Why Finland is the best Nordic country to visit

We get it – when you think of the Nordics and Scandinavia, your mind might jump to Sweden’s pop bands, Norway’s fjords, Iceland’s volcanic drama, or Copenhagen’s delicious brunches. We’re not offended. We love them too. They’re our neighbours, and we share plenty: a deep respect for nature, clean design, world-class safety, and a way of life built on trust, equality, and quiet confidence. 

But Finland? We bring our own rhythm to the mix. A little wilder, a little more offbeat and completely unforgettable once you’re here. Let's take a look at what makes Finland special.

Let's face it: Finland is the original sauna country. Even the word sauna originates from Finland. Here, sauna isn’t a spa add-on. It’s a way of life. And it’s something every visitor should try at least once preferably by a lake or sea, with no rush, and plenty of time to cool off in the water. From award-winning design saunas in Helsinki to traditional smoke saunas hidden in the forest, you'll find every kind of sauna to try in Finland. Relaxation is guaranteed.

In Finland, the northern lights aren’t just something you see, they’re something you can truly experience. From late August to April, Finnish Lapland becomes one of the world’s most aurora-rich regions, with sightings possible on up to 200 nights a year. 

But what truly sets Finland apart is how many unforgettable ways you can witness them. Glide through a snow-covered forest on a husky-led sleigh ride, with the aurora flickering above the trees. Chase the lights on a snowmobile safari, or enjoy the show in total silence during a guided snowshoe hike. Want something slower? Settle into a glass-roofed cabin, soak in an outdoor hot tub, or watch the sky transform from the comfort of a cosy aurora dome or boutique wilderness lodge. There are plenty to choose from in the north of Finland.

Nordic cuisine is known for its elegance and simplicity but Finland’s food culture tells a slightly different story. Here, scarcity has long been the mother of invention. Unlike our royal neighbours, Finland doesn’t have centuries of palace kitchens in the history books. What we do have is resourcefulness, resilience, and a deep, respectful relationship with the land. Foraging, preserving, fermenting, using every part of what’s available — these are Finnish traditions. Passed down, refined, and now reimagined by a new generation of chefs who know that creativity often starts with limitations.

Today, Finland is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants, including the world’s northernmost one (2024) in Kuusamo, Tapio. However, Finland’s food isn’t just about luxury. It’s about honesty, inventiveness, and the confidence to let a the ingredients shine. Read more about Finnish food culture.

In the Nordics, design is a way of life. But in Finland, it’s something more: a philosophy rooted in functionality, honesty, and a deep connection to nature. You’ll find it not just in museums or showrooms, but in everyday life. Iin the curve of a chair, the softness of a wool sock, or the thoughtful layout of a public library, like Helsinki's world-famous Oodi.

Finnish design is shaped by space, simplicity, and light. Our architecture invites nature in through large windows, natural materials, and a sense of calm that feels intentional, not styled. It’s no accident that Alvar Aalto’s buildings still feel modern, or that everyday objects by brands like Iittala, Artek and Marimekko continue to influence global aesthetics.

In Finland, wildlife watching is about quiet patience, respect for nature, and moments that make you hold your breath. Join a guided tour and you might catch a glimpse of a brown bear emerging from the forest in northern Lakeland. Head to Lake Saimaa in the east and with a bit of luck and a good guide you’ll spot the elusive Saimaa Ringed Seal, one of the rarest seals in the world.

Whether it’s wolves, lynx, or reindeer in the north, Finland’s fauna is wild but well protected. Local guides know when to go, where to look, and how to watch without disturbing. It’s nature on nature’s terms and that’s the real magic. 

Visit our activities and experiences page to see sustainable animal tours across the country.

There are few things in life that feel truly surreal but the midnight sun is one of them. In summer, the sun doesn’t set for weeks in Finnish Lapland, casting a golden glow over forests, fells, and lakes at hours when most of the world is asleep. The further north you go, the more magical it becomes. In the northernmost parts of Finland, you can experience true 24-hour daylight for up to two months straight. It's a phenomenon few places on Earth can offer. Slightly shorter than in Lapland but no less magical are the summer nights in Finnish cities from Helsinki to Tampere.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience a different kind of summer – one where the light lingers and your only deadline is sunrise, sometime next month – this is it.

With 41 national parks, over 180,000 lakes, and endless forest trails, Finland is one of the best countries in Europe for nature travel. You don’t need a Jeep or special equipment to explore Finnish nature, just step outside. Most outdoor areas are accessible to everyone and there are marked trails for wheelchair users and visitors with small kids. 

From kayaking in Lakeland to island-hopping in the archipelago or hiking in autumn Lapland, Finland makes it easy to connect with the outdoors. And in case you needed one more reason to take a deep breath: some of the world’s cleanest air has been scientifically measured in the Pallas–Yllästunturi region of Lapland.

Here's a selection of Sustainable Travel Finland labelled service providers from around the country offering memorable experiences for your holiday.