From Arctic adventures to design-forward cities, these are the top places to explore in the Land of a Thousand Lakes.
Finland may not shout for attention, but once you’re there, it completely draws you in. It’s a country where cutting-edge design meets centuries-old traditions, where saunas are sacred, and nature is never far—whether you’re in the wild north or right in the capital. If you’re planning a trip to Finland and want to hit the most unforgettable spots, this guide will walk you through the absolute must-visits—from icy Lapland to serene lakesides and vibrant urban centers.
Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, dipping into a lake after a sauna, or enjoying a cinnamon bun by a cobbled riverfront, here’s where you need to go in Finland.
1. Helsinki
Best for culture, food, and design lovers
Finland’s capital, Helsinki, is cool without trying too hard. Sitting right on the southern coast along the Baltic Sea, it’s a city that blends sleek Nordic design with rugged seaside charm. If you’ve got an eye for architecture, you’ll love how effortlessly Helsinki mixes neoclassical buildings, modernist icons, and bold contemporary styles.
Wander through Design District Helsinki, where indie boutiques and local galleries spill onto tree-lined streets. Then head to Oodi Library—not just a place for books but a futuristic community hub with movie theaters, co-working spaces, and even 3D printers. If you’re into food, Vanha Kauppahalli (the Old Market Hall) is where you’ll want to taste everything from smoked salmon to karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pastries).
Don’t miss the Löyly sauna, a modern architectural gem perched on the water’s edge. Take a steam, then plunge into the icy sea like the locals do. And if you’re here in summer, the city truly comes alive—street festivals, pop-up bars, and open-air concerts fill the long, golden evenings.
2. Rovaniemi
Best for families and winter wonderland seekers
Rovaniemi is where Finnish Lapland begins—and where Christmas lives year-round. Yes, this is officially the home of Santa Claus, complete with Santa’s Village right on the Arctic Circle line. But even if you’re not into reindeer selfies, there’s something magical about this northern town.
In winter, Rovaniemi transforms into a snowy dream. Husky safaris, reindeer sleigh rides, and snowmobile tours across vast, frosted landscapes are all part of the daily rhythm here. And of course, the main event: the Northern Lights. Between late August and April, you’ve got a good shot at spotting the auroras dance across the sky—especially from one of the many glass igloo hotels just outside town.
For a cultural fix, visit Arktikum, a beautifully designed museum that explores Arctic life, Sámi culture, and climate science in a way that’s both engaging and thought-provoking. Even if you don’t believe in Santa, Rovaniemi will still make you feel like a kid again.
3. Lake Saimaa
Best for summer relaxation and nature lovers
Let me tell you—Lake Saimaa is Finnish summer at its finest. It’s the largest lake in Finland and the fourth-largest in Europe, located in the southeast, not far from the Russian border. This region is all about slow travel: kayaking at sunset, sauna breaks followed by a plunge into the lake, and long, lazy meals on the deck of a lakeside cottage.
The lake itself is a maze of thousands of islands, peninsulas, and hidden coves. It’s also home to the super-rare Saimaa ringed seal, one of the most endangered seal species on the planet. If you’re lucky, you might spot one while boating around Linnansaari or Kolovesi National Parks.
You can rent a traditional lakeside cabin (called a mökki) almost anywhere around Saimaa, complete with your own pier and rowboat. And if you’re into fresh, local food, the local vendace fish—pan-fried until crispy—is something of a regional favorite. If you need a reset button from modern life, this is it.
4. Nuuksio National Park
Best for day hikes and nature escapes near the city
Only about 45 minutes from downtown Helsinki, Nuuksio National Park feels like stepping into pure Finnish wilderness. It’s surprisingly accessible, yet once you’re there, the city feels a world away. This is where locals go to recharge, breathe in fresh pine air, and soak up those classic blue-and-green Finnish landscapes.
The park is made up of quiet forest trails, mirror-like lakes, mossy boulders, and wooden boardwalks winding through wetlands. It’s the kind of place where you can pack a picnic, hike for a few hours, then take a dip in a forest lake before heading back to your Airbnb in the city.
There are dozens of marked trails, ranging from easy walks to longer treks, and the Haltia Nature Center is a great place to start. If you’re lucky, you might spot a flying squirrel (Nuuksio is one of the few places in Finland where they live).
Pro tip: pack sausages and matches. Many trails end at campfire sites, complete with wood and grills—it’s a very Finnish thing to do.
