WELCOME TO OUR FINLAND
HELSINKI IS REACHABLE FROM ANYWHERE AROUND THE WORLD
Helsinki airport is modern, practical and one of northern Europe’s most accessible travel hubs. All domestic destinations are easily reached from Helsinki; the flight time to Rovaniemi, one of Lapland’s most popular destinations for winter activities, is only 80 minutes.
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Helsinki is also accessible by train and ferry. The Allegro, a high-speed train that travels from St. Petersburg, has several daily connections to Helsinki, and visitors can also utilise the frequent daily ferries from Stockholm, Tallinn and Travemünde.
TAKE A RELAXING CRUISE TO STOCKHOLM, TALLINN OR SAINT PETERSBURG
Daily and overnight cruises by ferry are available from Helsinki to historical Stockholm, medieval Tallinn or magnificent St. Petersburg. Sightseers can visit the Nobel Museum in Stockholm, the 13th-century cobblestoned Old Town in Tallinn, or the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, which hosts amazing displays of opera and ballet.
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Helsinki is a fantastic hub to travel between other great locations. We offer guided tours, premium restaurants, transfers, activities and sightseeing, incentive trips and much more!
EMBRACE THE FINNISH COTTAGE LIFE
Finns love to escape to their little hideaway cottages, usually located in the forest or on one of Finland's 180 000 islands. Midsummer parties at the cottage is a common occurrence, where friends and family gather together to relax, swim, sail, go fishing and enjoy the peace and quiet of Finnish nature.
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During the winter months, the activities include skiing, ice skating, ice swimming, sauna, ice fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, making snow angels and of course, relaxing with loved ones.
VISIT LAPLAND TO MEET THE ONE AND ONLY .… SANTA CLAUS!
Santa Claus lives in Lapland. We can organise a pleasant trip for you and your family to visit Santa Claus, or if you prefer, you can seek him out yourself at his address:
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Santa Claus' Main Post Office
Tähtikuja 1, 96930 Arctic Circle
Finland
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Create some amazing memories by gazing up at the aurora borealis, meeting Santa Claus and the elves in their workshop, and spending time with loved ones.
GIVE IN TO THE ENTICEMENT OF THE FINNISH FOREST
Approximately 72% of Finland’s total land area is covered in a beautiful array of forests. Pine, fir, birch and spruce trees are significant features of the Finnish landscape.
Much like water, forests are ever-present in the alluring nature of Finland; including in the major cities. Substantial forested areas occupy the capital city of Helsinki, some of which are designated nature reserves.
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Finnish culture has always been linked to the seductiveness of the Finnish forest. The green colours are calming and greeting, the “ruska” colours of red, orange and yellow are mesmerising, and the gentle rustling of the leaves and pine needles completes the experience to create a perfect symphony.
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Visitors can gather mushrooms and berries in autumn, go hiking and swimming in summer, and go cross-country skiing and ice fishing in winter. A gentle walk in the woods during any time of the year is a popular leisure activity for Finns, and it provides amazing views of Finnish flora and fauna.
TREAT YOURSELF TO THE PLETHORA OF ICONIC FINNISH FOOD
Traditional Finnish food is infused with the natural and delicious flavours of Lappish cuisine.
Finns tend to be quite conventional in terms of culinary culture by eating certain foods during particular seasons or holiday periods.
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Visitors can enjoy fresh strawberries, crayfish and snow peas in summer; fresh fruit and vegetables, mushrooms and wild berries in autumn; rye bread, vegetable soups, reindeer dishes and rice porridge in winter; and fresh salads, pea soup, herring and various nuts in spring.
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Finland boasts a variety of iconic desserts and sweets that can be enjoyed at any time during the year, such as mustikkapiirakka (blueberry pie), korvapuusti (cinnamon roll), salmiakki (salty liquorice), kaurakeksi (Finnish biscuits) and leipäjuusto lakkahillolla (cheese bread and cloudberry jam).
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Professionals in the food and restaurant industry have placed Finland on the gastronomic world map, and have recognised the capital, Helsinki, as one of the globe’s most tantalising and trend-setting cities.
COMPLETE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH A FINNISH SAUNA
The sauna is an integral element of Finnish culture. There are over two million saunas for a population of five and a half million people, so it’s no surprise that Finn’s put so much value on relaxing in the sauna with friends and family.
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Whether it’s a smoke, wood stove or electric sauna, visitors are encouraged to embrace the pinnacle of Finnish relaxation culture and enjoy a sauna.
EXPERIENCE FINLAND'S DIVERSE SEASONS
WINTER
Finnish winter is filled with beautiful white snow and astonishing views of the night sky. In the northern part of Finland (Lapland), winter commences in November and usually concludes in April, whereas the southern part of Finland encounters winter between December and March.
