Culture & Travel
20 March 2024The beauty of Finland's nature and its pristine air will make you feel happy and relaxed no matter what time of the year you visit.
The country is constantly changing, with vast forested areas dotted with beautiful lakes making it a perfect place for hiking, canoeing, and boat tours. Additionally, the south of the country hosts numerous vibrant cities, the most notable being Helsinki, the capital city renowned worldwide for its music, design, and cutting-edge technology. However, Helsinki alone cannot encapsulate all that Finland has to offer. Here are some of the most enticing activities you can do in Finland.
Meet the real Santa Claus in Rovaniemi
Don't let anyone tell you that Santa Claus doesn't exist. It's true, and he lives in Finland! To be more precise, you can find Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, the northernmost province of Finland, just 6 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle. Santa Claus can be visited any day of the year, but the best experience is undoubtedly during the Christmas holiday. You can choose to travel from Rovaniemi to Santa's home directly by the Santa's Express service bus, which will take you straight to Santa's Village. Moreover, if you have a direct flight to Rovaniemi, you can reach Santa Claus Village just three kilometers away from the airport in no time.
Sleigh with reindeer
While we're on the topic of Santa Claus, we can't forget about his reindeer. Reindeer are so common in Finland that, unlike in our country, you're more likely to encounter a reindeer on the street than a cat. However, as you head further north in Finland, the likelihood of encountering reindeer increases. Lapland is the official home of reindeer because, as we know, Santa Claus can't do much without them during the holiday season. Reindeer sleigh rides typically last from 10 minutes to several hours, depending on the route you choose, and they are suitable for people of all ages since they are trained not to run too fast.
Chance to visit one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
There are only seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the entire country, but these places are definitely worth seeing. For example, you can visit Suomenlinna, a star-shaped sea fortress. This fortress consists of 200 buildings and 6 kilometers of defense walls, spread across 6 islands. One of Suomenlinna's most well-known symbols is the cannons, some of which were used in both World Wars. Additionally, be sure to take a photo in front of the King's Gate and take a walk in the famous Suomenlinna Tunnel.
Take a plunge into one of Finland's 188,000 lakes
Did you know that according to the United Nations, Finland has the cleanest water in the world? Considering Finland has more lakes than any other country in the world, it's not surprising. Moreover, they actively invest in preserving the environment of the region known as Lakeland. Lakes cover about 25% of the area, with the largest being Lake Saimaa, spanning 4400 square kilometers. Finns love swimming in lakes so much that not even winter can stop them. The procedure goes like this: First, you sweat it out in a sauna cabin, then you dash and throw yourself into an almost frozen lake. It's not for the faint-hearted, but do you dare to try it?
Stroll through Kauppahalli
Visiting one of Finland's famous markets, or "kauppahalli" as they call it, is a must when in Finland. Is there a better way to learn about a country's culture than through your stomach? The oldest and most visited indoor market, Hakaniemi Market in Helsinki, has over 100 years of history. With nearly 70 different shops ranging from bakeries offering traditional treats like pulla or Runeberg cakes to souvenir shops where you can find handmade gifts for your friends and family.
Marvel at the beauty of the Aurora Borealis
In Finnish Lapland, you can witness the magnificent Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, on almost 200 nights a year. As you may already know, the Aurora Borealis is a phenomenon that occurs near magnetic poles in the sky. So, when you visit a place near the Arctic Circle, you'll witness the Northern Lights. Some Finnish agencies organize Northern Lights tours in places like Asgard and Valhalla. The aurora hunt usually lasts for 4-5 hours, leaving you with plenty of time to relax in a countryside cottage with a sauna.
Step back into the Middle Ages in the town of Porvoo
Porvoo is a city located on the southern coast of the country and is one of Finland's six medieval towns. In fact, it's one of Finland's oldest cities since its establishment in the 13th century. Just an hour's drive from the capital, Helsinki, Porvoo is considered one of the country's most beautiful cities, thanks to its colorful houses. While you're here, if you fancy some souvenirs, you can visit the shops near the train station. The Baby and Toy Museum, a highly popular attraction, with over 1000 displayed dolls, is a fun activity for both children and adults.
