For whatever reason, Finland keeps getting overlooked as a destination in Northern Europe.
My first visit to the country was a father-son trip when my oldest was just four. It was an instant winner, as Finland is one of the world’s most child-friendly destinations. I was immediately glad I rolled the dice on flying him across the planet, as we were rewarded with an unforgettable time together.
It’s not hard to see why Finland constantly gets named as the World’s Happiest Country. They’re having a 90’s Chicago Bulls-esque run of being top ranked for happiness. Moominvalley might not be a real place, but its native country of Finland might be the closest thing we’ve got.
Here are my top picks for places to stay, treats to eat or drink, and things to see and do should you make it over to one of my favorite countries.
When & Where
Most of the items here will be centered in the spots I’m more familiar with:
Helsinki – Finland’s capital and by far its largest city. Sleek and modern, while still being quieter than most European metros.
Tampere – A city in Southern Finland with plenty of local quirks and an industrial history
Rovaniemi – A small city at the edge of the Arctic Circle, home to Santa Claus Village
Miscellaneous National Parks – Finland has plenty of hikes and campsites that come recommended
In all likelihood, Helsinki will be your entry point into Finland. It’s a well-connected hub and easily accessible from major cities all around the world. The train system provides an easy way to get to central Helsinki.
For the most part, Finnish cities are easily navigated with public transport, and rideshare apps can fill in the gaps, with perhaps a short-term car rental for hiking trips.
Also note that from Helsinki, one can easily catch a two-hour ride to Tallinn, Estonia on a very comfortable ferry. Consider giving a few days on the itinerary to Estonia, or even more if you want to venture further into the Baltics.
The items on this list aren’t likely going to happen all on the same trip, because the best time of year for each one will vary.
My personal favorite time to visit Finland is in mid-to-late March. Yes, it’ll probably be colder there than where you’re coming from, but I think that’s part of the aesthetic. You expect Finland to be cold, and the blankets of Arctic Snow are absolutely gorgeous. At the tail end of winter, the cold will be mild enough so you can still go out and about, plus, this probably gives you the best chances at seeing the Northern Lights if you’re in the right spot.
September’s not a bad time either, in terms of Northern Lights probability. Then there’s Finland in the summer. It’s a good option for escaping the heat that takes over most of Europe these days, and Finland’s got plenty of gorgeous lakes and National Parks for camping.
Where to Stay
Finland gives you a pretty good range of options for places to stay within reasonable price points. Splurging is always an option, but I do think the budget/mid-range options tend to provide everything I could possibly want. Instead I prioritize location.
I’m also throwing in a few unorthodox accommodations, where you’ll be sure to have a memorable stay!
Hotel Fabian (Helsinki)
Fabian’s location is an amazing spot for visiting Helsinki. You’re only a couple blocks’ walk from the heart of town, but it's still on a quiet enough street. Something about the hotel’s presentation seems to be just the right balance of feeling luxurious while still being understated and true to the Finnish-style of keeping it practical. It’s got a snuggly feel, and their breakfast is a good one to wake up to.
Hotel Mestari (Helsinki)
This hotel’s got a moody, cool, and stylish swagger. The rooms almost look like they were styled by a Nordic Bond villain. People come for the swagger, stay for the sauna, and whisper about the breakfast like it’s a state secret. It’s located in a fun, artsy part of town and housed in a former police station… which somehow adds to its rebel vibe.
Unity (Tampere)
Okay, so imagine a brick industrial warehouse evolves into a cool co-working space. Then that co-working space evolves again and becomes a hotel. That’s Unity. Tampere’s a quietly edgy and creative city, and this hotel matches its charm. It’s not a bad option for a long-term stay, but with a lot more charm than the generic apartment-stay. There’s a rooftop sauna (because Finland), a community kitchen, and a relaxed feel… with a few plants for emotional support.
Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos (Rovaniemi)
I booked a night here thinking it was a splurge, and wound up feeling like it was a steal. That’s because Arctic Snow Hotel is so much more than a spot to crash for the night. It’s on a campus full of snow-play areas, reindeer feeding, and so much more. You’ll catch a buffet and a fine dining restaurant and a bar. And a sauna, of course. They also have an ice hotel where you can book a room in case sleeping on a block of ice is your thing. Their glass igloos were equipped with aurora alarms so when the sky goes green overhead, you won’t miss it.
Skytent Ecotent (Nuuksio National Park)
Yup, one of my recommended accommodations is a hammock. In a tree.. In a national park. Nuuksio National Park appears later in this list as a great visit, and here’s a great spot to stay if you want a forest campsite with some off-grid cred. No walls, just birdsong, pine needles, and squirrels. If you’re in Finland in the summer, it’s a great way to fall asleep under the stars.
My Top Three
1) Get up north via the Santa Claus Express and spend a day at Santa Claus Village
Hop aboard the Santa Claus Express. It’s the closest thing we’ve got to the Polar Express, but without the creepy early 2000s animation. It leaves from Helsinki’s main station and the journey to Rovaniemi gives you private cabins, slow-motion scenery, and “main character in a winter novel” energy.
If you’re doing this, best take the overnight route. You’ll be able to sleep in a bunk-bed cabin with a private toilet and shower. Then get ready for the coolest waking up experience as the sun comes up in the Arctic Circle.
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s magical. Santa Claus Village is where Christmas goes extra.
Embrace it. Commit to the bit. You’re here.
2) Go indulge your Moomin fantasies at Moomin World or Moomin Museum
Wait… I’m hoping you’re familiar with Moomin. Tove Jansson’s emotionally resonant world of nature-loving hippolike creatures that feels like a squishy hug. Well, if you did grow up with Moomin, it needs no introduction, and if you didn’t, a trip to Finland is the perfect way to get acquainted.
A theme-park island recently opened in Naantali, offering hobbit-hole houses, storybook trails, and zero scary rides… just wholesome, weird, deeply Finnish fun. It’s probably most aimed at younger kids, but I confess, I enjoy it all the same.
If you happen to be in Tampere, its Moomin Museum is where the emotional depth of the Moominverse is lovingly preserved in dim lighting and glass cases. Original drawings, melancholy quotes, and hauntingly adorable figurines fill the space like a soft-spoken dream.
And all over Helsinki, you’ll find Moominshops and Moomin Cafés, even at the airport.
3) Get your sauna experience at Löyly Helsinki
The Finnish visit would feel just a little incomplete without some sort of sauna, huh? his architecturally stunning waterfront steam temple mixes traditional wood-burning heat with sleek design and cold-dip access to the Baltic. Locals love it for after-work detoxes. Just remember: it’s all chill until you jump in the sea and forget what warmth is for a solid 30 seconds.
This place also pairs with a sleek and attractive restaurant with a great view of the sea.
In case this place isn’t along your way, many Finnish accommodations offer sauna, but i recommend carving out some time for it.
Essential Eating Experiences
Salmon. Salmon soup, salmon pie, and straight up salmon.
Try it at Vanha Kauphaali (Helsinki)
Lohikeitto is creamy, dreamy salmon soup. It sounds simple. It is simple. But it delivers. Chunks of buttery fish, soft potatoes, and a savory broth… bonus points when paired with a thick slice of warm bread.
Vanha Kauphaali is one of the city’s main food halls and a perfect spot to try salmon soup. Practically every other stall offers it. You can also find salmon pie here, though I’ll make some other recommendations for places that offer it up. In my experience, the vendors were quite friendly, and happy to sell fresh cuts of fish, dressed up just to taste.
Finnish pastries: voisilmäpulla, karelian pasties, cinnamon buns
Try it at the Hakaniemi Market or Ekberg Café (Helsinki)
As far as pastries go, the Finnish cinnamon bun is a classic. So are karelian pasties. You’ll find several options for those at the Hakaniemi Market. Located in a trendy neighborhood, you’ll find it a bit more chaotic than Vanha Kauphaali, but that’s part of its vibe.
