The top 15 activities to enjoy in Finland

You won’t be able to experience it all in a single visit – which is perfect since Finland offers enough to captivate you for a lifetime.

From the magic of the northern lights illuminating the chilly expanses of Lapland, to bear watching in the serene, secluded forests of the east, cloudberry picking under the blazing midnight sun, or kayaking across lakes accompanied only by seals and sea eagles in Finnish Lakeland, Finland will enchant you.

But don’t just take our word for it: in this land of contrasts and extraordinary experiences, each moment and memory is truly one-of-a-kind. Here are 15 of the finest activities to kickstart your Finnish adventure.

1. Experience the northern lights in Lapland

Holding your breath as the aurora borealis dances and swirls across the icy Arctic night sky is an otherworldly experience. No photograph can truly capture the moment when the sky ignites, shifting in an eerie fashion, with green beams cascading down like strobe lights, as if the Nordic deities are throwing a wild celebration above.

Finnish Lapland is one of the finest locations on the planet to witness the mesmerizing, shape-shifting display known as revontulet, or fox fires. Legend has it that these lights were created when an Arctic fox dashed through the snow, sending sparks into the sky. The Sámi hold a profound respect for the northern lights, often remaining quiet in their presence, as they believe these lights are the spirited dances of their ancestors.

Rovaniemi serves as an excellent starting point for tours aimed at chasing the northern lights. For an even better chance, venture further north to the snowy peaks of Saariselkä, Harriniva, Levi, or Utsjoki, where the chances of seeing the lights from September to April are extremely high.

2. Embrace the festive spirit in Rovaniemi, Lapland

Longing for Christmas every day? You’ll adore Rovaniemi, where you can snuggle up with the cheerful, red-suited, chimney-climbing figure all year round. Remain perpetually five years old as you share your wish list with Santa in his grotto at Santa Claus Village, right on the Arctic Circle. Afterward, send letters adorned with the Arctic Circle stamp at the post office or hop onto a reindeer-pulled sleigh.

And if you're still buzzing with holiday excitement, swing by Santapark to meet toy-making, gingerbread-baking elves, enjoy sparkling rides, relax at the ice bar, and meet – um – the other real Santa…

3. Gather cloudberries in Ranua

The mosquitoes are on the hunt, and the swamps threaten to pull you in, but who cares: armed with a basket, a netted hat, a keen forager’s eye, and endless stretches of forest and lake ahead, you feel a deep connection to nature as you venture into the remote wilderness searching for cloudberries. And where better to find 'Lappish gold' than in Ranua, the charming town just south of the Arctic Circle that claims the title of Finland’s cloudberry capital?

For a fleeting few weeks in late July and early August, you can embrace your inner hunter-gatherer by coming here to collect the tangy, creamy, amber-gold berries, born from winter snows, which drive Finns wild with their flavor and superfood benefits. But it’s not just about the berries – wandering alone in the cottongrass-dotted swamps, soaking in the space and silence, having time to reflect – this is the essence of Finnish happiness. Visit Ranua can provide foraging maps and apps and assist in arranging guides.

4. Take the plunge in the sauna

If you’ve never experienced it before, the thought of baring it all in front of a group of sweaty strangers in a small wooden cabin might seem daunting, but relax: this is Finland. Fully embracing the sauna tradition is your shortcut to connecting with the country’s steam-loving spirit. Leave your modesty behind in the changing area, bring a towel and an open mind, and let the stress melt away as water hisses on the stove, clouds of löyly (steam) rise, and the temperature soars to a cozy 80°C (176°F). Finish off by gently whipping yourself with a circulation-boosting vasta (birch whisk), diving into an ice hole, and enjoying a beer, and you’ve achieved peak Finnish experience.

Saunas are ubiquitous in Finland, but unforgettable ones include the world’s largest underground smoke sauna, Herrankukkaro (Mama's Pocket), located on an island just south of Turku, the rustic lakeside Jätkänkämppä in Kuopio, and Finland’s oldest operating sauna, Rajaportin in Tampere.

