Finland is the easternmost of the Nordic countries and boasts a truly unique culture and history. Well-known for its icily beautiful landscapes, lakelands and those seemingly endless skies, it’s a great destination for active vacations. The capital of Finland, Helsinki, is famous for an interesting mix of architecture, great shopping and nightlife, while the other major cities in the south, Turku and Tampere, are only a few hours away. Lapland, the northernmost part of Finland and home to the native Sami people, is a fascinating region to visit at any time of the year, though the Santa Claus connections always make it a Christmas favorite.

Summer in Finland

The summer in Finland is short and Finns really know how to make the most of it. There are countless events, festivals and summer activities around Finland from early June to the end of August. The phenomena of the Midnight Sun means that the sun does not set in some parts of Finland for several weeks or months.

Many Finns spend a big part of their summer vacation in a summer cabin by a lake or by the sea. Cabins and cottages are available to rent for a weekend or for longer vacations in scenic locations around Finland: the Saimaa lake region in eastern Finland or the archipelagos in the south.

Winter in Finland

Christmas is one of the best times for Lapland holidays, with the Santa Claus Village in Saariselkä being a must-visit destination for families in the weeks or months leading up to Christmas. Winter activities in Lapland range from snowmobile safaris to enthralling husky sled rides and trips to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) – a must if you’re in this part of Scandinavia. If high-speed slopes are your passion, check out the ski resorts in Finnish Lapland, with the ski season lasting from November to April at locations like Yllas.

Spring and Fall Vacations

Although most visitors to Finland come in the summer months or for Christmas, the spring and the fall are good alternatives. September is a great time for hiking in the national parks; the fall colors (called ‘ruska’ in Finnish) appear in full and the countryside looks stunning. Springtime in Lapland is especially action-packed, when streams of migrating birds land on the marshes and fjords of northern Finland – the Varanger Fjord is known for its incoming Eider duck population at this time.

Traveling around Finland is easy, and it is possible to rely completely on public transport. Buses and trains connect all the big cities and even the smallest towns. The bus network is modern and fast, and trains are comfortable. Flights connect Finland to other Scandinavian countries, and there are daily ferries from Finland to Sweden and to Estonia. For those looking to vacation somewhere extraordinary, Finland is one country you shouldn’t miss.