Visit Finland

When to visit Finland?

The season... Let's get down to it! All our trips to Finland have taken place at the same time, i.e. in winter. So we don't have the necessary hindsight for other seasons, but we still have a few suggestions for you ;)

1. Summer in Finland (June to August): Finnish summer is a magical time when the sun shines almost 24 hours a day in some regions, creating what's known as the "midnight sun". This is the ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, cycling and fishing. National parks such as Nuuksio and Pyhä-Luosto offer lush green landscapes and picturesque hiking trails. Then there's the Thousand Lakes region, with the Helvetinjärvi and Hiidenportti national parks. But beware: as in all Scandinavian countries, mosquitoes are voracious here in summer. Particularly active from late June to late July, these little bugs can spoil the hiking experience in our humble opinion. Tip: the further north you go, the more mosquitoes you'll find.
2. Autumn (September to November): Autumn in Finland is a season of transition, when the flamboyant colors of autumn leaves transform landscapes into veritable works of art. It's also berry and mushroom season, which makes it an ideal time for foraging in Finland's forests. We chose this time of year to go to Swedish Lapland to hike on the Kungsleden (we really didn't want to be swarmed by mosquitoes), and we enjoyed it immensely! What's more, the darker nights make this a great time to see the Northern Lights in Finland's northern regions.

1. Winter (December to February): For a truly unique experience, nothing beats a Finnish winter. Snow-covered landscapes and frozen lakes provide a magical backdrop for a variety of winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, reindeer rides and ice fishing. Lapland, north of the Arctic Circle, is renowned for its reindeer villages, snowmobile safaris and Northern Lights viewing. Towns like Rovaniemi, home of Santa Claus, add a magical atmosphere with their Christmas markets and festive decorations. We didn't go all the way to Rovaniemi, but we did go skiing (and ice climbing) in Ruka.
2. Spring (March to May): Spring marks the awakening of Finnish nature after the long winter months. This is the season when temperatures start to warm up and the snow gradually melts. It's also the time when the ice melts, making waterfalls even more impressive. National parks such as Repovesi and Oulanka offer magnificent hiking trails to enjoy nature in full bloom. Spring is also an ideal time to observe wildlife, including migratory birds and reindeer.

In short, Finland offers unique experiences all year round, each with its own charm and distinctive activities. Whether you prefer the endless days of summer, the snowy landscapes of winter or the vibrant colors of autumn, there's always something to discover in this beautiful Nordic country.

Travel budget Finland

Although Finland may be perceived as an expensive destination, it's entirely possible to visit this beautiful Nordic country without breaking the bank (too much). Here are a few tips for traveling to Finland on a reasonable budget:

Anticipate: The key to a cheaper trip to Finland lies in planning. Book your flights and accommodation in advance to take advantage of the best deals and avoid last-minute price hikes, especially during peak tourist season. The same applies to car rentals... You'll often find better prices from airports or very large cities.

Get camping! Our first tip: pack your tent! Like all Nordic countries, Finland has what's known as the "right to nature", which means you can pitch your tent anywhere as long as you're not on private property ;) If you prefer to sleep in a bed anyway, opt for affordable accommodation such as youth hostels, bed & breakfasts, bungallow campsites or vacation rentals. Youth hostels and campsites are often well-equipped and offer good value for money, especially if you're traveling with several people.

Economical transport: Use public transport to get around Finnish cities. Major cities like Helsinki, Tampere and Turku have efficient and affordable streetcar and bus networks. For longer journeys between cities, consider traveling by train or bus, or with a rental car, as these options can be cheaper than domestic flights.

Free activities: Take advantage of the many free or reduced-price activities available in Finland. Hike in national parks, visit free museums on weekdays, attend outdoor cultural events or explore historic city districts without spending a cent.

Responsible shopping: If you're planning to bring back souvenirs from your trip to Finland, consider buying local, handcrafted products rather than generic tourist items. Local markets and craft stores are excellent places to find unique souvenirs at affordable prices.

Be flexible: Being flexible with your travel dates and itineraries can help you find special offers and promotions on flights, accommodation and activities. If possible, avoid peak tourist periods and travel in low season to save money.

By following these simple tips, you can make the most of your trip to Finland without exceeding your budget. Remember, the travel experience is what counts most, and it's entirely possible to discover the beauty of Finland on a budget.

To find accommodation, as always, we recommend you take a look at Booking or compare prices on the map below (by filling in the date and accommodation type filters).

What to do in Finland

Cities to see in Finland

• Helsinki : Finland's capital is a dynamic city where history meets modernity. You can explore iconic sites such as the magnificent Helsinki Cathedral, Suomenlinna Fortress (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Helsinki Covered Market and Esplanadi Park. To find out more about Helsinki, read our article

• Tampere : Situated between two lakes, Tampere is Finland's largest inland city. It is renowned for its historic industrial attractions, such as former textile mills transformed into museums and cultural centers. Don't miss the superb view from the Pyynikki tower.
• Turku : The former capital of Finland, Turku is a charming city with a medieval castle, magnificent cathedral and picturesque historic quarter. Stroll along the River Aura, visit the Turku Art Museum and discover the city's lively nightlife.
• Rovaniemi : Located in Lapland, north of the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is known as Santa's hometown. Visitors can meet Santa at Santa's village, visit the Arktikum museum to learn more about the culture and history of Lapland, and set off on a snowmobile or dogsled adventure through spectacular winter landscapes.

• Porvoo : This picturesque town is famous for its charming medieval town center with cobbled streets, colorful houses and small craft stores. Be sure to visit Porvoo Cathedral, sample Finnish delicacies in local cafés and stroll along the banks of the Porvoonjoki River.

Wild nature and lakes in Finland

But Finland isn't all cities, far from it! With over 180,000 lakes, the country has plenty of beautiful natural scenery to offer. A large proportion of the country's lakes are to be found in the region known as "The Lake District" (they didn't look very far for the name, I grant you).

This region, located mainly in central and eastern Finland, offers visitors an incomparable natural getaway. Finnish lakes are not only a paradise for water sports enthusiasts such as boating, kayaking and fishing, they also offer endless opportunities for relaxation and nature contemplation. What's more, the vast forests that surround these lakes abound with hiking trails, bike paths and wildlife observation spots, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in Finland's natural beauty.

Lapland: where to go in Finland?

We'll end this page with the region that's often seen as the most "emblematic", i.e. Lapland. In fact, Lapland covers all the Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia) and refers to the territory above the Arctic Circle.

The region is most "famous" in winter for its magical landscapes and northern lights, but in the warmer months it's also an absolutely incredible hiking destination!

To help you prepare for your trip, here are a few useful resources:

• Finland tourism website
• If you'd like some help creating a tour, we suggest you take a look at the Evaneos website. They offer tailor-made tours and work with local guides.