Top 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Finland

A beautiful and sometimes mysterious land known for its breathtaking forests, stunning aurora displays, vast areas of unspoiled wilderness and its fondness for saunas. Finland is a country definitely not short on magical places to explore and discover.

From the stunning landscapes of Finnish Lapland to creative bistros filled with cloudberry liquor swilling locals in Helsinki, here is my choice for 15 of the best and most beautiful places to visit in Finland…

1. Helsinki – Finland’s cool, funky and stylish capital

A beautiful and eclectic mix of contemporary and Art Noveau architecture, excellent designer restaurants, lively bars, creative bistros, beautiful boutiques, and galleries all wrapped up in one stylish, neat and compact package.

Also, throw some quirks and eccentricities – locals casually walking across the frozen sea during mid-winter, the long rows of heavy metal bars and the super-cute Moomin cafe and you’ve got yourself quite an extraordinary city indeed.

It’s also a very progressive place with a burgeoning vegan scene and a commitment to sustainability, and it also possesses a charming small-town friendliness.

Highlights include Uspenski Cathedral, the Sibelius monument, the Katajanokka district and Temppeliaukio Church (aka the very unique rock church)! 

2. Rovaniemi – the stunning gateway to Lapland and the Arctic wilderness

Of course, everyone has heard Santa Clause, but did you know he was based in Finland? Rovaniemi was actually home to the original figure Santa Clause was based on, so if you have a child with wild Christmas eyes, Rovaniemi is the ideal place to take them a stunning Finland holiday.

In the city, residents have lovingly embraced the legend and figure of Christmas, so sights and sounds of the season can be seen throughout the land.

Adults can enjoy this area as well with exceptional views of the Northern Lights, and endless days during June and July where the sun never sets. This season is referred to as the Midnight Sun.

3. Suomenlinna – the unique UNESCO-protected former fortress islands

Few areas anywhere in the world hold as much history as Suomenlinna. This area of Finland has not always been a part of the country but has changed hands a few times.

Once owned by Russia and Sweeden, this island is now one of the most visited places in Finland.

Suomenlinna was constructed as a fortress in 1748 and has always served as a fortress in some form or another, but it is also home to a small community of residents as well. Suomenlinna is certainly something to behold and this World Heritage Site should not be missed on your travels to Finland.

4. Arctic Resort Kakslauttanen – home to world-famous glass igloos

A stunning, tranquil but much sought after resort due to its incredible unique accommodation. 

Located in Kakslauttanen, Finland, the big draw is their world-famous glass igloos which allow you to experience the feeling of sleeping under the stars and of course make the most of the Northern Light should make an appearance.

Surrounded by thick forest, the Kakslauttanen river and covered in snow during the winter months this place isn’t cheap but it sure is the stuff of dreams!

5. Nuuksio National Park – a beautiful place to visit in Finland filled with fresh air, nature and tranquillity

National parks are known for providing an escape from everyday modern life and that is exactly what you will find at the stunning Nuuksio National Park.

This nature lover’s dream is just outside of Finland’s capital and offers an array of opportunities to reconnect with nature and enjoy the epic beauty of the forest.

Camping and hiking are permitted in this national park and the many waterfalls and breathtaking photo opportunities keep tourists and locals coming back time and time again.

6. Porvoo – Finland’s pretty and charming second-oldest town

In terms of a quaint little fishing village, Porvoo is not, but with just over 50,000 residents, it does maintain a lot of a small-town feel, but with big-city dreams.

This part of Finland is one of the six remaining medieval towns and was first mentioned in history back in the 14th century. History is everywhere you look in Porvoo and tourists enjoy an array of activities from kayaking the waterways to enjoying the many quaint shops and cafes throughout the city.

The allure of Porvoo is often linked to its ability to recapture the old world feel while managing as a modern town. Don’t forget to pack your camera this place is highly photogenic!

7. Lake Saimaa – a labyrinth of wide waters and thousands of islands

While visiting the most beautiful places in Finland, you will discover that the country has a substantial amount of lakes, the most in Europe, in fact.

Lake Saimaa is the largest of these interconnected bodies of water. The lake system is possible to view from land, but in order to see the massive scope and exceptional beauty of this remarkable piece of paradise, you must travel by boat.

