Finland Holidays

How to reach Finland

Flight time: Flights to Finland from London and other major UK airports typically take around 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours. Most flights land in Helsinki, the capital city, which serves as a gateway to the rest of the country. Some other destinations – especially in the north – are served by charter flights during the popular times, such as in winter and at Christmas.

Transfer time: From Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, frequent trains take about 30 minutes to reach Helsinki city centre. Buses and taxis are also available.

Price: The train from the airport to the city centre costs approximately €4 for a one-way ticket. A taxi will cost between €45 and €50, depending on traffic and the time of day.

Weather and best time to visit Finland

Choosing the best time to visit largely depends on what type of experience you’re seeking. Each season offers something unique, so here’s a breakdown to help you plan your holidays to Finland:

• December to February is the best time to experience a true winter wonderland. With temperatures as low as -15°C in the north and plenty of snow, Finland is perfect for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding or dog sledding, and you can also witness the magical Northern Lights during these months. Although milder in the south (0°C to -7°C) with much less snow, Helsinki is the place to enjoy the festive wintry atmosphere.

• March to May is a wonderful time to visit for springtime activities. As temperatures rise, the landscape transforms with blossoming flowers and lush greenery, and it’s a great time for hiking the natural parks and exploring the cities. The north still has snow until May, but this period is still without the crowds of summer all over the country.

• June to August sees warm weather and long days. There’s almost 24 hours of daylight in the far north due to the Midnight Sun – ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, cycling and exploring Finland’s numerous rivers, lakes and forests. As this is Helsinki’s high season, especially during Finland's holiday month in August, some places might be busy and prices high. But the city is buzzing with people enjoying festivals, beach visits, picnics and exploring the sights.

• September to November offers a quieter experience with fewer tourists, and the autumn foliage is simply stunning. As temperatures range from 10°C downwards, this is a good time to enjoy the tranquillity of Finland’s nature, go for long walks and enjoy the crisp, fresh air.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Finnish and Swedish are the official languages, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: Finns tend to be warm and welcoming, but also value their privacy and personal space. It's polite to remove your shoes when entering someone's home, and saunas have their own etiquette to know before visiting.

• Currency: The currency in Finland is the euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted methods of payment, but ATMs are widespread.

• Getting around: Finland has an efficient public transport system, including trains, buses, trams and ferries, both within the cities and for long-distance journeys. Renting a car is a good option if you're after more freedom.

• Electricity and plug types: Finland uses the standard European 220V plugs with two round pins (type C or F). UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Helsinki is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is 2 hours ahead of GMT, and follows daylight saving time in the summer.

Best things to do in Finland

One of the largest and most enigmatic countries in Europe, Finland is well known for its great outdoors, with vast areas filled with acres of forests, plains, meadows, rivers, lakes, islands and beaches, in addition to buzzing cities and charming towns full of life and history. The wide range of attractions and activities on offer ensure there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do on your Finland holidays:

The best places to visit

• Helsinki: One of the most culturally vibrant and exciting cities in Europe, the capital has a surprising small-town charm, interesting museums and art galleries, intriguing architecture and an impressive dining and nightlife scene. Check the best deals on holidays to Helsinki.

• Turku: Finland's first capital and the oldest city in the country, the relaxed Turku boasts the country’s largest church, a maze-like medieval castle, the outstanding Open-Air Museum and a vibrant cultural scene. Discover our cheap holiday packages to Turku.

• Porvoo: A charming town just an hour from Helsinki, known for its well-preserved wooden houses, cobbled streets and beautiful river views.

• The Far North: Explore Finland's wildest northern reaches inside the Arctic Circle in winter. Here you can experience Santa's Village, the best ski resorts, luxurious log cabin and igloo accommodation, and the home of the Sámi people, Lapland.

Historic monuments

• Tuomiokirkko, Helsinki: A striking white neoclassical building, Helsinki’s Lutheran cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It sits on Senate Square, which is surrounded by other significant buildings.

• Suomenlinna: This sea fortress spread across six islands a few kilometres from Helsinki, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a fascinating glimpse into Finland’s military history. It’s a great place to explore on foot, with plenty of museums and scenic spots, or even just to laze around on the beach.

