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Introducing Finland

Finland offers the best of both worlds—or rather, the best of both major travel seasons. If you're in need of a warm summer vacation without the crowds, you'll revel in this country's opportunities for hiking, lake swimming, and exploration of Helsinki's metropolitan culture. Travelers planning a winter wonderland getaway won't be disappointed either: the outdoor activities are endless, its an ideal place to spot the Northern Lights, and its the only place where you can visit Santa Clause's hometown (complete with reindeer).

When is the best time to visit? 
Despite its sky-high spot on the map, Finland's climate is more temperate than you would think. Yes, its winters are dark and cold—but due to the forgiving Gulf Stream, temperatures don't dip too far below freezing. Take advantage of the snow with all manner of winter sports, and long nights mean better chances of spotting the Northern Lights. Summer is when you'll have the best weather and widest number of activities and attractions available—and even in these popular vacation months, you rarely need to worry about crowds. Spring is very short (and often still snowy), but fall is a particularly good time for photographers to book a trip: the hills become cloaked in the brilliant hues of autumn leaves. 

How many days do I need?
Finland is an easy flight from Stockholm and St. Petersburg, so a quick trip isn't out of the question. With three days, you can easily experience the culinary joys and architectural wonders of fabulous Helsinki. In five days, you're able to tour a larger region—check out this Lapland tour, which includes skiing, snowshoeing, guiding a team of huskies, and sleeping in glass igloos under the stars. With a week or more, you can take a substantial road trip through half of the country. Try the southern coast from Helsinki in the summer months, or this nine-day winter itinerary that takes you all the way to Norway.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 10 days · 14 days

Finland Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
See the most magical places above Arctic Circle on this tour from Rovaniemi to Tromso
Map of Northern Lights Road Trip from Rovaniemi to Tromsø - 9 Days
Northern Lights Road Trip from Rovaniemi to Tromsø - 9 Days

From dog sledding to snowshoeing, this adventure above the Arctic Circle covers all the winter activities the region has to offer. With a private guide behind the wheel, there's no need to worry about icy roads and reindeer crossings - just sit back, relax, and enjoy the hidden gems of the polar north.

Aerial view of Helsinki, Finland
Map of Discover Finland's Golden Triangle: Helsinki, Tampere & Turku - 6 Days
Discover Finland's Golden Triangle: Helsinki, Tampere & Turku - 6 Days

Discover Finland's Golden Triangle—formed by the cities of Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku. Learn about the role these cities played in Finland's history and how, today, they are the economic and population center of the country. You'll start in the capital, Helsinki, with a city tour and an excursion to the historic Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and partake in the city's lively and innovative dining scene. At Tampere, the city surrounded by lakes, you'll learn its history and take a lake cruise to enjoy the region's unique beauty.

The northern lights over a Finnish forest
Map of Lapland Highlights  - 5 Days
Lapland Highlights - 5 Days

Visit Santa Claus's hometown (Rovaniemi) and fall in love with winter sports haven Ylläs on this snow-dusted winter wonderland adventure above the Arctic Circle! Snuggle a husky, pose for a selfie with a reindeer, snowshoe through the wilderness, participate in epic snowball fights, and hunt for the elusive, magical northern lights.

Reindeer in Lapland
Map of Rovaniemi & Kemi  - 6 Days
Rovaniemi & Kemi - 6 Days

Welcome to Lapland! With four days in Rovaniemi, there's so much you can see and do. Visit Rudolph and the elves at Santa Claus Village, catch the Northern Lights, and sled with Huskies through a silent forest. Add on two more days for an optional excursion to the icy wonderland of Kemi.

Skiing in Lapland
Map of Lapland Winter Activities - 5 Days
Lapland Winter Activities - 5 Days

Outdoorsy travelers and snow-lovers rejoice: this Lapland winter tour was crafted with you in mind. Spend five days on snowshoes and skis, making your way across a winter wonderland that spans both Finland and Norway. Explore Norwegian fjords and arctic tundra - and keep an eye on the snow for wolverine and lynx prints.

