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Aviation A2Z Finland’s First Permanent New F-35A Fighter Jets ArriveTravel and Tour World United Kingdom Follows Finland and More in Sustainable Travel as Glasgow Advances Green Hotels, Events and Visitor ExperiencesTravel and Tour World Finland Beats Sweden and Other Leading Countries as Helsinki Sets the Pace for Sustainable Tourism in 2026Cruise Industry News Maritime Fair Returns to Turku, Finland, October 29–30Simple Flying Finnair's Record-Breaking 24-Hour Direct Flights Launch Soon: See Route NowTravel and Tour World Tallinn Tourism Hits Record as Estonia Struggles to Recover Beyond CapitalTravel and Tour World Finland Aligns With Sweden And More To Lead Global Eco Tourism Drive In Sustainable TravelTravel and Tour World Canada Steps Up With Finland And More Arctic Countries In Iceland Tourism As Cross Border Demand Lifts Growth Beyond 11%Travel and Tour World Finland And The Magic Of Culinary Travel Are Suddenly Giving Every Single Explorer An Unforgettable New Reason To RoamTravel and Tour World Finland Tourism Is Quietly Transforming Forever As Global Travelers Uncover The Lakeland Region Through Slow TravelTravel and Tour World Emirates Opens Only Year-Round Non-Stop Flights Between UAE and Finland with New Daily A350 FlightsCruise Industry News SpongeBob Musical Coming to Hero of the SeasAeroTime Finland presents first F-35s as transition to operational service beginsPrince of Travel Buy Finnair Plus Avios with up to a 50% BonusAviation A2Z Finland’s First Permanent New F-35A Fighter Jets ArriveTravel and Tour World United Kingdom Follows Finland and More in Sustainable Travel as Glasgow Advances Green Hotels, Events and Visitor ExperiencesTravel and Tour World Finland Beats Sweden and Other Leading Countries as Helsinki Sets the Pace for Sustainable Tourism in 2026Cruise Industry News Maritime Fair Returns to Turku, Finland, October 29–30Simple Flying Finnair's Record-Breaking 24-Hour Direct Flights Launch Soon: See Route NowTravel and Tour World Tallinn Tourism Hits Record as Estonia Struggles to Recover Beyond CapitalTravel and Tour World Finland Aligns With Sweden And More To Lead Global Eco Tourism Drive In Sustainable TravelTravel and Tour World Canada Steps Up With Finland And More Arctic Countries In Iceland Tourism As Cross Border Demand Lifts Growth Beyond 11%Travel and Tour World Finland And The Magic Of Culinary Travel Are Suddenly Giving Every Single Explorer An Unforgettable New Reason To RoamTravel and Tour World Finland Tourism Is Quietly Transforming Forever As Global Travelers Uncover The Lakeland Region Through Slow TravelTravel and Tour World Emirates Opens Only Year-Round Non-Stop Flights Between UAE and Finland with New Daily A350 FlightsCruise Industry News SpongeBob Musical Coming to Hero of the SeasAeroTime Finland presents first F-35s as transition to operational service beginsPrince of Travel Buy Finnair Plus Avios with up to a 50% Bonus
Helsinki – FinlandSuomenlinna – FinlandRovaniemi – FinlandSaariselkä – FinlandTemppeliaukio Church – Finland
📍 Helsinki📷 Michal Pise, Michal.Pise · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
🌍 Europe🗓️ Best: Jun–Aug for the midnight sun; Dec–Mar for snow and northern lights

Finland ✓

Saunas, northern lights and thousands of lakes

🕒 –:– local time13 stories this week6 sources 6 top placesCapital Helsinki

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Finland📸 Photo album · 7 photos · Ultra-HD
Finland📜 History of Finland

The story of Finland

After the glaciers of the last Ice Age retreated, hunter-gatherers moved into the lakes and forests of what is now Finland, leaving rock paintings and distinctive comb-decorated pottery. Over thousands of years the ancestors of the Finns settled the south and west, while the Sámi people lived further north, herding reindeer, fishing and hunting in a way of life that still continues in Lapland today.

From the twelfth and thirteenth centuries Swedish crusades and settlers gradually brought the region into the Kingdom of Sweden, along with Christianity and Swedish law. Medieval castles at Turku and Olavinlinna date from this long Swedish era, which lasted around six centuries. In 1809 Sweden lost Finland to Russia, and it became an autonomous Grand Duchy under the tsar, with Helsinki made its capital in 1812.

Read the full history

The nineteenth century brought a national awakening: Elias Lönnrot compiled the Kalevala epic from folk poetry, and composer Jean Sibelius and artists of the Golden Age shaped a distinct Finnish identity. Finland declared independence on 6 December 1917 amid the Russian Revolution, then went through a brief civil war in 1918. During the Second World War it fought the Winter War and the Continuation War against the Soviet Union, ceding territory but keeping its independence.

