Finland is a Nordic country where northern lights paint the winter skies and midnight sun illuminates summer nights. Things to do in Finland range from meeting Santa Claus in Rovaniemi to island-hopping in Helsinki and relaxing in traditional saunas by frozen lakes. The country welcomes nature lovers, families, culture enthusiasts, and adventure travelers with equal warmth.
Most Helsinki attractions sit within walking distance of each other, while Lapland destinations require domestic flights from the capital. In this guide, we have covered the must see places in Finland, along with timings, ticket prices, and tips to plan your Finnish journey.
1. Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
A 15-minute ferry ride from Helsinki Market Square takes you to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spread across six interconnected islands. This 18th-century fortress is among the top things to do in Finland for history buffs and casual visitors alike.
The fortress has massive stone walls, tunnels, and cannons pointing toward the Baltic Sea. About 800 residents still live on these islands today. Six museums operate within the fortress grounds, and the Suomenlinna Museum tells the story of its Swedish and Russian past.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5 stars
- Location: 00190 Helsinki, Finland
- Timings: Open 24 hours (Museums: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, seasonal variations apply)
- Price: Free entry to the fortress, Ferry ticket: ABCD Zone HSL ticket €5/ INR 543; set aside 2 to 3 hours to walk around
Suggested Read: Finland With Kids | A Family Travel Guide
2. Helsinki Cathedral
Rising above Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Finland. The white neoclassical building with green domes was completed in 1852 and dedicated to Tsar Nicholas I before Finnish independence.
The cathedral’s wide steps serve as a popular meeting spot for locals and visitors. Inside, the Lutheran church features a simple, elegant interior quite different from ornate European cathedrals. The Crypt below hosts art exhibitions during summer months.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5 stars
- Location: Unioninkatu 29, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
- Timings: September to May: Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM; June to August: Monday to Thursday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Price: General admission €10/ INR1,086 for adults and for a combined ticket €13/ INR 1,413, under 18: Free; set aside 1 hour for a visit
3. Northern Lights in Lapland
Watching the aurora borealis dance across the Arctic sky is among the most memorable and fun things to do in Finland. Finnish Lapland offers some of the best viewing conditions in the world, with minimal light pollution and clear winter skies.
The best locations include Rovaniemi, Ivalo, Inari, and Utsjoki in the far north. Between September and March, the lights appear on almost every other clear night in northern Lapland. Many resorts offer glass-roofed cabins so you can watch the aurora from your bed.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: Finnish Lapland
- Timings: Best viewing: September to April, 8:00 PM – 3:00 AM
- Price: Guided tours and glass igloo stays vary based on the operator; set aside at least 3 to 4 hours for guided aurora tours
4. Santa Claus Village
You can meet Father Christmas every day of the year at his official residence on the Arctic Circle. Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is a top choice among things to do in Finland for tourists, especially families traveling with children.
The village sits right on the Arctic Circle line, and you can get a certificate for crossing this magical boundary. Santa’s Main Post Office sends letters with special Arctic Circle postmarks worldwide. Reindeer and husky rides operate from the village throughout winter.
- Google Rating: 4.2/5 stars
- Location: Tähtikuja 1, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland
- Timings: Open every day of the year
- Price: Free entry to the village; Meeting Santa: Free; Other attraction charges vary; set aside 3 to 5 hours for the full experience
Suggested Read: Finland Visa Photo Requirements for Indians
5. Löyly Sauna
No trip to Finland is complete without a traditional sauna session. Löyly is one of the most famous public saunas in Helsinki, sitting right on the Baltic Sea shore. Time Magazine named it among the World’s 100 Greatest Places in 2018.
The venue has three wood-heated saunas: a traditional sauna, a continuously heated sauna, and a rare smoke sauna. After warming up, you can cool off with a swim in the sea, even in winter, through a hole in the ice.
- Google Rating: 4.4/5 stars
- Location: Hernesaarenranta 4, 00150 Helsinki, Finland
- Timings: Monday to Thursday 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM, Sunday 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Price: €27/ INR 2,934 for a 2-hour session (towel, seat liner, toiletries included), Additional hours: €12/ INR 1,304; set aside 1.5 to 2 hours for the full sauna experience
6. Lake Saimaa
Lake Saimaa is the largest lake in Finland and the fourth-largest natural freshwater lake in Europe. The Lakeland region holds more than 15,000 islands and offers a perfect summer retreat. This is one of the must see places in Finland for nature lovers.
The lake is home to the critically endangered Saimaa ringed seal, found nowhere else on Earth. Guided seal-watching tours give you a chance to spot these rare creatures. Kayaking, fishing, and staying in traditional lakeside cottages are popular activities here.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Location: Eastern Finland (Savonlinna, Lappeenranta, Mikkeli regions)
- Timings: Open year-round (best: May to September for water activities)
- Price: Free to visit; Kayaking tours and cottage rentals prices vary; 2 to 3 days for a proper Lakeland experience
Suggested Read: How to Check Finland Visa Status in India?
