Discover Finland's unique characteristics and distinct seasons by exploring the Helsinki, Coast & Archipelago, Lakeland and Lapland regions.

Finland’s four regions and distinct seasons offer seemingly endless things to do and see.  

Alvar Aalto destinations in Helsinki and Lakeland

Explore some of the architectural gems created by world-renowned Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto, throughout the country’s Helsinki and Lakeland regions.

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Finlandia Hall is a masterpiece by famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. It was designed in 1962 and built between 1967-71.

The impressive tower of the Church of the Cross, built in 1978, rises from the old Kolkanmäki church site. This vital element of the Lahti cityscape is the creation of Alvar Aalto and elegantly mirrors the City Hall – located across the market square – designed by Eliel Saarinen, another master architect.

You could call the Lakeland region the capital of Alvar Aalto's architecture. Explore the world’s most representative cross-section of Aalto-designed buildings, starting from with examples of Classicism, then with Functionalism and continuing through the white marble and red brick periods.

Säynätsalo Town Hall occupies a unique position in the history of modern architecture and is one of Aalto’s most significant works. During this tour, you’ll hear fascinating stories and facts about Aalto's life and architecture and learn about the history of Säynätsalo.

In 1951, Alvar Aalto was the winner of an invitational competition to design the expansion of the Jyväskylä College of Education. The competition included not only several new buildings, but a comprehensive plan for the layout of the campus.

Journey: Alvar Aalto destinations in Helsinki and Lakeland

Sauna meets design – the Finnish way

Sauna and design are a huge part of everyday life in Finland. Plan the perfect journey to experience both.

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Löyly is one of the most iconic and well-known public saunas in Finland. An urban sanctuary situated on the Helsinki waterfront, its sculptural wooden building houses three wood-heated saunas and was designed by architects Ville Hara and Anu Puustinen of Avanto. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool that’s available year-round and a welcoming restaurant that serves Finnish classics.

Melding sauna tradition with urban vibes, Kuuma is a welcome addition to Tampere’s sauna scene. This sleek lakeside building features two saunas and a popular restaurant serving seasonal, Nordic-style cuisine and a delicious tasting menu.

The Finnish word “saana” means “sauna” when pronounced in the Savonian dialect. Situated on the shores of Lake Kallavesi in Kuopio, Saana is a fairly recent addition to the country’s public sauna scene and features three separate saunas, an indoor hot tub, waterfall showers, two outdoor swimming pools, and the opportunity to try open-water swimming year-round.

Journey: Sauna meets design – the Finnish way

Experience the beauty of nature in the Pyhä-Luosto region

With versatile hiking trails, the Pyhä-Luosto region in Finland is the perfect place to revel in the beauty of nature and get your blood pumping.

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Begin your tour of magnificent Pyhä-Luosto National Park at Visitor Centre Naava that is an information point for Pyhä-Luosto national park: tips for outdoors and activities and the trail conditions.

Pyhä-Luosto has splendid scenic views from the trailside and ​many marked trails for hikers of every level.

Dig up your own purple amethyst, the gem of Lapland, during a visit to the Amethyst Mine.

PyhäExpress, a six-seater chairlift with a see-through cover, is a fast and comfortable way to get to the top of the fell. Whether you walk or ski, the fell's peak offers plenty of things to do and see.

Explore the unique culture and lifestyle of reindeer herders and visit with the animals during a trip to Kopara Reindeer Park.

Journey: Experience the beauty of nature in the Pyhä-Luosto region

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

Haltia Lake Lodge - nature boutique hotel

Lehmonkärki Resort HAASI Mirror Houses

Apukka Resort Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

Ranua Resort - Arctic Igloos

Hotel Kakola Accommodation - Standard Room 

Hotel Järvisydän

Solo Sokos Hotel Torni, Helsinki

Scandic Imatran Valtionhotelli

The Folks Hotel Konepaja 

The Barö

Hotel at Ahlström Noormarkku 

Sunday Morning Resort at Pyhä-Luosto, Lapland, Finland

Iittala & Arabia Design Centre Store 

Aurora Queen Resort

Laukanranta B&B

Destination highlights 

Places to stay

Learn more about the regions

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Finland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Feel the connection between past and present and enjoy Finland's UNESCO World Heritage Sites using this sample journey.

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Journey: Finland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Explore the tastes of Turku Archipelago

On this journey, you will get to experience the beautiful Turku archipelago region and the fresh flavours of the Baltic Sea.

true-taste-of-turku-archipelago

Journey: Explore the tastes of Turku Archipelago

Snowy activities at Lake Saimaa

Plan the perfect activity-filled journey to wintry Lakeland in Finland. Discover frozen lakes, deep snow, and scenic Lake Saimaa.

snowy-activities-lake-saimaa

Journey: Snowy activities at Lake Saimaa

Meet Santa Claus at his home in Lapland

Want to meet Santa? Find out how to visit him year-round in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus®, in Finnish Lapland.

meet-santa-claus-in-lapland

Journey: See Santa Claus in Lapland

Maritime adventures in the historic Kotka-Hamina region

Experience the coastal towns of Kotka and Hamina, with their nature-inspired attractions, cosy accommodations, and historical sights.

maritime-adventures-in-kotka-hamina

Journey: Maritime adventures in the Kotka-Hamina region

Finnish design gems in the Helsinki region

Plan the perfect journey to Helsinki to learn about must-see Finnish design icons and explore their origins.

