Often overlooked in favour of its more accessible neighbours, Finland has become one of the least touristy countries in Western Europe. Travellers who dismiss Finland as an empty cold and dark wilderness are missing out. It is in fact one of the most unique and interesting regions in Europe.
There are few other places in the world where summer provides near 24-hour sunshine and winter brings with it almost total darkness. Along with this, Finland’s isolated location means that it retains its wild, natural beauty that includes wide, deep lakes and miles of forests. Alternatively its capital Helsinki will surprise visitors with its ability to provide a truly unique city break.
Helsinki
Finland’s capital is cool and modern city that has a creative, independent vibe that makes it distinct from any other European city. As well as this, its location right on the coast means that it benefits from the clean, fresh sea air, plus tourists can watch as large ferries dominate the skyline when they make their way to the city’s harbour. By European standards Helsinki is not a very old city and it has little architecture dating back before the early 20th Century. This doesn’t mean the city is without character, as it has numerous elegant Art Nouveau and striking Art Deco buildings.
In summer Helsinki comes alive, with its green spaces and parks packed full of residents and visitors. The city barely sleeps and its 20-hours of sunshine a day means it becomes an outdoor lover’s dream location. In winter the city is at the other extreme with only six hours of sunshine, the temperature drops to well below freezing and its streets become almost deserted.
If you are visiting in winter then there are many museums and art galleries where you can discover Finland’s rich history and creativity. Once you’re all cultured out you can head to one of the city’s many cafes, some of which retain the same décor and menu from when they first opened in the 1930s, while others offer a modern and trendy alternative.
The Lakeland
A great place to visit in summer, Finland’s Lakeland region is full of lakes, rivers, locks and canals. Its remote location means that there are miles of unspoilt nature to enjoy and stunning scenery that will stay in your memory forever. There are lots of activities to enjoy in this part of the country; those who enjoy hiking will love exploring its forest trails and hills, while those seeking a bit more excitement can have a go at white water rafting or head off mountain biking.
This region also has a lot to offer in the winter months, with skiing being a big attraction. If you’re looking for more offbeat activities try dog-sledding, snowmobiling, ice-fishing and cross-country skiing.
Lapland
One of the most famous parts of Finland is Lapland. Stretching far into the north of the country and hundreds of miles above the Arctic Circle, Lapland is a wilderness that enjoys an extremely brief summer and a very long, cold winter. This beautiful and isolated region is one of the few places in the world where visitors can see the Northern Lights in their full glory, plus it offers unique experiences such as watching reindeer races across frozen lakes.
Getting there: You can either fly directly into Helsinki airport or travel by ferry into the city. From there you can either get a connecting flight or travel by train to other parts of the country.
Written by Derin Clark, a writer, editor and blogger