• Olavinlinna Castle: Located on a small island connected to Savonlinna by a bridge, the picturesque views of this perfectly preserved castle are the key attractions, so hire a boat or take a cruise for a look at it from the lake. It's also worth visiting for the annual opera festival every July.

Activities for families in Finland

Finland is a fantastic destination for families, offering a range of activities that will delight both children and adults:

• Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi: Meeting Santa Claus inside the Arctic Circle is a huge draw for families, and you can also enjoy various other winter activities like reindeer sleigh rides and snowmobiling. Disover our cheap holidays to Rovaniemi.

• Linnanmäki, Helsinki: A favourite with kids in Helsinki, this amusement park features rides and attractions suitable for all ages. There’s also the 53-metre Panoraama observation tower, an arcade and plenty of food options.

• Moomin World, Naantali: A charming theme park based on the beloved and home-grown Moomin characters, offering interactive exhibits and activities for children.

Wellness in Finland

• Saunas: Experience the Finnish ritual of sauna, which is deeply embedded in the local culture. Roughly three million saunas around the country offer a traditional steam-room experience, often accompanied by a refreshing plunge into a cold pool, river or the sea. Löyly is a stylish complex in Helsinki where you can enjoy a sauna followed by a dip in the Baltic Sea. Allas Sea Pool is another great spot, offering heated pools and saunas with stunning views of the capital's harbour.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Winter sports: As well as downhill skiing and snowboarding resorts, areas all over Finland offer great places for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and rides aboard reindeer or dog sleighs.

• Hiking: In summer, Finland becomes a hiker’s paradise. Popular trails include the Karhunkierros Trail in Oulanka National Park and the Herajärvi Trail in Koli National Park. Nuuksio and Sipoonkorpi national parks near Helsinki are great for day trips.

• Cycling: Finland has a variety of cycling routes that wind through beautiful landscapes. Rent a bike and explore routes such as the Archipelago Trail near Turku, which offers stunning coastal views.

• Watersports: The lakes, rivers and seas of Finland provide excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and rafting, and plenty of tour operators and rental companies can be found to get you equipped. Sailing is another way to see some of the most spectacular places on Finland's lakes and sea.

• Northern Lights: Finland is one of the best places to witness the aurora borealis. Join a tour with experienced guides who will take you to prime viewing spots and share insights about this natural phenomenon.

Local dishes in Finland

Finland offers a culinary journey exploring the country's mix of Western and Eastern influences, the traditional local flavours of Lapland, and innovative, modern food scenes in cities such as Helsinki. Here are some of the diverse dishes and drinks you should look out for:

Some typical dishes

• Karjalan Piirakka: Traditional Karelian pastries, made from a thin rye crust filled with rice porridge, and sometimes boiled eggs and butter.

• Kalakukko: A chunky bread from the region around Kuopio, typically with whitefish baked inside, or sometimes pork.

• Hernekeitto: A thick pea soup traditionally eaten on Thursdays, served with mustard and black rye bread.

Meat dishes

• Poronkäristys: Sautéed reindeer is a Finnish speciality from the northern Sápmi region, often served with potatoes and sauces.

• Lihapullat: Finnish meatballs, similar to the Swedish variety, usually eaten with creamy mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Lohikeitto: A creamy salmon soup made with potatoes, carrots, leeks and dill. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days.

• Silakkapihvit: Fried Baltic herring fillets, typically served with mashed potatoes and a slice of rye bread.

Sweets and desserts

• Runebergintorttu: A cylindrical pastry flavoured with almonds and rum, topped with raspberry jam and icing. It’s traditionally eaten on Runeberg Day in early February.

• Pulla: Cardamom-spiced sweet bread, often enjoyed with coffee. Variants include cinnamon rolls (Korvapuusti) and braided loaves (Pitko).

• Mustikkapiirakka: A blueberry pie that’s a favourite summer treat, often made with a simple crust and filled with fresh wild blueberries.

Local drinks

• Lonkero: Also known as “long drink”, this refreshing drink is made with gin and grapefruit soda – a Finnish favourite.

• Sahti: A traditional Finnish beer, often home-brewed, with a unique flavour from juniper berries.

• Koskenkorva: A popular, rough Finnish vodka that’s enjoyed neat or used as a base for various cocktails.