my first time to Helsinki so much appreciated for this info.

Hi Bernie and thanks for your kind words!

Personally, we would not recommend renting bikes in early February. This is easily the coldest period to visit Helsinki and we’re quite sure you’d be miserable exploring on bikes.

Luckily, much of the tour can be followed on public transport as well, so we would definitely recommend that instead!

Hope you enjoy your time in Finland! 🙂

Excellent guide and we will be using this when we get there next month. Thanks for the effort!

Dear Reb, thanks for your kind words. Hope you have a great time in Helsinki. Cheers!

– Mihir

Thank you Mihir for great inspiration! We are leaving for Helsinki tomorrow with lot’s to see – now even more thanks to your guide 🙂

Dear Claes, thank you for your kind words! Hope you have a great time in Helsinki. Cheers!

Thank you so much for this information!

Really beautiful

I love your self-guided walking tours! Thank you so much.

Dear Maryann,

thanks so much for your kind feedback 🙂

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Tourist Map of Finland

Northern Europe has a natural reference point and that is Finland, with a large part of its territory made up of natural spectacles. Its location, crossing the Arctic Circle invites you to watch impressive Northern Lights and visit remote villages with millennia engraved in their memory. To make you understand how magical this country is, Santa Claus himself has his own house. Here, Christmas is a tradition that never sleeps. A country with more than 70% of its territory made up by protected areas, thousands and thousands of lakes surely have that perfect corner you have longed for. The challenge is to go on a tour around its most impressive regions, and this tourist map will be a good tool to learn what is on everyone’s lips. From its capital Helsinski to its most remote places there is a space that you will have that connection with.

• 1 Tourist Map of Finland
• 2 Tourist guide of Finland
• 3 What to see in Finland
• 4 Hotel map in Finland

Finland is a reference of happiness, Christmas and relaxing baths inside amazing natural spaces. A country that can be easily reached from Spain in only 3 hours of flight approximately. It is an ideal escape, and even a seasonal refuge. Many people wonder what the Finns are really like, since the basic reference we have is from cold and reserved northern people. On the contrary, we assure you that they will receive you with great warmth, an open mind and enough confidence as if they were waiting for you all their lives. What could be better than their natural ice-breaking environments for a naked dip (you might think so) in their accessible ice-baths or saunas in locations such as the Thousand Lake District or Nukksio National Park. You may want to add a medieval touch with Turku or St. Olaf’s Castle.

To the north we find Lapland, a vast region with several towns and parks like Rovainemi and Levi, with Santa Claus, bars and restaurants that offer a young and anecdotal atmosphere, not to mention plenty of activities on the ice like fishing and reindeer sledding. There are places that have it all, just like Suomenlinna, ideal for spending a whole day with the family visiting its historical sites, lying on its grass and going through tunnels feeling the ancient marches of Swedish armies. The history of Finland can be separated into two, with the Siida Museum where you will understand the way of life of the ancient Saami people, authentic native clans that emerged thousands of years ago, and of course, the Museum of the History of Finland in its capital Helsinki that tells the story from the Middle Ages to the modern age with mere precision.

Tourist guide of Finland

This season, think about experiencing new things in a place that is worth its beauty and the hospitality offered by its people. Even if you dare to visit on holidays, you will see that moving around in the happiest country in the world will leave you with the best memories, along with the nuances of its landscapes defined by each season. The simple fact of contemplating the sun at night or the fleeting change from the urban to the historical is a gift. Come and learn more with this tourist guide to Finland. We will make special mention to its natural and historical sites spread all over the geography. All of them are a real surprise box, so keep an eye on our reviews to program the best tourist route in Northern Europe.

What to see in Finland

Helsinki Tourist Map

Suomenlinna.