In the decades that followed, Finland built a modern welfare state, world-renowned schools and a strong design and technology culture. It joined the European Union in 1995 and NATO in 2023. Visitors today find a calm, nature-loving nation of saunas, lakes and forests, the Northern Lights and midnight sun in Lapland, and a sleek, design-driven capital on the Baltic Sea.

Timeline

  1. c. 9000 BCFirst settlers arrive as the ice sheets retreat
  2. c. 1150–1250Finland is gradually absorbed into the Kingdom of Sweden
  3. 1809Finland becomes an autonomous Grand Duchy of the Russian Empire
  4. 1835Elias Lönnrot publishes the Kalevala
  5. 1917Finland declares independence on 6 December
  6. 1939–1940The Winter War against the Soviet Union
  7. 1995Finland joins the European Union
  8. 2023Finland becomes a member of NATO
Finland 🛂 Visa & entry

Entry rules depend on your passport and change often.

  • Schengen Area – Part of the Schengen Area – 29 European countries with no passport checks between them. Short visits are usually counted under the 90-days-in-any-180 rule across the whole area.
  • European Union – EU member – EU/EEA citizens can travel and stay freely.
  • Eurozone – Uses the euro.

Before you book, check the official rules for your passport:

The latest visa and entry news for Finland appears below as soon as publishers report it.

Finland✨ 10 best things to do in Finland

Things to do in Finland

  1. Chase the Northern LightsHead into the dark Lapland sky between late August and April for a chance to see the aurora dance overhead.
  2. Take a real saunaSweat in a wood-fired or smoke sauna, then plunge into a lake or the Baltic Sea, as Finns have done for centuries.
  3. Ride with huskiesMush your own sled team across snowy forests in Lapland.
  4. Explore SuomenlinnaFerry out to the UNESCO-listed sea fortress spread across islands off Helsinki.
  5. Paddle the LakelandCanoe or kayak among thousands of forested islands in Saimaa, home to a rare freshwater seal.
  6. Experience the midnight sunHike, fish or simply stay up all night under the never-setting summer sun in the north.
  7. Visit Santa Claus VillageCross the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi and visit the famous Christmas-themed village.
  8. Pick berries and mushroomsMake use of everyman's right to roam and forage in Finland's vast forests.
  9. Discover Finnish designBrowse the Design District and the Helsinki Design Museum for iconic glass, textiles and furniture.
  10. Sleep in a glass iglooWatch the sky from a heated glass-roofed cabin in Lapland.
Finland🗺️ Where to visit in Finland

Where to go in Finland

  • HelsinkiCapital · design and seasideA compact capital of Art Nouveau streets, island ferries, public saunas and excellent museums.
  • SuomenlinnaHelsinki · UNESCO sea fortressEighteenth-century fortifications, tunnels and picnic spots on islands just a short ferry ride away.
  • RovaniemiLapland · Arctic CircleThe capital of Lapland, gateway to husky safaris, aurora trips and the Arktikum museum.
  • 📍
    Saariselkä and InariNorthern Lapland · fells and Sámi cultureSnowy fells, aurora views and the Siida museum of Sámi culture by Lake Inari.
  • TurkuSouthwest · historic cityFinland's oldest city, with a medieval castle, cathedral and gateway to the Archipelago Sea.
  • 📍
    SavonlinnaLakeland · castle and lakesThe island castle of Olavinlinna hosts a famous opera festival in summer.
  • 📍
    PorvooSouthern coast · old townA picturesque town of red riverside warehouses and cobbled lanes.
  • 📍
    Åland IslandsArchipelago · cycling and islandsA Swedish-speaking autonomous archipelago perfect for cycling, sailing and slow summer days.
Finland✨ Must-do experiences
  • Warm up in a sauna, then swim in a lake
  • Chase the northern lights in Lapland
  • Ride a husky or reindeer sleigh
  • Stay in a lakeside cottage under the midnight sun
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Finland🍽️ Taste of Finland
  • Karjalanpiirakka – rye pastry filled with rice porridge
  • Lohikeitto – creamy salmon soup
  • Korvapuusti – cinnamon bun
  • Poronkäristys – sautéed reindeer with mashed potato and lingonberries
Finland🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Finland

Best time to visit Finland

Finland has warm summers with very long days and cold winters with deep snow. Lapland in the north is much colder and darker in winter, while the south coast is milder.

BestJune–August for long days and lakes; December–March for snow, Lapland and the Northern Lights.
ShoulderSeptember for autumn colours (ruska) in Lapland and the start of aurora season; May for spring light.
AvoidNovember, when it is often dark, grey and slushy before the snow settles.
-1°💧Jan
-2°💧Feb
2°💧Mar
8°💧Apr
15°💧May
19°💧Jun
22°💧💧Jul
21°💧💧Aug
15°💧Sep
9°💧Oct
4°💧Nov
1°💧Dec

Typical daytime highs and rain in Helsinki (approximate averages).

