15 of the Best Places to Visit in Finland-From Santa Claus Village to the Sauna Capital of the World

"If you're planning a trip to Finland, there's a good chance that seeing the northern lights is at the top of your list. During the winter months, Lapland, the country's northernmost region, is known as one of the best places in the world to view the aurora borealis, but amazing as the experience may be, there are many more reasons to visit this Nordic country."

"Adventurous travelers and those who prefer fresh air to indoor activities will feel right at home in Finland. Nicknamed the "Land of a Thousand Lakes," the country actually has around 188,000 of them, making it a prime destination for activities like ice fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, and cruising. Finland is also covered in lush forests and vast wilderness; in fact, there are 41 national parks, all of which showcase the diversity of Finnish landscapes, flora, and fauna."

"Spending time in the great outdoors is crucial to understanding Finland and what makes it so special-so be sure to save time in your itinerary for a trip to Lake Päijänne or Nuuksio National Park. "The everyday life is rather similar in all the Nordic countries, but I believe Finns appreciate silence and nature even more," says Riitta Kiukas, CEO of Active Holiday Finland by Skafur-Tour. "One hour in a forest every day keeps us happy.""

Finland offers prime winter aurora viewing in Lapland and abundant outdoor experiences across its roughly 188,000 lakes. Activities include ice fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, and cruising. Lush forests and vast wilderness contain 41 national parks that showcase diverse landscapes, flora, and fauna. Daily outdoor time and quiet natural settings contribute strongly to Finnish well-being. Key destinations include Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Lake Päijänne, and Nuuksio National Park, along with traditional saunas. Travel distances are long, so a minimum of five to seven days is recommended. Local people tend to be warm and helpful despite stereotypes of reserve.

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