From Lapland to Helsinki, discover Finland through its 4 regions!

Experience a unique experience in Finland! From Lapland to Helsinki to the Great Lakes, the Littoral and the Archipelago, discover the wonders of this northern territory and its magical landscapes!

In the northern European region, Finland stretches from the Arctic Circle, surrounded by the Baltic Sea, or more precisely the Gulf of Finland and Botnie. With 187,888 lakes and countless islands, Finnish territory is one of the largest in Europe.

Yet, it is also the country that welcomes one of the lowest population densities of the entire European Union. So imagine the immensity of this immaculate nature that requires only to be explored... Boreal lights in the midnight sun, discover unique landscapes for the most impressive scenery.

With Visit Finland , embark for a unique journey that will make you discover the countless wonders that the Pays des Mille Lacs shelters through 4 destinations. Start by exploring the magic of Lapland and its village of Santa Claus. Continue with the Great Lakes region, which invites you to try a wide range of outdoor activities with a grandiose setting.

Then, start with the marine culture: direction the coastline and its archipelago, the largest in the world! Finally, discover Finland through Helsinki and its region. Capital of the country, this vibrant and picturesque coastal city immerses you straight into the northern culture.

So, are you ready for a journey on this fabulous snowland?

Lapland

Immersion in the Samis

If Lapland invites the country to disbursement with its vast immaculate wilderness areas, this region of Finland is above all the territory of the Sami, the last indigenous people of Europe.

Known as Northern Reindeer Breeders, the Sami are now even more than 8,000, spread in northern Finland. An indigenous people holding the wealth of an ancestral culture, which draws its energy and inspiration from nature.

If reindeer farming is an essential part of the culture of the Sami, the indigenous people, or rather their ancestors, also lived from fishing, picking, hunting and crafts. For today the descendants of the Sami face a significant challenge: combining modernity and ancestral values. The goal is to welcome progress while preserving their own culture.

During your stay in this region of Finland, discover the unique and authentic culture of the Sami by participating in unpublished cultural events and activities in Lapland. For example, in July, participate in the Utsjoki Salmon Fishing Championships. Also, celebrate the end of the polar night at the Skábmagovat festival, a must-see event that takes place at the end of January. Finally, discover the village of Inari and its Siida Museum, the heart of Sami.

The magic of the village of Santa Claus

For the unconditional dreamers who wish to immerse themselves in the magic of Christmas, what better than visiting the emblematic village, the one where Santa elected home? It is the city of Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, which houses this little fairytale village.

The visit to the village of Santa Claus is a must-see during your stay in Lapland! Indeed, the site offers unique activities, such as the magical ceremony of passage of the Polar Circle, the encounter even with Santa Claus, or the visit of its post office... An enchanting setting that will leave you memorable memories with a family!

Boreal dawns and unique experiences

A trip to Lapland is the promise of a stay rich in unusual activities. So, prepare yourself to experience unique experiences, with the observation of the famous phenomenon of Northern .

Indeed, the geographical location of Lapland is ideal to see the Northern . Since much of the territory is above the Arctic Circle, it is possible to observe this show from September to April. If the most common color is green, it can be seen in red, yellow, blue or even purple depending on the altitude where the phenomenon occurs.

But this unique experience is not the only one you can live in Lapland. In winter, for example, discover the beauty of the region during a trip aboard a sled and his team of huskys. Also, enjoy a snowshoe ride to discover landscapes worthy of a white paradise. For lovers of strong sensations, put a snowmobile for a journey through an exceptionally pure setting.

If Lapland is often appreciated in winter, the other seasons are not left behind. So enjoy the midnight sun in the summer and breathtaking landscapes in autumn! Indeed, the many hiking trails are conducive to the observation of this vegetal torso, giving orange red and yellow tones!

The Great Lakes Region

Welcome to the Thousand Lakes Country

If you are looking for an authentic journey inspired by the nature side, the Great Lakes region is for you. Because Finland does not bear its nickname “Pays to the thousand lakes” for nothing. Indeed, no less than 187,888 lakes await you in the territory, the majority of which are located in this fabulous Great Lakes region, at the central and eastern part of the country.

This region with forest landscapes sprinkled with water has a fauna to the beauty of the place. It is possible to observe bears in wild nature, for example, an excursion that will delight photography lovers. Finally, Saimaa Lake welcomes the last survivors of freshwater marbling seals, which are among the most endangered seals in the world.

Charming residences, relaxation and activities

The summer days where the sun shines almost endless are ideal for enjoying the residences and chalets, very often nestled on the lakeside in this region of Finland. Basic habit of Finnish lifestyle, resourcing in these chalets is a real institution in the country, just like the sauna. This represents a true ritual that allows purifying body and soul, transmitted over generations.

