From the pastel, neoclassical streets of Helsinki to the farthest reaches of northern Lapland, Finland astounds at every turn. The Nordic nation has been inhabited for over 4,500 years and over time, has developed into a prosperous country with a distinct culture. Over 70% of the land is covered in forests, culminating in fresh air and spectacular scenery.
Head north to the famed Lappi (Lapland) region and prepare to be stunned by the winter wonderland that awaits. The maakunta’s (region) capital Rovaniemi is known as the home of Santa Claus himself and boasts some of the world’s best views of the Aurora Borealis. Go reindeer-sledding through the snowy forests and sip warm glögi (spiced berry juice) as the northern lights swirl across the sky. Finland is an unforgettable destination for the inspired traveller. Click here to learn more about when is the best time to visit Finland.
At Inspiring Vacations, we offer a carefully curated selection of Finland tours, including Classic tours, Small Group tours, Private tours and Tailor-made tours. Each itinerary is designed to highlight the best of Finland, from winter wonderlands in Lapland to scenic summer escapes. All of our tours are designed for a stress-free, enriching experience—most are fully guided and structured, while our Independent Tours offer added flexibility with more freedom to explore at your own pace.
Our typical Finland tour package includes accommodation, internal transport, some meals, and the services of a knowledgeable tour leader. Some tours also come with international flights, which are clearly marked as “Flight Inclusive.” It's always worth reviewing the inclusions listed on each itinerary to get a good sense of which towns, attractions, and activities are included.
Several of our Finland itineraries are timed for the Northern Lights season (roughly late August to early April), when Lapland’s skies are at their darkest and clearest. We head to remote, light-free locations, keep an eye on solar forecasts, and even wake guests if the lights appear after bedtime. Because the aurora is a gift from nature, no company can promise a show, but travelling with expert guides during peak months gives you the very best chance of watching those green and violet curtains dance overhead.
Every one of our Finland group tours welcomes solo adventurers. If you’d like company, you can choose to twin-share with another solo traveller of the same gender on tours marked “Paired Solo” and skip the single supplement. Prefer your own space to recharge? Simply select a private room for an additional cost. You’ll find the rooming options clearly outlined on each tour page, and our team is always happy to chat through what will make you feel most comfortable.
The best time to visit Finland depends on the magic you’re chasing. Visit in winter to dash through snowy forests on a husky sled, stay up late for a chance at the Northern Lights and soak in the cosy glow of log-cabin life. Prefer sunshine and endless days? Come in summer, when gentle 20°C breezes, lakeside saunas and the Midnight Sun invite you to enjoy Finland’s unique landscapes well into the evening.
Finland enjoys four distinct moods.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Think postcard scenery: deep snow, frozen lakes and crisp air that can slip below –10°C in the south and –30°C in Lapland. Perfect for aurora hunting, skiing and toboggan runs.
Spring (Mar–May): Days lengthen, rivers thaw and forest floors burst with wildflowers. Day-time highs climb from single digits to the mid-teens.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Long, light-filled days and comfortable 15–25°C temperatures in the south invite boating, berry-picking and midnight-sun picnics. Even Lapland hovers around a pleasant 10–20°C.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Forests blaze gold and crimson, evenings turn cool and the first northern lights shimmer overhead. Expect 5–10°C in the south and colder nights up north.
Pack for layers and you’ll be ready to enjoy Finland in any season.
Finland uses plugs C and F with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Travellers from Canada will need a suitable adapter and may require a voltage converter for certain devices.
Winter travel in Finland calls for thermal layers, waterproof jackets, insulated boots, gloves and a warm hat. Sunglasses can be useful due to the glare from snow. Some tours provide thermal gear for outdoor excursions. Check your itinerary for details. Seeing the Northern Lights? Read our article: Northern Lights Packing List: Essential Gear for an Unforgettable Aurora Hunt.
The official currency of Finland is the Euro (€). Card payments are widely accepted, but carrying a small amount of cash is recommended for use in rural areas or with small vendors.
English is commonly spoken throughout Finland, especially in cities, tourist areas and hotels, making it easy for travellers to get by. Most Finns, particularly those working in tourism, speak excellent English. That said, learning a few Finnish phrases can be a thoughtful way to connect with locals and show respect for their culture. Here are a few basics:
Hello: Hei (pronounced "hay")
Thank you: Kiitos ("kee-toss")
Please: Ole hyvä ("oh-leh hoo-va")
Yes: Kyllä ("kew-lah")
No: Ei ("ay")
Excuse me / Sorry: Anteeksi ("ahn-teck-see")
Do you speak English?: Puhutko englantia? ("poo-hoot-ko eng-lan-tee-ah")
Even just using "kiitos" now and then can go a long way.
Traditional Finnish cuisine is shaped by the country’s seasonal ingredients, forest landscapes and deep-rooted cultural traditions. Expect to try hearty dishes made with reindeer, elk, salmon, herring, wild mushrooms, root vegetables and locally foraged berries such as lingonberries and cloudberries. Rye bread is a staple, often served with butter or cheese.
On tour, you might sample classics like salmon soup (lohikeitto), reindeer stew, or Karelian pasties (karjalanpiirakka). In addition to these traditional meals, Finland also offers a thriving modern Nordic food scene, with chefs combining old flavours with contemporary techniques in creative ways.
Encounters with reindeer and huskies are included in many of our winter Finland group tours. These experiences often involve guided farm visits or sleigh rides in Lapland. Read our article on dog sledding and Sámi Culture in Scandinavia for more information on the husky and reindeer experience.
