Located in the northernmost part of Europe, Finland is a country that is steeped in natural beauty, rich culture, and a unique blend of modernity and tradition. From the snow-capped mountains of Lapland to the vibrant cities of Helsinki and Turku, Finland is a destination that has something to offer for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re interested in exploring the great outdoors, immersing yourself in Finnish culture, or simply relaxing in a peaceful and serene environment, Finland is a country that is sure to captivate and inspire. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best time to visit Finland, and what you can expect to experience during your trip.
The Best Time to Visit Finland
Finland is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique experiences and attractions. However, the best time to visit Finland depends on your interests and what you want to do. Here are some general guidelines to help you plan your trip:
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the peak tourist season in Finland, with warm weather, long days, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. The summer months are perfect for hiking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors. The weather is usually mild and sunny, with average highs of around 22°C (72°F) in July, the warmest month. However, it’s not uncommon for the temperature to drop significantly at night, so be sure to pack accordingly.
Summer Activities:
- Hiking and camping in the beautiful Finnish wilderness
- Exploring the many lakes and rivers by boat or canoe
- Visiting the famous Midnight Sun, which occurs when the sun remains visible at midnight in the summer months
- Enjoying the many summer festivals and events, such as the Helsinki Festival and the Savonlinna Opera Festival
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is a great time to visit Finland if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage. The weather is usually cool and crisp, with average highs of around 10°C (50°F) in October, the coolest month. Autumn is also a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting.
Autumn Activities:
- Hiking and exploring the beautiful fall foliage
- Fishing and hunting in the many lakes and forests
- Visiting the many autumn festivals and events, such as the Helsinki Autumn Festival and the Turku Autumn Festival
- Enjoying the many cozy cafes and restaurants, which offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere
Winter (December to February)
Winter is a magical time to visit Finland, with snow-covered landscapes, frozen lakes, and a chance to experience the country’s famous winter sports. The weather is usually cold and snowy, with average lows of around -10°C (14°F) in January, the coldest month. However, the snow and ice also make it a great time for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
Winter Activities:
- Skiing and snowboarding in the many resorts, such as Lapland and Rovaniemi
- Exploring the beautiful snow-covered landscapes by dog sled or snowmobile
- Visiting the many winter festivals and events, such as the Helsinki Winter Festival and the Rovaniemi Winter Festival
- Enjoying the many cozy cafes and restaurants, which offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere
Spring (March to May)
Spring is a great time to visit Finland if you want to see the country in bloom. The weather is usually mild and sunny, with average highs of around 15°C (59°F) in May, the warmest month. Spring is also a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and fishing.
Spring Activities:
- Hiking and exploring the beautiful spring landscapes
- Cycling and exploring the many bike trails
- Visiting the many spring festivals and events, such as the Helsinki Spring Festival and the Turku Spring Festival
- Enjoying the many cozy cafes and restaurants, which offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere
Things to Do in Finland
Finland is a country that offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors. Here are some of the top things to do in Finland:
Explore the Great Outdoors
Finland is a nature lover’s paradise, with its many forests, lakes, and mountains. Visitors can hike, camp, fish, and explore the great outdoors in a variety of ways. Some popular outdoor activities include:
Outdoor Activities:
- Hiking and camping in the beautiful Finnish wilderness
- Exploring the many lakes and rivers by boat or canoe
- Fishing and hunting in the many lakes and forests
- Visiting the many national parks and nature reserves
Visit the Cities
Finland’s cities are a great place to experience the country’s culture and history. Visitors can explore the many museums, galleries, and historical landmarks, as well as enjoy the city’s many restaurants, cafes, and bars. Some popular cities to visit include: (See Also: How Much Time To Visit Galleria Dell Accademia?)
Cities to Visit:
- Helsinki, the capital city and largest city in Finland
- Turku, the second-largest city and a hub for culture and history
- Oulu, a city in northern Finland known for its beautiful architecture and natural scenery
- Rovaniemi, a city in Lapland known for its winter sports and natural beauty
Experience Finnish Culture
Finland has a rich and unique culture that is worth experiencing. Visitors can learn about the country’s history and traditions, as well as enjoy its many festivals and events. Some popular cultural experiences include:
Cultural Experiences:
- Visiting the many museums and galleries, such as the National Museum of Finland and the Ateneum Art Museum
- Exploring the many historical landmarks, such as the Helsinki Cathedral and the Turku Castle
- Attending one of the many festivals and events, such as the Helsinki Festival and the Savonlinna Opera Festival
- Learning about the country’s unique traditions and customs, such as the sauna and the concept of “sisu”
Food and Drink in Finland
Finland is known for its delicious food and drink, which is heavily influenced by its Nordic and Baltic heritage. Visitors can try a variety of traditional dishes, such as karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasties) and kalakukko (fish pie), as well as enjoy the country’s many modern restaurants and cafes. Some popular food and drink experiences include:
Traditional Finnish Cuisine
Finland has a unique and delicious cuisine that is worth trying. Some popular traditional dishes include:
Traditional Dishes:
- Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasties), a traditional dish from the Karelia region
- Kalakukko (fish pie), a traditional dish from the Savo region
- Hernekeitto (pea soup), a traditional dish made with split peas and pork
- Reindeer meat, a traditional dish from the Lapland region
Modern Finnish Cuisine
Finland has a thriving food scene, with many modern restaurants and cafes serving up delicious and innovative dishes. Some popular modern dishes include:
Modern Dishes:
- Grilled salmon with a side of pickled vegetables
- Roasted vegetables with a side of quinoa and nuts
- Traditional Finnish dishes with a modern twist, such as karjalanpiirakka with a side of aioli
Drinks in Finland
Finland is known for its delicious drinks, including coffee, tea, and beer. Visitors can try a variety of traditional drinks, such as karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasties) coffee and Finnish beer, as well as enjoy the country’s many modern cafes and bars. Some popular drinks include:
Drinks:
- Coffee, a staple in Finnish culture
- Tea, a popular drink in Finland
- Beer, a popular drink in Finland, with many local breweries
- Glögg, a traditional Finnish mulled wine
Accommodation in Finland
Finland has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Visitors can choose from a variety of options, including:
Hotels
Finland has many luxury hotels, including the famous Hotel Kämp in Helsinki and the Hotel Vaakuna in Turku. These hotels offer a range of amenities, including comfortable rooms, restaurants, and bars.
