Door: Ties en Fay
FINLAND
Places to be
Helsinki is a city where Nordic design, seaside beauty, and a relaxed atmosphere come together effortlessly. In spring and summer, the long days fill the city with soft light, making its parks, markets, and waterfront promenades feel lively and welcoming. The blend of modern architecture and historic neighbourhoods gives Helsinki a unique charm — from the colourful wooden houses of Kallio to the sleek lines of the Oodi Library. Cafés spill onto the streets, ferries glide between islands, and locals enjoy saunas by the sea. Helsinki is more than Finland’s capital — it’s a calm, creative city where nature and urban life blend in a way that feels refreshing and inspiring.
Lapland is a place where nature feels vast, pure, and almost magical. In winter, the landscape transforms into a world of snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and shimmering northern lights dancing across the sky. Reindeer wander through the wilderness, and cosy wooden cabins glow warmly in the cold. In summer, the Midnight Sun brings endless daylight, turning the region into a peaceful paradise for hiking, canoeing, and exploring untouched nature. Lapland offers a sense of stillness and wonder that’s hard to find anywhere else — a place where every season feels like stepping into a different story.
Porvoo is one of Finland’s oldest and most charming towns, known for its colourful wooden houses and cobblestone streets. The old town sits along a peaceful river, creating a picture-perfect scene that feels warm and inviting in every season. In summer, the cafés and boutiques fill with life, while in winter the town becomes a cosy, fairy‑tale setting. Porvoo’s mix of history, creativity, and small‑town charm makes it a perfect escape from the city — a place where you can slow down, wander, and enjoy the gentle rhythm of Finnish life.
The Åland Islands are a peaceful archipelago where the sea, nature, and Scandinavian culture blend into a calm and beautiful escape. In summer, the islands glow with long days, quiet beaches, and scenic cycling routes that wind through forests and coastal villages. Red wooden houses, sailing boats, and open landscapes give Åland a timeless charm. Life here moves slowly — meals are enjoyed outdoors, ferries drift between islands, and the sea is always close by. Åland is perfect for travellers who love nature, tranquillity, and the gentle beauty of island life.
Turku is Finland’s oldest city, where medieval history meets a lively modern culture. The Aura River runs through the centre, lined with cafés, museums, and old boats that turn into summer restaurants. In the warm months, the city feels bright and energetic, with festivals, markets, and long evenings spent by the water. Turku Castle and the cathedral add a sense of history, while the nearby archipelago offers endless opportunities for island‑hopping. Turku is a place where tradition and creativity come together in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
North Karelia is a region of deep forests, shimmering lakes, and peaceful countryside. It’s a place where Finnish nature feels pure and untouched, especially in summer when the days are long, and the landscapes glow in soft golden light. Wooden cottages sit by quiet lakes, perfect for swimming, canoeing, or enjoying a sauna at sunset. The region is rich in culture and folklore, with traditional food, crafts, and music still playing an important role in daily life. North Karelia offers a gentle, authentic escape — a place to breathe, slow down, and connect with nature.
The right time to go
Winter in Finland feels like stepping into a world made of snow, silence, and soft northern light. As the cold season arrives, the landscapes transform into endless white forests, frozen lakes, and villages glowing gently beneath the winter sky. From December to March, Finland becomes a place where nature slows down, the air turns crisp and clean, and every moment feels touched by a quiet kind of magic.
Across the country, winter creates scenes that look almost unreal. In Lapland, snow covers the trees so heavily they become soft, rounded shapes known as “snow monsters,” standing silently on the fells. The northern lights dance across the sky on clear nights, shifting in shades of green and purple above the frozen wilderness. Reindeer wander through the snowy forests, and cosy wooden cabins glow warmly in the cold, inviting travellers to step inside and warm up by the fire.
In the south, winter brings its own charm. Helsinki becomes a peaceful seaside city wrapped in frost, with cafés glowing through the early evening and markets selling warm pastries and handmade crafts. The islands and lakes freeze over, creating a calm, still landscape perfect for winter walks, ice skating, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of nature. Even small towns like Porvoo turn into storybook scenes, with colourful wooden houses dusted in snow and lights reflecting softly on the river.
Winter in Finland is also a season of tradition and comfort. Saunas become a daily ritual — a warm, steamy escape from the cold, often followed by a refreshing roll in the snow or a dip in an icy lake. Outdoor adventures fill the days: husky sledging through silent forests, snowshoeing across open landscapes, skiing under pale winter sunlight. Evenings are slow and cosy, spent by the fire with hot drinks, hearty meals, and the soft glow of candles.
Everywhere you go, winter in Finland offers a blend of stillness, beauty, and wonder. Whether you’re watching the northern lights, exploring snowy forests, or enjoying the warmth of a sauna after a day outside, the season brings out the most magical side of the country. It’s a time when Finland feels peaceful, enchanting, and unforgettable — a place where winter becomes a story you’ll want to return to again and again.
Travel tips
Finnish is the official language, and Swedish is also widely spoken. In cities, most people speak excellent English, but learning a few Finnish words is appreciated.
Trains and buses connect major cities like Helsinki, Turku, and Tampere. In Lapland, domestic flights and long‑distance buses are common. Renting a car is ideal for exploring rural areas, lakes, and national parks.
Greet with a simple “Hei”. Finns value personal space, calmness, and punctuality. Conversations are polite and direct. Tipping is not required, but rounding up the bill is appreciated.
Currency: Euro (€).
Credit cards are widely accepted.
Finland is one of the safest countries in the world, but winter conditions can be extreme — dress warmly and be careful on icy roads and paths.