Frozen Wonders: 7 Must-See Finland Places of Interest
The snowy land of Finland makes a super fun vacation spot in winter. From sparkling hills to colourful northern lights in the sky to workshops where Santa may live, Finland places of interest offer magical experiences. To make the most of its enchanting wintery vibes, we have compiled our list of the 7 best places to visit in Finland in winter.
Cool activities like riding snowmobiles, dog sledding, and even swimming in icy lakes also make Finland a top holiday trip idea.
But Finland is over three times bigger than South Korea! Picking places to go can get confusing quickly. Take a breath, we spotlight key spots for your dream winter break.
We’ll describe quiet, chill forests and cute cities bursting with holiday excitement. Our goal is to make your Scandinavian vacation legendary. However in Finland’s winter wonderland? Consider it done – also thrills overflow in this frost-filled land. Let’s explore!
1. Kemi
Looking for a cool getaway? Set your sights up north to the Gulf of Bothnia’s very own winter wonderland – Kemi, Finland. Nestled near the Arctic Circle, this little town proudly rocks its title as the icy gem of Lapland. And boy, does it sparkle.
Glide on over to Kemi’s claim-to-fame: the world’s largest snow castle. We’re talking turrets of ice, frosty throne rooms, and the whole icy shabang. Grab a bite in the on-site restaurant or spend the night in the snow hotel for a truly chill experience.
Venture into Kemi proper and discover historic buildings paired with luxury stays. From cosy city centres to sprawling landscapes, the natural beauty here is off the charts. Getting around is a breeze with buses, taxis, and car rentals ready to show off all the hot spots.
Consequently the icing on the cake – a 4-hour Arctic ice-breaker cruise. Slip on the bright red thermal suit provided and take a dip with the icebergs! Or zip across the frozen tundra on a thrilling snowmobile safari.
Let’s chill in Kemi, baby. This arctic paradise also serves up frosty fun and natural splendour in spades. I guarantee you’ll never be bothered by the cold again!
2. Saariselkä
Want the real Frozen North experience? Check out Saariselkä, one of the top Finland places of interest – a cute little village tucked near the heart of Finnish Lapland. More a remote snow-covered hamlet than a village, Saariselkä has about 3000 people. Do you want snow? Tons of snow is here. Like cosy cabins? They come with frosty air.
Tucked inside a sheltered valley, Saariselkä charms with its clutch of fancy hotels and cottages, making a great base for arctic adventures.
Zip through snowy woods by snowmobile, try ice fishing on a frozen pond or indeed zoom across the tundra on a husky sled. Many lodges can plan outdoor excursions made for your frosty fancies.
Similarly If that sounds too bold, simpler fun awaits too. Strap on a toboggan and catch air zooming down perfectly shaped slopes – like those on Kaunispää hill. Likewise strap on snowshoes to roam quiet forest paths edged by tall pines.
Venture just a bit north to Inari, the heart of Finland’s Sámi culture. This rugged land of dramatically sparse terrain and tiny population shows the lives of northern Europe’s only recognized native people group.
Explicitly stop into Siida to see traditional Sámi handicrafts, fishing tools, and reindeer herding up close. Don’t miss the intriguing Sámi Museum and Northern Lapland Nature Centre exhibits detailing how this ancient culture thrives in the coldest corners.
Afterwards, snuggle fireside with steaming glögi back in Saariselkä village. Surrounded by new winter skills and wonders, you’ll leave with memories to last until next year’s snow melts away.
Finland places of interest Cont..
3. Helsinki
Let’s explore Helsinki, Finland’s capital city, in magical winter! This fun northern town pulls in visitors with cool sights and pretty scenery.
Our trip starts at a huge old fortress called Suomenlinna, a treasure. Consequently walk through tunnels, past bunkers, and tall walls by the shiny harbour. See a WWII submarine!
Also put on a swimsuit for a hot sauna – Helsinki has saunas everywhere! Meet reindeer. See the snowy skyline by helicopter. Do sledding, snowshoe walking, and other fun snow activities.
Following that go to the Helsinki Ice-Park. From December to March, this ice rink is a twirling paradise! Strap on skates and glide across the ice!
Have hot cocoa and sweet treats at the café while seeing sparkly holiday lights all over.
Firstly bundle up tight for walking tours to learn about Helsinki. Look at the pretty domes and columns of the big Helsinki Cathedral. Snap a pic by the huge Government Palace.
Subsequently walk through Market Square to see colourful stalls selling handmade goods and tasty Finnish foods. The cafes and shops are decorated with holiday lights and scenes.
Thirdly take a horse carriage ride to view the Christmas market at Senate Square. See the towering spruce tree and fun gifts at the wooden huts. Listen to holiday tunes and munch on yummy snacks.
Sled down a tall, curvy hill on a little plastic toboggan. Have an epic snowball fight with friends in the park.
Helsinki sparkles with holiday magic! Come explore the wintry fun!
4. Tampere
While Helsinki gets famous, Finland has other neat cities to explore. One is Tampere. Nestled between two icy lakes, this nice southern town rewards visitors with pretty views, one-of-a-kind museums, and lots of snow activities.
What’s not to like about a place where all the sights are close by? Tampere calls itself Finland’s most packed inland centre and outdoor fun is its top attraction.
Sitting snugly between Lake Näsijärvi and Lake Pyhäjärvi, the scenery captivates. The Tammerkoski rapids freeze over, making Tampere a winter wonderland.
Furthermore lace up skates and glide by snowy banks or try ice fishing. Get warm in a hot lakeside sauna after playing in the cold air.