It is an archipelago that had a lot of historical activity due to its strategic position; center of dispute with Sweden and Russia. Today you can visit and tour as a quiet or adventurous walks. The fact is that with the family, that special person or with a group of friends will have a great time and a special afternoon can take any color in this magnificent place. First of all we have the famous Zanders fortress, which besides being the jewel has a lot of history to tell us. Try also its network of tunnels, to quench your thirst for adventure. If you prefer the numerous green areas provide the perfect environment to admire the sunset thanks to the picnic. The good thing is that the archipelago, made up of six islands is completely visitable and several environments are restaurants and cafes, to the order to give you a whole afternoon fabulous.

The Lapland region is a curious place located within the margins of the Arctic Circle. An unusual space in terms of long sunsets most days of the year. And in winter times when the sun is practically absent, at least partially, the sky and the horizon turn into a set of spectacular colors produced by the northern lights. This municipality has a unique culture with a nourished population in spite of the location. It is known to be the home of Santa Claus, in fact, it is his own post office, here Christmas happens every day! The region has a lot of forests and lakes that can be enjoyed through guided tours. Thanks to the snowmobiles or snowshoes you can go on an adventure on the snow and admire the winter fauna led by reindeer.

Levi is the land of the ski, the best thing for this activity in the region of Lapland; this together with its wild environment. Besides, it has a rich culture that is waiting for you to integrate. You will have the opportunity to try its traditional dishes. The spirit here is hospitable and cheerful. This town has a fresh atmosphere that invites you even in winter to enjoy its streets full of bars, cafes and restaurants. That’s not to mention the many cultural activities that take place here and that attract the attention of outsiders. You can go ice fishing, or stay in glass igloos, as well as take a tourist cruise along the coast.  It’s simply an accumulation of experiences under the snow with many interesting stories.

Hossa National Park

Taking a walk through this park is an encounter with the ancestral spirits of nature. They probably interacted with the first Saami people, natives of the ancient lands of the Philippines. Their footprints are duly documented in their three-thousand-year-old rock art in view of their various routes. This park is of recent creation and coincides with the centenary of Finland’s independence. It has more than 100 square kilometers of beautiful landscapes and reindeer sanctuaries. There are campsites within the park and from there you can go canoeing in the protected area. It has hundreds of clean water lakes perfect for photography. In autumn when the foliage takes on a different shade and bathes the banks of the reservoirs.

Siida Museum

Lapland is a special place for Finns. Admired for its countless natural beauties, the northern zone has the places with the greatest evidence of indigenous life. The Sami, a well-known indigenous Scandinavian people, have roots in this region. And they are thousands of years old, as evidenced by the various tools and footprints, protected by the Siida Museum. From the beginning to the present day, including the events of the Second World War. Through several fixed and rotating exhibitions and depending on the seasons you can witness its art and culture. There is a photographic room fitted out all year round to appreciate the way of life of the contemporary saamis; hunting, fishing, their cultural attire and social codes. There is also a shop where you can buy their handicrafts.

Nukksio Nature Park

This beautiful park is characterized by a wide extension of greenish landscapes. Different species make life in its lagoons, cliffs and gullies. In fact, it is home to some endangered species of mushrooms. Besides, this area is a faithful interpreter of the migrations of the first settlements that were established in the middle of the ice age, and their evolution in the stone, iron and bronze ages. With easy access from the capital Helsinki, many hikers prepare their luggage to undertake in groups a journey of several days where you can camp in natural environments, in order to cross an extensive network of trails. There are many areas set up for water sports, including cycling, horseback riding and fishing.

St. Olaf’s Castle

Also known as the Olavilinna Castle is located in a town in the lake area of Saimaa. It dates from the fifteenth century and is considered the largest defensive construction in Finland. Built by the Danish knight Erick Axelsson Tott, it reveals its medieval past where the sound of heavy swords and armor are mere echoes of the past through its walls. Its colossal towers, which originally numbered 5, adorn the watery landscape dominating the edge of Savolinna. In fact they became the first structures to house canyons in the region. It was a bastion of the Swedish crown against Russian incursions for centuries. The castle has a museum of the Orthodox religion and another that interprets the times of its military glory.