7. Temppeliaukio Rock Church
Carved directly into solid granite bedrock, Temppeliaukio Church is an architectural wonder that draws around 500,000 visitors annually. The church opened in 1969, and its raw stone walls and copper dome create an atmosphere unlike any other place of worship.
Natural light enters through 180 skylight windows around the dome’s edge. The rough rock surfaces produce excellent acoustics, making it a popular concert venue. If you’re searching for things to do in Finland today in Helsinki, this church should top your list.
- Google Rating: 4.4/5 stars
- Location: Lutherinkatu 3, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
- Timings: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 – 11:45 AM, 12:45 PM – 2:45 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (may vary due to services and concerts)
- Price: For adults: €8/ INR 869, Under 18: Free, set aside 30 minutes to 1 hour for a visit
8. Oodi Central Library
Oodi is not your typical library. This three-story wooden building opened in 2018 and won the Public Library of the Year award from IFLA in 2019. The library sits opposite the Finnish Parliament and represents modern Finnish values of openness and democracy.
The top floor, called “Book Heaven,” holds over 100,000 books and 180 magazines. Lower floors feature 3D printers, sewing machines, gaming rooms, and a cinema. Everything is free to use, even for tourists without a library card.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Location: Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
- Timings: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Price: Free entry, all services free; set aside 1 to 2 hours to explore the building
9. Old Market Hall
Vanha Kauppahalli, or the Old Market Hall, has served Helsinki since 1889. This historic red-brick building near the harbor offers authentic Finnish food experiences. Stalls sell everything from smoked salmon and reindeer meat to artisan cheeses and local pastries.
The famous salmon soup at Soppakeittiö draws both tourists and locals during lunch hours. You can also find specialty items like bear salami and elk jerky. The market sits next to Helsinki Market Square, where outdoor vendors sell fresh produce in summer.
- Google Rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Location: Eteläranta, 00130 Helsinki, Finland
- Timings: Monday to Saturday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (vendor hours may vary)
- Price: Free entry; set aside a whole day to eat and explore
Suggested Read: How to Book Finland Visa Appointment
FAQs
What are the best things to do in Finland for first-time visitors?
Helsinki offers a perfect starting point where you can cover Suomenlinna, Helsinki Cathedral, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church in one day. A visit to a public sauna like Löyly gives you an authentic taste of Finnish culture. If time permits, fly to Rovaniemi and experience Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle for the best things to do in Finland for tourists.
What shouldn’t you miss in Finland?
The Northern Lights dancing across Lapland’s sky between September and March create a once-in-a-lifetime memory. A traditional Finnish sauna session is essential to understanding what makes this culture so unique. Suomenlinna fortress and a lakeside cottage stay in the Saimaa region are must see places in Finland worth adding to your itinerary.
What are the best things to do in Finland during the day?
In Helsinki, walk through Senate Square to the cathedral, then take a ferry to Suomenlinna for a leisurely lunch. Lapland’s short winter days fill up quickly with husky safaris and reindeer farm visits. Summer brings endless daylight, perfect for hiking in Nuuksio National Park or kayaking on Lake Saimaa.
What are the best things to do in Finland at night?
Aurora hunting in Lapland ranks as the top nighttime activity from September through March. In Helsinki, dinner at the Old Market Hall followed by drinks at a rooftop bar makes for a memorable evening. The midnight sun in summer allows outdoor activities late into the night, including hiking and fishing.
What are the most kid-friendly activities in Finland?
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi delights children year-round with its Christmas magic and friendly reindeer encounters. Linnanmäki amusement park in Helsinki welcomes families with free entry to the grounds. Heureka Science Centre keeps curious young minds busy, while shorter husky rides work well as fun things to do in Finland for younger children.
What are the best cultural things to do in Finland?
The Sami Museum Siida in Inari shares the heritage of Finland’s indigenous people through thoughtful exhibits. Savonlinna Opera Festival in July brings world-class performances to a medieval castle setting. Helsinki’s Design District and preserved wooden towns like Porvoo and Rauma rank among the top things to do in Finland for culture enthusiasts.
What are the top food experiences in Finland?
Salmon soup at Helsinki’s Old Market Hall provides a classic starting point for your culinary journey. Karelian pies with egg butter and reindeer dishes in Lapland offer authentic regional flavors. Vendace fish in the Saimaa region is a treasured local specialty, and picking cloudberries in late summer gives you a true taste of Arctic nature.
What are the best shopping areas in Finland?
Helsinki’s Esplanadi and surrounding streets feature beloved Finnish design brands like Marimekko and Iittala. The Design District holds smaller boutiques and artisan shops worth browsing at a relaxed pace. Market halls across the country sell local foods and handmade crafts, while Lapland offers Sami handicrafts and reindeer leather goods.
What’s the best time of year to visit Finland for sightseeing?
The ideal time depends entirely on what you hope to experience during your visit. For things to do in Finland involving Northern Lights and winter adventures, plan your trip between December and March. Summer months bring the magical midnight sun and warm weather perfect for lake activities and forest hikes.
