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Introducing Finland

Finland offers the best of both worlds—or rather, the best of both major travel seasons. If you're in need of a warm summer vacation without the crowds, you'll revel in this country's opportunities for hiking, lake swimming, and exploration of Helsinki's metropolitan culture. Travelers planning a winter wonderland getaway won't be disappointed either: the outdoor activities are endless, its an ideal place to spot the Northern Lights, and its the only place where you can visit Santa Clause's hometown (complete with reindeer).

When is the best time to visit? 
Despite its sky-high spot on the map, Finland's climate is more temperate than you would think. Yes, its winters are dark and cold—but due to the forgiving Gulf Stream, temperatures don't dip too far below freezing. Take advantage of the snow with all manner of winter sports, and long nights mean better chances of spotting the Northern Lights. Summer is when you'll have the best weather and widest number of activities and attractions available—and even in these popular vacation months, you rarely need to worry about crowds. Spring is very short (and often still snowy), but fall is a particularly good time for photographers to book a trip: the hills become cloaked in the brilliant hues of autumn leaves. 

How many days do I need?
Finland is an easy flight from Stockholm and St. Petersburg, so a quick trip isn't out of the question. With three days, you can easily experience the culinary joys and architectural wonders of fabulous Helsinki. In five days, you're able to tour a larger region—check out this Lapland tour, which includes skiing, snowshoeing, guiding a team of huskies, and sleeping in glass igloos under the stars. With a week or more, you can take a substantial road trip through half of the country. Try the southern coast from Helsinki in the summer months, or this nine-day winter itinerary that takes you all the way to Norway.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 10 days · 14 days

Finland Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
See the most magical places above Arctic Circle on this tour from Rovaniemi to Tromso
Map of Northern Lights Road Trip from Rovaniemi to Tromsø - 9 Days
Northern Lights Road Trip from Rovaniemi to Tromsø - 9 Days

From dog sledding to snowshoeing, this adventure above the Arctic Circle covers all the winter activities the region has to offer. With a private guide behind the wheel, there's no need to worry about icy roads and reindeer crossings - just sit back, relax, and enjoy the hidden gems of the polar north.

Aerial view of Helsinki, Finland
Map of Discover Finland's Golden Triangle: Helsinki, Tampere & Turku - 6 Days
Discover Finland's Golden Triangle: Helsinki, Tampere & Turku - 6 Days

Discover Finland's Golden Triangle—formed by the cities of Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku. Learn about the role these cities played in Finland's history and how, today, they are the economic and population center of the country. You'll start in the capital, Helsinki, with a city tour and an excursion to the historic Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and partake in the city's lively and innovative dining scene. At Tampere, the city surrounded by lakes, you'll learn its history and take a lake cruise to enjoy the region's unique beauty.

The northern lights over a Finnish forest
Map of Lapland Highlights  - 5 Days
Lapland Highlights - 5 Days

Visit Santa Claus's hometown (Rovaniemi) and fall in love with winter sports haven Ylläs on this snow-dusted winter wonderland adventure above the Arctic Circle! Snuggle a husky, pose for a selfie with a reindeer, snowshoe through the wilderness, participate in epic snowball fights, and hunt for the elusive, magical northern lights.

Reindeer in Lapland
Map of Rovaniemi & Kemi  - 6 Days
Rovaniemi & Kemi - 6 Days

Welcome to Lapland! With four days in Rovaniemi, there's so much you can see and do. Visit Rudolph and the elves at Santa Claus Village, catch the Northern Lights, and sled with Huskies through a silent forest. Add on two more days for an optional excursion to the icy wonderland of Kemi.

Spend time at the Arctic Circle in wintry Rovaniemi
Map of Finnish Winter Wonderland: Helsinki & Rovaniemi - 7 Days
Finnish Winter Wonderland: Helsinki & Rovaniemi - 7 Days

Enjoy a fantastic winter getaway in Finland with a week full of outdoor adventures. Start in Helsinki and discover its key monuments. Head far north to Lapland and stay in the capital, Rovaniemi, to witness the northern lights. Get cozy with the reindeer as you take a sleigh ride through the Arctic wilderness before cuddling huskies at play. Hike to Korouoma Canyon for stunning views of frozen waterfalls, then warm up by a fire in the woods as you revel in a spectacular winter wonderland.

Helsinki's colorful cityscape
Map of Nordic & Baltic Gems: Finland, Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania - 12 Days
Nordic & Baltic Gems: Finland, Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania - 12 Days

Discover a different side of Europe on this 12-day journey through Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. From Helsinki, you'll make your way south through the capitals, countryside, and rich cultural heritage of the Baltics. Tour Tallinn's medieval streets, spot rare wildlife in Lahemaa National Park, stroll the windswept shores of Lake Peipus, and explore the castles of Sigulda and Turaida. After sampling the specialties of Riga's famous covered market, your adventure ends in ancient Vilnius.