No Tampere guide leaves out the Observation Tower also called Näsinneula. Shooting over 550 feet toward the sky, this cool tower rules the skyline. Take the elevator up to snap awesome 360-degree views that resemble postcards.
After getting great pics, see the planetarium, aquarium, art museum, or the tower’s spinning restaurant. Known for lovely views and tasty food, this iconic eatery perfectly finishes your tower visit before your next adventure.
5. Rovaniemi
Craving an ultra-cool winter trip this year? Check out Rovaniemi, one of the most captivating Finland places of interest – the bona fide home-town of Santa Claus!
And one of the best destinations to experience Finnish winter magic. Besides fantastic snowy views, this arctic hot spot bubbles over with holiday cheer to brighten up any grump.
Nestled just below the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi charms visitors with its lively town centre and special buildings.
Many structures date back to WWII’s aftermath, replacing ones wrecked during the Lapland War. Wander down bustling shopping strips with trendy boutiques to old timey bars.
Of course, no Rovaniemi trip is complete without acting like Santa. Visit the Santa Claus Village to stamp your passport at the Post Office then try cool new cuisine at the Elf Houses’ eateries.
Or go under to Santa Park. An amusement park with ice sculptures, elf workshops, and meetings with Saint Nick himself!
Beyond Santa shenanigans, Rovaniemi teems with winter diversions. Try ice fishing – just drill through the ice and drop your line using special gear. Tap into your creative side at cool places like the Korundi art house or the interactive Pilke Science Center.
Sleigh rides, skiing – the wintry fun here is non-stop! Spend nights in glass huts watching for the ethereal Northern Lights show. Experience Finland’s breathtaking winter wonderland!
6. Lahti
Fancy an unexpected trip into Finland’s frosty forests? Say hi to Lahti – an upcoming eco-friendly town near Helsinki. Though small, this sturdy place serves up culture, cuisine, and winter magic.
Lahti seems outshone by Helsinki, but has carved out fame as a leading green city. It lures visitors with its lively landscape and dedication to sustainability, winning awards like the European Green Capital Award.
Just outside down town, you’ll also find ski resorts tucked amid dense boreal forests. Criss-crossing trails allow for snowshoe walks, cross-country skiing, and winter wandering. Lahti also hosts international ski jump contests!
After working up a frost-nipped sweat, return down-town to subsequently soak in steamy sauna sessions and try Lahti’s famed berry wines. Warm up over hot cocoa in cosy cafes before seeing cool galleries and parks around town.
At sunset, walk the glimmering harbour front. Additionally discover fabulous eateries serving yummy local foods alongside gorgeous lake views.
Lastly no Lahti visit is complete without seeing the Sibelius Hall concert hall, hosting musical talents from across the globe.
For icier outdoor adventures, meanwhile check out Päijänne National Park. Strap on your skates, skis or snowshoes to explore the long frozen lakes and dense forests loved by locals. Check out the tracks on Kelvenne island, a popular spot with numerous winter trails.
7. Salla
Want an off-the-normal-path winter trip? Straight from a snow globe, Salla calls. Tucked along Finland’s eastern side near the Russian border, this hidden forest town offers top wilderness peace.
With also nearly 90% untouched land, outdoor adventures feel more thrilling and grand. So lace up your boots for a quiet walk, fun ski or just see nature’s perfect white scenery in ideal calm.
As Finland’s faraway outpost, Salla claims fame as the birthplace of downhill skiing. Hit the slopes at Salla Ski Resort following the world’s first skiers!
With 15 trails crossing the Sallatunturi fells served by 5 lifts, these nicely groomed paths invite skiers of all skills. After, warm up by the crackling fire back in the town below.
For further bold adventures, walk or ski the huge network of wilderness routes. Watch for rare animals like the Siberian jay, white mountain hare, or mighty moose snacking under the snow.
The Iso-Pyhätunturi trail balances rocky crags and boreal forest for a highly peaceful trek across this black-and-white winter wonderland.
Afterward, see Salla’s War and Reconstruction Museum to dive into the area’s special history and Saami culture. Exhibits detail how locals survived for centuries in this harsh home, from old trapping customs to finding frost-kissed plants. You can even buy traditional herbal salves and jams in the gift shop!
Instead with open spaces and powdery playgrounds galore, Salla offers the ultimate snow-globe vacation and is one of the top Finland places of interest for winter enthusiasts.
Faqs: Finland places of interest
When to Go to Finland:
The season you visit changes what you’ll do. Christmas in December has snow and winter spots. April and May have pretty nature scenes in springtime. June through August have long, warm summer days.
Seeing the Northern Lights:
Go in September, October, February or March. You can’t predict when they’ll come. Wait outside to glimpse their beauty.
Is Finland Worth Visiting?
Yes, Finland is fantastic to visit. See the Northern Lights, Santa’s town, lakes, and markets. It’s one of the world’s safest places too.
Finnish Foods to Try:
It’s different but tasty – rice pies, cheese, buns, berry pies, and more.
What’s the oldest City in Finland:
Turku, from the 1200s, is the oldest city. It was once the capital.
Overall, Finland places of interest have incredible experiences to offer. Meet Santa, see the Northern Lights, ride reindeer sleds. Explore the lakes and forests too.
Finland stands out as one of our top recommended destinations for unforgettable adventures!
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Buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Therefore, enjoy your holiday in Finland stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Visitors Coverage Insurance.
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Indeed, renting a car in Finland is easy and is a great way to explore Finland’s best beaches. Consequently, I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.
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The best way to book your accommodation in Finland is with Booking.com. In fact, it’s my go to site to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.
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Lastly, for air travel, I recommend booking your flight with Omio. Moreover, it has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights to visit the best of Finland.
