Finland ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world. The Finnish people enjoy high incomes, superior healthcare facilities, and the topmost education system. This Scandinavian nation is famous as the home of Santa Claus and equally popular for stunning Lapland, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), food, art and architecture, and the list continues. There are a lot of places to visit in Finland, including Helsinki, Tampere, Espoo, Rovaniemi, Porvoo, and more. This article guides you on some of the best things to do in Finland while visiting its fantastic cities.
Top Places to Visit in Finland
- Helsinki
- Turku
- Vaasa
- Oulu
- Vantaa
1. Helsinki
The capital city of Finland, Helsinki, is famous for its ancient cathedrals, historical landmarks, and churches. It is also renowned for its contemporary architectural marvels. Moreover, the people over here are known for their warmth and hospitality. During the summer, the weather is pleasant, making this beautiful Scandinavian city ideal for tourists to explore its parks, islands, cathedrals, churches, etc. Helsinki sits on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, making it the country’s leading seaport and industrial city.
Things to Do in Helsinki
- Visit ancient cathedrals and churches and learn about Helsinki’s rich history.
- Experience the local customs of the city and the warm hospitality of English-speaking locals.
- Explore the parks, islands, cathedrals, and churches that dot the city.
2. Turku
The city of Turku, on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River and was established in the 13th century. It is famous for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress, and historical museums. The riverside streets and multi-cuisine restaurants are must-visit places in Turku. Further, the grand building and the old Great Square are top attractions in the city as they are known to be trade centres during bygone eras.
Things to Do at Turku
- While visiting Turku, you must visit the ancient castle of Turun Linna.
- Another notable must-visit place is the handicrafts museum, Luostarinmäen Käsityöläismuseo, and the maritime museum, Forum Marinum.
- The other top places for tourists to have a great time are the Turku Market Hall tour and Discover Gastronomic Bliss.
3. Vaasa
The city of Vassa is yet another beautiful place to visit in Finland. Vassa is named after the Royal House of Vassa, which has a rich legacy of architectural designs, art, education, and culture. The city is believed to have been established by Charles IX of Sweden in 1606. While exploring Vassa, visit Vassa Church, and don’t forget to enjoy food at Seglis. Vassa offers several other beautiful destinations for tourists.
Things to Do at Vassa
- Visit the Kvarken World Heritage Archipelago, a place that is known for its natural beauty.
- Indulge in the world of art at the Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art and immerse yourself in the history of the Bergö Local Museum.
- Paying a visit to Replot Bridge and the charming Church of Korsholm in Vaasa are the top things to do in Finland.
4. Oulu
One of the coldest cities in Finland, Oulu is located in the central part of the country, where River Oulujoki meets the River Bay of Bothnia. Oulu is known as the fourth largest urban centre of Finland. It is also known as Waterfront Square and is a popular tourist destination. At Oulu, you can give your taste buds the best of experiences when you visit some of the best food stalls. You also get to witness the beautiful view of the waterbodies, stunning sunsets, and sunrises. When you are in Finland, visit as many tourist destinations as possible in Oulu.
Things to Do at Oulu
- Make sure you visit Nallikari Beach, Kemi Snow Castle, and Ainolo Puisto Park.
- Another excellent destination for shopping enthusiasts is Kauppahalli.
- A visit to Lapland Hotels allows you to embrace the Arctic ambience over a warm cup of coffee.
- Visit the Tietomaa Science Center by car to experience the beauty of Finland.
5. Vantaa
The city of Vantaa was established in 1972 and is situated on the banks of the river with the same name. It is the fourth largest city in southern Finland. Vantaa shares its borders with Helsinki to the South, Kerava to the North, Sipoo to the East, Nurmijarvi to the Northwest, and Espoo to the Southwest. You can explore the rich biodiversity of Sipoonkorpi’s National Park. A visit to the Kuusijarvi Lake and Jumbo Shopping Center is a must. Vantaa has a lot more to offer to tourists.
Things to Do at Vantaa
- Take a swim at Kuusijarvi Lake and go shopping at Jumbo Shopping Center.
- Get a massage at the famous Flamingo Spa in the city.
- Explore other tourist destinations, such as the Vantaa Museum and Finnish Aviation Museum, and pay your respects to the saints at St. Lawrence Church and Heureka.
Best Time to Visit Finland
The best times to visit Finland are June, July, and August. The weather is warm during this time, making it ideal to explore Finland. The days are long, with the landscapes blossoming at their best and all tourist facilities functioning in full swing. However, if you are the type who loves the snow, you can visit Finland in winter. You can witness the beautiful snowfall and enjoy skiing, snowmobiling, and reindeer rides. However, you must come prepared as the temperatures can get quite frigid.
Travel Insurance for Finland
Travel insurance to Finland is compulsory from India because the country is part of the Schengen region. It is always advisable to secure travel insurance for yourself and your family whenever you are visiting foreign lands. It will provide coverage in case of loss of luggage, Passport, and important documents or if you fall sick or meet with an accident. Further, it will provide coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions. Overall, travel insurance allows you to enjoy your vacation without any worries nagging the back of your mind.
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