You’ll find some regulars who drop in for their trusted fishmonger or for cheese-stuffed pastries no chain bakery can touch. It’s less polished than Vanha but way more fun if you like your markets with a side of attitude and pickled everything.
Ekberg is the grande dame of Finnish cafés, housed in a 19th-century setting with one of the best presentations of classic Finnish pastries and coffee. It’s perhaps a bit on the posh side, but you still have to bus your own tray to keep you humble. Voisilmäpulla is a classic Finnish sugar-butter bun that this spot happens to do quite well.
Mustamakkara, Finnish blood sausage.
Try it at Tampere Market Hall (Tampere)
Not me sending you off to another food hall! Well, Tampere’s is buzzing with energy, savory smells, and enough local character to fill a sauna. Maybe your best chance to try Tampere’s infamous blood sausage (mustamakkara) with lingonberry jam. It’s weirdly delicious, and somehow... comforting? It’s not everybody’s favorite, though, so there’s also everything from hand-rolled sushi to grandma-grade meat pies (lihapiirakka).
Blueberry Juice
Try it on the way there
Finland has a signature blueberry juice drink that is an absolute treat. One of the best versions of this is one that’ll be available on board flights via with FinnAir.
Once you’ve landed, though, you’ll find plenty of options available at any given Finnish grocery store.
Other things to see and do in…
Helsinki
Hang out at the Oodi Library
This is the most impressive library I’ve seen.
This futuristic book palace is where you can check out a novel, a 3D printer, or a video game console, all while enjoying café vibes and a forest of indoor light. People love it for being a community space that actually feels like it’s for everyone: artists, gamers, toddlers, and pensioners all peacefully co-exist beneath that swooping roof. There’s a cinema and restaurant on the floor level, a sleek reading area on the top level, a kids’ play area, and a midsection where you can play board games.
Get to Andaté to experience Finnish coffee culture
Finns consume plenty of coffee, therefore, there are plenty of cvarying opinions over which one is best. You’ll see the name Fazer pop up a lot. It’s a big Finnish chain, and honestly, it’s quite good. Their chocolates are worth a taste. But if having your classic Finnish coffee shop experience in a chain isn’t your style, I might recommend Andaté as an alternative. It’s all houseplants, sunlight, and minimalist serenity.
Check out the Helsinki City Museum
The Helsinki City Museum is actually free, which sweetens the deal a good amount. It also proved to be a good spot to bring my four year old, as there were a lot of hands’ on items at the Children’s Town area.
But for a very different museum experience, visit Punkmuseo
It’s the Punk Museum! A a tiny space packed with zines, vinyl, and the kind of angst you can only get from basement shows and too-tight jeans. It’s proudly DIY, full of attitude, and often staffed by people who probably were in that band.
Stroll by the Kamppi Chapel… and probably several photos while you’re at it.
In the middle of the city’s hustle, Kamppi Chapel just whispers peace. This sleek wooden structure looks like a giant walnut, a quirky building with a lot of character. It shares its plaza area with a large shopping complex, which makes its calm and quiet interior even more of a feat.
Time for a nicer dinner in Helsinki? Savotta
Savotta is more on the fine dining end of the spectrum, but it retains a lot of Finnish flair. The space looks like it’s been inspired by a log cabin, and you’ll find antique tools on the walls, plaid napkins, and menus with wild game and foraged mushrooms.
Hop a ferry to Suomenlinna and take a walk
Okay, I’m not typically enthralled with the idea of visiting a fortress. But this sea-fortress is just 15 minutes from the center of the city, and so many people report feeling a sudden tranquility upon arrival. It’s a great walking area, and if you actually are a history buff, then enjoy nerding out over tunnels and battlements.
