Finland is a land of striking seasonal contrasts, offering both endless summer daylight and magical winter nights. In Lapland, the Northern Lights can be seen on as many as 150 nights each year, while the long days of the Midnight Sun provide 24 hours of light around the summer solstice. Winter brings the Polar Night, when the sun stays below the horizon and the snowy landscapes are illuminated by the shimmering aurora. Whether under glowing skies or basking in summer’s light, Finland offers extraordinary natural experiences found nowhere else.
Aurora Borealis: Best viewed between September and April, the Northern Lights light up Finland’s skies with spectacular colours. The farther north you go, the longer and brighter the season, making Lapland one of the best places in the world to experience this natural wonder.
The Kaamos (Polar Night): From late December, parts of northern Finland are cloaked in 24-hour darkness during the Polar Night. While the sun doesn’t rise, the night skies are illuminated by the aurora, and travellers can enjoy festive traditions such as visiting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi at Christmas.
Husky Sledding: An iconic Finnish adventure, husky sledding offers the chance to glide through snowy forests and frozen lakes while experiencing the thrill of traditional Arctic travel.
Rovaniemi: Known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi is home to the famous Santa Claus Village. Visitors can cross the Arctic Circle, meet Santa, send postcards from his post office, and enjoy reindeer encounters and festive experiences year-round.
Reindeer Adventures: Reindeer are central to Sami culture and heritage. Visitors can ride in reindeer sleighs, watch traditional races, or visit farms to learn about the deep connection between the Sami people and these iconic animals
Finland offers distinct experiences across the seasons. Winter, from December to February, is cold with temperatures often between –5°C and –15°C, creating the perfect setting for activities such as husky sledding, snowmobiling, skiing, and ice fishing. Summer, from June to August, brings long warm days that can reach up to 30°C, and in the far north the Midnight Sun ensures up to 20 hours of daylight. Spring and autumn provide quieter periods for travel, with spring bringing the thaw and autumn offering colourful forests and the start of the Northern Lights season.
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Languages: Finnish and Swedish are the two official languages. Minority languages include Sami, Romani, Finnish Sign Language, and Karelian. English is widely spoken, particularly in cities and tourist areas.
What Makes it Special: Finland is consistently ranked as the world’s happiest country and is notable for its strong environmental values, with a goal to be carbon neutral by 2035. Around 75% of the country is covered by forests, and it boasts the world’s largest archipelago and Europe’s biggest lake district. Iconic experiences include sauna culture, Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun, and a touch of playful quirkiness such as wife-carrying contests and unique local foods.
Social Customs: Finland embraces the principle of “Everyman’s Rights,” which allows free access to nature, including the right to hike, canoe, camp, and forage for wild berries and mushrooms with respect for private property. Finnish society values equality, honesty, and modesty, and people are generally appreciated for who they are rather than their status or profession.