Make the Most of Your Time in Finland

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Explore Finland's many lakes in summer
How Many Days to Spend in Finland

Finland is a fun, relaxed destination—there's always time for a sauna—however long or short your trip. In five to seven days, you can check out the capital city, Helsinki, and...

Finland Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest Finland Content

Indulge in the activities on offer in a Finnish winter vacation
Map of 1 Week in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With one week in Finland, you can experience two to three destinations at a comfortable pace, like Helsinki and Rovaniemi, on a combined city and outdoor itinerary, ideal for first-timers. Travelers set on seeing the northern lights should choose the "Aurora Adventure," and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the "Lapland Winter Adventure," which includes skiing and snowshoeing in Pyhä. Families will love the wildlife safaris on the Summer Adventure, while foodies can sample Finnish flavors on a culinary tour.

Christmas Market  near famous Lutheran Cathedral in Helsinki
Map of 2 Weeks in Finland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Finland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in Finland, you can take in the highlights of Helsinki and the Lapland region on an epic winter holiday, complete with a northern lights tour, a snowmobile adventure, and a visit to Santa's Village. For all things Christmas, opt for a winter itinerary that visits Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland to learn about their unique holiday traditions. If you prefer summer, take advantage of the midnight sun on a Finland nature tour that'll get you exploring deep into Lapland's pristine wilderness.

A reindeer in Finnish Lapland
Map of Lapland Animal Summer Adventure: Rovaniemi, Kuusamo & Pyhä - 7 Days
Lapland Animal Summer Adventure: Rovaniemi, Kuusamo & Pyhä - 7 Days

Northern Finland transforms in the summertime, and there's no shortage of activities and animals to seek out under the midnight sun. On this seven-day itinerary, meet domestic animals like huskies and reindeer as well as wild ones, like brown bears, golden eagles, and wolves. Try fishing in one of the area's many lakes, visit the only polar bear in the country at a wildlife park, and spend a sunlit night looking for passing bears before the week is up.

Finland Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 10 Days in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 1 Week in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 5 Days in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Finland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Trip Reviews for Finland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Emerson did a wonderful job of planning my ho...
Finland | Feb 12 - Feb 20, 2025

Corinne
Corinne S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Feb 22, 2025

Emerson did a wonderful job of planning my holiday in Finland and Norway. He booked the best tours, specifically catering to my interests: husky ride, dinner at an ice hotel, reindeer farm, ice floating, ice fishing, snowmobiling, Northern Lights tour and an Arctic fjord cruise. The guides were helpful and knowledgeable. The hotel accommodations were great and all of the breakfasts were plentiful and delicious.

Emerson was quick to respond when I contacted him and he stayed in touch with me during the entire trip to make sure everything was going as planned. I highly recommend Kim Kim.

Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Feb 25, 2025

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! It was a pleasure planning your trip, and I truly appreciated how easy and enjoyable it was to work with you. I’m delighted that everything went smoothly and that you had such a memorable experience. Wishing you many more incredible adventures ahead!

Finland: Wonderful Winter Holiday
Finland | Jan 24 - Feb 3, 2025

Peter
Peter K.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 17, 2025
Having traveled to Norway and Sweden in winter, I was looking for a winter excursion this year in Finland, hoping to see the Northern Lights. I often plan my own travel itineraries, but I was intrigued by the Kim Kim approach to planning a bespoke itinerary. My local specialist, Emerson, presented me with an itinerary proposal that was detailed and tailored to what I wanted to see and do. So, I let him do the work for me! It was a good investment. Flying into Kittilä, I was met by a... Read more

Having traveled to Norway and Sweden in winter, I was looking for a winter excursion this year in Finland, hoping to see the Northern Lights. I often plan my own travel itineraries, but I was intrigued by the Kim Kim approach to planning a bespoke itinerary. My local specialist, Emerson, presented me with an itinerary proposal that was detailed and tailored to what I wanted to see and do. So, I let him do the work for me! It was a good investment.

Flying into Kittilä, I was met by a driver (all my transfers to hotels and activities were included) and taken to The Northern Lights Ranch about 10 KM north of Levi. This was my favorite hotel (though all accommodations were great), with a glass cabin to myself and amazing dinners and a breakfast buffet with real scrambled eggs (other hotels "scrambled" eggs were powdered eggs). The hotel also features a reindeer corral, a skating rink, and a snowshoe trail (with free skates and snowshoes to use). Because the forecast was for clouds on the second night, when I was scheduled to go for an aurora hunt, the excursion was changed to my first night. No time for jet lag! And we did see the lights! I was the only one on the excursion, which was nice and appreciated . . . and atypical. As a solo traveler, I was at the mercy of having enough other folks sign up in order for the other excursions to take place. Fortunately, with one exception, that happened. You have to be flexible when traveling alone!

