Finland is a true winter wonderland, where you can witness some of the most breathtaking natural phenomena on Earth.
In the northern reaches of Finnish Lapland, you'll find yourself in the perfect spot to witness the awe-inspiring light show known as the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights. Here, this mesmerizing display graces the night sky on up to 150 nights of the year. You can choose to embark on thrilling Aurora hunting adventures in the late hours, or simply enjoy the panoramic views of the celestial spectacle from the comfort of your cozy bed.
During Finland's long summer days, the Arctic circle experiences a unique phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun. Around the solstice, the sun remains above the horizon for a full 24 hours, casting its brilliant light throughout the night. With this extended daylight, you'll have ample time to explore and experience all that Finland has to offer.
On the flip side of the Midnight Sun is the Polar Night, which occurs in the heart of winter. During this time, the sun remains hidden below the horizon for a full 24 hours, shrouding the landscape in darkness. However, the Polar Night isn't devoid of beauty. The night sky comes alive with the mesmerizing colors of the Aurora Borealis, painting a stunning spectacle against the snowy backdrop. Finland's winter landscape transforms into a magical realm during this enchanting period.
Aurora Borealis: The best time to embark on an Aurora hunting adventure in Finland is from September to April. Keep in mind that the farther south you go, the shorter the Aurora season will be. For those in more southern regions, the prime time to witness this natural wonder is between mid-October and March.
Experiencing the Kaamos, Finland’s Polar Night: December 21st marks the winter solstice in Finland. During this month, travelers are enveloped in near darkness for a full 24 hours, offering a unique opportunity to gaze at the vibrant colors of the night sky. December is also an ideal time to visit the Santa Claus Village and immerse yourself in the traditions of a traditional Finnish Christmas.
Husky Sledding: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Finnish nature from the back of a husky sled. This exhilarating adventure is an absolute must for anyone seeking an unforgettable Finnish experience.
Rovaniemi: This city is home to one of the most enchanting destinations on Earth—the Santa Claus Village. Here, you can cross the Arctic Circle, meet the jolly man in red himself, send postcards from Santa’s post office, visit with reindeer, and frolic with the playful elves.
Reindeer Adventures: Reindeer hold a special place in Finnish culture, serving as beloved icons and a traditional means of transportation for the indigenous Sami people. You can traverse snow-covered landscapes just like Santa Claus during Christmas, enjoy the excitement of reindeer races, or visit a Finnish reindeer farm to learn about the cherished Sami way of life.
Winter Months (December to February): Finland experiences winter temperatures ranging from -5 to -15 degrees Celsius during these months, making it the perfect time for those seeking the ultimate winter experiences. Travelers can delight in activities like dog sledding, snowmobile tours, skiing, ice fishing, and even building igloos.
Summer Months (June to August): Finland's summer months bring warm weather, with temperatures reaching as high as 30 degrees Celsius. The arrival of the midnight sun near the end of June marks the start of the summer solstice, bringing long days filled with abundant daylight for travelers to enjoy outdoor adventures and explore the beauty of the Finnish summer.
Currency: Euro
Languages: Finnish and Swedish are the two main official languages in Finland, with Finnish being the most widely spoken. Finland also recognizes several minority languages as official, including three Sami variants, Romani, Finnish Sign Language, and Karelian. Additionally, many Finns speak English, as it is a mandatory subject in Finnish schools.
What makes it special: Finland is a Nordic welfare state that aims to be carbon neutral by 2035. It's also the happiest country in the world. Around 75% of its surface is covered with forests, and it has the world's biggest archipelago, as well as Europe's largest lake district and last untamed wilderness, Lapland. Finland is also famous for it's northern lights, Saunas, wife carrying, quirky food and for being the home of Santa Claus.
Weather: Finland experiences diverse and changeable weather throughout the year. Summers are typically mild and warm, while winters are long and cold. July is the warmest month, while February is the coldest. If you visit during the summer, you can expect to enjoy up to 20 hours of daylight, thanks to the Midnight Sun phenomenon.
Social Custom: In Finland, the concept of "Everyman's Rights" has evolved over time, granting individuals the right to roam freely in natural areas such as forests, lakes, and rivers without needing permission from landowners. While exercising these rights, you can pick wild berries and mushrooms, but you should avoid harvesting someone else's apples or plums. You are also allowed to engage in activities like canoeing or camping, but it's important to be considerate of people's homes and not camp too close to them. Finns view themselves as egalitarian people whose culture is based on democratic principles of respect and interdependence. They like people for who they are and not for what they do for a living, their professional accomplishments, or how much money they earn.
