8 Cool Reasons to put Finland on your Bucket List
As the happiest place on earth, the home of Santa Claus and a magical winter wonderland, Finland is as close to utopia as you can get. It’s also known for wild beauty, eco-friendly cities, midnight sunshine, languid lakes, mystical forests — and peculiar sports, but more about that later!
Reasons to visit this cool country are endless, however here are our top reasons why Finland should be on your bucket list…
Chase the Northern Lights …
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, should be experienced by everyone at least once in their lives. Under the right conditions, you can see this natural yet magical phenomenon anywhere in Finland, but for the best viewing spot, head up to Lapland. Here, the ethereal dancing lights are visible on roughly 200 nights a year, although September through to March are the ideal months. The evanescent hues of green, blue, yellow, purple and red dancing across the sky will make you feel like you are in a fairytale. Many hotels have rooms with glass ceilings, so you can gaze in awe from the comfort of a warm bed.
Eye up the large-eyed seals in Lake Saimaa …
The large-eyed Saimaa Ringed Seal is one of the world’s most endangered and rare seals. This ice-loving seal can only be spotted in Lake Saimaa, the largest lake in Finland – aptly named Lakeland. Lake Saimaa is a labyrinth formed by wide waters and over 13,000 islands. Kayaking and trekking among the winding waterways, lush green islands and dense forests are some of this breathtaking area’s most popular activities. As well as seal-safaris to search out the lake’s famous residents of course!
Discover the world’s largest archipelago …
From thousand of lakes to thousands of islands! Finland’s coast boasts the world’s largest archipelago with over 50,000 islands. Old wooden towns, lighthouses, large national parks, long sandy beaches, castle ruins, medieval churches – welcome to Coast and Archipelago. Visit well-preserved wooden towns with historic houses, cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways such as Old Porvoo, Naantali and Old Rauma. In the western coastal cities of Turku, Vaasa and Oulu, you can relish a laid-back islander lifestyle as you feast on delicious cuisine that reflects the strong maritime culture.
Encounter Santa Claus in the Midnight Sun…
Santa Claus, the one and only, comes from Finland – the town of Rovaniemi to be precise, an enchanting place of forests, lakes and vast expanses of tundra. The Santa Claus Village is open all year round so you can meet Santa with his reindeer, huskies and elves even in the summer. This time of year is also famous for the Midnight Sun. When nights are as light as day, you can continue activities such as swimming, hiking and kayaking late into the night. The Artic Circle runs right through Rovaniemi, so you can officially say you crossed the Artic Circle!
Heed the call of the wild and go mushing…
With 718 lakes, 2053 saunas, 15 ski lifts and more than 20 kilometres of winter walking and biking trails, there’s plenty of things to do in the town of Levi. But our favourite pastime is mushing, more commonly known as husky sledding! Gliding through a snowy forest on a wooden sleigh pulled by a team of over-excited cuddly huskies is a truly unforgettable experience. Or you can follow in the footsteps of the traditional Sami people and hitch a more peaceful ride in a reindeer sleigh.
Chill out in a Snow Castle…
The town of Kemi is best known as the home of the iconic snow castle. Every winter this incredible castle is rebuilt, complete with gorgeous snow sculptures, shining white pathways and fairy tale scenery. You can stay overnight in the snow hotel should you choose, or indulge in a delicious dinner at the ice restaurant. From Kemi, you can also board the arctic icebreaker cruise that winds through arctic waters in search of breathtaking icebergs and incredible views.
Conquer the ‘fortress of Finland’…
Located just one-kilometre off the coast of Helsinki, Suomenlinna is one of the world’s largest sea fortresses. This 18th century stronghold is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and consists of a cluster of car-free islands connected by bridges. Explore the ramparts, artillery, tunnels and museums; wander the historic cobbled streets; and walk the trails around this beautiful island. You can visit various museums and even explore a restored 1930s submarine. This strikingly visual island has also become known as an avant-garde cultural and culinary location with artist studios, a brewery and several waterside restaurants.
Become a world champion…
The fun-loving Finns host some of the craziest competitions in the world! The World Wife Carrying Championship sees ‘wives’ being carried down a 235 metre-long track with the winner receiving the wife’s weight in beer. The Finnish fascination for saunas extends to a World Sauna Championship in which contestants have to endure as long as possible in a steaming-hot sauna. There’s also championships in playing air guitar, throwing mobile phones, swamp football and maybe the most bizarre of all – sitting on an ants nest!
Intrigued to know more about Finland …