National Museum of Finland

As if it were a time capsule, this museum located in the heart of the capital of Finland. Helsinki is the promoter of historical memory from medieval to modern times. From the beginning and waiting for us with fine paintings belonging to the times of the Russian Tsars, the traces of a complex but exciting history of these ancient monarchs. But from Russian and Swedish kingdoms also the museum offers an excellent ethnographic work about the daily life of the Finns in the Middle Ages. From everyday utensils, hunting and fishing tools to models of houses. The pieces of walls and ceilings invite to learn about the ancestral engineering developed by these ancient inhabitants. You can access for only 10 euros every day of the week except Mondays.

Turku is a beautiful town, the typical nucleus that includes all the elements of the typical medieval city. It is a pleasure to walk through its cobbled streets and listen to the pleasant noise of its people toasting in some bar. The Aura River runs through the town, but with a serene rhythm, the soul of its historical centre. Castle and museums, both historical and contemporary, and squares are integrated under a young atmosphere. Here the historical space is mixed with musical and cultural events for all ages. It has an aquatic centre that serves as a museum with old barges. If you prefer to immerse yourself in everyday life you can visit its market square.

Thousand Lakes Region

As its name indicates, it comprises an extensive area of hundreds of thousands of lakes that inject life into the vegetation, giving it a fresh environment. A space that you can canoe across its many bridges.  Explore its group of islands where you can see beautiful houses. Getting here and letting the days go by is no problem as the area has cabins in a lot of places. It’s not worth determining which visit is a priority, it’s about letting yourself be absorbed by this paradise and losing track of time and space. If we are talking about enjoying nature to the full, it is because you will be free to do so. This is what your naturalistic culture suggests, raising your awareness by admiring the autochthonous and magic of nature.

Hotel map in Finland

Finland is a different destination, it allows the adventurous, fantasy and creative spirit to invade you. Being in contact with the unusual is positive if you do it under a cordial treatment, you will surely have reciprocity. It is a fact that unorthodox forms of accommodation are found in this land of contrasts. You will have to spend a whole afternoon if you want to know the places that are in vogue, such as ice hotels, cabins, bed and breakfast, even in Santa’s land. For that you will have plenty of information with our map of hotels in Finland. Do you want an unforgettable experience? Santa Claus Holiday Village in Rovaniemi It is the best option, with the most beautiful night view and the warmth of its saunas and comfortable cabins.

Video of Finland’s most striking places

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Our epic 3 week finland road trip itinerary: south to north.

As part of our epic 3 month adventure around Scandinavia , we had just less than 3 weeks to spend in Finland.

Famed as the home to Lapland and, more importantly, Santa Claus, we were very excited to visit!

And with so much time to spare, we planned out a truly epic trip , driving from Helsinki to Lapland, taking us from the deep south to the northernmost point at the border with Norway.

Along the way, we wild camped almost every night, drove through stunning Finnish Lakeland , hunted the northern lights and even stayed in some wondrous igloo hotels .

Sound exciting?

Well, it was!

And I’m keen to share with you our exact 3 week Finland road trip itinerary, which can hopefully help you in planning your own route here.

Our Finland road trip video guide

Interactive map of our Finland road trip itinerary

Travellerspoint

Pssst, do you need car rental for your Finland road trip? Then check out Discover Cars for the best prices!

Before I get stuck in, I just want to make it clear that, though this route is 95% the one we followed, we did have to alter course slightly to head up into Norway and get more propane gas, before returning to complete the rest of our route.

Also, our visit to Ranua Wildlife Park (on day 11) actually happened a couple weeks later when we returned to Finland with friends.

However, if that hadn't been the case, we would have slotted it in perfectly with where it is located on the route below.

So besides these 2 minor tweaks, the route is exactly the one we followed.

Lasting 19 days, so just shy of 3 weeks, you can easily lengthen some of the days and stop at a few other incredible spots in Finland.

So, without further ado, let’s get stuck in!

Week 1 In Finland

Day 1: helsinki to sipoonkorpi national park.

Though it’s the capital city, we didn’t actually spend any time in Helsinki.

