Finland Travel Guide

Often described as the 'Land of a Thousand Lakes,' Finland is a breathtaking Eden in Northern Europe where natural wonders abound. Visitors can escape to an unforgettable wilderness of vast forests, serene islands and wild arctic mystery for the holiday of a lifetime, though the fun doesn't stop there in this incredible destination. Lively, sophisticated cities are on offer as well, meaning cultured, tech-savvy wanderers will have lots to occupy their time. Snow-covered castles and reindeer herds in winter, music festivals and lake cruises in summer: there's nothing like Finland for the serious globetrotter.

The country's stunning natural scenery is one of its most significant draws, and visitors can look forward to dense forests, over 188, 000 lakes and a spectacular archipelago along the southwestern coast. Winter months welcome the Northern Lights, whose magical display of colours is visible from various locations in Lapland; summer's midnight sun makes hiking, swimming and exploring well into the wee hours possible.

Those who long for Arctic adventures can stay in glass igloos or ice hotels, and there are many opportunities to try winter activities such dog sledding and snowshoeing. Reindeer safaris in Lapland are truly singular experiences.

The capital, Helsinki, is a hub of architecture and modern design, where travellers can visit some of the country's best landmarks. These include the UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna Fortress, which is an outstanding example of 18th-century military architecture, and the striking Temppeliaukio Church, which was carved directly into solid rock. Helsinki is also recognised as one of the world's smartest cities, and has extensive smart-city initiatives such as cutting-edge public transportation systems, smart infrastructure and digital services.

The cultural scene features world-class museums, and unique events such as the Midnight Sun Film Festival, during which films are shown around the clock over 24 hours of uninterrupted sunlight. Travellers should absolutely visit the city's Design District, which features distinctive boutiques, innovative design studios and galleries, and eye-catching public art installations.

Sauna bathing is highly recommended as a way to understand locals. The custom has been around for centuries and is used for relaxation, and as a means of mingling in a space where social status is set aside. Many Finnish saunas are in beautiful, natural settings. It's also worth checking out the country's traditional folk festivals such as Juhannus (Midsummer), which features bonfires along with traditional music and dancing.