Even mentioning the name “Finland” sends shivers down one's spine, but this country in the far north has a relatively “mild” climate, owing to the several lakes it has, as well as the Gulf stream which heats off the region. Booking in advance always helps you get great prices, be it hotels or flights. You can save 100-1000 USD, tagged along with some fascinating budget stays available around the year depending upon how early you make the necessary bookings for accommodation and travel. Let's look at some reasons why to visit Finland, when to visit Finland, and what to do in Finland:
Reasons for visiting Finland
The third cleanest country in the world according to a WHO study, Finland is a country with many, many lakes and forests. You can visit the plethora of national parks spread all around the country. Diverse wildlife is found here, from bears to behold, to reindeer, lynx, eagles, swans, and even the world’s rarest seal.
Also, you can get to meet Santa Claus. Yes, the REAL Santa Claus. He resides in Rovaniemi, Lapland, and visitors can meet him all year round. Lapland is also the host to the Midnight Sun Film Festival, one of the most iconic summer events. Some of the greatest heavy metal bands have been Finnish, and you can experience some of that greatness in the amazing Tuska open-air metal festival, in June.
Witnessing the Aurora Borealis can be a once in a life experience! The northern lights can be seen every clear night in Lapland. This natural light show requires a sky unaffected by light pollution, and you can witness it in Finland in its full majesty.
Not just these, Finland offers many, many experiences you'll always cherish, be it their capital Helsinki, their mouth-watering wild food, their theme days, and of course, the peace and serenity which comes with visiting this magnificent country!
Best time to visit Finland
When deciding the best time to visit, it is imperative to consider the weather which changes very quickly from time to time, especially in winter. The rain falls at a moderate pace throughout the year, with the annual average being 65 cm.
The best time to visit Finland would definitely be around June, July, and August when its summer and the climate are the warmest it can get, and the tourist industry is in full bloom. and the landscapes are bursting with beauty!
Autumn is a great time to visit if you are a fan of gorgeous sceneries. The land is covered in gold, orange, bronze, and yellow, and crimson colors. Be warned though, that the sea waters are chilly during these times, and most sights have reduced hours for visiting.
The winters are cold, quite a bit, and very dark. The days are quite long too, and the temperature can go as low as -7′ C. But it doesn't mean at all, that it is intolerable there. If you are a fan of winter sports, this season will definitely be the perfect time for you to visit. From cross-country skiing, snowmobiling to ice diving or jumping off an ice breaker into freezing cold waters, Finland offers every sort of winter activity you can imagine!
Things to do in Finland
Here are a few of the many, many things you can do in Finland:
Wander through a wooden village
All the houses in Finland used to be made up of wood. Even now, you can roam through some districts [for instance, in Helsinki], and see those wooden houses, some even three hundred years old.
Hike in a National Park
There are a total of 40 national parks in Finland, and you can trek in any one of them as long as you don't litter and respect nature. Finland's “Everyman's rights” means that you can stray anywhere in nature.
Ride a sleigh
What can be more magical on a wintery day to ride a sleigh, pulled by a pack of reindeers or huskies? The winters and snowing make Finland a great place to experience sledding.
Visit a lighthouse island
One of the many coasts of Finland has the largest archipelago in the world. And what do islands mean? Lighthouses!! There are several magnificent lighthouses, which you can visit during your trip. Some even allow you to spend your night there.
Go to a Sauna
Finns go to saunas almost every day! There are over three million saunas in Finland! Saunas provide relaxation and several health benefits, and you'll just love the whole experience on a cold day in Finland!
Meet the real Santa
As already mentioned, Santa Claus resides in Finland. You can meet and have a private chat with him in person, and revel in the enchanting atmosphere, in the city of Rovaniemi.
Conclusion
Finland is one of the most ideal countries to live in, to visit, to explore on this planet. The culture, the people, the wildlife, everything is magical and inviting! And this article will help you in deciding the best season to go, the things to do, hopefully. Till next time, Ciao!
