Why travel to
Finland is a beautiful and unique destination full of breathtaking natural beauty, distinctive culture and interesting historical sites. Visitors to Finland can explore many outdoor activities including skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, ice-skating, and snowmobiling. Along with its gorgeous forests, lakes, and coastlines, Finland’s cities offer an interesting mix of modern attractions and centuries-old architecture. Additionally, Finland offers excellent modern transportation, hospitality, cuisine, and shopping. Anyone looking to experience a unique culture, breathe some fresh winter air, and relax far from the crowds should head to Finland.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Finland is generally more expensive than many other countries in Europe due to higher prices for everyday goods and services. However, Finland does have a relatively high standard of living, so the prices tend to reflect that. Generally speaking, housing costs, groceries and utilities will all be more expensive than in a lot of other places, but wages in Finland are comparably high so the overall cost of living can be balanced out.
Safety
Yes, Finland is a safe country to visit. Generally, the level of crime is low, and visitors are unlikely to experience any issues when visiting the country.
Places to visit
- Helsinki: Located on the waterfront, Finland’s capital city Helsinki is a vibrant and exciting European destination. Visitors will find fascinating architecture and attractions, world-class dining, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of outdoor activities.
- Lapland: Lapland is home to the reindeer-herding Sami people and the astonishing and unique Northern Lights. Adventure activities like exploring the icy winter wonderland on a snowmobile, sledging with reindeer, and skiing make it an ideal vacation spot for thrill seekers.
- Turku: The oldest city in Finland, Turku is well known for its red-brick medieval castle, gothic churches, and cobblestone streets. Situated at the mouth of the Aura River, it's also known for its nightlife and is one of Finland's culinary hotspots.
- Porvoo: This city with its colourful wooden houses and cobblestoned streets has got to be one of the most picturesque towns in all of Finland. Porvoo is best known for its charming Old Town and medieval Old Church, which is a popular place for weddings.
- Suomenlinna Sea Fortress: Suomenlinna was built to protect the harbour of Helsinki from foreign invaders. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's home to miles of tunnels, historic buildings, and a number of interesting museums.
- Nuuksio National Park: This sprawling park stretches across the scenic Haukkalampi region and is filled with wonderful sights. From deep forests and crystal clear lakes to untamed wetlands, Nuuksio is a must-see for anyone visiting Finland.
- Jyvaskyla: This quaint university town has become popular with travellers from around the world. Jyvaskyla is known for its outdoor activities, such as skiing and kayaking, as well as its abundance of galleries, museums, and art exhibitions.
Food to try
- Mämmi: A traditional Finnish dish made out of crushed rye and malt, this pudding-like cake is usually served with either milk or cream and is one of the most popular dessert dishes in Finland.
- Reindeer Meat: Served cold or hot, reindeer meat is a common feature on the Finnish dining table. Rich in flavour and high in protein, reindeer meat is a must-try dish if you’re ever in Finland.
- Karelian Pasty: Traditional pastries filled with either rice or potatoes, this savoury dish is often served with egg butter or sour milk and is a Finnish family favourite.
- Blueberry Pie: Deliciously sweet, this Finnish speciality pie is made with blueberries (also known as bilberries) and is usually served with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Fish Soup: Finland is known for its high-quality and fresh fish, so it’s no surprise that fish soup is one of the country’s most popular dishes. This soup is usually served with a dollop of sour cream and dill and is sure to warm your soul on a cold day.
Souvenirs
- Reindeer Horns – these hand-crafted horns make great decorative pieces and souvenirs that provide a unique taste of Finnish culture.
- Kalevala Jewelry – this delicate crafted jewellery features designs inspired by runic symbols and ancient mythology from the Finnish epic poem.
- A Designer Scarf – light, warm and usually featuring cheerful patterns, a designer scarf makes a beautiful souvenir from Finland that can also keep you warm during the winter months.
- A Moomin Mug – from the beloved Moomin characters that originate from Finland, these mugs make a great gift for any fans of the books or cartoons.
- Finnish Candles – made using natural beeswax, these candles provide a warm, lovely scent that is both traditional and modern.
- Sami Leather Pouches – traditionally used to carry items and supplies while hunting, these hand-crafted leather pouches make a unique souvenir.
- Reindeer Hide Slippers – made from warm, durable reindeer hides that are usually dyed a vibrant blue or red, these slippers are extremely comfortable and cosy.
- Nordic Lines Cutting Board – made with a classic Scandinavian design, this cutting board is perfect for any modern kitchen and doubles as a beautiful serving tray.
- Sauna Bucket and Dipper – the perfect gift for the avid sauna-goer, a wooden bucket and dipper is perfect to take home to recreate the perfect Finnish sauna experience.
- Replica Viking Helmet – these metal helmets, commonly found on sale around historical sights, are a great way to take home a piece of Viking history.