Finland - travel guide for nature lovers

Finland is a northern, sparsely populated country whose greatest treasure is its untouched and diverse nature. More than 70% of the country is covered by forest, there are tens of thousands of lakes and the coastline is dotted with barren archipelagos. The tundra rises in northern Lapland, where reindeer roam freely and winters last for months. The peace, tranquillity and sense of space in Finland is a true experience.

Finnish nature is easily accessible. National parks, nature trails and hiking trails are often accessible directly from cities by public transport. Everyone's rights allow for freer wandering and camping than in many other countries. Being outdoors is part of Finnish everyday life and culture. Hiking, trail running, berry picking, fishing and camping are ways of being part of the natural environment.

Spring (March-May)

Spring usually starts in March in the south and in late April or as late as May in the north. It is characterised by increasing sunlight, melting snow and a rapid awakening of nature. Lakes are freed from ice between April and May, and weather conditions can vary greatly during spring.

Summer (June-August)

Summer in Finland is short but bright. In the north you can experience the midnight sun, when the sun does not set at all for weeks. Temperatures average between +15 and +25 degrees Celsius, but the weather can be variable. Nature is at its greenest and mosquitoes are at their most abundant.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn begins with cooler temperatures and shorter days. In particular, the autumn foliage means a riot of colour to the forests and fells, making it a popular season for hiking. In November, the weather becomes more wintry, with rain and grey skies in the south and snow in the north.

Winter (December to February)

Winter usually starts in December in the south and November in the north. In Lapland, snow cover can last for six months, and temperatures can drop to -30°C or below. During the mid-winter polar night "kaamos", the sun does not rise above the horizon in northernmost Finland. Snow and ice are part of the winter landscape, in many years also in the very south of Finland.

Nature is Finland's biggest attraction - it is everywhere and easily accessible. Hiking, trekking and wilderness activities are genuine experiences in pure nature. Of course, Finland also has charming cities, rich culture and varied local customs.

In Finland, it is worth trying sauna bathing, which is not just a way of washing but part of well-being. In a sauna, you sit quietly, take a dip in the lake (or hole in the ice in winter!), and let your body relax. Many people combine sauna with cottage life and spending the night in nature.

In summer, fishing, rowing on the lake, and picking berries or mushrooms in the forest are everyday pleasures that are experiences for the traveller. In winter, skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and watching the northern lights are part of the northern experience - especially in Lapland, but also further south.

Top 10 experiences in Finland

1. Sauna and lake - spend an evening in a wood-fired sauna and take a dip in a quiet lake.
2. Hiking in a national park - for example, the Karhunkierros in Kuusamo, Hetta-Pallas in Lapland or Nuuksio near Helsinki.
3. Canoeing on Lake Saimaa - explore Lake Finland from the water.
4. Northern lights viewing - from autumn to spring in Lapland.
5. Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi - an atmospheric destination all year round.
6. Koli National Landscape - an impressive view of the Lake Pielinen and the inspiration of Finnish writers, painters and composers of the National Romantic period.
7. Midnight sun in June - experience a bright summer night in the north.
8. Snowshoe hike and open fire - a winter hike in the forest, with a break at the campfire.
9. Islands in Turku and Åland - cycle, boat or hike along the rocky shores.
10. Peace and quiet - perhaps the most important experience: be still, stop and breathe.

There are direct flights to Helsinki from several major cities in Europe, Asia and North America. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is the largest and busiest international gateway in the country.

International flights also arrive at several other airports around the country. Rovaniemi, Kittilä, Ivalo and Kuusamo are popular destinations, especially during the winter season, when tourists head to Lapland for the Northern Lights, cross-country skiing and winter nature. You can continue your trip with airport taxi, bus or rental car.

In addition to flying, you can also arrive in Finland by ferry from Sweden, Estonia or Germany. There are ferry connections to Helsinki, Turku and Mariehamn in Åland.

The trains operate from southern Hanko and Helsinki to major cities and up to Kolari and Kemijärvi in the north.