top things to do in finland

Introduction : 19 Top Things to Do in Finland | Your Ultimate Nordic Adventure Guide

Hey there, fellow wanderlusters! Ever found yourself daydreaming about pristine landscapes, northern lights dancing across the sky, and saunas that’ll make you sweat out every worry you’ve ever had? Well, pack your bags (and definitely your winter coat) because we’re heading to Finland – that magical Nordic wonderland that’s been quietly stealing travelers’ hearts for years now.

I’ve been lucky enough to explore this amazing country twice now, and let me tell you – Finland is the real deal. It’s not just about Helsinki or seeing Santa in Lapland (though both are awesome). There’s SO much more to discover in this land of a thousand lakes (actually, it’s more like 188,000 lakes, but who’s counting, right?).

So grab your favorite hot beverage, get comfy, and let’s dive into the 19 absolute best things to do in Finland that’ll make your Nordic adventure unforgettable!

1. Chase the Northern Lights in Lapland

Let’s kick things off with the bucket list topper – hunting for the mystical aurora borealis! Finnish Lapland offers some of the best Northern Lights viewing on the planet, especially between September and March.

Head to spots like Rovaniemi, Ivalo, or my personal favorite, Kilpisjärvi (try saying that three times fast!), where light pollution is minimal and your chances of catching nature’s greatest light show are highest.

Ever stood in -20°C (-4°F) temperatures and still felt warm inside? That’s the magic of watching green and purple ribbons dance across the arctic sky. Pro tip: download an aurora forecast app and be ready to dash outside at a moment’s notice – these lights wait for no one!

2. Experience an Authentic Finnish Sauna

You haven’t really been to Finland until you’ve sweated your face off in a traditional sauna. Finns take their sauna culture VERY seriously – there are over 3 million saunas in a country of 5.5 million people. Do the math – that’s basically one sauna per household!

The authentic experience goes like this: heat up in the sauna until you can’t take it anymore, run outside and jump into a frozen lake or roll in the snow (yes, really), then head back in for round two. Repeat until you’re feeling born again.

The Finns believe “saunas are for solving problems” – and after experiencing the blissful mental clarity that comes post-sauna, I totally get it. Just remember, saunas are typically enjoyed in the nude here, so leave your modesty (and swimsuit) at the door!

3. Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi

C’mon, when else do you get the chance to meet the big man himself? Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi sits right on the Arctic Circle and operates year-round (because Santa’s work never stops, obviously).

Cross the Arctic Circle line (there’s an actual marked line!), send postcards with the special Arctic Circle postmark from Santa’s Post Office, meet the reindeer, and yes, take that cheesy-yet-mandatory photo with Santa.

I visited in summer and still got all the Christmas feels – imagine how magical it must be in winter! Pro tip: while everyone’s lining up for Santa photos, sneak over to the reindeer park where the wait times are shorter and the fuzzy noses are just as charming.

4. Go Island Hopping in the Archipelago Sea

Finland’s Archipelago Sea contains the largest archipelago in the world by number of islands. With over 40,000 islands scattered between Finland and Sweden, this maritime maze is a boater’s paradise.

The Turku Archipelago is particularly stunning, with colorful fishing villages, red granite shorelines, and the kind of peaceful isolation that makes you wonder why you ever lived in a city. Island hop via ferry or, if you’re feeling adventurous, rent a kayak and paddle your way through this watery wonderland.

Ever had a fresh fish sandwich on a tiny island where the fisherman caught your lunch that morning? Talk about farm-to-table! The archipelago vibes are the definition of what Finns call “mökkielämä” (cottage life) – simple living at its absolute finest.

5. Immerse Yourself in Design Culture in Helsinki

Helsinki isn’t just Finland’s capital – it’s a design lover’s playground. Named World Design Capital back in 2012, the city continues to impress with its functional-yet-beautiful approach to, well, everything.

The Design District is a must-visit area covering several neighborhoods where you’ll find unique boutiques, galleries, and workshops. Pop into the iconic Iittala and Marimekko stores (try not to drain your bank account!) and explore the stunning Design Museum.

The architecture alone will have you reaching for your camera every two minutes, from the stunning white Helsinki Cathedral to the unique Temppeliaukio Church (literally carved into solid rock). And don’t even get me started on the new Oodi Library – possibly the coolest public library on the planet!

6. Experience the Midnight Sun

If the Northern Lights are winter’s spectacle, the Midnight Sun is summer’s answer. Visit between June and July, and you’ll experience the surreal phenomenon of sunshine at midnight.