Spend time at the Arctic Circle in wintry Rovaniemi
Map of Finnish Winter Wonderland: Helsinki & Rovaniemi - 7 Days
Finnish Winter Wonderland: Helsinki & Rovaniemi - 7 Days

Enjoy a fantastic winter getaway in Finland with a week full of outdoor adventures. Start in Helsinki and discover its key monuments. Head far north to Lapland and stay in the capital, Rovaniemi, to witness the northern lights. Get cozy with the reindeer as you take a sleigh ride through the Arctic wilderness before cuddling huskies at play. Hike to Korouoma Canyon for stunning views of frozen waterfalls, then warm up by a fire in the woods as you revel in a spectacular winter wonderland.

Make the Most of Your Time in Finland

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Explore Finland's many lakes in summer
How Many Days to Spend in Finland

Finland is a fun, relaxed destination—there's always time for a sauna—however long or short your trip. In five to seven days, you can check out the capital city, Helsinki, and...

Finland Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest Finland Content

Indulge in the activities on offer in a Finnish winter vacation
Map of 1 Week in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With one week in Finland, you can experience two to three destinations at a comfortable pace, like Helsinki and Rovaniemi, on a combined city and outdoor itinerary, ideal for first-timers. Travelers set on seeing the northern lights should choose the "Aurora Adventure," and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the "Lapland Winter Adventure," which includes skiing and snowshoeing in Pyhä. Families will love the wildlife safaris on the Summer Adventure, while foodies can sample Finnish flavors on a culinary tour.

Christmas Market  near famous Lutheran Cathedral in Helsinki
Map of 2 Weeks in Finland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Finland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in Finland, you can take in the highlights of Helsinki and the Lapland region on an epic winter holiday, complete with a northern lights tour, a snowmobile adventure, and a visit to Santa's Village. For all things Christmas, opt for a winter itinerary that visits Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland to learn about their unique holiday traditions. If you prefer summer, take advantage of the midnight sun on a Finland nature tour that'll get you exploring deep into Lapland's pristine wilderness.

A reindeer in Finnish Lapland
Map of Lapland Animal Summer Adventure: Rovaniemi, Kuusamo & Pyhä - 7 Days
Lapland Animal Summer Adventure: Rovaniemi, Kuusamo & Pyhä - 7 Days

Northern Finland transforms in the summertime, and there's no shortage of activities and animals to seek out under the midnight sun. On this seven-day itinerary, meet domestic animals like huskies and reindeer as well as wild ones, like brown bears, golden eagles, and wolves. Try fishing in one of the area's many lakes, visit the only polar bear in the country at a wildlife park, and spend a sunlit night looking for passing bears before the week is up.

Finland Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 10 Days in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 5 Days in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 1 Week in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Finland
Travel specialist Silvía Ástvaldsdóttir
active 44 mins ago

Silvía Ástvaldsdóttir

I'm a Nordic wanderer with roots in Iceland's ethereal East fjords and branches extending through Denmark's cozy 'hygge' culture to Sweden's pastoral Skåne. Each destination has been a sensory...

read more...
Travel specialist Moonika Apart
active 3 hours ago

Moonika Apart

I’m originally from Tallinn, Estonia but I lived in Australia for 7 years, which was also the time when I travelled the world and visited over 50 countries. I LOVE travelling and it plays a big...

read more...
Travel specialist Miglé Mikenaite
active 1 min ago

Miglé Mikenaite

As a passionate travel expert with lifelong wanderlust, I am here to ignite your sense of adventure and create unforgettable travel experiences. From my early days of exploration at the age of 14...

read more...

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Why travelers love kimkim

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Trip Reviews for Finland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Finland Fantasy
Finland | Oct 2 - Oct 7, 2023

Madhavi
Madhavi R.
India | Reviewed on Oct 09, 2023
Caesar in Helsinki was a good guide
Soumenlinna was also a good visit
All the guides for activities in Rovaniemi were good......
Each adventure had its own charm-
Camp fire in the log cabin while waiting to spot the aurora
ride with the huskies
Sauna with a dip in the lake
Arctic float gazing at the aurora and the starry night sky
I wasn't a big one for reindeer feeding but it was something I have never seen so.... it made it complete. Read more

Caesar in Helsinki was a good guide
Soumenlinna was also a good visit

All the guides for activities in Rovaniemi were good......
Each adventure had its own charm-
Camp fire in the log cabin while waiting to spot the aurora
ride with the huskies
Sauna with a dip in the lake
Arctic float gazing at the aurora and the starry night sky

I wasn't a big one for reindeer feeding but it was something I have never seen so.... it made it complete.

