From the Northern Lights to the Suomenlinna sea fortress and from fascinating museums to breathtaking natural parks, the range of attractions that Finland offers its visitors is nothing short of spectacular. You can get lost in the wilderness of the Lapland region or dive into the cultural and urban charms of Helsinki all in one single trip.
If all this convinces you to make Finland the setting of your next holiday adventure, we will be right there to serve as your trusty companion. Book an accommodation with NH Hotels in Finland and enjoy our fantastic amenities and attention while you discover this alluring country.
What’s the weather like in Finland?
The weather in Finland varies significantly across both seasons and regions. However, visitors can generally expect snowy and mild winters and comfortable summers filled with light. Both the spring and autumn seasons are quite pleasant.
In Helsinki, the capital, the coldest month tends to be February (with an average daily high temperature of -1.3ºC) while the hottest month is usually July (21.9ºC). It is important to keep in mind, however, that Finland’s climate can change dramatically, even within a single day, and we suggest packing accordingly.
What foods should I try in Finland?
To really have a well-rounded Finnish experience during your trip, you are going to want to try some of the traditional dishes. Some of the most representative dishes include karjalanpiirakka (pastries filled with mashed potatoes or rice pudding), lohikeitto (salmon soup), and poronkäristys (sautéed reindeer).
Traditional Finnish rye bread, known as ruisleipä, and the ever-present bread cheese dessert known as juustoleipä are also essential to try when visiting Finland.
What are the top sights in Finland?
People travel to Finland from all over the world just to see the Northern Lights and it is easy to see why. There truly is nothing else like this phenomenon (also known as aurora borealis), which appears as gorgeous waves of light against the sky. It can be seen in different parts of Finland, but it is more common in the Lapland region.
When in Helsinki, be sure to check out Suomenlinna, a sea fortress from the 18th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most recognizable sights in all of Finland. Our hotel in Finland, the NH Collection Helsinki, enjoys a convenient location from where to reach the fortress.
Lovers of nature will particularly enjoy the Ranua Wildlife Park, where they will be able to see more than 50 species of animals, including many reindeer. The northernmost zoo in Finland, it is notably home to the only two polar bears in the country.
The Ateneum museum houses the country’s largest collection of art. It is the ideal museum to become acquainted with the history of Finnish art, but it also displays pieces from international masters like Vincent Van Gogh.
The Esplanadi Park is perhaps Finland’s most well-known park. Located in Helsinki, this urban park is a refreshing sight, offering a green space where to relax and unwind after exploring the city.
While Finland is filled with natural beauty, the Salla National Park deserves a special mention. Its ancient forests are particularly representative of what makes Finland unique, and it features plenty of hiking trails from where to marvel at its lakes and hills.
How to arrive in Finland?
Finland has several international airports where you can arrive depending on what region you would like to visit first. The Helsinki Airport (HEL) (Finland’s largest airport) serves the country’s capital, Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) and Kittilä Airport (KTT) serve the Lapland region, and Vaasa Airport (VAA) is located in western Finland.
You can also arrive in Finland by boat from several countries located nearby (like Germany and Poland) or drive to Finland through Sweden or Norway.
What’s the best way of getting around in Finland?
As if the country didn’t already have enough charms, Finland also boasts of a very efficient and accessible public transport system. The entire country is very well connected by trains, buses, and coaches.
Most Finnish cities and towns, including Helsinki, are also very easy to explore on foot and cycling. The country also has many long-distance cycling routes.
Driving, however, is probably the most convenient way of moving through Finland and reaching its many regions. You’ll easily find car rental services at most major cities and towns and at major airports. Furthermore, Finland does not have a lot of traffic and many international driving permits are valid in the country.
Where should I stay in Finland?
The Lapland region immediately comes to mind as one of the best places where to stay in Finland for tourists. It is well known for its natural beauty and, notably, it is the best region to see the Northern Lights. The wilderness of the Lapland is also home to reindeers, forests, and several areas where you can go skiing or trekking.
The Åland Archipelago is another gorgeous region where you can consider staying during your trip. It is made up of more than 6700 islands and it is one of the most exciting places you’ll ever get to cycle, since there are numerous ferries and bridges connecting the different islands. It is also home to attractions like the Kastelholm Castle, the ruins of Bomarsund, and the Maritime Museum.
Helsinki, the country’s lively capital, cannot go without a mention. It is filled with museums and art galleries and has some of the most famous attractions in the country, like the Esplanadi Park and the Suomenlinna sea fortress. Helsinki is also a heaven for foodies as it offers plenty of opportunities for trying traditional Finnish specialties as well as many upscale restaurants.
And, of course, we cannot go without reminding you of our very own hotel in Finland’s charming capital: the NH Collection Helsinki. Book a stay with us now and begin planning your Finnish adventure!
