Things to Do in Finland –10 Best Ideas

Finland is a country where breathtaking nature, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences come together. The diversity of our northern gem makes it a truly unique dream travel destination.

Whether you’re looking for adventure in the Arctic wilderness, the magical glow of the northern lights, or simply a moment of relaxation in a traditional Finnish sauna, Finland offers something for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll share 10 of the best things to do in Finland. From the northern charm of Lapland to the vibrant life of our southern capital, you’ll find inspiration for every season. Whether you’re exploring a snowy winter wonderland or enjoying the endless light of a summer night, these experiences will help you feel the unique spirit of Finland at its best.

Table of Contents

What is Finland best known for?

Finland is known for its stunning nature, thousands of lakes, and northern wilderness. According to an article on the Finland Abroad website, this is how Finland is seen through the eyes of others in 2025: “Education, good governance, nature, equality, and happiness are the themes for which Finland is known worldwide.”

The Finnish education system is among the best in the world, and we Finns take pride in our equal and safe society.

Finland is also renowned for its design—Marimekko, Iittala, and Alvar Aalto are internationally respected names.

When looking at the most popular travel destinations, it is clear that nature tourism, Lapland’s winter, and the Northern Lights continue to attract visitors year after year. Finland is also the home of sauna culture—there are an estimated 3.2 million saunas here, more than cars! And of course, Finland is also the official home of Santa Claus!

What is the prettiest place in Finland?

Finland has many beautiful places, but one of the most stunning is undoubtedly the wilderness of Lapland. In winter, the snow-covered forests and the glow of the Northern Lights create a fairytale landscape, and in summer, the light of the midnight sun brings a unique atmosphere to nature.

Lapland is a popular winter destination, but its summer also has its own magic. As described by Kohteena Maailma in their article:

“Most Finns visit Lapland in early spring. However, when the sun shines on the spring snow, Lapland is truly beautiful, but its true beauty comes to life only from midsummer through the autumn colors. Hiking in Lapland is the best for the mind, as the landscapes really allow your brain to rest.”

While Lapland in winter attracts visitors with the Northern Lights and winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, its summer draws people in for hiking.

What activities can be done in Finland?

Finland offers a variety of activities year-round. In winter, you can try husky and reindeer safaris, Northern Lights tours, and ice floating. Popular winter sports include skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. In the summer, nature invites you to hike in national parks, paddle on lakes, and bike in the archipelago. In cities, you can enjoy culture, museums, and Finnish design shops. Sauna is a popular activity in all seasons, and the bravest take a dip in the ice hole during winter. Fishing, berry picking, and mushroom foraging are also popular pastimes for both Finns and tourists.

Now, let’s take a closer look at what to do in our capital city, Helsinki, and in Rovaniemi, the most popular holiday destination in Lapland.

Things to do in Helsinki

Helsinki offers a variety of experiences for lovers of culture, nature, and culinary delights, especially in the summer. As described in a VALO article:

“In summer, it’s easy to get inspired by the city’s energy, admire the architecture, relax in the parks, and enjoy the summer treats.”

In Helsinki, you can visit Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire the unique architecture of the Temppeliaukio Church. Löyly Sauna by the sea offers a traditional Finnish sauna experience with stunning views. For nature lovers, Seurasaari Open-Air Museum and Nuuksio National Park are excellent destinations. Design enthusiasts will also find plenty of boutiques in Helsinki featuring creations by Finnish designers.

Things to do in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is the “capital” of Lapland and one of Finland’s most popular tourist destinations. In winter, you can see the Northern Lights, ride in a husky or reindeer sled, and visit Santa Claus Village, which is open year-round. Snow hotels and igloo accommodations offer unique overnight experiences. In summer, you can hike in nature, enjoy the midnight sun, and take part in riverboat safaris. The Arktikum Museum also provides an interesting insight into the history and culture of Lapland.

What is a must do in Finland?

There are a few experiences in Finland that you shouldn’t miss. First and foremost is sauna – it is at the heart of Finnish culture, so try a traditional wood-fired sauna and bravely dip into the icy water or roll in the snow.

Nature experiences, such as hiking in national parks, admiring the Northern Lights, and cottage life by a lake, are also must-try activities.

Meeting Santa Claus in Rovaniemi is an unforgettable experience, especially for families. It’s also worth exploring the food culture! We recommend trying salmon soup, Karelian pasties, and Finnish berries.

TOP 10 activities in Finland

1. Dive into the Aurora Hunting in Lapland

Lapland in Finland is the best place to see the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights in Lapland are one of Finland’s most stunning natural phenomena, attracting visitors from all over the world. Aurora hunting is an experience you shouldn’t miss if you head north. In Lapland, the Northern Lights can be seen multiple times during the winter months, from late October to even April.