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During winter, you can witness reindeer and snowy owls in their natural habitats, take a ride on a snowmobile and experience a husky drive in the snow. You can also stay overnight in snow hotels, embark on an icebreaker cruise, or enjoy a spot of winter rally driving.
SPRING
Finnish spring is a short, yet beautiful season. It's still a little bit cold, but the days grow longer and the majestic warmth of the sun brings smiles to many. The ice on the oceans and rivers begin to crack and break, the snow starts to melt, the flowers blossom and the trees come back to life.
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Visitors have the opportunity to experience Easter in Finland, rent a cottage and relax in the nature, and witness the birds migrate back for the warmer periods.
SUMMER
During the months of July and August, temperatures in Finland can reach +30 degrees Celsius in the south and +25 degrees Celsius in the north. A common activity during summer is going for a swim in the sea or a lake. Sailing and boating are also popular activities, together with hiking and canoeing in one of Finland’s 180 000 lakes.
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Most Finns travel to their cottages during the summer holiday period, as it’s a great way to relax and spend some time in nature. Summer cottages exclusive for tourists are also available, where you can enjoy the midsummer activities with your friends and family.
AUTUMN
We have a saying in Finland: “There is nothing wrong with the weather; it is your clothing that isn’t sufficient”. If you enjoy being outside and breathing in fresh air, then why not experience an activity that appeals to a love of nature and cultural tradition, such as picking some Finnish forest berries and mushrooms?
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If you don’t want to participate in an outdoor activity, we offer an amazing selection of museums, galleries, art shows and other interesting places to visit in every city of Finland.
DISCOVER FINLAND FROM NORTH TO SOUTH
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF LAPLAND
Finnish Lapland is as close as reality gets to those that dream of a winter wonderland. Intriguing and remarkable contrasts are a key factor in the allure of Lapland, where 24-hour sunlight in the summer replaces the dark, winter days. The liveliness and excitement of the towns and luxury ski resorts is just minutes away from the peace and quiet of the Lappish wilderness. Immerse yourself in the charm of Lapland and discover endless possibilities.
Best time to visit: Winter from December to March
Average temperature: -10°C to -20°C
Average snow depth: 60-80 cm
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Activities: Reindeer rides, visits to Santa Claus’ workshop, overnight stays in igloos and snow hotels, husky rides, view the northern lights, ice fishing, cross-country skiing and downhill skiing, sauna, arctic circle, outdoor swimming and enjoying the peace and quiet of Lappish nature.
THE WONDERMENT OF BLUE LAKELAND
A complex network of lakes, rivers, islands and canals, scattered around forests and mountain ranges, the Finnish Lakeland stretches for hundreds of kilometres in an equable and astonishingly beautiful terrain. Welcome to the largest lake district in Europe; Finland’s land of a thousand lakes. Explore Blue Lakeland and lose yourself in this elegant piece of Finnish nature with thousands of lakes and over 200 000 cottages.
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Visit during summer: From June to August
Average temperature: +16°C to +25°C
Activities: Swimming, rowing, canoeing, sailing, bicycling, fishing, sauna, cottage life and enjoying the peace and quiet of Finnish nature.
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Visit during winter: From January to March
Average temperature: -2°C to -15°C
Average snow depth: 30-40 cm
Activities: Skiing, ice skating, ice swimming, sauna, ice fishing, snowshoeing, making snow angels, snowmobiling, cottage life and enjoying the peace and quiet of Finnish nature.
ISLANDER LIFESTYLE: THE LONG COAST & STUNNING ARCHIPELAGO
Finland’s coast boasts one of the world’s largest archipelagoes. Old wooden towns, amazing lighthouses, stone churches, historical manors and large national parks are just some of the attractions sightseers can visit along Finland’s coast. Finland holds seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, three of which can be experienced in the coastal area.
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The relaxed and friendly islander lifestyle, and a strong maritime culture are fundamental attributes of these captivating locations. Finland’s capital, Helsinki, has also held onto its maritime charm. Finnish coastal towns are especially active in summer months and visitors can enjoy a variety of beaches, handicraft markets, restaurants and cafes, village shops and local events.
Best time to visit: Summer from June to August
Average temperature: +16°C to +25°C
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Activities: Swimming, rowing, canoeing, sailing, bicycling, fishing, sauna, cottage life and enjoying the peace and quiet of Finnish nature.
HELSINKI: THE HEART OF FINLAND
Helsinki, Finland’s southern capital, is a vibrant seaside city that sits on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland. The city is peaceful and easy-going, and boasts a substantial number of high quality restaurants, nightclubs and shopping venues. Visitors have many tourism options, including the National Museum which traces Finnish history from the Stone Age to present, the Uspenski Cathedral that sits on a hill overlooking the city, and Kiasma, a contemporary art museum. Visit Helsinki and discover why millions of tourists visit Finland every year.
