15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Finland: A Traveler's Guide
Finland captivates with its breathtaking forests, mesmerizing Northern Lights, vast unspoiled wilderness, and iconic saunas. This Nordic gem brims with magical destinations. From Lapland's dramatic landscapes to Helsinki's innovative bistros teeming with cloudberry liqueur enthusiasts, here are 15 of the most stunning places to visit in Finland.
Helsinki – Finland’s Cool and Stylish Capital
Helsinki blends contemporary and Art Nouveau architecture with top-tier designer restaurants, vibrant bars, creative bistros, chic boutiques, and galleries in a compact, stylish package.
Quirky charms abound: locals strolling across frozen seas in midwinter, heavy metal bars, and the adorable Moomin café. Progressive and sustainable, it boasts a thriving vegan scene and small-town warmth.
Key highlights: Uspenski Cathedral, Sibelius Monument, Katajanokka district, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. For curated experiences, consider boutique operators like The Voyageurs Collection.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Helsinki
Rovaniemi – Gateway to Lapland and the Arctic Wilderness
Home to Santa Claus’s official village, Rovaniemi draws families with its festive spirit year-round. Beyond Christmas magic, enjoy prime Northern Lights viewing and the endless Midnight Sun in summer.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Rovaniemi
Suomenlinna – UNESCO-Protected Fortress Islands
Rich in history, Suomenlinna—built in 1748—has shifted between Sweden and Russia before becoming Finland's. This World Heritage Site, now home to residents, remains a top attraction.
- You may also like best places to visit in Russia.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Suomenlinna
Arctic Resort Kakslauttanen – World-Famous Glass Igloos
This serene resort in Kakslauttanen offers unique glass igloos for stargazing and Northern Lights viewing amid thick forests, the Kakslauttanen River, and winter snowscapes. A dream escape, though premium-priced.
https://vimeo.com/212580136Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Arctic Resort Kakslauttanen
Nuuksio National Park – Fresh Air, Nature, and Tranquility
Just outside Helsinki, Nuuksio provides a perfect escape with hiking, camping, waterfalls, and forest beauty that draws nature lovers year-round.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Nuuksio National Park
Porvoo – Finland’s Charming Second-Oldest Town
One of Finland's six medieval towns, Porvoo (pop. 50,000) blends history with modern charm. Kayak waterways, explore shops and cafés, and capture photogenic old-world vibes.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Porvoo
Lake Saimaa – Europe’s Largest Lake Labyrinth
Finland's lake-dotted landscape peaks at Lake Saimaa, the continent's largest. Boat tours reveal thousands of islands and rare Saimaa ringed seals (endangered, ~few hundred left).
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Lake Saimaa
Oulanka National Park – Pristine Wilderness Haven
Spanning 270 sq km in Lapland since 1956, Oulanka thrills adventurers with summer rivers, winter snowscapes, and Northern Lights. Stay at Basecamp Oulanka for cloudberry liqueurs and hot tubs.
- Check out our trip to Oulanka National Park in Finnish Lapland
- Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Oulanka National Park
Turku Archipelago – 20,000 Islands of Scenic Beauty
Praised as the world's most beautiful archipelago, Turku's 20,000 islands form a connected community. Ferries and bikes make exploration easy.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Turku Archipelago
Utsjoki – Finland’s Northernmost Municipality
This Sami village (pop. 1,200+) offers serene nature along the Tenojoki River. Ideal for slowing down; expert guides enhance arctic fishing.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Utsjoki
Naantali – Old-World Tourist Town with Festivals
Host to the Naantali Music Festival (June 6-17), Naantali charms with Finnish culture and sites like Kultaranta Gardens, showcasing presidential history.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Naantali
Mariehamn – Åland Islands' Walkable Capital
Pedestrian-friendly Mariehamn features ferries, shops, and eateries. Climb Badhusberg for panoramic views; stroll Torggatan's precinct.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Mariehamn
Saariselkä – Prime Northern Lights Destination
Aurora Borealis dazzles here, viewed from cozy cabins. Summer brings vast European wilderness treks amid forests.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Saariselkä
Repovesi National Park – Forests, Lakes, and Snow
Three hours from Helsinki, this transformed forestry site now boasts rugged hills, blue lakes, dense forests, and winter snow—perfect for year-round adventures.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Repovesi National Park
Lake Pielinen – Finland’s Stunning Fourth-Largest Lake
Spanning eastern Finland and Russia, tranquil Lake Pielinen offers viewpoints, hiking, cycling, and Karelian villages amid forested hills.
Hotels and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in Lake Pielinen