A couple nights in another glass cabin outside of Äkäslompolo at the Arctic Skylight Lodge gave me a chance to see a bit of the Northern Lights again from the comfort of my bed. Other highlights: Snowmobiling to a cabin beside a frozen lake, a reindeer sleigh ride (alas, no flying), an evening snowshoeing through a forest to Bear Stone followed by a traditional Finnish dinner (reindeer stew and squeaky cheese) prepared in a lavuu by our guide, Susanne.

Then on to the big city of the north, Rovaniemi, where I spent two nights at the Arctic Light Hotel and had the chance to drive a husky team, look for the aurora again (unsuccessfully), float in a frozen lake, and tromp through the snow at Riisitunturi National Park.

To finish my trip, I took the overnight train to Helsinki (the private sleeper car was nice!). I had a good tour of the city with a private guide, which got me oriented and helped me plan for my own wandering around the city time. Emerson arranged for a day trip to Tallinn the following day, which was a real high point! The "ferry" from/to Helsinki is essentially a cruise ship . . . it just cruises for 2 hours at a time. Another private tour guide introduced me to the history of Tallinn and then an unexpected but much appreciated bonus was getting to meet Emerson and his wife for coffee and conversation.

Emerson did a great job filling up my agenda with activities that I enjoyed. Again, it was an investment well worthwhile to have a plan built by someone who knows the territory. It was also nice to know that Emerson was available if needed during the trip. If you're thinking of visiting Finland (and/or Estonia), I encourage you to let Emerson help make your trip as memorable as mine!

Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Feb 18, 2025

Thank you for your kind words! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed your trip and made the most of every experience, from chasing the Northern Lights to exploring Tallinn. It was great to meet you in person as well! Wishing you many more amazing travels, and if you ever return to Finland or Estonia, I’d be happy to help again. Safe travels!

Emerson rocks!!!!.
Finland | Jan 16 - Jan 22, 2025

Sara
Sara N.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jan 23, 2025
Emerson was very organized. He responded promptly to questions even on his day off. He was very patient and reassuring. There were no surprises. We would go with Emerson again Read more

Emerson was very organized. He responded promptly to questions even on his day off. He was very patient and reassuring. There were no surprises. We would go with Emerson again

Hotel Reviews
Northern Lights Village Pyhä
Pyhä

Loved the cabins. Toasty warm! Beautiful sightings of the Northern lights right from your bed. Gaze upon the beautiful stars from the comfort of a warm cabin as well. The breakfast and dinner were included and was absolutely amazing- great choice of entrees, salads, cheese with jams and breads. The staff were friendly and helpful and the place was very clean.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Far away from the city lights and so chances of seeing the northern lights are greatly.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Haawe Boutique Apart Hotel
Rovaniemi

Very cute apartment.it was spacious, modern and located right in the center of the city center. The kitchen was stocked with dishes, cutlery and crockery. The fridge was stocked with an eggs, cold cuts, cheese, jam and butter, yoghurt, assorted fruits, oatmeal, chocolate and candy bars. There were condiments for cooking a quick meal. Cereal, milk and berry juice was also stocked and yummy breads. There was a toaster, a dishwasher and a microwave. Laundry is free and the pods for the dishwasher and laundry were also free. The highlight was the deep white soaking tub!!!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Riisitunturi National Park Expedition
Riisitunturi National Park Expedition
Rovaniemi

Just tracked through the snow. Nothing to do- the trees were bare of the snow as the snow had all meted due to the high temps. Very uneventful- there was no historical detail or narrative offered by the guide- we all walked in silence for about 2 miles. Took a couple of photos- very underwhelmed and a waste of time.

Quality of Experience
Food
Smoked sausages and marshmallows.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Be ready with a narrative or educational activities if the weather does not cooperate.
Transport
The van could be a bit more spacious. We were 7 people cramped like sardines.
Reindeer Farm Visit (No Safari)
Reindeer Farm Visit (No Safari)
Rovaniemi
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ice-Climbing Experience
Ice-Climbing Experience
Pyhä
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guides were fantastic. Max was very encouraging and his colleague from Mexico were both patient and gave very clear instructions.
Transport
Aurora Hunting by Snowmobile
Aurora Hunting by Snowmobile
Pyhä
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Oscar and Ari were great guides.
Transport
Northern Lights Tour
Northern Lights Tour
Rovaniemi
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Jan 30, 2025

Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad everything went smoothly and look forward to helping you with future trips.

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