Why is Finland consistently ranked as the world’s happiest country? Plan a trip to the Nordic nation and find out for yourself what makes Finns tick.
From the innovative design capital of Helsinki to peaceful Arctic wilderness, Finland is packed with diversity. The same is true for experiences, whether it’s staying in glass igloos waiting for the northern lights to appear or exploring historic towns.
Whether seeking adventure, connection with nature, or relaxation, Finland’s varied regions promise new experiences and a taste of why Finns hold the title of the happiest people on earth.
Helsinki
Finland’s compact yet vibrant capital city is the obvious starting point for those seeking a city break in Finland. Visiting Helsinki offers a unique blend of Nordic design heritage and natural beauty.
Helsinki is a UNESCO Design City, acknowledging the city’s commitment to incorporating design into everyday life.
In addition to novel public spaces, the Finnish capital boasts design schools, innovative architecture, creative industries, and unique design shopping opportunities. Noteworthy sites include the wooden Oodi Library and the rock-hewn Temppeliaukio Church.
Despite its urban setting, Helsinki’s seaside location and nearby archipelago provide a maritime ambiance and outdoor activities, making it a standout destination in Finland.
Easy Day Trips From Helsinki
Short on time? Helsinki offers several day trip opportunities for those with limited time but who are still keen to explore Finland’s rich landscapes and cultural heritage.
One of the oldest towns in Finland, Porvoo is known for its picturesque old town with cobblestone streets and colorful wooden houses. A visit to the Porvoo Cathedral, which dates back to the 15th century, is a must for history enthusiasts.
Aside from its visual charm, the town’s many boutiques and galleries offer unique Finnish designs and handmade goods, making Porvoo a perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary culture.
Just a short drive or public transport ride from Finland’s capital, Nuuksio provides a quick gateway into forested, lake-filled wilderness for those staying in or visiting Helsinki.
Hiking, bird watching, berry and mushroom picking, canoeing, and camping are just a few activities visitors can enjoy. The park offers a chance to encounter Finnish wildlife, including elk, deer, and a variety of bird species, in their natural habitat.
For a deeper dive into Finnish history, a day trip to Hämeenlinna offers the chance to explore the imposing 13th-century Häme Castle. Surrounded by beautiful nature, the town is also a base to travel to the Iittala Glass Factory Museum, providing insights into Finland’s design industries and cultural heritage.
Turku
The oldest city in Finland offers insights into the medieval era with attractions including Turku Castle and Turku Cathedral, the oldest buildings in Finland still in regular use.
The Aura River, central to the city’s layout, is flanked by dining establishments and significant historical landmarks, enhancing the city’s scenic appeal. Turku is also known for its dynamic arts scene, with an abundance of galleries, museums, and cultural events.
Old Rauma
Old Rauma, a vibrant historic area and UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts over 600 colorful buildings housing boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, along with Finland’s narrowest street.
This unique living museum is inhabited by about 800 people. Visitors can admire exquisite murals in the 15th-century Church of the Holy Cross.
A trip to Rauma also offers the chance to explore another UNESCO site. The nearby Bronze Age Burial Site of Sammallahdenmäki is the largest complete Bronze Age burial site in the Nordic region.
Finland’s Lake Region
Finland’s southeastern region, near the Russian border, is rich with lakes and islands. While the exact number of lakes is unknown due to the challenge of defining a lake, there are over 55,000 bodies of water wider than 650 feet. Regardless of definitions, that’s a lot of water.
The area is sprinkled with summer cottages, many owned by Finns for seasonal retreats, with some available for rent. Start planning your itinerary with the enjoyable lakeside views along Route 62 from Mikkeli to Ruokolahti.
This region is ideal for experiencing the quintessentially Finnish tradition of enjoying a sauna followed by a refreshing dip in an ice-cold lake.
Tampere
Nestled between two lakes, Tampere has evolved from its industrial origins into a vibrant hub of education, culture, and technology, boasting major universities and research institutes.
The city attracts international visitors with events at Tampere Hall congress center, which also houses the Moomin Museum, celebrating Tove Jansson’s timeless characters.
Vapriikki Museum Center, located along the riverside, offers insights into Tampere’s industrial history and diverse exhibitions, from natural history to gaming.
Arctic Finland
The northern region of Finland is a year-round destination, offering endless daylight in summer for hiking and wildlife watching, and stunning northern lights alongside Arctic landscapes in fall, winter, and spring.
Arctic Finland is a prime spot for viewing the northern lights, despite the cold. For comfort, consider staying in a glass igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Even if the northern lights elude you, a winter visit remains a memorable one with activities like husky sled rides, exploring Sami culture, and sauna.
Known as the gateway to Arctic Finland, Oulu is a city known for its technology sector and vibrant cultural scene, featuring music festivals, museums, and art galleries.
Oulu’s position by the Baltic Sea makes it ideal for bird watching. Winter in Oulu brings plummeting temperatures but great opportunities for ice skating and cross-country skiing.
Known as the ‘official hometown of Santa Claus’, Rovaniemi lies directly on the Arctic Circle. This city is a magical destination for families, offering visits to Santa Claus Village all year round.
Beyond this festive appeal, Rovaniemi serves as a hub for Arctic adventures, including snowmobile safaris, reindeer sleigh rides, and aurora hunting.
Cultural highlights include the Arktikum museum, which provides comprehensive insights into Arctic nature and the history of Finnish Lapland.
In the far north, Ivalo and Inari offer insights into indigenous Sami culture, with attractions like the Siida Museum and opportunities to explore the Arctic wilderness.
Inari is home to the Sami Parliament and serves as a cultural center for the Sami people, offering visitors an authentic look at the traditions and way of life of the Nordic region’s indigenous people.
Åland Islands
This Swedish-speaking archipelago at the entrance to the Gulf of Bothnia offers peaceful natural beauty, maritime attractions, and outdoor activities.
The Åland Islands are known as a summer vacation spot, popular with both Swedes and Finns for the sandy beaches, historic sites, scenic cycle paths, and quaint villages.
Mariehamn, the charming capital, serves as the heart of Åland’s 30,000 residents, offering a glimpse into the islands’ maritime heritage with attractions like the Åland Maritime Museum and the Pommern sailing ship.