Finland
Places to Visit and Must-Visit Destinations
Finland feels like a quieter kind of luxury. It is not loud or overly polished; it is found in snow-covered forests, glass igloos beneath Arctic skies, steaming saunas, frozen lakes and the rare stillness that makes a destination feel completely removed from ordinary life.
From the design-led elegance of Helsinki to the winter magic of Lapland, Finland is a destination for travellers who want atmosphere, nature and experiences that feel beautifully different. It is especially unforgettable in winter, when reindeer trails, husky safaris, northern lights and private cabins create the kind of escape that feels almost cinematic.
For a first Finland trip, these five places offer the best mix of Nordic city style, Arctic landscapes, luxury stays, winter activities and slow, nature-led travel.
Helsinki — Nordic Elegance, Design and Coastal Charm
Helsinki is Finland’s refined capital, where Nordic design, waterfront views, stylish cafés and quiet city sophistication come together beautifully. It is the perfect place to begin a Finland itinerary, offering a soft landing before heading into the wilder landscapes of Lapland.
The best things to do in Helsinki include exploring the Design District, visiting Helsinki Cathedral, walking through Market Square, discovering the Old Market Hall and taking a ferry to Suomenlinna. The city is also one of the best places to experience Finnish sauna culture, from traditional saunas to more modern waterfront wellness spaces.
Helsinki works particularly well for travellers who enjoy elegant city breaks, design hotels, slow cafés, boutique shopping and a polished Nordic atmosphere.
Do not miss: Helsinki Cathedral, Design District, Suomenlinna, waterfront saunas
How long to stay: 1 to 2 nights
Best for: Nordic design, cafés, saunas, elegant city stays
Rovaniemi — Santa Claus Village, Reindeer and Lapland Magic
Rovaniemi is the gateway to Finnish Lapland and one of the most magical places to visit in Finland, especially in winter. Snow-covered forests, reindeer sleigh rides, husky safaris and northern lights tours make it feel like a true Arctic escape.
The best things to do in Rovaniemi include visiting Santa Claus Village, crossing the Arctic Circle, joining a reindeer or husky safari, chasing the northern lights and staying in a cosy cabin or glass-roofed accommodation. It is one of the easiest places to experience Lapland without travelling too remotely.
Rovaniemi works particularly well for first-time Lapland travellers who want comfort, winter activities and that classic snow-filled Finnish experience.
Do not miss: Santa Claus Village, Arctic Circle, husky safari, reindeer sleigh
How long to stay: 2 to 3 nights
Best for: Lapland magic, snow, northern lights, winter activities
Levi — Luxury Lodges, Skiing and Arctic Adventure
Levi is one of Finland’s most polished winter resort destinations, known for ski slopes, luxury cabins, snowmobile safaris, private saunas and stylish Arctic stays. It feels more resort-like than Rovaniemi, making it a strong choice for travellers who want winter adventure with comfort.
The best things to do in Levi include skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, joining husky or reindeer experiences, relaxing in a private sauna and staying in a luxury lodge or glass-roofed cabin. It is also a beautiful base for northern lights experiences when conditions are right.
Levi works particularly well for couples, winter travellers and anyone wanting a more elevated Lapland escape with both activity and indulgence.
Do not miss: Skiing, snowmobile safari, glass-roof cabins, private saunas
How long to stay: 3 to 4 nights
Best for: Skiing, luxury lodges, Arctic adventure, couples
Saariselkä — Glass Igloos, Wilderness and Northern Lights
Saariselkä offers a quieter and more remote side of Finnish Lapland, with snowy wilderness, glass igloos, national park landscapes and some of the most atmospheric Arctic stays in Finland. It is the kind of place where the accommodation becomes part of the experience.
The best things to do in Saariselkä include staying in a glass igloo, joining a northern lights tour, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, visiting Urho Kekkonen National Park and slowing down into the silence of the Arctic landscape.
Saariselkä works particularly well for travellers seeking romance, stillness, northern lights and a more intimate wilderness-style escape.
Do not miss: Glass igloos, northern lights, Urho Kekkonen National Park, snowshoeing
How long to stay: 2 to 3 nights
Best for: Wilderness, romance, northern lights, peaceful Arctic stays
Finnish Lakeland — Lakeside Saunas, Cabins and Slow Luxury
Finnish Lakeland reveals a softer side of Finland, especially outside the deep winter months. It is known for thousands of lakes, wooden cabins, forest views, traditional saunas and peaceful water-based escapes.
The best things to do in Finnish Lakeland include staying in a lakeside cabin, experiencing a traditional Finnish sauna, taking boat trips, swimming in clear lake water, visiting Savonlinna and enjoying the quiet rhythm of Finnish nature. It is less dramatic than Lapland, but beautifully calming in a more understated way.
Finnish Lakeland works particularly well for travellers who want slow travel, nature, wellness, summer escapes and a peaceful contrast to the Arctic north.
Do not miss: Lakeside cabins, traditional saunas, Savonlinna, boat trips
How long to stay: 2 to 4 nights
Best for: Slow luxury, saunas, nature, peaceful escapes
Categories