Hotel Reviews
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
Rovaniemi

The cabin was at a height from which you had an eagles view of the town. Maybe even see the aurora. Walking distance to the Santa village.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Walking distance to sant village with eating places
Staff
Very helpful about anything we requested.packed us breakfast on the day we had to leave very early
Cleanliness & Comfort
Overnight Train

Train was late by 5 hours due to track work. Although the cabins were spotless and comfortable for a cozy ride. Cafeteria with large glass windows was the meeting place for many friends and families

Authenticity & Character
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Lilla Roberts
Helsinki

It was very well located and comfortable. They were accommodating and gave us 2 rooms with a common door. Walking distance to all sights and markets

Authenticity & Character
Location
Walking distances to all good food places...and groceries and shopping and feery
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were very comfortable
Activity Reviews
Aurora Ice Floating
Aurora Ice Floating
Finland

SURREAL The guide fitted is up with gear for the cold air by the campfire, then the telly tubby like floatation suit for the lake. Drive was comfortable. Needed a bit of light at the camp initially. Demo was done by the guide. It was just amazing flooding in 1C in a lake with the starry sky and the aurora over head.... The guides were so patient and let everyone float as long as they wanted. They set up a campfire and regaled the tourists with theirs jokes and stories

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Reindeer & Wilderness Sauna Experience
Reindeer & Wilderness Sauna Experience
Rovaniemi

Feeding the reindeer was not my cup of tea but joined in. It was fun..can be quite daunting when you feed them, as the reindeers come towards you with their antlers.... Should have worn some boots as our shoes got real dirty The Finnish Sauna by the lake in cold weather was another first and wonderfully refreshing. To jump into ice cold water in the lake after the Sauna made you transcend your comfort zone . Once done was rejuvenating!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Autumn Husky Ride on Wheels
Autumn Husky Ride on Wheels
Rovaniemi

Felt as though we were riding on a chariot driven by huskies instead of horses. We were taken by shuttle to a hotel where we were given jackets pant and boots to help with the cold and prevent our clothes from getting dirty. We walked across to the kennel .Dogs were so excited and were ready for the ride through the farm land. Very enjoyable. Very cold despite gloves so took turns steering as hands were getting numb.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Aurora Photography Tour
Private Aurora Photography Tour
Rovaniemi

On time to pick us up. One look at us and the guide realized we wouldn't last the cold, so he got us suits for cold weather with boots and off we went to a private log shed far away in his vehicle. He lit a lovely campfire and it was beautiful starry night, caught a bit of the aurora with his professional camera, not so visible to the naked eye. Fed us with sausages and marshmallows and got chocolate and was willing to wait as long as we wanted..

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Helsinki and Suomenlinna Private Tour
Helsinki and Suomenlinna Private Tour
Helsinki

Caesar our guide was very knowledgeable . He spoke as he walked us to all the sites He took us on the ferry to the island and explained along the way . We eneded up having a delightful meal at the market, which was his suggestion

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Oct 11, 2023

Thank you for your feedback Madhavi! I'm glad to hear you had a great time on your trip with us. I hope to have you as our guests again in the future.
Best,
Moonika

My wife Miriam and I have traveled the world ...
Finland | Aug 22 - Sep 9, 2023

D
David L.
Des Moines, IA | Reviewed on Sep 16, 2023
My wife Miriam and I have traveled the world together for the last 40 years. Usually independent, self-guided. An occasional small group tour. We asked kimkim to plan a 3 week private trip to Finland. August/September. Goals: to experience out of the way rural and urban destinations, visit skilled artisans in their workshops, sample good food, both hearty and simple, and learn what gives Finland its special character. To fill every day’s schedule completely/sensibly, but with... Read more

My wife Miriam and I have traveled the world together for the last 40 years. Usually independent, self-guided. An occasional small group tour.

We asked kimkim to plan a 3 week private trip to Finland. August/September. Goals: to experience out of the way rural and urban destinations, visit skilled artisans in their workshops, sample good food, both hearty and simple, and learn what gives Finland its special character.

To fill every day’s schedule completely/sensibly, but with time/flexibility to veer off and see what was around the next corner.

Kimkim’s Moonika delivered exactly what we wanted.

And then some.

We explored fantastic landscapes, met intriguing people. Each day was singular and always in a different way than any before.

