Scenic summer panorama with elegant art nouveau buildings and yacht marina of Helsinki

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Holidays in Finland

Northern lights in winter, midnight sun in summer, and soothing saunas and forest adventures all year round… Finland holidays deliver bucket-list moments from Helsinki to Lapland.

Head to Lapland between September and April to experience the natural wonder that is the aurora borealis (northern lights). On clear nights, away from light pollution, it’s even possible to see this celestial display further south.

Tours depart from the Lapland town of Rovaniemi (aka the ‘official’ home of Father Christmas), though you can also head out on your own sky-scanning search for the lights. Spend the rest of your time dog sledding, skiing (downhill or cross country) and snowboarding.

Finland isn’t just a winter destination, with the summer months offering much by way of outdoors activities, from hiking and mountain biking to wild swimming and kayaking. The central Lakeland region, popular with Finns, is recommended. Expect long hours of daylight, midnight swims and bonfires by the lakeside.

Continue the outdoorsy theme by exploring Finland’s forests, which cover a whopping 75% of the country. Strap on your walking boots and head to Uutela in Helsinki or Teijo National Park in the south.

A holiday to Finland wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a sauna or two. For a quintessential Finnish experience, head to the Rajaportin sauna in Tampere. Löyly in Helsinki is the place to be for something a little more modern.

Finland holiday itineraries are the stuff of dreams. After gazing at the northern lights, breathing in the fresh forest air and sweating out your worries in a sauna, take a trip to Siida to learn about the Indigenous Sámi people.

Northern lights (September–April)

You can head out on a northern lights tour far from city lights from Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland. You’ll get the full rundown on the science and local folklore of the aurora borealis from a local guide as the lights dance across the sky.

Some tours focus on photography, with tips to capture the scene on your own camera. You can also take home prints from professional photographers if you prefer to soak up the magic of the moment.

Moomin World (June-August)

Open over the summer, Moomin World is dedicated to Tove Jansson’s beloved Moomins book series and cartoon show. Fun for kids and nostalgic for adults, the theme park is on its own island outside the town of Turku.

Visit the houses of Moomin characters – including the famous blue cylindrical Moominhouse – the Hattifatteners’ cave and Snorkmaiden’s beauty salon. Walk the trails, explore a labyrinth and play on the island’s beach. There are performances throughout the day, and a range of food stands and cafés.

Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna, which means ‘Fortress of Finland’, is spread across several islands connected by bridges in Helsinki. It was originally built by the Swedes in the mid-18th century, before being taken over by the Russians and finally the Finns. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walk around the old bunkers and fortress walls, visit museums and climb inside the country’s only remaining WWII-era submarine (Vesikko). There are plenty of places to eat and drink, so you can make a day of it before catching the ferry back to the mainland.

Hossa National Park

Founded to celebrate 100 years of independence in 2017, Hossa National Park encompasses forests and lakes in east-central Finland, close to the Russian border. Hike, cycle or cross-country ski along the trails or canoe across the lakes. You can even scuba dive in Öllön, which is up to 40m (131ft) deep.

Keep your eyes peeled for wolves, elk, bears and reindeer, the latter of which you can also see at Hossan Poropuisto farm. The park is home to ancient rock paintings at Julma-Ölkky and Värikallio too. Thought to be up to 4,500 years old, the art depicts scenes of hunting and shamanism.

Food and drink

Finnish food has Russian and Scandinavian influences – think reindeer and elk meat alongside pastries such as karjalan piirakka, which is typically filled with rice and potato. Mustikkapiirakka blueberry pies are summer specialties.

Herring is a typical breakfast dish, and a meal definitely accompanied by coffee (which is big in Finland – the Finns love their coffee). At the opposite end of the day, try Koskenkorva Salmiakki, a salty liquorice-flavoured vodka, or keep is classic with Finlandia Vodka.

For family holidays

Helsinki is a great base for a family holiday to Finland, with a wide choice of accommodation for your budgetary and comfort needs. Allow time to visit the Heureka, a science centre that has interactive exhibits and live shows.

Catch the train to Turku (a journey of just over two hours) to spend a day at Moomin World – it’s also accessible by train from Helsinki. If you’re travelling over the festive season, meeting Santa Claus in Lapland will no doubt be an unforgettable experience.

For cheap holidays

Cheap Finland holidays are hard to come by, but you can keep the price down by staying in hostels in cities such as Helsinki or wild camping in the Lakeland region. Helsinki is also a good place to find lots of free attractions, such as the City Museum.

Check out package holidays to Finland too, which often offer deals on urban hotels. In Lapland, look outside Rovaniemi for a guesthouse with cheaper rates than a resort.

For couples holidays

What could be more romantic than basking in the glow of the northern lights together? Travel to Lapland between autumn and spring to snuggle up on a dog-pulled sled, warm up in a sauna and look up at nature’s greatest lightshow.

You can also join a tour (remember to rug up), though if comfort is key, you can watch from your bed in a bubble pod or glass-roofed hut. There are other memorable places to spend the night too, such as a snow hotel, which is snugger than it sounds!

For winter sport holidays

You’ll most likely be heading north for a winter sports holiday to Finland. For skiing or snowboarding, travel to Lapland from late October. The season is long, sometimes lasting until June. Ylläs, Levi and Pyhä are three of the highest peaks and also have slopes that are well suited to children and beginners.

Levi has great nightlife, as does Ruka, while Suomu is a quieter mountain to consider. You can also toboggan at Kaunispää by Saariselkä – at 1,200m, it’s the longest toboggan run in Europe. Many winter adventures can be booked as a package holiday.

For action and adventure

Lakeland and Lapland are bursting with adventure. Visit Lake Saimaa, Finland’s largest lake, for kayaking or canoeing, either alone or with a tour group. Sitting quietly on the water is a good way to spot wildlife, from otters to the endemic Saimaa ringed seal.

Up in Lapland, you can go hiking or cross-country skiing in Urho Kekkonen National Park. Trek through forests and over streams, looking out for reindeer, moose, wolves and eagles.

Finland is a year-round destination with reasons to visit at any time. Summer and autumn are great for hiking and kayaking the lakes, while spring, autumn and winter are ideal for the northern lights and snow sports.

When is the cheapest time to visit Finland?

Finding a cheap holiday to Finland can be challenging. The cheapest time to visit is during the shoulder season months of May to mid-June and September. That said, check ahead that every place you want to visit is open, as many establishments are seasonal. City hotels for business travellers are often cheaper during the July holidays and on weekends.

When should I go for the best weather?

Because of its various summer and winter attractions, Finland is a year-round destination. The hottest month is July, when Helsinki sees an average high of 21C and there’s great hiking weather throughout the country. Finland is coldest in January and February with average temperatures of -13C and -14C in Lapland’s Rovaniemi. The deepest snow tends to happen in March.

People would like to know

FAQs

Do I need a visa to go to Finland?

UK citizens do not need a visa to visit Finland as a tourist for three months or less.

Are there any local customs I need to be aware of?

Finns are known for their lack of small talk and for saying what they think. If you get an invite to someone’s house, don’t worry too much about what to wear, the dress code is typically very casual, with comfort being the main aim. Finns are also known for taking saunas in the nude, though you are welcome to use a towel.

What travel adapter do I need to bring?

Finland uses plug types C and F (both with two round pins).

What's the best way to travel around Finland?

The public transport system in Finland is extensive and efficient, meaning you can travel by boat, train or bus. To reach more remote places or for more flexibility, you can hire a car.