Explore the Best of Finland: Top Cities, Airports, Airlines, Destinations, Hotels, Recreation Sites, Folkloric Events, and Must-Have Souvenirs

white concrete mosque near body of water

Top Cities in Finland

Discover the vibrant cities of Finland, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity:

  • Helsinki: Finland’s capital city, known for its stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful waterfront.
  • Tampere: A city renowned for its rich industrial heritage, vibrant cultural scene, and beautiful lakeside setting.
  • Turku: Finland’s oldest city, boasting a fascinating history, medieval castle, and a lively riverfront.
  • Oulu: A vibrant city located in Northern Finland, famous for its technological innovation and stunning natural scenery.
  • Rovaniemi: The official hometown of Santa Claus, offering magical winter experiences and the chance to cross the Arctic Circle.

Top Airports in Finland

When traveling to Finland, you’ll likely arrive at one of these major airports:

  • Helsinki Airport (HEL): Finland’s largest and busiest airport, offering excellent international connections and modern facilities.
  • Rovaniemi Airport (RVN): The gateway to Lapland, providing easy access to Santa Claus Village and other winter wonderland experiences.
  • Tampere-Pirkkala Airport (TMP): Located near Tampere, this airport serves as a convenient entry point to explore the city and its surroundings.
  • Turku Airport (TKU): Situated close to Turku, this airport offers convenient access to the city and the beautiful Archipelago Sea.
  • Oulu Airport (OUL): Serving the city of Oulu and its surrounding areas, this airport provides connections to various domestic and international destinations.

Top Airlines in Finland

Experience comfortable and reliable air travel with these top airlines operating in Finland:

  • Finnair: Finland’s national carrier, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights with a focus on excellent service and sustainability.
  • Norwegian: A popular low-cost carrier providing affordable flights to and from Finland, connecting major European cities.
  • Blue1: A regional airline operating under the Finnair brand, offering domestic and European flights with a focus on customer satisfaction.
  • AirBaltic: Latvia’s national airline, providing convenient connections between Finland and the Baltic region.
  • SAS: Scandinavian Airlines, offering a comprehensive network of flights connecting Finland with other Scandinavian countries and beyond.

Top Destinations in Finland

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural wonders of these must-visit destinations in Finland:

  • Lapland: Experience the magic of the Arctic Circle, witness the Northern Lights, and enjoy a range of winter activities.
  • Lake Saimaa: Finland’s largest lake, offering picturesque landscapes, charming lakeside towns, and opportunities for boating and fishing.
  • Archipelago Sea: Explore the stunning coastal scenery, visit idyllic islands, and enjoy sailing in this unique and beautiful region.
  • Koli National Park: Discover the breathtaking landscapes of this national park, featuring rugged hills, deep forests, and stunning viewpoints.
  • Helsinki Archipelago: Experience the tranquility of the islands surrounding Helsinki, enjoy nature walks, and visit historical sites.

Top Hotels in Finland

Experience world-class hospitality and comfort at these top hotels in Finland:

  • Klaus K Hotel (Helsinki): A boutique hotel blending Finnish design with contemporary luxury in the heart of Helsinki.
  • Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (Rovaniemi): Stay in cozy and modern treehouse-like accommodations, offering stunning views of the Arctic landscape.
  • Santa Claus Holiday Village (Rovaniemi): Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit with a stay in this holiday village, complete with festive cabins and activities.
  • Sokos Hotel Torni (Tampere): Located in a historic building, this hotel offers stylish rooms and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of Tampere.
  • Hotel Kakslauttanen (Saariselka): Experience the unique glass igloos and cozy log cabins, providing a perfect base for Northern Lights hunting.

Top Recreation Sites in Finland

Enjoy outdoor adventures and recreational activities at these popular sites in Finland:

  • Nuuksio National Park: Explore the peaceful forests, lakes, and trails of this national park located near Helsinki.
  • Levi Ski Resort: Experience world-class skiing and snowboarding in the largest ski resort in Finland.
  • Yyteri Beach: Relax on the sandy shores of this beautiful beach located on the west coast of Finland.
  • Ruka-Kuusamo: Discover a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching in this picturesque region.
  • Korouoma Nature Reserve: Admire the stunning canyon and frozen waterfalls in this natural wonderland located in Finnish Lapland.

Folkloric Events in Finland

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Finland through these traditional folkloric events:

  • Midsummer Celebrations: Join the festivities surrounding the summer solstice, including bonfires, traditional dances, and midnight sun parties.
  • Ruska: Witness the vibrant autumn colors during Ruska, a natural phenomenon where the forests turn into a stunning palette of red, orange, and gold.
  • St. Lucia Day: Experience the enchanting celebration of St. Lucia Day on December 13th, with processions of candlelit maidens and traditional songs.
  • Reindeer Races: Attend reindeer races, a thrilling and unique event showcasing the agility and speed of these iconic Arctic animals.
  • Kalevala Day: Celebrate Finnish culture on Kalevala Day, commemorating the national epic poem with various cultural events and performances.

Best Souvenirs to Buy in Finland

Bring a piece of Finland back home with these popular and unique souvenirs:

  • Moomin Merchandise: Purchase adorable Moomin-themed items, including plush toys, mugs, and books featuring the beloved Finnish characters.
  • Marimekko Products: Explore the vibrant designs of Marimekko, known for its bold patterns on textiles, clothing, and home decor.
  • Reindeer Products: Take home reindeer-themed items such as reindeer leather accessories, antler products, or reindeer meat delicacies.
  • Sauna Accessories: Experience the Finnish sauna culture by purchasing high-quality sauna towels, birch whisks, or natural sauna products.
  • Kalevala Jewelry: Discover unique and beautifully crafted jewelry inspired by Finnish folklore and mythology.

Whether you’re exploring the lively cities, immersing yourself in nature, or experiencing Finland’s rich cultural traditions, this guide will help you make the most of your visit to this enchanting country.