5. Dive into the waters of Finnish Lakeland

Green and blue stretch endlessly in Finnish Lakeland in the eastern part of the country. You can’t pick up a map without finding yourself splashing straight into water. While the exact number of lakes is uncertain, estimates suggest there are around 55,000. The days here have a soothing rhythm and simplicity, marked by the sun rising and setting over the forests and glassy lakes.

For a genuine sense of back-to-nature freedom, nothing compares to grabbing a paddle and venturing onto the waters in a kayak or canoe. With the longest lake coastline in the world, the forest-covered Lake Saimaa is an ideal spot to rent a canoe or join a guided tour. As you navigate through a labyrinth of deserted islands, inlets, and bays, you might be fortunate enough to see the rare Saimaa ringed seal (native to this region), along with otters, reindeer, and elk. Nights are spent by a crackling campfire beneath a starry sky. Pure bliss.

6. Step back in time in Old Rauma

With its quirky wooden buildings painted in pastel colors, adorned with flower boxes and cobblestone streets, UNESCO World Heritage site Old Rauma is a delight to explore on foot. The largest wooden medieval old town in the Nordic countries resembles a stage set, yet it remains a vibrant community, featuring a cluster of cozy cafes, shops, museums, and artisan workshops. The old sailor's dialect, Rauman giäl, is still spoken here.

The Rauma Museum offers a glimpse into local history and showcases traditional crafts. For an immersive experience, spend the night at Hotelli Vanha Rauma, situated in a historic warehouse in the old fish market.

7. Venture into the wilderness of Urho Kekkonen National Park

This is the grand adventure. Nestled off the beaten path and renowned for its stunning beauty, Urho Kekkonen National Park is Finland’s largest national park, spanning an impressive 2550 sq km (1548 sq miles) of lush forests and fells, stretching from Saariselkä to the Russian border. If you love long-distance hiking or cross-country skiing, this is paradise—where you can wander for miles in complete solitude through ancient pine, spruce, and birch forests, cross rushing streams, and ascend mythical fells, including the 486m (1594ft) Korvatunturi, known as Santa’s spiritual home.

The wildlife here is as remarkable as you’d imagine. While the larger predators like bears, wolverines, wolves, and lynx tend to stay hidden, you can spot reindeer, moose, and a variety of birds, including eagles. Equally special is the profound silence found only in this northern expanse. Pack your gear and choose to sleep in a hiker’s hut or wild camp beneath the midnight sun.

8. Enjoy a uniquely cool night in an igloo or snow hotel

If you've ever dreamed of curling up on a reindeer hide in an igloo while snowflakes swirl around you or the northern lights dance above, Lapland has you covered with its array of snow hotels and glass-domed cabins. Although temperatures drop well below freezing, fear not—expedition-grade sleeping bags and thermal duvets will keep you warm. At the luxurious end, enjoy saunas, hot tubs, and ice bars offering warm grog to ensure your comfort.

Frosty retreats where you can rest on intricately crafted ice beds include the Lumihotelli in Kemi and the lakeside Arctic Snow Hotel in Rovaniemi. If you'd rather watch the northern lights from the comfort of your bed, consider the laser-heated, glass-roofed cabins at Wilderness Hotel Inari or the aurora bubbles at Wilderness Hotel Nellim.

9. Immerse yourself in Helsinki’s design culture

Finland's design scene has a unique rhythm, and in Helsinki, you can fully immerse yourself. Ranging from audaciously bold to sleek and functional in true Scandi style, the capital boasts a fantastic array of design shops. Discover the finest by wandering through the Punavuori backstreets in the vibrant Design District. If 20th-century design captivates you, you could easily spend a morning lost in vibrant prints at Marimekko, modernist shapes at Artek, and striking glass pieces at Iittala.

To delve deeper into the roots of Finnish design and its innovative edge, head to the Design Museum; their website offers information on free guided tours available in English.