In addition, these areas of water with a loss of sight make up a perfect playground for sports enthusiasts and outdoor activities. Explore the purity of the landscapes by canoeing or kayaking, embark for a cruise aboard a steamboat, or browse the shores of Iceland’s pony. And for the most adventurous, don’t miss the experience of Ruunaa’s rapids. Eventually, fishing ferus will be in paradise: the Näsijärvi and its deep waters allow phenomenal catches of more than 17 kilos!

Ice skating, Finland’s flagship activity

While Finland’s exceptional conditions offer a wide range of outdoor activities, ice skating remains the country’s key practice. When winter unlocks the landscape and freezes the lakes, don’t miss the opportunity to skating for ice adventure!

The Great Lakes region hosts a flagship event every year: the Finland Ice Marathon. There are no less than 600 skaters from 15 different countries who come to participate in this epic event: a competition that is one of the oldest natural ice skating events in Finland.

The Littoral and the Archipelago

In fact, Finland is not only the “Country of the Mille Lakes”. Indeed, the country is also made up of hundreds of thousands of islands, the largest archipelago in the world!

Cities, islands and unmissable places

A stay for the coast and the archipelago invites you to discover the country’s maritime culture through beaches and charming coastal cities. And if the winter and its white coat attract skaters from all over the world, you can also know that the Finnish coastline is thrillingly animated during the summer season. Here are some places to add on your list:

• Bengtskär : accessible by ferry from the village of Kasnäs, discover this small rocky island, the most southern area inhabited in Finland. This is where the beacon of Bengtskär stands proudly, the highest of all Scandinavia;
• Turku: Finnish historic city par excellence, do not miss the visit of this medieval city, which is nevertheless modern, animated and full of events;
• The Moumines universe: these fiction characters typically Finnish are now famous all over the world thanks to animated films, BD, plays... Visit the Moominworld theme park on Kailo Island for a memorable family day;
• Ekenäs Archipelago National Park: advice to nature lovers! Clear marine landscapes, large wooded islands and canoe excursions to the discovery of confidential coves are on the...

The Autonomous Region of Åland

Located in the Baltic Sea between mainland Finland and Sweden, Åland is a historic province with a self-government situation. A province where Swedish is the only official language, unlike the rest of Finland, bilingual Finnish-Sweden. This archipelago consists of about 6,500 islands, while being connected to Finland by a chain of islets.

While marine activities are one of the main sources of income of the inhabitants, they are also attracting visitors. Indeed, the best way to enjoy the Åland region while discovering its wonderful landscapes is to board by boat or kayak. And for a winter stay, it is possible to make the same ski or ice skate circuit!

Helsinki

The Finnish capital

How to discover Finland through its 4 flagship regions without evokeing the famous capital?

Located in the south of the country, Helsinki is a vibrant coastal city with a mix of composite architecture, tasty gastronomy, public saunas, green spaces and seaside landscapes. In short, everyone finds his account: culture fairies like nature lovers.

In addition, the capital advocates sustainable values that sound like the mantra of Finland as a whole: “Respect, preserve, enjoy, love”. Indeed, a country with such rich fauna and flora must protect it. Living in a sustainable way in harmony with the environment is thus anchored in Finnish values. On the way to a more responsible journey!

The Lutheran Cathedral of Helsinki

Dressed majesticly in the centre of the Senate Square, Helsinki’s Lutheran Cathedral is one of the most visited attractions in the capital. Designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, this jewel of neo-classical architecture was built in 1852, and remains a strong symbol of the city.

This Lutheran cathedral is distinguished by its beautiful white façade and its five green domes. A place of worship that takes life throughout the year through free concerts, songs and art exhibitions. Overlooking the entire city, the cathedral has become a true landmark for the inhabitants and sailors. You can't just miss it!

Other must-see places

Finally, the capital and its metropolitan area offer many opportunities for visits: historic cities, traditional villages, museums and classified sites or exceptional natural areas... Here is a small sample to give you an idea:

• Fiskars: a charming little village of artisanal tradition not to miss! Located on the banks of a river, Fiskars recently traded Finland’s first emerging destination for cultural tourism;
• Porvoo: Second oldest city in Finland, Porvoo will seduce the ferus of History through its charming alleys;
• Suomenlinna: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Suomenlinna is recognized for its famous maritime fortress. A must-see site, master of many decisive stages of Finnish history;
• Nuuksio National Park: Let’s finish on a wooded tone, with one of Finland’s most visited national parks. An escape opportunity in an exceptional natural environment, in easy access from Helsinki.

So, which of these regions of Finland would you be tempted to explore first?