At Book Lapland, we offer special Northern Lights tours where you can experience the stunning light show under the guidance of our expert guides. If you’re planning a holiday trip to Lapland, contact us, and we’ll share more details with you.

2. Embark on a Husky Safari in Lapland’s Winter

A husky safari is an unforgettable way to experience the winter and beauty of Lapland. On these safaris, you’ll ride in sleds pulled by huskies, enjoying the fresh northern air and snowy landscapes. This immersive journey through Lapland’s snowy scenery will take you across magical forests and rugged fells.

Husky safaris are especially popular in Rovaniemi and other parts of Lapland, where you can choose from various routes, ranging from short, atmospheric safaris to longer adventures.

You can learn more about the services we offer here.

Embark on a Husky Safari in Lapland’s Winter

3. Experience Finland’s sauna culture

Finland is the home of sauna culture, and sauna bathing is an important part of Finnish lifestyle. There are approximately 3.2 million saunas in Finland – more than cars!

In Finland, you can find traditional wood-heated saunas, electric saunas, log saunas, smoke saunas, and steam saunas.

Sauna bathing is a celebration of relaxation and well-being, bringing Finns together and helping to recover from the everyday grind.

4. Take a dip in the ice-cold water after the sauna

Sauna bathing is an essential part of Finnish culture. Relax in a traditional Finnish sauna and try ice swimming after your sauna session.

For the bravest Finns, ice swimming is almost a daily routine! This traditional Finnish experience awakens the body and leaves an incredible sense of refreshment. If you truly want to experience Finnish sauna culture, ice swimming is a must-try addition!

5. Hiking in National Parks and Scenic Viewpoints

Finland is full of stunning national parks and viewpoints where you can enjoy the tranquility of nature and hike on trails of varying difficulty. For example, in Helsinki, Nuuksio National Park offers diverse terrain, and you can walk along lakeside paths or through the forest, enjoying the sounds and beauty of nature.

In Rovaniemi, Kuninkaanlaavu viewpoint is a great spot for those who want to admire the magical landscapes of the midnight sun. As described in an article by Rantapallo: “The shelter is located to the north of Rovaniemi city center and is an excellent destination for a day or evening trip. The log shelter on top of Santavaara is built on an open rocky area.”

6. Visit Santa Claus Village

Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus, offering a Christmas atmosphere all year round. At Santa Claus Village, you can meet Santa Claus himself and experience the holiday spirit even in the middle of summer!

Santa Claus Village is definitely a destination that will delight both children and adults alike!

7. Relax with Cottage Life and Lake Access

Finnish cottage life is close to the heart for many Finns, as cottages are known to provide the perfect place for relaxation in nature.

Spend time at a lakeside cottage, enjoy the sauna, and grill sausages over the fire. In summer, the lake’s swimming waters invite you to refresh yourself, while in winter, you can try ice swimming or skiing on the frozen lake.

Cottage life brings out the peace and beauty of Finland’s nature at its best, offering unforgettable moments with family and friends.

8. Experience Winter Sports in Lapland

Lapland is a paradise for winter sports, where you can enjoy excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Popular ski resorts such as Levi, Ylläs, and Ruka offer a variety of slopes and activities for both beginners and experienced skiers.

In addition to skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are also popular winter activities, and Lapland’s snowy landscapes provide stunning settings for all of these sports.

9. Explore Finland’s Beautiful Cities

Finland offers many interesting cities, including three southern urban destinations: Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku. These cities are full of history, culture, and modern design.

In Helsinki, the capital of Finland, there is plenty to see and do, such as visiting Suomenlinna, the Design District, and the magnificent Helsinki Cathedral. Tampere is known for its industrial heritage, but also for the unparalleled beauty of its many lakes. In Turku, you can explore Finland’s oldest city and enjoy its archipelago landscapes.

10. Taste Finnish Food

Finnish cuisine is diverse and full of flavors. Try traditional dishes like salmon soup, Karelian pasty, and blueberry pie. You can find the best Finnish treats at markets or traditional restaurants. In Finland, there’s also a growing trend for natural ingredients such as wild greens and forest berries, which you can taste at various restaurants and cafés.

What do Finns do for fun?

Finns love spending time in nature, and in their free time, they hike, pick berries, and fish. In the summer, cottage life is popular, and sauna is an essential part of relaxation – in winter, it is often combined with ice swimming. During the winter, Finns enjoy skiing and ice skating. In the cities, popular pastimes include visiting cafés, attending concerts, going to the theater, and watching sports events. Also, armchair sports, especially ice hockey, are a big passion for many.