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are not visible year-round. In Finland, the best time to view them is between late August and early April when the skies are darkest and solar activity is higher. Tours during this time are scheduled to maximise your chances, often including stays in remote areas with minimal light pollution. While our expert guides monitor conditions and plan accordingly, sightings are never guaranteed. Cloud cover and solar activity change from night to night, but travelling in the peak months with local experts gives you the best possible chance of watching those green ribbons sweep across the sky.
Winters in Finnish Lapland are known for their extreme cold, with night-time temperatures often sinking to –20°C and the chilliest snaps dipping to around –30°C, especially in January and February. The good news is that the region is well-equipped for winter tourism. Heated accommodation, warm vehicles and high-quality outdoor gear make travel comfortable. Follow our dressing tips—think layers, merino socks and a proper beanie—and you’ll stay snug while you snowmobile, husky-sled or simply marvel at the Finnish landscape.
Travelling to Finland in summer offers a completely different experience from the winter months. The Midnight Sun is a highlight, especially in the north, where daylight can last up to 24 hours in June and July. This extended daylight means more time for activities like hiking, cycling, kayaking and wildlife spotting. Summer is also festival season in Finland, with locals making the most of the warm weather and vibrant natural landscapes.
Finland is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. Crime rates are low, public infrastructure is well-maintained, and locals are generally honest and respectful. Travellers can expect clean cities, safe public transport and a strong healthcare system. Common sense precautions apply, as in any destination, but overall Finland offers a very secure travel experience.
Finnish culture places a high value on privacy, personal space and punctuality. It’s polite to remove your shoes when entering a home, and people generally avoid small talk with strangers. Saunas are a major part of Finnish life and are often included in accommodations or tours. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited to join a sauna session. It’s a traditional and respected part of social life.
Accommodation on Finland tours is selected for comfort, quality and location. Most Inspiring Vacations tours include stays in 3 or 4 star hotels, often in central areas with easy access to dining and attractions. In Lapland, accommodation might include traditional log cabins, cosy lodges or even glass-roofed igloos designed for aurora viewing. Our Small Group tours might also include more boutique options. It’s good to be aware that Scandinavian hotels typically do not provide tea and coffee-making facilities in the rooms.
Light layers: Breathable shirts, tees and trousers for warm days.
Warm jumper or fleece: For cooler evenings or chillier regions.
Waterproof jacket: Sudden rain showers are common.
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots: Ideal for city strolls or forest walks.
Swimwear: For dips in lakes or traditional Finnish saunas.
Sunglasses: Daylight hours are long, especially in the north.
Insect repellent: Mosquitoes can be active in forested or lakeside areas.
Always check your itinerary and weather forecasts just before departure to fine-tune your packing list.
Travellers from many countries can enter Finland visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, particularly if travelling for tourism or business. However, entry requirements depend on your nationality and travel plans. We strongly recommend reviewing our Visa Entry Requirements page when booking your Finland tour. Visa rules and processing times can vary, so it’s important to confirm well in advance of your departure.
Booking a Finland tour with Inspiring Vacations is the first step to experiencing something truly unforgettable. Take your time exploring our itineraries, each filled with moments that showcase the beauty, culture and wonder of Finland. From cosy log cabins to snow-dusted forests and glass-roofed igloos, you’ll find options to suit your travel style and timing. Once you’ve found the tour that excites you, booking is quick and easy online. Prefer a chat? Call 1 888 356 2021 and speak with one of our travel experts who can guide you through the options and help bring your Finland adventure to life.
In Scandinavia's snow-swept wilderness, teams of huskies stand ready to pull you into an Arctic adventure few travellers ever experience. Here, among the silence of ancient forests and beneath skies painted with the Northern Lights, centuries of tradition are alive in the deep snow and frost. This is the domain of mush...
Packing can be the least enjoyable part of a vacation. Pack too much and you’re left lugging about a heavy suitcase, pack too little and you may be stranded without core essentials. And if you’re preparing for a Northern Lights trip of a lifetime, careful planning is non-negotiable. A well considered Northern Lights pa...
From cultural celebrations to special events, discover the 25 cities around the world that are set to shine in 2025 Exploration, discovery, and the thrill of stepping outside our comfort zones—travel is more than just a two-week shuffle from one place to the next. It shapes our perspectives, ignites our curiosity, a...
Heavy metal and opera are on quite opposite ends of the musical spectrum but Finland has managed to make the two meet Finland is known really for only two kinds of music and they could not be at more polar ends of the musical spectrum. On the one end is the refined classical notes of an orchestral opera, at the other e...
Meet Taavi Heikkilä, the CEO of Frozen Innovations, the man who designs and builds snow castles across Lapland. How did you get into igloo making? I am from Lapland so I grew up making igloos. Everyone in Lapland learns how to make an igloo as a child. We would always dig into the piles of snow that had been piled up b...
One of the happiest and greenest countries in the world is a world of nordic adventure. But, when is the best time to go? Finland conjures many images: a dazzling winter wonderland, home to ‘Santa’, the Northern Lights, and a pristine wilderness that covers much of the country. It also has a world-class dining sce...
The greenest place on earth is also the happiest – and it's no coincidence Finland regularly tops the international league table as the cleanest, greenest and happiest place on earth. A high density of forest and a low density of people helps keep this nation green but a socially aware, environmentally forward thinking...