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Journey: Finnish design icons in the Helsinki region

From charming Baltic islands to endless green forests to vast arctic wilderness, Finnish nature is incredibly rich and accessible – even from within city limits.  

Nature in Finland 

Inspiration for your travels

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Places to go in Finland

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Top summery things to experience in the Finnish coast

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Use this guide to plan a trip to Finland and immerse yourself in the country's nature, forests, lakes and culture.

Your Official Finland Travel Guide

Learn more about Finland's Lapland region and organise a trip to experience the Northern Lights and its eight seasons.

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Lapland

Explore Rovaniemi, the home of Santa Claus and the culinary capital of Lapland during one of the eights distinctive seasons of the area.

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Learn more about Finland's Lakeland region and have a unique Finnish travel experience surrounded by forests and water.

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Lakeland

Learn more about the Lakeland city of Tampere and discover the best tips on what to do and experience in the area.

tampere

Learn more about Jyväskylä, a unique Lakeland destination known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful lakes, and Alvar Aalto architecture.

jyvaskyla

Learn more about Lahti, an extraordinary destination nestled in the Lakeland region, known for its wide range of sports activities and events set amidst the breathtaking Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark area.

lahti

Learn more about the Helsinki region of Finland and discover the capital city's architecture, saunas, food and culture.

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Helsinki region

Fall in love with the easy-going Nordic lifestyle and friendly locals in Helsinki, the capital of the happiest country in the world.

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Helsinki, the capital of Finland

Discover the islands, national parks and towns of the Coast and Archipelago region during your trip to Finland.

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Coast and Archipelago

Turku, Finland's oldest city, is a great destination for history buffs, foodies, and those looking for a laidback city break in a charming Nordic town.

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Plan a vacation to explore Finland's great outdoors and see its beautiful national parks, forests, lakes and wildlife.

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Nature in Finland

Learn more about the National Parks in Finland and experience the beauty of wilderness.

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National Parks in Finland

Find the perfect accommodations for your vacation in Finland, whether you'd like a glass hut under the Northern Lights or a traditional cottage by a lake.

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Discover the top things to do in Finland's four regions: Coast & Archipelago, Lapland, Lakeland and Helsinki.

10 best things to do in Finland

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Things to do

Need some inspiration for your trip to Finland? Check out these sample journeys with suggestions for what to see, eat and do.

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Curated journeys

Here's a selection of articles about Finland to give you inspiration and information for your next holiday.

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Articles about Finland

Finland is not called the Land of the Midnight Sun for nothing; the long summer days and white nights are endless.

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Summer

Spring is a versatile season in Finland; you can ski in the north and see flowers blooming in the south.

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Spring

Winter is the season of Northern lights, snow, star-filled skies and all other things magical in Finland.

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Winter

Autumn in Finland is the time of enchanting fall colours and the beginning of the Northern Lights season.

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Autumn

Each season and region of Finland offers something new to do – whether you’re looking for peace and quiet or adrenaline-filled adventures.

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Things to do by season

Explore some of the many things to do in Finland. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures or modern design, Finland has an activity for every taste and budget.

All things to do

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Check out this list of essential tips and practical information before you travel to or within Finland.

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Practical tips

Explore this list of fun facts and useful things to know about Finland – the happiest nation in the world.

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Essential facts about Finland

Finland is one of the safest countries to live and travel to. Read these important health and safety rules and tips beforehand to ensure you have a great vacation.

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Travel safety in Finland

Finland promotes sustainable values across all of its regions, tourist attractions and services.

Finland promotes sustainable values across all of its regions, tourist attractions and services. And also you can make a difference with your choices. 

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Read this collection of FAQs about international travel to and within Finland.

Read this collection of FAQs about international travel to and within Finland, and plan your next trip well prepared.

FAQ about Finland

View practical information about travelling to and within Finland by bus, train, boat, car and more.

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Arriving and getting around

Finland has four seasons: long and typically snowy winter, spring with weather from A to Z, light-filled summer, and autumn filled with ruska colours.

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Weather in Finland

Explore some of the special moments you can experience in Finland – the happiest place in the world.

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Moments of Happiness

Watch an inspiring video of ice swimming in Finland, a soul-awakening experience that's beloved by Finns and visitors alike.

Destinations in Finland

Four regions of Finland

Learn more about the regions

Destination highlights

Inspiration for your travels

Journey: Finland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Journey: Explore tastes of Turku Archipelago

Journey: Snowy activities at Lake Saimaa

Journey: Alvar Aalto destinations in Helsinki and Lakeland

Journey: Meet Santa Claus at his home in Lapland

Journey: Maritime adventures in the historic Kotka-Hamina region

Journey: Sauna meets design – the Finnish way

Journey: Experience the nature of Pyhä-Luosto

Journey: Finnish design gems in the Helsinki region

Nature in Finland

Places to stay

The Barö

Scandic Imatran Valtionhotelli

Apukka Resort Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

Solo Sokos Hotel Torni, Helsinki

The Folks Hotel Konepaja

Hotel at Ahlström Noormarkku

Hotel Kakola Accommodation - Standard Room

Sunday Morning Resort at Pyhä-Luosto, Lapland, Finland

Lehmonkärki Resort HAASI Mirror Houses

Ranua Resort - Arctic Igloos

Haltia Lake Lodge - nature boutique hotel

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

Hotel Järvisydän

You might also be interested in