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Finland is where fairy tales feel real. From snow-covered forests and steaming saunas to wild reindeer and the dazzling Northern Lights, this Nordic wonderland promises experiences as memorable as they are magical. If you're here for a quick Arctic escape or a longer Scandinavian odyssey, Finland tourism is filled with one-of-a-kind moments that blend adventure with tradition.
Planning your trip? Here's what not to miss.
Witnessing the Northern Lights in Finland
The Northern Lights in Finland—or aurora borealis—are a highlight of any winter itinerary. These stunning natural lights ripple across the sky in shades of green, pink, and violet, especially vivid above the Arctic Circle.
You’ll have the best chance of seeing them between late August and early April, with peak visibility during mid-winter. However, travellers visiting in September or October can still enjoy a greater than 40% nightly probability of sightings in Finnish Lapland, when long, dark nights and clear skies create the perfect backdrop.
Locations like Sinetta, Saariselkä, Ivalo, and Rovaniemi are ideal, with guided aurora tours included in itineraries such as the 9-Day Finland’s Northern Lights Premium Small Group Tour.
Many travellers choose to stay in glass-roofed cabins to watch the lights from the comfort of a warm bed. The 13-day Nordic Winter Spectacular also features an overnight stay in a glass-roof igloo under the Arctic sky.
Did you know?
You can spot the aurora up to 200 nights a year in the Northern parts of Lapland Finland, as long as the skies are dark and cloud-free.
Embrace a traditional Finnish sauna experience
Few things are more Finnish than a sauna. With over 3.3 million nationwide (one per 1.6 residents), these steam-filled sanctuaries are part of daily life, found in city apartments, lakeside cabins, and even some public buses.
For visitors, the traditional Finnish sauna experience is best enjoyed in places like Helsinki, where stylish public saunas such as Löyly or Allas Sea Pool offer scenic views and Baltic breezes.
If you’re feeling bold, follow the local tradition and take a plunge in an icy lake or roll in the snow between sauna sessions. It’s said to invigorate both body and mind.
Did you know?
Sauna culture in Finland is so strong that it's been recognised by UNESCO as part of the country’s intangible cultural heritage.
Reindeer sledding in Lapland
Step back in time with a reindeer sledding tour in Lapland, where you can glide through frozen forests pulled by one of Finland’s most iconic animals. These peaceful safaris are often led by Sámi herders and offer an authentic look at Lapland's indigenous culture.
You’ll find reindeer safaris in places like Saariselkä and Inari. Expect to bundle up in thermal gear, feed your reindeer, and warm up with coffee and Finnish pastries in a traditional wooden kota.
Did you know?
Reindeer outnumber people in Finnish Lapland. Each one is marked with its owner’s unique symbol, carved into the animal’s ear.
Try a husky safari in Finland
Few experiences capture the energy and excitement of a Finnish winter quite like a husky safari. With the wind in your face and snow crunching beneath the sled, it's a thrilling and surprisingly peaceful way to explore the Arctic landscape. Before setting off, you'll meet your team of huskies—high-energy, intelligent, and eager to run and learn how to guide the sled through snowy forests and across frozen lakes.
Some of our tours include a husky safari in Pyhä. The snow-covered terrain offers stunning scenery and well-maintained trails. Along the way, expert guides share insights into the dogs’ training, care, and how they’ve become an iconic part of Finland tourism.
Many travellers find this to be a highlight of their trip, not just for the adrenaline rush, but for the bond you form with the dogs and the stillness of the winter wilderness around you.
Did you know?
Most working sled dogs pull 1.5 to 3 times their body weight over distance—occasionally even up to 4× for short stretches!
Snowmobile adventures in Finnish Lapland
Zip across the Arctic wilderness on a snowmobile tour—a thrilling way to explore remote trails, frozen lakes, and snowy hills. Many guided trips combine snowmobiling with other winter activities, like ice fishing or aurora spotting.
Snowmobile safaris are popular in Rovaniemi and Kemi, with plenty of options for beginners. They’re also available as optional excursions on many Finland tours, including those in Lapland.
Did you know?
Snowmobiles are the modern equivalent of reindeer transport for many locals. They're essential for accessing remote areas in winter.
Go ice fishing in Finland
Ice fishing in Finland is all about patience and serenity. After drilling a hole in the frozen lake, you’ll settle in with a rod (and maybe a mug of hot berry juice) while you wait for a bite.
