Finland tours

Travelers who book our Finland travel packages can keep these tips in mind to experience the Scandinavian country like a true local.

• Experience Finnish sauna culture. Finland, whose population is roughly five million, is said to be home to a whopping tow million saunas. To enjoy this beloved Finnish tradition like a local, you’ll want to sweat it out in a hot sauna before plunging into an icy lake or the sea (some locals opt for a roll in the snow instead of a dip in the water). During a free day in Helsinki on our Scandinavia: The Capitals & the Fjords tour, travelers can head to one of the city’s public saunas, such as Löyly, a waterfront complex where guests can enjoy saunas, outdoor patios, food, and drinks. (Note that, in Finland, locals often enjoy saunas in the nude.)
• Spend time in nature. Finns value a deep connection with nature, and the country’s wilderness is open to everyone by what are known locally as Jokamiehen oikeudet, or Everyman’s Rights. The rule allows locals and visitors alike to walk, hike, cycle, camp, ski, and forage almost anywhere in the country—responsibly, of course. During a free day on our Finland tours, travelers can head to Helsinki’s Central Park, a vast wilderness area that starts near the city center, in Laakso. There, travelers will find forested areas, walking and biking trails, and plenty of space for soaking in the sights and sounds of nature.

• Summer. Generally, the best time to travel to Finland is in June, July, and August, when temperatures are warm and days are long.
• Midsummer. If you want to experience traditional festivities, consider planning a trip to Finland for late June, when Midsummer occurs. A celebration of the summer solstice, Midsummer is Finland’s main national holiday. Many locals spend it with friends and family in summer cottages away from city centers, which means that streets in urban areas, like Helsinki, can feel empty during the holiday. Even if you don’t make a trip to the countryside, you’ll enjoy the uniqueness of experiencing Finland’s magical “white nights,” thanks to the season’s midnight sun.
• Winter. If you prefer winter scenery, consider planning a trip to Finland between December and March, when Finland receives the most snow. This time of year is also ideal for spotting the northern lights. Seeing this natural phenomenon unfold in Nordic skies is one of our top 7 reasons to visit Scandinavia in the winter.

Highlights you can see on our tours to Finland, either during an included guided tour or your free time, include:

• Senate Square. This lively square is surrounded by historic and significant structures, including the Lutheran Cathedral and Government Palace.
• Helskinki Olympic Stadium. Built in 1938 and site of the 1952 Summer Olympics, this stadium now hosts sporting events and music concerts.
• Temppeliaukio Church. One of the most unique structures in Helsinki, this church, also known as Rock Church, was carved into a rocky hillside.
• Sibelius Park. This seaside park and memorial was constructed in honor of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and is home to a kinetic, musical sculpture designed to look, and sound, like a pipe organ.
• Seurasaari Open-Air Museum. Between May and September, travelers on our guided Finland tours can visit this outdoor museum, on the island of Seurasaari, during their free time for a look at what life was like in pre-industrial Finland.

These essentials will come in handy on our tours to Finland.

• Comfortable walking shoes. Especially sturdy shoes with a good grip for walking on cobblestones and uneven streets.
• A day bag. Keep your water, wallet, sunglasses, extra layers, and other essentials handy in a small backpack, crossbody, or tote.
• A shawl, wrap, or cardigan. On our Finland trips, you’ll have opportunities to step inside churches and other religious sites, where covering shoulders might be recommended or required.
• A good camera. You’ll want to capture Finland’s beautiful landscape and sophisticated cities.
• Sun protection. Think brimmed hats, sunglasses, and SPF for any time spent outside, especially during walking tours and sunny afternoons.
• Warm, wool clothing and accessories. If you plan to visit Finland in the wintertime, bring an insulated, waterproof parka, as well as long underwear, sweaters, and socks made from wool. (Cotton absorbs moisture and traps it next to your skin, but wool will keep you warm and dry.)
• Snow- and water-proof boots. These are another must for travelers who plan to travel to Finland during colder months.

Finnish cuisine is largely based on fresh ingredients sourced from natural surroundings, and our Finland tours offer plenty of opportunities for travelers to sample some signature dishes. Here are a few to try.

• Porridge. Oats grow in abundance in Finland, and this warm, comforting dish is a great way to try them. Traditionally, locals enjoy porridge topped with a little fresh butter or a spoonful of jam.
• Berries. In Finland, fresh berries are a treat locals enjoy all summer long. Head to a local market for a pint of wild lingonberries, woodland strawberries, or bilberries (a.k.a. blueberries) to enjoy in a nearby park. Travelers who book off-season Finland vacation packages can try jams made from cloudberries and sea buckthorn.
• Bread. It sounds simple, but bread is a mainstay on many Finnish tables for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here, rye, wheat, and oat breads are common, and they’re typically served with fresh butter, margarine, or even cream cheese. On our trips to Finland, you can try them all!
• Fish. Fish is abundant in Finland, where it’s often filleted, pickled, and, in true signature style, smoked. Get your fill in Finland’s local delis, food halls, and restaurants. Another can’t-miss, traditional fish dish to try in Finland: Finnish salmon soup.
• Leipäjuusto, or squeaky cheese. Mild in flavor and typically made from cow’s milk, this tasty cheese is baked, a process that results in a delightfully chewy, squeaky consistency. (In Finnish, its name means “cheese bread,” a nod to the fact that it’s baked like bread.) Try it with cloudberry jam for a tasty savory-sweet dessert.
• Reindeer. If you’re a carnivore, don’t pass up a chance to try reindeer. The animals are found in the far northern Finnish province of Lapland. Lean and high in B-12, omega-3, and omega-6, the meat is considered highly nutritious. Sautéed reindeer meat is often served alongside mashed potatoes and berry jams or compotes.

On a cultural level, Finns value silence and equate it with politeness and courtesy. If you need to ask locals for directions or any other kind of assistance, they’ll likely be plenty friendly and helpful, but if they’re not overly chatty with you, you’ll understand why.  

Finland frequently ranks as the happiest country not just in Europe, but the whole world, according to the World Happiness Report. That’s thanks to factors such as a healthy life expectancy, high social trust, community support, and freedom to make key life decisions.

Finland is a member of the European Union, and its national currency is the euro.  

Don’t let the cold and darkness keep you from joining one of our winter Finland tours. With their sauna traditions, plethora of outdoor activities, and cozy, candlelit restaurants and cafes, Fins are experts at embracing the winter season, making this an ideal time to get a true flavor of local life.