Walk at the Hietaniemi Beach Trail
A beach? In Finland? Oh yes. People come for jogs, dips, dog-walks… if you happen to be visiting in the summer, you’ll find Finns enjoying the most beach friendly weather they get. But even at other parts of the year, it’s still a scene.
Tanner is a fixture in one of Helsinki’s hippest neighborhoods.
Breakfast and lunch in the morning with outdoor seating options, dinner in the evenings with DJ accompaniment on the weekends. Oh, and brunch.In terms of food, they have plenty of pizza options, a pretty good shakshuka, and there are plenty of vegan options.
Helsinki-ish
Grab a meal at Ravintola Haltia.
It’s a gorgeous nature-inspired restaurant at the edge of the National Park. Perched above treetops, this eco-friendly restaurant serves up sustainable Finnish cuisine that tastes like it came from the forest itself, because it kind of did. Berries, mushrooms, lake fish form like a forest tasting menu curated by a kindly forest spirit.
Camp at Nuuksio National Park
It’s an impressively wholesome wilderness. You can hike, paddle, pick berries, or just sit and stare at a pine tree until your existential dread melts. You can come and visit for the day, but if you’re interested in camping in Finland, this is honestly a pretty good option for that.
Go ice swimming in Kuusijärvi Lake
What do you get when you cut a hole in a frozen lake and willingly jump in? A Finnish rite of passage and the closest thing to an out-of-body experience that’s not illegal. Hey, everyone swears by cold plunges these days. Must be something to it!
Do some light hiking at Repovesi National Park
Check out the wildlife-filled nature reserve with pine & birch forests surrounding lakes and well marked paths. It’s relatively close to Helsinki and offers great scenes and hiking trails.
Tampere
See the town from the Pyynikki Observation Tower
Climb a small hill, conquer a spiral staircase, and earn yourself a doughnut. That’s the Pyynikki deal. This retro tower offers killer views of lakes and trees, and a café at the top serving munkki, aka Finland’s superior doughnut. People love the low-effort adventure: you feel like you hiked without actually hiking, and your reward is sugar. It’s simple, sweet, and surprisingly satisfying.
Take a boat for a partial day trip to Viikinsaari
A ferry accessible island on Lake Pyhäjärvi for hiking, swimming, and relaxing in nature.
Kuopio
Grab a meal with a view at Ravintola Puijon Maja
Ravintola Puijon Maja offers a great food experience in one of Helsinki’s better outdoor towns. Great blend of food and nature, an all-you-can-eat surrounded by the forest space of Kuopio.
Rovaniemi
Go on an Arctic Safari
You’ll find a variety of options for these all over the top of Finland. And you can easily catch some in Rovaniemi. If you happen to be more east, I might steer you towards one in Salla, aka “middle of nowhere” done very right. Arctic safaris here offer dog-sledding, snowmobiling, reindeer encounters, and aurora sightings that make you gasp and question reality. People love the untouched snow, the sheer peace, and the bragging rights.
Get pizza and burgers at Kauppayhtiö. Seriously.
At first, the idea of pizza and burgers seems a little too basic for a destination as epic as the Arctic Circle. But step inside. It’s a burger joint, record store, and tattooed indie hangout rolled into one.
You’ll often find a good-spirited crowd inside. People love the cozy messiness, locals love the vibe, and everyone agrees the burgers are worth the hype. The atmosphere alone makes it feel like a place from a movie.
Rovaniemi’s Thaibaan is proof that eating Thai food in the Arctic can be magical
Thailand and the North Pole have about as opposite climates as you can find, and yet, the cuisine and setting pair together beautifully. I find it even easier to enjoy the warmth of Khao Soi after stepping inside to escape a harsh winter. People love the bold flavors, giant portions, and the feeling of stumbling into Thailand somewhere between a tram stop and a snowstorm.
Side note: Rovaniemi has a surprisingly good amount of Asian food options. If you have the meals to spare, you’ll also find great Korean and Vietnamese options.