5. Tampere
Best for urban vibes with a side of lakeside serenity
Often overlooked in favor of Helsinki or Turku, Tampere deserves more love. Set between two vast lakes—Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi—and connected by rapids that used to power the textile mills, this city has industrial roots and a youthful, creative soul.
Tampere has this great balance between urban life and natural beauty. You can be sipping craft beer in a stylish bar, then paddleboarding on the lake an hour later. It’s also Finland’s sauna capital—don’t leave without visiting Rauhaniemi or Rajaportti, the oldest public sauna in Finland.
The city’s old factories have been turned into design shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Head to the Finlayson area or Tulli for that indie, local vibe. And if you’re into quirky museums, you’ll love the Moomin Museum (yes, there’s an entire museum dedicated to those adorable Finnish cartoon creatures).
Tampere feels lived-in and real—not polished, but full of character.
6. Saariselkä (Lapland)
Best for Arctic adventures and Northern Lights lovers
Way up in Finnish Lapland, Saariselkä feels like stepping into a snow globe—especially in winter. It’s a small village, but it punches way above its weight when it comes to experiences. Think snow-covered forests, sleigh rides pulled by reindeer, and cozy log cabins with saunas tucked in the back.
Saariselkä sits inside the Urho Kekkonen National Park, which means the scenery is wild and vast. Whether you’re into cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or simply sitting back in a glass igloo watching the Aurora Borealis dance overhead, this place makes magic feel real.
Locals love their traditions here—don’t skip the smoke sauna experience followed by a roll in the snow (yes, really). And if you’re around during winter, try a snowmobile safari under the stars or hop on a husky ride across the fells. In summer, the Midnight Sun keeps the days endlessly golden, perfect for long hikes and mountain biking. Saariselkä is remote, yes, but that’s exactly the point.
7. Old Rauma
Best for history buffs and architecture lovers
Old Rauma is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and once you step into its cobbled alleys, you’ll see why. Located on Finland’s southwest coast, it’s one of the oldest preserved wooden towns in the Nordics—dating back to the 1400s.
The entire old town is like an open-air museum, but with life still buzzing in it. Around 600 charming wooden buildings are still in use—homes, cafes, shops, even design studios. The streets are calm and colorful, perfect for slow strolls. And yes, those lace curtains you’ll spot in many windows? Rauma is known for its lace-making tradition, celebrated every summer during Lace Week.
Grab a coffee at Kaffebar or pop into a local bakery for a pulla (cardamom bun). For a dose of history, visit the Rauma Museum or the 15th-century Holy Cross Church. It’s a town where time slows down, and that’s its greatest charm.
8. Turku
Best for culture lovers and foodies
If Helsinki is Finland’s cool, metropolitan heart, Turku is its older, bohemian soul. Sitting on the country’s southwest coast, Turku is Finland’s former capital and one of the oldest cities in the country.
Start with the Turku Castle—a 700-year-old medieval fortress that has seen everything from kings to prisons. Then take a stroll along the Aura River, where old ships are moored and waterside restaurants come alive in the evenings. In summer, locals lounge on the riverbanks with rosé in hand and music in the air.
Turku is also a serious food city. The Market Hall (dating back to 1896) is a dream for sampling local cheeses, smoked fish, and rye pastries. There’s even a Michelin-starred scene quietly growing here—Kaskis is one to look out for if you’re in the mood for something special.
And if you’re visiting in August, don’t miss the Medieval Market or Ruisrock, one of Europe’s oldest rock festivals held on Ruissalo Island. Turku might be small, but it knows how to show you a good time.
9. Rukatunturi
Best for skiing, hiking, and all things outdoorsy
Rukatunturi—or just “Ruka” to locals—is a year-round playground nestled in northeastern Finland, near the Russian border. If you’re into nature and outdoor action, Ruka’s your kind of place. It’s one of Finland’s top ski resorts in winter, with over 30 slopes, a snow-sure season from October to May, and a laid-back, family-friendly vibe.
But don’t skip Ruka in the warmer months. Summer here is lush and green, and the Karhunkierros Trail (Bear’s Trail) kicks off nearby—Finland’s most famous long-distance hiking route through the stunning Oulanka National Park—hanging bridges, waterfalls, deep gorges, and quiet pine forests.
Evenings are best spent in a sauna cabin, watching the mist rise over the lakes, maybe with a cold lonkero (Finnish grapefruit gin drink) in hand. Ruka doesn’t try to impress—it just naturally does.
