Discover the Best Places to Visit in Finland this Year

Finland is famed for its pristine nature, over 40 national parks and “thousands of lakes” and forests invite hikers, paddlers and wildlife lovers. From buzzing city life to arctic wilderness, this guide highlights the Best Places to Visit in Finland. Whether planning travel to Finland or just dreaming of a Nordic adventure, readers will find top Finland tourist attractions here. We cover iconic destinations from Helsinki’s design-forward capital to Lapland’s snowy landscapes and the tranquil Lake Saimaa region.

Helsinki Highlights: Must-See Sights and Things to See in Helsinki

Finland is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe. Its capital blends modern urban culture with seaside parks. Must-see Helsinki tourist attractions include the 18th-century Suomenlinna sea fortress accessible by ferry from the harbour. In the city, Uspenski Cathedral’s red-brick domes stand as “the largest Orthodox church in both Northern and Western Europe”. Other places to visit in Helsinki include the lively Market Square, the grand white Helsinki Cathedral, and the Design District’s galleries and cafés. Countless saunas, riverside parks and even nearby national parks (like Nuuksio) make Helsinki a surprising green and culture-rich city.

Lapland Wonders: Rovaniemi and Finland Northern Lights

Rovaniemi lies just south of the Arctic Circle and is another top place to travel. Declared Santa Claus’s official hometown in 1985, it is the place to meet Father Christmas year-round and visit Santa Claus Village. Rovaniemi is also a prime spot for watching the Northern Lights. As one travel guide notes, Lapland towns like Rovaniemi are “prime viewing regions” for the aurora borealis, best seen on clear winter nights away from city lights. (In fact, CNN named Rovaniemi “one of the best places in the world to celebrate Christmas”.) Visitors to Rovaniemi can also explore the Arktikum science museum, snowshoe or ski in nearby wilderness, and take in the magic of Finland’s northern lights under dark Arctic skies.

Historic Charms: Turku’s Medieval Heart

Turku, Finland’s oldest city and its former capital, exudes historic charm along the Aura River and is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The riverside trail connects Turku Cathedral and the 13th-century Turku Castle, two iconic landmarks. Wander the old town and open-air museum of Luostarinmäki (rebuilt after the 1827 fire), or explore the Forum Marinum maritime centre with its fleet of historic vessels.

Skiing and Stargazing: Levi’s Alpine Escape

Levi is a top Finland tourist attraction for winter sports. This fell in Lapland is Finland’s largest ski resort, boasting 43 runs and modern gondolas under its 531m summit. Thanks to snowmaking and high latitude, Levi enjoys a long season (often October–May) with reliable snow cover. Crucially for stargazers, Levi’s Arctic location “allows for excellent chances of observing the Northern Lights”. After skiing or snowboarding, visitors can unwind in an ice spa, take a reindeer sleigh ride, or even stay in a glass-roof igloo and watch the aurora overhead. In summer, Levi becomes a peaceful base for hiking under the midnight sun.

Island-Filled Tranquillity: Lake Saimaa

The Lake Saimaa region is a serene wilderness of water and forest. Lake Saimaa is the largest lake in Finland (and fourth-largest in Europe), featuring a maze of almost 120 lakes and 14,000 green islands. Saimaa’s clear waters are home to rare wildlife: it is famous for the endangered Saimaa ringed seal and Saimaa salmon. Visitors can boat its archipelago, fish or kayak in calm bays, and tour charming lakeside towns. This region’s peaceful nature makes Lake Saimaa a top Finland places to visit for forest and lakeside experiences.

Budget-Friendly Finland: Top Travel Tips

If you are planning to visit Finland this year, here are a few things you should know:

1. Embrace “Everyman’s Right” – Finland allows free wild camping (jokamiehenoikeus). Pitch a tent in forests or by lakes instead of paying for hotels. Wilderness camping is a classic budget hack.

2. Chase Auroras for Free – You don’t need an expensive tour to see the Northern Lights. In Lapland (e.g. Rovaniemi), simply step outside on a dark night, and the aurora often dances overhead.

3. Buy an eSIM: While travelling, make sure that you do not lose internet anywhere. Buy an eSIM and get connected seamlessly within a few seconds.

Travel Smarter with eSIM Cards

No one wants to waste time hunting SIM cards on vacation. A travel eSIM Finland (embedded SIM) from eSIM Cards (a UK provider) solves that: you purchase your data plan online and immediately activate it via QR code. The process is quick: buy, receive an emailed QR code, scan to install, and you’re online in minutes. With an eSIM, you avoid roaming surprises and can browse maps and share photos freely on Finland’s networks.

Embrace Finland’s Wonders This Year!

Each of the destinations above showcases why they are among the best places to visit in Finland. Armed with these tips (and the connectivity of an eSIM data plan), visitors can enjoy these Finland places to visit to the fullest. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or relaxing by a lake cabin, Finland’s mix of history and nature promises a memorable adventure.