With its unforgettable natural beauty along with its lively cultural scenes, Finland is a special destination with endless attractions regardless of when you decide to visit it. Depending on how you organize your trip to the country, you could go cross-country skiing, delight in watching the northern lights or delve into a thriving culinary scene.
We are here to help you make the most of it. Book a stay with NH Hotels in Finland and begin discovering a country that offers a breadth of attractions and experiences that appears boundless.
Where to stay in Finland?
First time visitors won’t want to miss Helsinki, the capital and most populous city in Finland. It’s filled with cultural attractions that include gorgeous displays of historical architecture (like the Suomenlinna sea fortress), world-famous museums and art galleries, and relaxing urban green spaces. Helsinki is also home to a lively culinary culture offering both traditional Finnish specialties and upscale Michelin-starred fare.
If you are looking to explore the natural beauty of the Arctic and see the Northern Lights, then the Lapland region would be the ideal place for you to visit in Finland. It is the largest region in the country and offers a host of unique attractions and activities, such as skiing, husky safaris, and igloo stays.
The Finnish Lakeland, the country’s lake district, is another excellent destination for nature lovers. Visit it to marvel at its beautiful natural scenery full of rivers, lakes, and forests, and to practice outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and ice skating.
How’s the weather in Finland?
Finland experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year. The weather also varies significantly between the different regions in the country, particularly between coastal and inland areas.
Summers (usually lasting from around late May through September) tend to be very pleasant in Finland, with average temperatures around 20ºC. January and February are typically the coldest months in the country and come with a lot of snow.
What to see in Finland?
The Suomenlinna sea fortress, located in Helsinki and easily accessible by ferry, is one of the country’s most emblematic sights. It was an active submarine base during World War II and has since been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit to enjoy a picnic, the stunning sights, or its several museums.
Also located in Helsinki, the Esplanadi Park is a popular urban park right in the heart of the city. Not only is it a relaxing place to enjoy a stroll and unwind but it also often hosts concerts and other cultural performances. A stay at the NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa, our 5-star hotel in Finland’s capital, will place you at an excellent location to reach both Suomenlinna and the Esplanadi Park.
The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, is an atmospheric phenomenon that results in truly spectacular displays of colorful lights in the sky. Many people try to experience them firsthand at least once and Finland, particularly its northern regions, is one of the best places to do so.
The Lemmenjoki National Park, located in the Lapland region of Finland, is the largest natural reserve in the country and one of the largest in all of Europe. It is named after the Lemmenjoki river, which runs through it and has a length of 80 kilometers. Its natural beauty is nothing short of breathtaking and riverboats and guided tours are readily available.
The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, which is located in the Seurasaari island and opens only during the summer, aims to immerse its visitors into the Finnish lifestyle of previous centuries. It contains many historical buildings that have been relocated to the island and also serves as a public outdoor park with gorgeous cliffs and beaches.
Visit Turku, the country’s oldest town, to marvel at its beautiful medieval architecture. It is located in southwestern Finland and its attractions also include historic boats that have been repurposed as restaurants, a medieval festival that takes place in the summer, and the Sibelius Museum, the only museum in the country dedicated to music.
Are you ready to visit all these attractions? Our hotels in Finland are the perfect accommodations for your staying closer to these places of interest.
What to eat in Finland?
Be sure to try the traditional Finnish cuisine, which utilizes fresh ingredients like fish, meat (including reindeer), cereals and berries. The typical salmon soup is popular throughout the entire year but particularly comforting during the winter months. Also try poronkäristys, a traditional sauteed reindeer dish, usually served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries.
Breads and pastries are also mainstays in Finland. Rye bread in the country is amazing while korvapuusti (similar to a cinammon bun) and Runeberg cake (which is flavored with almonds and cardamom and topped with icing and raspberry jam) will be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
How to arrive in Finland?
The Helsinki Airport (HEL)—located near the capital as its name suggests—is the largest airport in the country and is connected to many destinations throughout Finland and abroad. The country has other major airports as well. For example, both Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) and Kittilä Airport (KTT) receive direct international flights into the Lapland region.
There are several boat connections to Finland. You can arrive in Helsinki by boat from Germany, Poland, Sweden, Latvia or Estonia. You can also arrive by boat in Vaasa, Turku or Hanko from different cities in Sweden. Lastly, you can also drive to Finland via Sweden or Norway, arriving at the northeastern border.
How to get around in Finland?
The entire country of Finland enjoys an extensive and efficient public transport system, which includes trams, buses and ferries. You can easily get around Finnish cities by walking or using public transport. Cycling is also a popular and convenient mode of transport in the country, and it even has several long-distance cycling routes.
Trains offer a great way of travelling cross-country through Finland and of discovering its countryside and rural areas. Buses will also help you reach most places in Finland while boats connect the country’s many islands.
Renting a car will also offer a convenient way of exploring Finland. Car rental services are accessible throughout the country and most international driving licenses are valid in Finland.
Regardless of what brings you to the country—whether its magical natural beauty or its vast cultural attractions—stay with NH Hotels in Finland and we will help you begin discovering its infinite charm.
