Finland is a European country located in the Northern part of the continent. It is bordered by Sweden to the West, Norway to the North, and Russia to the East. A few interesting facts about Finland include that it is the 8th largest country in Europe, and that Finnish people are the happiest people in the world according to a UN report. 

The main reasons to visit Finland are to see the amazing natural scenery and to experience the unique culture. Finland is known for its beautiful lakes and forests, and there are also many interesting museums and architecturally significant buildings to see. Finnish culture is unique in many ways, and one of the most noticeable is the importance placed on personal space and silence. 

Finnish cuisine is mostly made up of simple, fresh ingredients. Fish and potatoes are common, as are various types of berries. A few examples of Finnish dishes include salmon soup, mashed potatoes with gravy, and strawberry rhubarb pie.

Finland

Helsinki is one of the world’s most northerly capitals, but it’s also one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan. The city’s neoclassical architecture and green spaces are a sharp contrast to the icy Baltic Sea and snow-capped forests that surround it.

The harbour is a hive of activity, with ferries and cruise ships coming and going, and the adjacent Esplanade is a popular spot for a walk or a picnic in the summer. In the winter, the city comes alive with Christmas markets and the bright lights of the aurora borealis. Helsinki is also a gastronomic hotspot, with a wealth of top-notch restaurants and a thriving foodie scene.

Sunset over Suomenlinna Sea Fortress in Helsinki. Suomenlinna fortress is an UNESCO world heritage site and the biggest tourist attraction in Helsinki

Eira, one of the oldest and most prestigious neighborhoods in Helsinki.

View across Kaisaniemenlahti and Eläintarhanlahti in Helsinki, Finland

Finnish National Theatre, Helsinki, Finland. Built 1902. Architect: Onni Tarjanne.
In front the statue of writer Aleksis Kivi. See also closer photo: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Aleksis_Kivi_statue.jpg&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1" class="new" title="File:Aleksis Kivi statue.jpg (page does not exist)">Image:Aleksis_Kivi_statue.jpg</a>

Cygnauksen galleria, Kalliolinnantie, Helsinki. Architecht: Johan Wilhelm Friedrich Mieritz. Built 1882

Kamppi Center, Helsinki, Finland. Opened 2006.

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aerial photography of street at night covered with snow

Helsinki Olympic Stadium during 2005 World Championships in Athletics, August 2005.

Didrichsenin taidemuseo is an art museum in Helsinki, Finland.

Exhibit in the Arppeanum, Helsinki, Finland. Photography was permitted in the museum without restriction.

Haaga-Helia University Of Applied Sciences

Main building of the University of Helsinki.

Kiasma, Museum of Contemporary Art in Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki

Joensuu is a small city in eastern Finland, home to just under 80,000 people. It’s a quiet place, with a relaxed, small-town feel, and is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s also a great base for exploring the surrounding area, which is packed with forests, lakes and rivers. There’s plenty to see and do in Joensuu itself, too. The city centre is home to a large number of beautiful old buildings, and the market square is a great place to people-watch on a summer’s day. There are also a few good museums, including the Joensuu Art Museum and the Joensuu Museum of Local History. Nature lovers will enjoy the city’s parks, which are a great place to go for a walk or a run, and the surrounding countryside is great for hiking, cycling and fishing.

brown house on snow covered ground during daytime

Evangelical-Lutheran Church, Joensuu, Finland

Joensuun Penttilän ja taustalla Niinivaaran näkymiä kaupungista päin. Taustalla Joensuun korkein asuinrakennus, Tähtitorni

Joensuu

Mariehamn is the capital of Åland, an autonomous, Swedish-speaking province of Finland. It’s also the only city in the world built on an archipelago. The picturesque town is spread out over several small islands connected by bridges, and it’s a great place to wander, explore and enjoy the fresh, Nordic air. Highlights include the ornate wooden houses, the lively harbour and the striking medieval church. Åland is a haven for cyclists, and there are plenty of trails and lanes to explore. Be sure to sample some of the local specialities, such as smoked fish and home-baked bread.

Museum ship Pommern docked at Mariehamn, <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/%C3%85land" title="Åland">Åland</a>, Finland.

The street Havsgatan in Mariehamn, Åland (Finland).

View of the Nordea bank building, Torggatan

Alands Lyceum Maarianhaminassa, arkkitehti Jacob Ahrenberg, 1903.

Sveriges generalkonsulat (Consulate General of Sweden) in Mariehamn, Mariehamn, Åland (Finland).

Södragatan, Mariehamn, Fasta Aland, Finnland

Mariehamn

Rovaniemi is the official home of Santa Claus, and the city celebrates Christmas all year round. The main square, Arktikum, is a modern, glass-and-steel affair, but it’s surrounded by charming wooden buildings that date back to the city’s early days as a trading post. The Arktikum is also home to the excellent Rovaniemi Museum, which tells the story of the city and its people. There’s also a great art gallery, the Ounasvaara Ski Museum and a replica of Santa’s workshop. In the summer, the city comes alive with festivals, including the world-famous Midnight Sun Film Festival. And, of course, there are plenty of opportunities to meet Father Christmas himself.

Streets of Rovaniemi, a city in Lapland, Finland

brown wooden bench on snow covered ground

snow covered trees and houses during daytime

people riding on snow sled on snow covered ground during daytime

white bridge over the sea under white clouds and blue sky during daytime

herd of white goats on road during daytime

A preserved VR Class Tk3 steam locomotive (no. 1147) covered with snow at Rovaniemi railway station in Rovaniemi, Finland.

dogs on snow covered field during daytime

Kuva Rovaniemen kaupunginkirjaston (Lapin maakuntakirjasto) sisätiloista. Osoite: Jorma Eton tie 6, Rovaniemi.

Rovaniemen keskusta Ounasvaaralta nähtynä.

Rovaniemi

Vaasa is a sleepy city in the far north of Finland, known for its university and its annual summer jazz festival. The city centre is small and easy to navigate, with a pretty main square surrounded by historic buildings, and a lively nightlife scene. There are plenty of parks and green spaces, and a good selection of museums and galleries, as well as a lively cafe culture. Vaasa is a great place to relax and soak up the Finnish way of life.

The only Natural UNESCO World Heritage Site in Finland, the Kvarken Archipelago, on a late August trip during Sunset.

green grass and trees near body of water during daytime

green trees near body of water during sunset

Top places in Finland