10. Hämeenlinna
Best for medieval charm and lake views
Smack in the heart of southern Finland, just an hour from Helsinki, Hämeenlinna is a bit of a hidden gem. Most Finns know it as the birthplace of famed composer Jean Sibelius, but there’s more to it than that.
Start with the Häme Castle—a red-brick medieval fortress that dates back to the 13th century, sitting right by Lake Vanajavesi. It’s a moody, majestic place that tells tales of knights and kings. Nearby, the Sibelius Birthplace Museum gives you a peek into the life of Finland’s musical legend.
Hämeenlinna also makes a great base for exploring the surrounding lake region, including Aulanko Nature Reserve with its observation tower and scenic forest trails. And if you’re into birds or just peace and quiet, Lake Vanajavesi is lovely for kayaking or a slow cruise.
It’s not flashy, but that’s part of the charm—Hämeenlinna is calm, historical, and steeped in local soul.
11. Savonlinna
Best for lakeside romance and opera lovers
If fairytales had summer homes, they’d look like Savonlinna. Sitting in the heart of Finland’s Lakeland region, this small town is surrounded by water and made for slow, scenic travel. Ferries crisscross the lake, and tiny islands dot the horizon in every direction.
At the center of it all is Olavinlinna Castle, a 15th-century fortress dramatically set on its own rocky island. It’s the northernmost medieval stone castle still standing in the world, and it hosts the famous Savonlinna Opera Festival every July—world-class performances with jaw-dropping acoustics.
The town itself is compact and charming, with lakeside cafés, old wooden houses, and summer markets selling fresh berries and handmade crafts. Don’t leave without trying lörtsy—a local pastry that’s either savory or sweet, often stuffed with meat, apple, or jam.
Savonlinna is best experienced slowly—by boat, on foot, or from a lakeside sauna at sunset.
12. Porvoo
Best for art lovers and weekend getaways
Just 50 km east of Helsinki, Porvoo is a dreamy day trip or weekend retreat. It’s the second-oldest town in Finland, and you’ll see that history shine through in its pastel-painted wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and the iconic red shorehouses lining the Porvoonjoki River.
Wander through Old Porvoo, where boutiques and cafés fill the old buildings, and everything feels handcrafted and personal. Artists love this town—and it shows in the galleries, bookstores, and even the menus at local restaurants.
Stop for coffee at Café Fanny or grab a slice of cake at Helmi, a beloved old-world café that feels like grandma’s living room. For something stronger, the local Porvoon Paahtimo brewery sits right on the river and is the perfect sunset spot.
Porvoo is small, but full of soul—and only a short hop from the capital.
13. Hanko
Best for beach days and a seaside vibe
When Finns crave the sea, they go to Hanko. This southernmost town in Finland is a summer darling, with 130 km of shoreline and more sandy beaches than you’d expect this far north.
Hanko is known for its laid-back vibe, sailing culture, and gorgeous villas from its heyday as a 19th-century spa town. It still feels a bit like a seaside retreat from another era—with wooden piers, lighthouses, and seafood restaurants looking out over the Baltic.
It’s great for a long, slow summer weekend. Walk or bike the coastal paths, grab smoked fish from the harbor market, and take in the sea breeze from Bellevue Beach. For a little culture, check out the Hanko Museum or climb up the Water Tower for sweeping views.
If you’re here in July, the Hanko Regatta brings in sailboats, parties, and a dose of summer glamour.
14. Levi
Best for winter sports and cozy luxury
And finally, we end in Levi, one of Finland’s most popular ski and winter resort towns, tucked deep in Lapland. It’s big enough to have everything you need—excellent slopes, buzzing après-ski spots, spas, and even a bit of nightlife—but small enough to keep things cozy.
Levi isn’t just about skiing (though the 43 slopes and modern lifts are a big draw). It’s also an epic spot for snowmobiling, ice-karting, and chasing the Northern Lights. And if you’re feeling brave, there’s even an ice hotel nearby you can spend the night in.
What I love about Levi is that it balances wilderness and comfort beautifully. You can go dogsledding across frozen lakes during the day, then warm up in a luxurious spa or fine dining restaurant at night. The atmosphere is always relaxed—more hygge than hype.
For something unique, stay in a glass-roofed igloo, where the stars (and maybe the auroras) are your ceiling.
Final Thoughts
Finland is a land of contrasts—northern lights and midnight suns, medieval towns and modern cities, steamy saunas and icy lakes. Whether you’re craving Arctic adventures, quiet forests, coastal charm, or rich history, this Nordic gem has something for every kind of traveler.