Head to northern Finland for the full effect – in places like Utsjoki, the sun doesn’t set for 70 consecutive days! It’s the perfect excuse to go hiking, fishing, or kayaking at 2 AM because… why not? The golden light that bathes everything is photographer’s heaven and completely messes with your sleep cycle in the best possible way.

I still remember playing beach volleyball at midnight without any artificial lights. Talk about a mind-bending experience! Just bring an eye mask if you actually want to sleep at some point.

7. Go Wild With Winter Sports

Finland transforms into a winter sports paradise when snow blankets the country. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or total newbie, there’s something for everyone.

Try cross-country skiing (Finland’s national obsession), downhill skiing at resorts like Levi or Ylläs, snowmobiling through forests, or ice fishing on frozen lakes. My personal favorite? Snowshoeing through silent, snow-laden forests that look like they’re straight out of Narnia.

For the truly adventurous, try ice karting or ice climbing. Nothing tests your winter mettle quite like scaling a frozen waterfall! And if you wipe out spectacularly while trying any of these activities (as I may or may not have done multiple times), just remember – soft snow makes for soft landings!

8. Float in an Ice-Breaker Ship

This one’s for the true adventure seekers! Board the Sampo icebreaker ship in Kemi for a truly unique Arctic experience. This former governmental icebreaker now takes tourists out to crack through the frozen Gulf of Bothnia.

The highlight? They’ll outfit you in a heavy-duty survival suit and let you float among the ice chunks! It’s surreal bobbing like a human cork in freezing water while staying completely dry and (surprisingly) warm in your thermal suit.

The thunderous crack of ice giving way beneath the ship’s hull is something you’ll never forget. It’s pricey, I won’t lie, but how often do you get to say you went swimming in a frozen sea? Worth. Every. Euro.

9. Explore Finnish National Parks

Finland boasts 40 gorgeous national parks, each offering pristine wilderness experiences. These aren’t your overcrowded tourist traps – we’re talking genuine solitude in some of Europe’s last great wilderness areas.

Nuuksio National Park near Helsinki is perfect for day-trippers, while Pallas-Yllästunturi in Lapland offers 500 square kilometers of arctic fells, old-growth forests, and crystal-clear lakes. Urho Kekkonen National Park gives you that “am I still on Earth?” feeling with its vast, untouched landscapes.

The best part? “Everyman’s Right” in Finland means you can camp, hike, and forage pretty much anywhere as long as you respect private property and nature. Freedom to roam is literally written into Finnish culture!

10. Experience a Traditional Finnish Christmas

If you think your holiday season is festive, wait until you experience Christmas Finnish-style. It’s like stepping into a snow globe that someone shook really hard.

The Christmas season officially kicks off with “Little Christmas” (Pikkujoulu) in November and reaches its peak on Christmas Eve when Finns exchange gifts. Markets pop up everywhere, glögi (mulled wine) flows freely, and the smell of freshly baked joulutorttu (prune jam pastries) fills the air.

Finnish Christmas traditions like visiting family graves with candles create magical scenes as cemeteries glow with thousands of lights in the snow. It’s hauntingly beautiful and shows a different side to the holiday that’s both meaningful and moving.

11. Dive into Finland’s Quirky Side at Local Festivals

Finns may seem reserved at first, but get them at one of their bizarre local festivals and you’ll see a whole different side! Where else can you watch grown adults compete in wife-carrying, air guitar, or mobile phone throwing championships?

The Wife Carrying World Championships in Sonkajärvi is exactly what it sounds like – men race while carrying their wives through an obstacle course. The prize? The wife’s weight in beer. I’m not making this up!

Then there’s the Air Guitar World Championships in Oulu, swamp soccer in Hyrynsalmi, and my personal favorite – the annual Ant War in Puumala, where two villages battle it out by counting which community’s anthill produces more ants. Only in Finland, folks!

12. Sample Finnish Cuisine (Yes, It’s Actually Good!)

Finnish food doesn’t get the international recognition it deserves. Sure, some traditional dishes might sound questionable (blood pancakes, anyone?), but there’s some seriously good eating to be done here.

Must-tries include karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pastries with egg butter), lohikeitto (creamy salmon soup), and of course, reindeer. Sorry, Rudolph! It’s lean, tender, and delicious in stews or just seared with lingonberries. And yes, I felt guilty eating it until the first delicious bite.

Helsinki’s food scene has exploded in recent years with the Old Market Hall and restaurants like Savotta serving up modern takes on Finnish classics. For the brave, there’s always salmiakki – that infamous salty licorice that Finns love and most visitors… well, tolerate at best.