Our ferry from Tallinn (Estonia) arrived quite late and there were no sites in Helsinki that we were particularly interested in seeing.

So, we decided to start our journey north and spend the night in the Sipoonkorpi National Park.

The drive isn’t very far, in fact many people visiting Helsinki likely take day trips out here.

We spent our night camping here and in the morning took a nice leisurely walk through the forest.

Day 2: Sipoonkorpi National Park to Lake Päijänne

As the 2nd largest lake in Finland, we were excited to head north here and take our first looks at the famous Finnish Lakeland .

We were not disappointed as this day was one of our most scenic drives in Finland.

From Google Maps, Lake Paijanne looks like hundreds of smaller lakes, because it is broken up by pieces of land all over.

This means that the roads and bridges cross over or next to large stretches of open lake, and the drive really is beautiful.

This night we camped at this spot here .

Oh yeah, before heading north, I recommend taking a detour to the small town of Porvoo.

We spent a few hours roaming the town, enjoying a local cafe and taking in the old wooden storehouses on the river there.

Day 3: Lake Päijänne to Mikkeli

There were no particular towns or attractions on the roads across to Mikeli, but the most enjoyable part of the day was just taking in the surroundings.

As one of my top tips below, I recommend taking the longer, less-trafficked roads when making your way through Finland.

Do exactly that here, and enjoy stopping off at the many picture-perfect spots to grab a few Instagram shots .

Day 4: Mikkeli to Savonlinna

Our main reason for heading to Savonlinna was to visit Olavinlinna , a well-maintained 15th century castle.

Located in the middle of a lake, it is a really cool site and is the northernmost stone fortress in the world.

The town of Savonlinna is also very charming, certainly one of the nicest places in Finland .

I highly recommend taking the longer route between Mikkeli and Savonlinna, heading down route 62.

This is one of the most famous and popular roads in Finnish Lakeland as it takes you right through Lake Saimaa, the largest lake in Finland.

Much of the road is made up of bridges stretching over the lake, and this was perhaps my favourite day of driving in this part of Finland.

One random spot we stopped off at to walk to was Kummakavi .

This is a large boulder, perched precariously upon another rock below, making for one of the strangest yet most intriguing tourist spots in Finland.

Day 5: Savonlinna to Ukko-Koli

Before saying goodbye to the breathtaking Lake Saimaa, take the longer road east from Savonlinna towards Punkaharju Ridge Area . 

It’s one of the best driving routes in Lakeland and well worth heading to.

After this, we headed north to Ukko-Koli , which is a scenic viewpoint located high in the Koli National Park.

Though it was only a few hundred metres higher than the lakes below, this is the first time we encountered snow in Finland.

By the time we reached the winding road up to the visitor centre, it seemed we had entered into a winter wonderland.

It makes sense that this is a popular ski resort, and to get to the viewpoint you actually park up and take a lift up to the base of the ski camp.

It’s then only a short walk to the viewpoint and you can take a number of other walking trails when here.

The views were incredible, and one of the highpoints of our Finland road trip.

Read Also: The Best Backpacking Destinations In The World (Finland is one of them!)

Day 6: Ukko-Koli to Tiilikkajärvi National Park

There are national parks all over Finland, and the one we ended up in on this day was Tiilikkajärvi.

If you’re touring Finland, then I recommend stopping here as well.

There is a big car park area, and even public toilets to use!

They have a fire pit by the lake and it’s even possible to call up and hire out the sauna there.

It’s also the starting point for a circular trail that goes around the lake.

In the summer months, I imagine this is a really great spot for berry picking and wild lake swimming.

It wouldn’t let me mark the exact spot on Google Maps, but the entrance is just to the right of this point here .

Day 7: Tiilikkajärvi National Park to Laahtanen

This wasn’t a particularly long day of driving, so we enjoyed a late start, and a lengthy stop off in the small town of Kajaani.

Here, you see the remains of Kajaani Castle; which is little more than a few remaining stone walls.