Hotel Options:
- Hotel Kämp, a luxury hotel in Helsinki
- Hotel Vaakuna, a luxury hotel in Turku
- Hotel F6, a budget-friendly hotel in Helsinki
- Hotel Seurahuone, a budget-friendly hotel in Turku
Hostels
Finland has many budget-friendly hostels, including the famous Hostel Diana in Helsinki and the Hostel Rantakoski in Turku. These hostels offer a range of amenities, including comfortable dorms, kitchens, and common areas. (See Also: Best Time To Visit Fuerteventura Spain – Island Paradise)
Hostel Options:
- Hostel Diana, a budget-friendly hostel in Helsinki
- Hostel Rantakoski, a budget-friendly hostel in Turku
- Hostel Helsinki, a budget-friendly hostel in Helsinki
- Hostel Turku, a budget-friendly hostel in Turku
Camping
Finland has many campsites, including the famous Camping Helsinki in Helsinki and the Camping Turku in Turku. These campsites offer a range of amenities, including comfortable cabins, kitchens, and common areas.
Camping Options:
- Camping Helsinki, a campsite in Helsinki
- Camping Turku, a campsite in Turku
- Camping Rovaniemi, a campsite in Lapland
- Camping Oulu, a campsite in northern Finland
Getting Around Finland
Finland has a well-developed transportation system, with many options for getting around the country. Visitors can choose from a variety of options, including:
Trains
Finland has a comprehensive rail network, with many trains connecting the major cities. Visitors can take a train from Helsinki to Turku, Oulu, and Rovaniemi, among other destinations.
Train Options:
- VR (Finnish Railways), the national railway company
- Intercity trains, connecting major cities
- Regional trains, connecting smaller towns and cities
Buses
Finland has a comprehensive bus network, with many buses connecting the major cities. Visitors can take a bus from Helsinki to Turku, Oulu, and Rovaniemi, among other destinations.
Bus Options:
- Matkahuolto, the national bus company
- Intercity buses, connecting major cities
- Regional buses, connecting smaller towns and cities
Cars
Finland has a well-developed road network, with many roads connecting the major cities. Visitors can rent a car in Helsinki, Turku, or other major cities, and drive to their destination.
Car Rental Options:
- Europcar, a car rental company with locations in Helsinki and Turku
- Hertz, a car rental company with locations in Helsinki and Turku
- Avis, a car rental company with locations in Helsinki and Turku
Recap
Finland is a country that offers a wide range of experiences and activities for visitors. From the great outdoors to the vibrant cities, Finland has something to offer for every kind of traveler. In this article, we’ve covered the best time to visit Finland, things to do in Finland, food and drink in Finland, accommodation in Finland, and getting around Finland. Whether you’re interested in exploring the great outdoors, immersing yourself in Finnish culture, or simply relaxing in a peaceful and serene environment, Finland is a country that is sure to captivate and inspire.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Finland?
The best time to visit Finland depends on your interests and what you want to do. Summer is the peak tourist season, with warm weather, long days, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Autumn is a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage. Winter is a magical time to visit, with snow-covered landscapes, frozen lakes, and a chance to experience the country’s famous winter sports. Spring is a great time to visit if you want to see the country in bloom. (See Also: When Is the Best Time to Visit Hawaii for Weather – Sunny Skies Ahead)
What are the top things to do in Finland?
Finland is a country that offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors. Some popular things to do include exploring the great outdoors, visiting the cities, experiencing Finnish culture, and trying the local food and drink. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing.
What is the best way to get around Finland?
Finland has a well-developed transportation system, with many options for getting around the country. Visitors can choose from a variety of options, including trains, buses, and cars. The national railway company, VR, offers a comprehensive rail network, while the national bus company, Matkahuolto, offers a comprehensive bus network. Visitors can also rent a car in Helsinki, Turku, or other major cities, and drive to their destination.
What are the top restaurants in Finland?
Finland has a thriving food scene, with many modern restaurants serving up delicious and innovative dishes. Some popular restaurants include Karjalanpiirakka, a traditional Finnish restaurant in Helsinki, and Kalakukko, a traditional Finnish restaurant in Turku. Visitors can also try some of the country’s many modern restaurants, such as Grilled Salmon with a side of pickled vegetables, and Roasted vegetables with a side of quinoa and nuts.
What are the top hotels in Finland?
Finland has many luxury hotels, including the famous Hotel Kämp in Helsinki and the Hotel Vaakuna in Turku. These hotels offer a range of amenities, including comfortable rooms, restaurants, and bars. Visitors can also choose from a variety of budget-friendly options, including hostels and camping sites.
What are the top festivals and events in Finland?
Finland has a rich cultural scene, with many festivals and events throughout the year. Some popular festivals and events include the Helsinki Festival, the Savonlinna Opera Festival, and the Rovaniemi Winter Festival. Visitors can also enjoy the many summer festivals, such as the Helsinki Summer Festival and the Turku Summer Festival.