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Finland’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps

Finland’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps

Finland’s Background

 

About 9,000 years ago, the first inhabitants of Finland came. It’s possible the first inhabitants just came for the summer to hunt, but as the years went on, more and more people decided to stay during the winter time. The ancestors of modern-day Finns were among the many newcomers in the area in the first millennium BCE. After being spread throughout most of Finland, the nomadic Sami eventually returned to the country’s northern regions. 

During the Viking Age, Finland was a major fur producer because of its location on the northern edge of the trade routes to Russia. Thus, the name of Finland’s oldest city, Turku, means ‘place of trade’. It appears that Finns were not involved in any Viking explorations. Finland’s political and economic stability deteriorated during the end of the Viking Age as a result of trade and conflict with Russia and Germany as well as Swedish and Danish invasion.Finnish territory was lost to Sweden at the Treaty of Nöteborg, signed in 1323.

About 500 years of Finnish history are linked with Swedish history. Sweden used the territory of Finland as a defensive shield against the East, and the country’s boundaries with Finland’s neighbouring countries have changed several times throughout the centuries as a result of conflict. Due to their history as a part of the Kingdom of Sweden, Finns closely identify with the Western European identity. In 1808 and 1809, Russia took the Finnish region from Sweden. The Grand Duchy of Finland was a title imposed upon it by the Russian Emperor. The city center of modern-day Helsinki was constructed during the Russian rule.

Between the 12th and 19th centuries, Finland was a Swedish province and then a grand duchy, until becoming an independent grand duchy of Russia in 1809. In 1917, it finally achieved full independence. Despite suffering considerable territorial losses, it was able to effectively maintain its independence and repel Soviet attacks throughout World War II. Finland’s capital, while not being in Scandinavia, has several Scandinavian traits, such as a Swedish official language and a Scandinavian style of architecture.

 

“Scandinavian culture in Northern Europe offers more than just a rich historical background. The land of a thousand lakes, with its welcoming residents and breathtaking views of the Northern Lights, is a traveler’s paradise.”

 

Many Finns spend their summers in cottages, where they may swim, fish, and cook out. Get up north in the winter to see the Northern Lights, or up there in the summer to experience the midnight sun. Finland is known as “the country of a thousand lakes” due to the fact that it has 187,888 lakes. It’s one of the world’s undiscovered gems that has yet to be overrun by visitors. 

In the winter, In presence of snowstorms, with white covering of trees and frozen lakes, visitors may visit Santa Clause and ride a dog sled through the snowy landscape. While in the summer you can cool down in one of the numerous crystal clear lakes. Explore the vast forests in search of berries or bears, set sail for one of the many islands dotting the coast, pay Santa a visit in the far north, witness the northern lights in Lapland, learn about the Sami people, work up a good sweat in a sauna before braving a dip in an ice hole. And for the adventurous, forests and mountains in Finland provide some of Europe’s best opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and hiking.

Staying on the move will allow you to take advantage of all that Finland has to offer its visitors. This Cruisit Finland travel guide provides an itinerary that strikes a balance between leisure and exploration. Arrive in this untapped Scandinavian paradise and enjoy it to the fullest. The following itinerary for Finland is tailored to the country’s peak tourist season, but may still be enjoyed during the shoulder months. With sunny days spent in ancient parts of town in the company of legend, or surrounded by verdant peaks and dramatic picture-perfect scenery, and hundreds of species to explore, Fiji will fulfill your wildest dreams.

Moreover, we will provide you with all the information you need to go across Finland with ease by providing you with a comprehensive travel guide. As you read on, you’ll learn about the best of what Finland has to offer—its cities, sights, transit options, and more. If you’re pumped up enough, then let’s get started!

Top Places in Finland

Suomenlinna

Located close to the heart of Helsinki, Suomenlinna, also known as Sveaborg, is an inhabited sea fortification constructed on eight islands. It was built in 1748 by the Swedish Crown to fend off Russians. And in 1991, Suomenlinna became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nowadays, it is a popular spot for picnics among tourists. And until today, Swedes and Swedish-speaking Finns still known the place by its original name “Sveaborg”.