Tours often include a guide, a warm hut, and tips on how to catch Arctic char or perch. This activity is included as an optional experience on many Finnish Lapland tours, and popular around Inari, Sinetta, and Kemi.
Did you know?
Finnish law allows anyone to fish with a simple rod and line without a licence—perfect for first-timers. Just note that this applies to hook-and-line angling and ice-fishing only—lure fishing still requires a permit.
Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
Yes, Santa lives in Finland and you can visit him any time of year. The Santa Claus Village sits just outside Rovaniemi, right on the Arctic Circle Finland, and it’s one of the most charming and festive stops in the country.
Visitors can meet Santa in his official office, cross the Arctic Circle (with a certificate to prove it), and send postcards from Santa’s Main Post Office—stamped with a special Arctic Circle postmark. The village also has shops filled with Finnish handicrafts and souvenirs, as well as cafés serving warm treats like glögi (mulled berry juice) and gingerbread cookies.
Families can enjoy sleigh rides, reindeer encounters, and even a look behind the scenes at how Christmas is celebrated in Finnish Lapland. During winter, the entire village transforms into a snow-dusted wonderland, complete with twinkling lights and festive music.
Did you know?
Santa receives over half a million letters to his Finnish address every year from children in every corner of the globe.
Explore Finland’s wildlife on a winter safari
Spotting wildlife in the snow adds another layer of magic to your trip. On a Finland wildlife safari, you may see Arctic foxes, moose, lynx, or even wolves—especially in the remote reaches of Finnish Lapland, where the snowy silence offers the perfect environment for these elusive creatures.
Winter safaris are designed to respect the natural environment and provide travellers with the best chance of observing animals in their natural habitat. You’ll travel on snowshoes or in sleighs pulled by snowmobiles, following animal tracks through silent forests and across frozen lakes. Local guides bring deep knowledge of the terrain and wildlife patterns, often pointing out subtle clues that many visitors would miss.
Popular regions for these tours include Inari, Saariselkä, and the Oulanka National Park region. Some safaris are focused entirely on photography, while others offer a more immersive educational experience with insights into local conservation efforts.
Did you know?
Finland is home to over 2,000 brown bears, though they hibernate in winter. Your best chance to see one is in late spring.
Hit the slopes at Finland’s best ski resorts
For downhill fun, Finland ski resorts offer uncrowded slopes, long daylight hours in spring, and gentle terrain—ideal for beginners.
Top choices include Levi, Ylläs, and Ruka. Many Scandinavia tours include time in ski-friendly villages or offer optional add-ons.
One of the best ski resorts in Finland for beginners is Levi. It is one of Finland’s largest resorts with over 40 runs and a lively après-ski scene. Ylläs offers longer trails and more of a local feel.
Take a guided snowshoeing tour
Snowshoeing tours in Finland offer one of the most immersive ways to connect with the serene winter wilderness. Moving quietly through deep snow, you'll reach places inaccessible by vehicle and too remote for regular hiking trails. It's an activity that suits almost any fitness level and doesn't require any prior experience—just a willingness to embrace the silence and beauty of the Arctic landscape.
Snowshoeing is especially popular in areas like Inari, Saariselkä, and Sinetta, where dense forests, frozen lakes, and vast open tundra create a perfect setting. Guided tours often include stops for photography, stories about the local wildlife and ecology, and sometimes even a campfire picnic with hot drinks. Some excursions run during the day for scenic exploration, while others are timed to coincide with Northern Lights Finland sightings, adding a little extra magic to your walk.
Did you know?
Snowshoes distribute your weight across a larger surface, letting you walk on powdery snow without sinking.
Essential Finland winter travel tips
Planning a winter holiday in Finland? Here are the essentials:
- Best time to visit: November to March for snow; December to March for auroras
- Top experiences: Reindeer sledding, husky safaris, saunas, ice fishing, snowmobiling, Northern Lights viewing
- Popular regions: Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Sinetta, Lapland, Saariselkä, Inari
- Activities to try: Snowshoeing, skiing, wildlife safaris, visiting Santa Claus Village, snowmobile rides, ice floating, and glass igloo stays
Ready to experience the magic?
If you're planning a short Arctic escape or a full Scandinavian adventure, Inspiring Vacations has you covered. From glass igloos and husky sleds to saunas and snowmobiles, the magic of Finland is real—and ready when you are.
Explore our full range of Finland tours, or expand your journey with stops in Norway and beyond. See it all with Inspiring Vacations—where winter becomes unforgettable.