13. Stay in a Glass Igloo Under the Stars

Want to sleep under the Northern Lights without freezing your toes off? Glass igloos in Lapland offer the perfect solution – 360° views of the night sky from the comfort of a warm bed.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort pioneered this concept, but now several places offer these magical accommodations. Nothing beats lying in bed watching green auroras dance overhead without dealing with -30°C temperatures.

Is it expensive? Yep. Is it worth saving up for? Absolutely. Some experiences are worth splurging on, and this is definitely one of them. Just book WAY in advance – these spots fill up faster than a sauna on a cold day!

14. Take a Husky Safari Through the Snow

Dog sledding isn’t just a tourist activity in Finland – it’s a way of life in the north. These incredible sled dogs are born to run, and the pure joy they express when pulling a sled is contagious.

Most husky farms let you drive your own team after a quick lesson. Gripping those handles as your eager team pulls you through silent, snow-covered forests is exhilarating. The only sounds: the swish of runners on snow and happy doggy pants.

FYI – driving a dog sled is actually harder than it looks! My team took a turn too sharply, and I ended up face-first in a snowbank while the dogs looked back like, “Amateur!” 🙂

15. Visit the Moomins at Moominworld

If you don’t know the Moomins, you’re missing out on Finland’s most famous export next to Nokia phones and Angry Birds. These hippo-like creatures from Tove Jansson’s beloved books have a cult following worldwide.

Moominworld in Naantali is a theme park dedicated to these characters. It’s delightfully un-commercial compared to most theme parks – think charming blue Moomin house, character meet-and-greets, and whimsical atmosphere rather than roller coasters.

It’s technically designed for kids, but I saw plenty of adults (myself included) who were WAY more excited than their children. No judgment here – Moomin fever knows no age limit!

16. Go Berry and Mushroom Picking

Summer and fall in Finland mean forests bursting with berries and mushrooms – and thanks to Everyman’s Right, you can forage to your heart’s content!

Join the Finns as they collect buckets of bilberries, lingonberries, cloudberries (the gold of the forest), and various mushrooms. There’s something incredibly satisfying about gathering your own food from pristine forests.

Word of warning though – brush up on your mushroom identification before popping random fungi in your basket. Some locals joke that “there are old mushroom pickers and bold mushroom pickers, but no old, bold mushroom pickers.” Sage advice!

17. Experience Nuuksio Reindeer Park

Can’t make it all the way to Lapland? No problem! Just outside Helsinki, Nuuksio Reindeer Park lets you meet these magnificent creatures without the long journey north.

Feed reindeer from your hand, learn about Sámi culture (the indigenous people of northern Finland), and enjoy the peaceful forest setting. The reindeer are surprisingly gentle, if a bit slobbery when eating from your palm!

It’s a perfect day trip from Helsinki that gives you that Lapland feel without having to bundle up in seventeen layers of thermal gear.

18. Explore the Underground Church in Helsinki

Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) is probably the coolest house of worship you’ll ever visit. Carved directly into solid bedrock, this architectural marvel features a copper dome roof and natural rock walls.

The acoustics inside are so perfect that the church doubles as a concert venue. Sunlight streams through the skylight windows creating an atmosphere that’s somehow both modern and primeval at the same time.

Even if you’re not the church-visiting type, this place is worth checking out purely for the “how did they even build this?” factor. It’s a master class in Finnish design philosophy – functional, natural, and absolutely stunning.

19. Relax at a Lakeside Cottage (Mökki)

Finally, do as the Finns do and spend time at a lakeside cottage. This isn’t just an activity – it’s the essence of Finnish identity and well-being.

Rent a traditional mökki complete with its own sauna, rowboat, and fishing equipment. Disconnect from the digital world (many don’t even have WiFi – the horror!), chop wood for the sauna, swim in the lake, and experience the profound silence that’s increasingly rare in our modern world.

My favorite Finnish memory? Sitting on a dock at midnight, lake as smooth as glass, listening to absolutely nothing but the occasional fish jumping. No phone, no people, no worries. If that’s not Finnish magic, I don’t know what is.

Final Thoughts

Finland might not be on everyone’s travel radar, but that’s part of its charm. This Nordic gem offers experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else, from the ethereal natural phenomena to quirky cultural traditions that’ll leave you with stories for years to come.

Whether you’re chasing northern lights, sweating it out in a sauna, or just enjoying the profound peace of a forest that stretches beyond imagination, Finland has a way of making you slow down and appreciate life’s simpler pleasures.

So what are you waiting for? Finland is calling, and trust me – this is one call you want to answer. Kippis! (That’s “cheers” in Finnish – see, you’re learning already!)