The road into town passes through the castle remains, so it’s not possible to walk in it.

Still, I really liked this little town, in particular Cafe Mokka , which was a great place to get some work done!

Week 2 In Finland

Day 8: laahtanen to kuusamon portti hotel.

After one too many nights spent wild camping, and in desperate need of a good hot shower, we figured it was time to stay at an official campsite for the night.

However, it’s not easy in October when there are no other campervans around and almost all campsites have shut down for the winter!

Luckily for us, we found ourselves ending near the Kuusamon Portti Hotel , one of the few resorts still open, and who also offered spots for campervans.

If you find yourself passing by this area, then I highly recommend staying here, it was actually one of the highlights of our day!

The couple running it are so friendly and it really is a lovely place to stay.

The other most noteworthy stop of the day was very unexpected!

At the side of the road, here , there is a giant field covered in hundreds of “Silent People” .

The owner of the land has filled the area with rows and rows of wooden people, all dressed in real clothing.

It’s really quite bizarre, and caused us to double take as we passed it by.

Like us, I recommend returning and checking it out up close.

Day 9: Kuusamon Portti Hotel to Oulanka National Park

Though this day wasn’t filled with very much distance to cover, we still ended up spending a good few hours driving.

Wel, we headed WELL off the main road and went high up into the mountains, entering a winter wonderland.

If you take the Route 8694 off the E10, it heads up higher into the mountains, and the winding, narrow roads are a lot of fun and the views are great.

If you visit at a similar time to us, then you might also find it covered in snow.

After heading past Juuma (a small town) we found a secluded camping spot at the side of the road well away from other houses, and it was great!

Sure, we were a little concerned about Russian bears and wolverines coming through the forest to eat us, but what’s life without a little excitement?

Day 10: Oulanka National Park to Salla

Oulanka National Park is another beautiful park, well worth visiting if it falls on your route.

But for us, the highlight of this day was a visit to the Salla Reindeer Park , located just south of Salla.

Once again, we were the only visitors, able to take a long walk through the snowy forests where the reindeer live.

They also offer the chance to meet huskies at certain times of the year and have an on-site nature exhibit that was quite cool.

That is, as long as you’re happy to see a range of stuffed animals, including birds, reindeer and lynx.

Day 11: Salla to Ranua Wildlife Park

Rather than heading straight to Rovaniemi from Salla, it’s worth first heading southwest to the Ranua Wildlife Park .

We visited during our second trip into Finland in November, and it was a really unique experience.

Also a lot cheaper than other wildlife parks we’ve been to around the world, despite being home to a really cool array of animals.

For me, I was most excited to see polar bears, and I was not disappointed.

As well as this, they have dozens of other animals such as moose, wolves, reindeer, owls and beavers.

A visit here takes a couple of hours, just remember to wrap up warm as it can get cold out on the trail!

Day 12: Ranua Wildlife Park to Rovaniemi

By this point of your time in Finland, you are nicely inside the zone where you have good chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

That’s why, on our first night in Rovaniemi we decided to wild camp in hopes of seeing them.

We ended up camping on the shores of Lake Rukajarvi, at this spot here .

Here, you’ll find toilets, a large car park, a lake to swim in (if you’re that way inclined) and a hut for having fires and cooking food.

It seemed like the perfect place to see the Northern Lights, as you can chill by the fire, warm and cosy whilst keeping a keen eye on the sky.

It turns out we’re not the first to have this idea and it’s actually one of the most popular spots where tour companies come to help people find the Northern Lights !

So, if you are road tripping Lapland, then it’s definitely a great spot to camp for the night.

We also found out that, in the depths of winter when the lake freezes over, it’s a popular ice fishing spot as well.

On our second visit here in November, just 3 weeks after our first, the lake had completely frozen over and we went for a walk out on it!

Day 13: Day in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is one of the most popular places to visit in Finland , and this is unsurprising as it’s also the capital of Lapland.

Some refer to it as the “gateway to the Arctic Circle”, as it is situated right on the border.