Finland🎉 Festivals & events in Finland
  • Late June
    Juhannus (Midsummer)Finns head to lakeside cottages for bonfires, saunas and celebrations of the year's longest days.
  • 30 April–1 May
    VappuA massive spring carnival with students in white caps, picnics and sparkling mead.
  • July
    Savonlinna Opera FestivalWorld-class opera performed inside the medieval Olavinlinna castle.
  • 6 December
    Independence DayCandles glow in windows across the country to mark Finland's independence.
  • August
    Flow FestivalA popular Helsinki music and arts festival held in a former power plant area.
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Finland🧭 Finland itinerary ideas

How many days in Finland?

5 daysHelsinki and Lapland

Day 1-2 explore Helsinki, Suomenlinna and a public sauna. Day 3-5 fly or take the night train to Rovaniemi for husky rides, the Arctic Circle and aurora hunting.

10 daysCoast, lakes and the Arctic

Days 1-3 Helsinki and a day trip to Porvoo. Days 4-6 travel through the Lakeland to Savonlinna for cruises, castles and cottage saunas. Days 7-10 head north to Rovaniemi and Inari for Lapland wilderness and Sámi culture.

Finland🎒 Backpacking Finland – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $70–100 a day

  • Book train and long-distance bus tickets early online for much cheaper advance fares.
  • Everyman's right lets you camp for a night in most nature areas, and many national parks have free wilderness huts and lean-to shelters.
  • Lunch buffets on weekdays are the best-value hot meals; supermarkets are good for picnics.
  • Public saunas in Helsinki and other cities are an affordable way to experience a Finnish tradition.
  • Travel in spring or autumn for lower prices, and consider shoulder-season Lapland trips.
Finland🛡️ Safety & money in Finland

Stay safe

  • Finland is one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime.
  • Dress properly for winter cold, with layers, hat and gloves, and take care on icy pavements.
  • In summer bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be intense in the north and Lakeland.
  • Check your government's travel advice before visiting areas near the eastern border, as land crossings into Russia may be closed.

Money

  • Finland uses the euro, and cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere.
  • Some places are cash-free, so a card is more useful than cash for daily spending.
  • Tipping is not expected because service is included, though rounding up is welcome.

Emergency: 112 police, fire & ambulance

Finland🛬 Getting to Finland

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is the main international hub, with seasonal flights direct to Lapland airports such as Rovaniemi. Ferries connect Helsinki with Tallinn, Stockholm and Germany, and there are land crossings with Sweden and Norway in the north.

✈️ Cheap flights to Finland: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Finland💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Finland
  • Finland has an estimated three million saunas for a population of around five and a half million.
  • Finland has around 188,000 lakes, earning it the nickname 'land of a thousand lakes'.
  • Finland regularly ranks at the top of world happiness surveys.
  • In northern Lapland the sun does not set for weeks in summer.
  • Finnish and Swedish are both official languages, and Sámi languages have official status in parts of Lapland.
Finland❓ Finland travel FAQ

Finland travel questions

Is Finland safe for tourists?

Yes, Finland is one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime and reliable services. The main risks are cold weather in winter and getting lost in remote nature.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland?

The aurora season in Lapland runs roughly from late August to early April, when nights are dark. Clear skies away from city lights give the best chances.

How many days do you need in Finland?

Five days is enough for Helsinki plus a short Lapland trip. Ten days lets you add the Lakeland, Turku or the archipelago.

Do I need a visa for Finland?

It depends on your passport – Finland is part of the Schengen Area, and entry rules vary by nationality. Check the official government site or embassy before you travel.

Is Finland expensive to visit?

Finland is one of the pricier countries in Europe, especially for eating out and accommodation. Lunch buffets, supermarkets, advance train tickets and free wilderness huts help keep costs down.

Finland💰 What a trip costs
$$$price level
$70–100backpacker / day
$170–280mid-range / day

Approximate daily cost per person (stay, food, local transport).

Finland🚌 Getting around

Modern trains link the main cities, including overnight trains to Lapland, plus domestic flights. Helsinki has trams, a metro and ferries.

Finland🛕 Sacred & spiritual places
  • Temppeliaukio Church – Church carved into solid rock in central Helsinki
  • Turku Cathedral – Finland's national shrine and most important medieval church
Finland🤝 Local etiquette
  • Shower before the sauna; same-sex saunas are often nude
  • Silence is comfortable – no need for small talk
  • Take your shoes off when entering a home

📰 Older Finland stories Everything our agents ever found – keeps loading as you scroll

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