Studied with the most amazing artisans who shared details of their time-honored family trades, workshops, sometimes centuries old. A contemporary leather handbag designer/craftswoman personally demonstrated how she produces her beautiful work and sources her supplies.

Helped bake a favorite dessert with just picked berries … which, still warm from the oven, we enjoyed at the end of an action packed visit with a nationally recognized artisan family.

Bear watching in overnight wetlands blind • day trip to Estonia • Iitalia factory • sleeper train to Rovaniemi • dogsledding training tips • learned the different shapes and fuzz on reindeer antlers

While large groups of tourists plodded by, our local nature guides stopped to point out unique Finnish plants, trees, insects, rocks … and told a beloved folk story about the bird that just swooped by.

We learned the names of everyone’s family at home … their pets, too.

Thanks, Kimkim and Moonika, for making it all happen.

Fantastic.

David and Miriam
USA

Hotel Reviews
Kurula's Resort
Pyhätunturi

The resort was the best. It'll be exceptional when it's done. The staff was superb and accommodating.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Park Hotel Turku
Turku

The Park Hotel was a highlight. It was different from the modern ones and we loved the old one.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Overnight Train

Old-fashioned but totally contemporary and fun. Best night of sleep over all the nice hotels. Wish we could go again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Kuusamo to Pyhä Transfer with a stop at a Husky Farm
Kuusamo to Pyhä Transfer with a stop at a Husky Farm
Finland

This was one of the very best stops of the entire trip! The hosts spent endless time with us. Super memories of lots of dogs barking, people laughing … and learning so much.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bird & Wildlife Watching Tour
Bird & Wildlife Watching Tour
Pyhä

The Bird & Wildlife Watching Tour was superb, the guide was retired military and passionate about nature. The Aurora Adventure was fun, despite not seeing the lights.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Finnish Legends and Stories Around the Fire
Finnish Legends and Stories Around the Fire
Rovaniemi

The workshop was an unexpected highlight and the stories around the fire were in-depth, really interesting, and not touristy at all. The guide was passionate and knowledgeable, which made the experience even more special.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Industrial Past of Tampere
The Industrial Past of Tampere
Tampere

The tower was super and the local craft shop was interesting.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Picnic Cruise along the Aura River
Picnic Cruise along the Aura River
Turku

Despite the rain, the guide made it fun and interesting. The cruise was a highlight.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Porvoo Design Tour
Porvoo Design Tour
Helsinki

My guide got mixed up with another group but the hotel staff and everyone involved were so helpful and friendly, turning the situation into a really fun memory.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Aurora Adventure at Lake Pyhäjärvi
Aurora Adventure at Lake Pyhäjärvi
Pyhä

Our guide "tried hard" but no aurora seen that night. But exceptional fun sitting around fire at his house with his devoted dogs, learning about his family and talking "horses". Visited stables andsaddle room of what might be the farthest north "western horse" operation. Unexpected fun,

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arctic Wilderness Hike (Summer)
Arctic Wilderness Hike (Summer)
Rovaniemi

Easy to rate - because Barbara was hands down the best trail guide ever. Funny, smart, forward thinking ... plus taught us to use a fire starting flint, shared amazing stories and nature details from start to finish. But - we taught HER how to make a Finnish variation of our traditional "smore". Substitute a ginger cookie, delicious Finnish chocolate and strawberry flavored marshmallows for the traditional plain old graham crackers, dull American chocolate and white marshmallows ... grilled over a fire started with her flint.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Oct 02, 2023

Hello David and Miriam,

Thank you very much for your feedback and I'm glad to hear you had a good time on your trip with us. It was so nice to meet you in person here in Tallinn and sit down for a quick chat. Thank you for booking your trip with us and I hope to have you as our guests again in the future.

All the best,
Moonika

Great local knowledge, wonderful experiences.
Finland | Aug 27 - Sep 7, 2023

M
Miki A.
Somerville, MA | Reviewed on Sep 08, 2023

We did the Baltic Sampler trip (or I think that's what it was called) - starting in Helsinki, and then moving on to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Valdis was very helpful throughout and very responsive as we asked questions and made tweaks in the itinerary. He booked excellent hotels for us, and arranged for truly excellent local guides to help us truly understand the places we were visiting, as well as getting access to experiences like a tea ceremony, and a cooking classes. I highly recommend working with Valdis and this platform.

Local specialist: Valdis Čeičs