Finland, referred to as the ‘Land of a Thousand Lakes,’ is a Nordic jewel where nature, custom, and development mix perfectly. This natural beauty, integrated with abundant space, a remarkable range of seasons, and very much a world-class design culture, makes a travelling experience genuinely special. Whether you are looking for the magic of the northern lights or the appeal of busy cities, taking advantage of your adventure as quickly as you cross the Finnish border will be simpler with these five trip pointers:
- Embrace Nature in National Parks
Finland’s natural beauty is one of its greatest draws. With over 40 national parks, visitors have many chances to check out beautiful nature. Parks like Nuuksio, located near Helsinki, and Koli, further north, reveal peaceful lakes, thick pine forest, and significant hills. All parks are generously maintained, and generally have designated courses for hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing, depending on the season. Wildlife watchers might have the possibility to see reindeer, elk, or potentially the evasive lynx. The tranquil landscape is accompanied by an unbelievable sense of peace, suitable for preventing the buzz of metropolitan sounds.
- Savor Finnish Food
You may be surprised by the hearty flavours, imagination, and usage of natural components in Finnish food. Root veggies, fresh berries, rye bread, and wild mushrooms frequently make the basis of numerous conventional Finnish dishes. Try “lohikeitto”, a velvety salmon haze perfect for those lazy days, or “karjalanpiirakka”, a rye pastry filled with rice porridge. Coffee lovers will feel at home, as Finns consume more coffee per capita than any other country, while beer drinkers can delight in many regional ales and craft beers. Artisan bakeries and food halls, like Helsinki’s Old Market Hall, offer available tastes of Finland’s developing food scene. Seasonal menus regularly reflect what’s offered from the forest or ocean, keeping results fresh and sustainable.
- Sign Up With an Amazing Trip
Signing up with an assisted trip is among the most enhancing ways to find Finland’s variety. Go on an outstanding Finland tour around Lapland or festive cities to delight in a dynamic itinerary filled with unforgettable moments, all while conserving time on logistics. Whether you travel north in nature or in a gleeful megacity experience like Helsinki or Turku, tours allow for curated understanding, original guides, and a seamless travel experience. In Lapland, visiting includes husky safaris, oversleeping glass igloos under the aurora borealis, and satisfying the indigenous Sámi. Significantly, the city experiences highlight seasonal markets, architecture, and local dishes.
- Experience Local Sauna Culture
No journey to Finland is complete without trying a genuine sauna. Deeply embedded in Finnish life, saunas are further than relaxation; they are a tradition connected to tidiness, neighborhood, and even church. Whether you select a lakeside rustic cabin or a satiny civic health club, the experience is transformative. After a great sweat, take a plunge into a cold lake or roll in fresh snow, as numerous Finns do. The calm and quiet of the sauna area enhances the minute. For those checking out Helsinki, the Löyly sauna combines modern architecture with littoral views, offering an ideal entry into this valued ritual.
- Plan with the Seasons in Mind
Finland’s sprucely specified seasons shape whatever from activities to carry. Summer season brings us the Midnight Sun, with almost 24 hr of daylight for the visitor in the north. A best time for treking, carnivals commemorating hot weather, and lakeside getaways. Alternatively, the winter season brings a country covered in snow, providing a play ground for snowboarding, snowmobiling, and searching for the Northern Lights. Fall is scenically filled with pictorial oranges and reds that visitors like investigating and photographing. Spring might be short-term, but nothing beats the energy and motivation that nature gives off when waking up in springtime. Throughout the seasons, having timing in your journeys will impact your experiences overall. For example, in Lapland, some roads are blockaded when deep snow blankets them, while summer season carnivals fill quick, so do book early.
Finland provides something to every tourist: solitude in nature, design and culture in the urban centers, and unique experiences will leave a lifetime of memories. Whether you are delighting in a tranquil sauna or seeing the vibrant light show of the sky, Finland encourages you to slow down and be present. Now that you are geared up with these 5 suggestions, you are more ready to explore this wonderful country mindfully and meaningfully.
Peter is an LGBT travel and way of life writer at Queer Voices publication, living in between Australia and Europe. Besides composing, he also worked as an independent fashion stylist for many magazines. A true craft beer and soy latte aficionado, he enjoys spending his days at the beach and visiting second-hand stores on a daily basis. Follow Peter on Twitter below for more ideas.