From here, you can go on all kinds of tours and take part in many of Finland's most famous activities.

Such as husky rides, reindeer visits and northern lights tours.

With so many things to do in Rovaniemi , we ended up needing three full days here.

Here’s what we got up to:

• Went on a husky ride with Bearhill Husky
• Stayed in the stunning Arctic Treehouse Hotel
• Stayed in a glass igloo at the Arctic Snow Hotel
• Went on a Northern Lights wilderness tour
• Took part in the official Christmas opening ceremony at Santa Park (on our second visit in November)
• Visited Santa Park and met the elves and MUCH MORE! (Also on our second visit in November)

Day 14: Day in Rovaniemi

This day was spent doing many of the activities listed above.

We also took some time to visit the city itself, which isn’t particularly big, but still a great place to pick up a few bits we needed for the rest of our trip.

We also got some work done at Coffee House Rovaniemi , which I highly recommend visiting.

Week 3 In Finland

Day 15: final day in rovaniemi.

You get the idea …

If you plan on heading to Rovaniemi in the winter months, you should check out Cazzy’s complete guide to spending Christmas in Lapland .

Day 16: Rovaniemi to Pyhän Asteli

After staying at two amazing glass igloo hotels , it was time for us to jump back in the camper and head off on the road again.

But not for long, as that night we stayed at yet another igloo, this time Phyan Asteli .

Located a couple hundred kilometres west, we suddenly re-entered snowy Lapland and instantly fell in love with this area!

It’s a popular ski region and thousands flock here every year from late November onwards when the ski season gets underway.

For us, it was virtually empty so we had an incredible night stay, which you can read more about here.

The drive here is really cool as well.

Day 17: Pyhan Asteli to Levi

In our quest to see the elusive Northern Lights, we headed even further north, this time up to the Northern Lights Ranch , located just outside the popular city of Levi.

Which is once again one of the best places to visit in Lapland for skiing and a range of other winter activities.

I would 100% recommend checking out the Northern Lights Ranch, as their accommodation is amazing, located far enough outside of Levi to see the Northern Lights without light pollution.

Which we did, whilst chilling in our own private hot tub!

On the way up, we also stopped off at the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine .

It’s a really quirky thing to do, offering you the chance to dig out your own amethysts, in the traditional way they have been doing it here for generations.

You even get to keep one amethyst to take home, so long as it fits within your fist.

Read more about our experience at the Amethsyt Mine in Finland here .

Day 18: Levi to Inari

At this point in our trip, we actually had to make a 2 day detour all the way north to Alta (in Norway) to refill our propane gas tanks.

It turns out you can only refill Finnish LPG tanks in Finland, and we had just run out!

Our route cut back into Finland to Lake Inari, but it’s much easier just to drive straight between the two.

It turns out that Inari is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Northern Lapland as it offers some great opportunities for seeing the Northern Lights.

That night, we camped in a car park and walked to a fire pit ( located here ), just over a wonderful bridge with rapids flowing below.

With snow falling all around, we roasted sausages and ate them with sinappi mustard, in true Finnish tradition.

This was one of my top 3 wild camping spots, and it turns out this is another of the really popular spots to see the Northern Lights in Finland .

Whilst there, a few tour vans came in the night and parked up next to us, walking down to the fire pit to change their luck at seeing the Auroras.

Day 19: Inari to Kirkenes

The final day of our Finland itinerary took us north, along the shores of the massive Lake Inari (the third biggest lake in Finland) all the way across the border and up into Kirkenes.

There are lots of great photos pots to stop off at along the way and if you look at a map, the roads are surrounded on all sides by either lake or different national parks; a great way to end your road trip in Finland.

Other places to add to your Finland itinerary

As it’s such a big country, there are plenty of things to do in Finland , that we never got the chance to experience.

Based on our research, here’s a few added places in Finland we would love to visit, and will hope to do next time we return …

• Archipelago National Park
• Aland Islands

If you’ve visited Finland and have any places to recommend, let us know in the comments below so we can bookmark them for the future.