Tours are common on Lake Saimaa and those that travel here often desire to see the Saimaa Ringed Seal, which is currently endangered with merely a few hundred in existence.

8. Oulanka National Park – a pristine wilderness and haven for outdoor lovers

An extraordinarily beautiful and magical wilderness especially during the winter, Oulanka National Park covers an area of 270 square kilometres in Finnish Lapland (the far north of the county).

Originally established in 1956 it caters to many an outdoor and adventure lover, during the summer you’ll hear brooks gushing and rivers rushing between the densely packed trees and during the winter the snowy wonderland is also somewhere which often plays host to the incredible Northern Lights.

Stay at Basecamp Oulanka and drink homemade cloudberry liquors and take invigorating dips in their outdoor hot tub!

9. Turku Archipelago – a scenic place formed of 20,000 islands and rocky islets

A unique aspect of Finland can be found in Turku Archipelago. This area is said to be the most beautiful in the world, at least by the locals, but those that visit often agree as this sprawling 20,000-island chain is like nothing else in the world.

Even though each island is separate, they all seem to work together as an encompassed community.

Island travel is managed by a network of ferries, so tourists need not contend with renting a vehicle, but the rental of a bicycle can be a huge help as this is the general mode of transport for most people living and visiting the area.

10. Utsjoki – the most northerly municipality in Finland

The small population of just over 1,200 people in Utsjoki helps to maintain the small village feel that attracts so many visitors each year.

This Sami village is a place where tourists can slow down from hectic city life and just enjoy the sheer beauty of nature’s splendour.

The Tenojoki River flows along the northern border of Utsjoki, so it attracts its share of fishermen.

11. Naantali – the gorgeous tourist town home to an old-world atmosphere

A land of endless festivals and embracing Finish culture await you in Naatali.

Festivals such as the Naantali Music festival that happens every June from the 6th to the 17th attract visitors from all parts of the globe and the town, in general, maintains a unique old-world atmosphere that keeps visitors coming back again and a gain.

Kultaranta gardens is just one of the many attractions in Naatali featuring a unique look at the 100-year history of the nation’s presidents. There is no limit to what can be discovered in beautiful Naatali.

12. Mariehamn – the beautiful capital of the Aland Islands

Mariehamn, attracts visitors for its magnificent beauty, but also for its walkability. Tourists enjoy visiting this classic shipping town as it is easy to get from one end to another without ever setting food in a car.

Ferries and foot traffic are the most common modes of transportation here. For the best view of this growing city, a trek up to Badhusberg will allow you to see Mariehamn from the top.

Other attractions include a variety of shops and restaurants to meander through while strolling along Torggatan, the pedestrian precinct located in central Mariehamn.

13. Saariselka – one of the best destinations for chasing the Northern Lights

This is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Finland but the main attraction in Saariselki is the Aurora Borealis.

The northern lights attracts countless tourists annually and encapsulate the imagination as streams of colour dance across the night’s sky.

In Saariselka, they make the event even more special with uniquely designed cabins. These cabins offer a pure view of the northern lights while guests remain toasty warm inside.

During the summer season, guests enjoy a trek into one of the last remaining, vast wilderness opportunities in Europe. With so many forests disappearing these days, it is nice to get back to nature in a true wilderness-driven landscape like Saariselka.

14. Repovesi National Park – magnificent forests and blue waters

Finland is home to many pristine and beautiful national parks but this one definitely deserves a place on this Top 10 list.

Located only 3 hours from Helsinki in the municipalities of Kouvola and Mäntyharju, this former site for intensive commercial forestry, the Repovesi area successfully transformed into a gorgeous national park.

A haven for outdoor enthusiasts both in summer and winter the parks is filled with hills blanketed with thick, rugged forests, clear blue lakes and during the winter the whole place is covered in pure white snow.

15. Lake Pielinen – one of the most beautiful lakes in Finland

This is a truly beautiful place to visit that easily deserves a place on this list. Pielinen Lake is the fourth largest in Finland, with a large drainage basin that covers both eastern Finland and Russia.

It’s an unspoiled and tranquil place that is home to many points offering fantastic views as well as many recreational activities such as hiking and cycling.

Other sights include small villages and towns on the forested hills of Karelia.

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