10. Bike through the Åland Islands

Scattered like jewels off the southwestern coast, the self-governing Åland Islands speak Swedish but are technically part of Finland. These 6,700 islands, many mere specks of pink granite, exude a surreal charm, adorned with painterly light, shimmering waters, lush forests, and soft sandy beaches that gracefully merge into the Baltic. Cycling is the perfect way to explore, with ferries connecting the islands and flat paths that make riding effortless, allowing you to glide from castles to orchards and medieval churches to windmills. Rent your bike in the capital, Mariehamn, and set off in spring or autumn when the islands are at their serene best.

11. Embrace your Moomin obsession

Come on, you know you’ve come to Finland for the Moomins. You’re in good company! Nearly everyone has a soft spot for these quirky, adorable characters that resemble white hippos (though they’re actually large-snouted trolls), beautifully brought to life in Tove Jansson’s enchanting stories.

Join the fun in the Moomin house, cave, workshop, and nature trail at Muumimaailma (Moomin World), located on its own island just off the coast of Turku. For a more cultural Moomin experience, venture north to the creatively curated Moomin Museum in Tampere, filled with original illustrations and dioramas.

12. Enjoy snowy adventures in Lapland

In the frigid winter of Lapland, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Narnia, surrounded by snow-covered fells, tundra, and enchanting forests. While some might prefer to cozy up in a cabin and watch the snowflakes dance, many will yearn for adventure. Whether you choose to dogsled, snowmobile, cross-country ski, snowshoe into the frosty wilderness, or embark on a reindeer sleigh ride beneath the shimmering auroras, the choices are endless. For serene skiing with ideal powder, head to Levi or Ylläs. For a complete snowy escapade, Rovaniemi, Inari, and even farther north to Utsjoki are fantastic options.

For those seeking a thrilling experience, consider aurora ice floating in Rovaniemi. Clad in an Arctic survival suit, you’ll drift on a frozen lake while gazing at the captivating northern lights above. It’s an exhilarating and enchanting experience.

13. Visit the local food markets

To witness the wild and wonderful diversity of Finnish cuisine, head to the nearest kauppahalli (covered market). Helsinki’s stunning late 19th-century market hall is perfect for stocking up on delights like reindeer steaks, forest berries, artisan cheeses, and ham traditionally smoked over alder logs in a sauna. Enjoy a coffee with a korvapuusti (cinnamon bun) or try a lunch special like cured salmon on homemade rye bread. The harbor front Story is ideal for brunch under its grand arches.

The historic covered markets in Tampere and Turku are also excellent spots for picnic supplies or a quick lunch. In summer, the vibrant atmosphere spills outdoors to the kauppatori (market square), where stalls overflow with delights ranging from wild mushrooms to golden cloudberries.

14. Immerse Yourself in Sámi Culture

It's often said that the Sámi people of Lapland have 200 different words for snow, but even more astonishing is their vocabulary of 1000 words for reindeer. These majestic animals have been central to their existence for centuries in the harsh, cold north. Engaging with the Sámi offers deep insights into their life, which is closely tied to nature and the seasons—whether it’s listening to the haunting melodies of a joik (traditional song) by a crackling campfire in a lavvu tent or encountering reindeer under the shimmering northern lights.

The Sámi capital, Inari, serves as an excellent starting point. Here, you can learn about Sámi life, from their semi-nomadic history to contemporary issues at the innovative Siida museum, while also immersing yourself in the stunning wilderness of nearby Lemmenjoki National Park.

15. Spend time with brown bears

Witnessing a bear emerge from the lush Russian forests to roam the swamps in search of a midnight meal is an unforgettable experience you'll cherish forever. Nestled on the Finnish–Russian border, Lentiira is one of Europe's premier spots for observing brown bears in their natural habitat. While there's no guarantee of a sighting, the chances are excellent during the bear-watching season (April to October) at the conservation-minded Wild Brown Bear Centre. Each season brings its own allure—from playful cubs in spring to the endless daylight of midsummer and the vibrant autumn colors.

These bears are typically shy and harmless. Remain quiet in your hide or opt for a family-sized luxury lodge for added privacy, and you're likely to see plenty. With a bit of luck, you might also encounter wolverines, wolves, and elk.