My 5 top tips for road tripping Finland

1. stock up on gas.

One issue we never anticipated in Finland was running out of gas.

Typically, you can visit an LPG station in most countries in Europe and they will be able to refill your containers.

Yes, many countries use different taps to fill the tanks so you should have adaptors for yours, however, this is not the case in Finland.

After lots of digging around, it turns out that Finnish gas stations only let you refill propane gas tanks if they are Finnish tanks.

It took a stupidly long amount of time for someone to tell us this, and anyway, the last thing you want is to run out of gas in northern Finland, especially if winter is fast approaching!

With nighttime temperatures of - 25 degrees Celisus, you need gas to warm your caravan.

In order to get some, we had to alter our route and head north from Levi into Alta (Norway) and then cut back down again to continue our Finnish road trip.

So, as a word of warning, have enough gas to last for your expected time in Finland.

Otherwise, the only alternative is to buy a Finnish tank of gas which costs more than 100 Euros.

2. Make use of wild camping

Without a doubt, one of the best parts of our entire road trip in Finland was the ability to wild camp.

Just like Sweden and Norway, Finland has the Right To Roam in their constitution which permits wild camping, as long as you follow a few key guidelines .

What’s great is all across Finland they have hundreds of purpose built camping spots, most with fires, toilets and chopped, dry wood.

Not only will wild camping save you a lot of money, it means you get to spend your nights sat round a campfire, enjoying the incredible surroundings and, hopefully, the Northern Lights.

Read More: How To Convert A Campervan (that's what we've done! :D )

3. Head off the main roads wherever possible

Compared to many European countries, Finland doesn’t actually have any major, multi-lane motorways.

Meaning, you are always pretty close to nature and able to enjoy spectacular beauty right at the side of the road.

However, instead of always following the quickest route north (or south), I recommend taking the smaller, more winding roads.

These will oftentimes take you through truly dramatic landscapes where few other cars are.

4. Visit in off-peak seasons

Or 3 week Finland road trip took place in the middle of October, which is firmly off-peak.

For our entire drive north from Helsinki to Rovaniemi , we only saw perhaps 2 or 3 other campervans on the road, and they were all headed south.

Better yet, not once did we stay in a wild camping spot and have any other campervans there, it was just us.

It was like we had the whole country to ourselves and it was incredible.

It also meant that there was very little traffic anywhere, so we had long leisurely drives everyday without traffic and without the need to feel like we had to reach a destination early.

The only issue you may face is that some attractions will be closed, and also that very few campsites are available.

That being said, we still found a few campsites, and scheduled to stay in one every 3 or 5 nights, depending on whether we needed access to any shower or charging facilities.

Oh yes, and make sure that, if you do plan to visit Finland in winter, that you have proper winter tyres! These are a must, especially when driving in Lapland if the snow comes earlier than expected, which it did in 2019 for us.

5. Avoid driving once the sun sets

One of the most dangerous times to drive in Finland is once the sun starts setting, because this is when moose come out to start feeding.

Most main roads in Finland aren’t lit by lights, so you might not see a moose until the last second when it’s too late.

Besides this, it can get very cold in Finland once the sun goes in, especially if you are up north in late autumn/winter time.

Meaning the roads can get icier and far more dangerous.

Personally, I never really liked driving at this time and always avoided it; much preferring to spend time unwinding by a campfire!

I hope you can tell from this that we really did love Finland .

I particularly love how diverse it is, where in the southwest the landscape is covered in gorgeous lakes and forests and in the north you are greeted by snowy Lapland and Northern Lights.

Of course, much of the latter two points will depend on which time of the year you visit!

If you have any other tips for road tripping Finland or think I missed off any great Finnish destinations or attractions, just leave a comment below .

For more help planning your own Finland road trip itinerary, here are some useful guides we published:

• 21 Incredible Things To Do In Finland
• Finnish Lakeland: Our Ultimate Travel Guide
• Christmas In Lapland: Everything You Need To Know

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