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Best time to visit: All year round
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Helsinki is a dynamic coastal city, packed full of beautiful islands and great green parks. There are an enormous amount of indoor and outdoor activities on offer, regardless of the season.
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Activities: Sightseeing tours, trips to Suomenlinna, relaxing in the cottage life, berry and mushroom picking, escape rooms, museums, boating, shopping, amazing restaurants and much more!
TOURS IN FINLAND'S MAJOR PORT LOCATIONS
KEMI
The gateway to amazing Lapland. Kemi is known as a traditional industrial town and was founded in 1869.
Kemi has the only deep-water harbor in Lapland and a stunning nature. For visitors, Kemi has a lot to offer; exciting shopping, interesting museums and cozy cafés and restaurants.
OULU
Oulu is Finland’s fourth largest city and is a lively gateway where urban culture meets the breathtaking nature of the north. The city of Oulu is located on the shores of Bothnian Bay; the most northern part of the Baltic Sea.
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Oulu is home to a myriad of cafes and restautants, beautiful parks, ski tracks and the most extensive cycleway network in Finland. During the summer months, visitors can take a ferry from Oulu to the sand dune island of Hailuoto, and cross the frozen sea via an exciting ice road during the winter months.
PORI
Every traveller has plenty to experience and enjoy in Pori. Founded in 1558, the seaside city of Pori boasts a diverse history filled with the cultural influences of Europe, such as fine wines, fabrics and spices.
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Pori has burnt down nine times during its history. The latest fire, in 1852, destroyed three quarters of the city’s buildings. Today, Pori is a relaxed city with a quite atmosphere that is perfect for family holidays, leisure activities and experiencing the peaceful nature and cultural events in the city centre.
VAASA
Finland’s sunniest city! Vaasa is an exciting region filled with historical encounters with the land and sea. The city was founded in 1606 by Charles IX and was located around the oldest harbour and trading point in Ostrobothnia. In 1852, Vaasa suffered a fire that burnt down the entire town. It was rebuilt in 1862 on the Klemetsö Headland, 7 kilometres from the old Vasa.
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All of the major attractions can be found within walking distance. A large variety of museums are located in Vaasa, one of which is the Meteoria museum; where the story of a meteorite impact that occurred 250 million years ago is told. The meteorite impact is also how the unique Kvarken archipelago formed. The Kvarken Archipelago is actually so distinctive, that it is listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. Come and enjoy the cultural vibe of Vaasa with its many activities and sights.
RAUMA
A little cozy town by the water. Rauma is a small, idyllic town with 40,000 inhabitants. The market square is the heart of the town and is surrounded by small, exquisite cafés and shops. Interior design stores, antique shops and second-hand outlets are only some of the places where you can make wonderful discoveries. Experience the unique combination of history and modern development in the charismatic town of Rauma.
TURKU
Finland’s oldest city and former capital. Turku was founded in 1229 and throughout history, has been a very important seaport. Turku is a historical and cultural city, as well as an art center. The Cathedral and the Turku Castle are the most famous sights, along with the unique archipelago that surrounds the city. The exciting Moomin World is a popular destination for families. It’s no surprise that Turku was chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2011.
MAARIANHAMINA
Mariehamn is a small town with an active life! Mariehamn is located on the island Åland, and is the only town on the entire island. The town was founded in 1861 by Tzar Alexander II, when Finland and Åland were a part of the Russian Empire.
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Mariehamn was named after the wife of Tzar Alexander II, Maria Alexandrovna. Today, Mariehamn is the commercial and political centre of Åland, as well as a great place for shopping and enjoying a nice cup of coffee in one of the many comfy cafés.
HANKO
A little town by the seashore. Hanko was founded in 1874 and is Finland’s southernmost town. The beautiful beaches and the romantic atmosphere in Hanko make it a wonderful and picturesque destination. Golfing, surfing and diving are only some of the activities the town has to offer.
HELSINKI
The capital city of Finland. Helsinki was chosen as the World Design Capital in 2012 and is well known for its architecture, as it lets you take a fascinating journey through the centuries.
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Helsinki was founded in 1550 by the Swedish King, Gustavus Vasa. In 1917 Finland gained its independence and Helsinki became the young republic’s capital.
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Helsinki is a lively city by the coast with over 600 000 inhabitants. Whether you are interested in museums, shopping, fun activities, architecture, or taking a trip to Sea Fortress Suomenlinna; there is something for everyone to experience in Helsinki.
KOTKA
The city by the sea! Kotka is located on the coast of the Eastern Gulf of Finland; it is an industrial and maritime city with a history that dates back hundreds of years. The ancient Vikings used the archipelago of Kotka as the route on their way to the east. Today, the culture in Kotka thrives as the city continues to grow.
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Visit one of the many museums that tell their own story of Kotka. Sailing, fishing, nature excursions and archipelago trips are also some of the opportunities the city of Kotka has to offer.