 

Temppeliaukion Church

IHelsinki’s Lutheran Temppeliaukio Church can be found in the city’s Töölö area. Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, two Finnish architects, created the church’s design and opened it to the public in 1969. It is also known as the Church of the Rock and the Rock Church because it was constructed right into a rock.

Santa Claus Village

Here in the Santa Claus Village, in the country that many believe Santa Claus to come from, children and adults alike can have a face-to-face encounter with the man himself. You may visit Santa Claus and the mystical Arctic Circle at this amusement park in Rovaniemi, Lapland. Guests have been welcome there since its 1985 debut.

Olavinlinna

The Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna is a three-tower structure that dates back to the 15th century. Located between the two lakes Haukivesi and Pihlajavesi, it is constructed on an island in the Kyrönsalmi strait. It’s the last surviving medieval stone fortification in the northernmost. The first annual Savonlinna Opera Festival took place in the summer of 1912, and the castle served as the festival’s outstanding stage.

Market Square

In the heart of Helsinki stands the Market Square. During the summer months, private firms offer ferry rides to Suomenlinna and other surrounding islands in addition to HSL’s year-round service from Market Square. Adjacent to Market Square are the Presidential Palace, Helsinki City Hall, the Swedish Embassy, and the Stora Enso Headquarters. The Market Square is bustling with sellers selling authentic Finnish goods and souvenirs from spring through fall. The square also features numerous cafes with outdoor seating. In early October, when the annual Helsinki herring market begins, the square swells with people. Classic American automobiles are displayed in the Market Square on the first Friday of every month, continuing a longstanding tradition. Anyone who drives and is enthusiastic about classic American automobiles is welcome to join the show. Seagulls are known to steal ice cream and other treats from the hands of unsuspecting tourists, so keep an eye out for them.

7-day Itinerary in Finland

Day 1

 

Arrive in Helsinki

Even though Helsinki Vantaa Airport is normally crowded, if you time your arrival right, you can find it empty. Visit the one and only Starbucks in Helsinki while you’re in the airport, it’s big deal among locals!

Take a lovely food tour of the city and check out the small food trucks that are only there in the summer. They serve pita pockets, gourmet burgers, and salmon on rye, which is a Finnish favourite and very tasty.

After that, cool off with some ice cream from the Helsingin Jäätelötehdas, a Helsinki Ice Cream Factory located right by the beach, just the right amount of thick, creamy, and flavorful goodness. But never have a double scoop! The servings were on the hefty side.

Also, while you’re there, You should stop by the “carpet-washing pier,” located close to the ice cream shop, where locals go to clean their carpets with pine soap and then hang them to dry on a wooden rack. Simply said, this is something you would only see in Finland. They could dry their carpets and leave, knowing that when they come back a month later, everything would be exactly the way they left it.

  • Backpacker: 
  • Budget: 
  •  Hostel Diana Park, Eurohostel Helsinki, Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Hellsten Helsinki, Hotel Katajanokka.
  • Mid-range: 
  • Luxury:

When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is some reason to be alarmed about walking alone in the city since there is some petty crime recorded in Helsinki to warrant worry. You can walk safely at day, but be wary while walking at night and be alert in crowded areas or unlit alleys or streets. You can always take taxis, if you don't feel comfortable, Be wary of petty crime by taking precautions mentioned in the safety section above.

Day 2

 

Helsinki

A visit to Helsinki is not complete until :

Take your picture next to Havis Amanda, the bronze woman figure that stands in a fountain in the city square.

Visit the waterfront market for some local cuisine and some souvenir shopping. Hang out in the Ateljee Bar on the top floor of the Hotel Torni, a structure that made it through WWII intact and now offers a breathtaking panorama of the city of Helsinki from every angle. Visit the beautiful Senate Square and the Helsinki City Art Museum (Helsingin taidemuseo) to round off your tour.

If you’re lucky and still have time, you can go to Kamppi Chapel of Silence, a small chapel made of birch, pine, and spruce in the middle of the city.

Also, make sure to check out the local bars in Helsinki, like Storyville Jazz, an underground jazz club where really swinging bands play at night. Bars in Finland are ideal to meet locals. After a few drinks, Finns tend to relax and become more outgoing.

Note:

The Helsinki City Art Museum is closed on Mondays and only sells tickets at the door. Under-18s get in free, and tickets for students and seniors with an ISIC are €8 instead of €10. On the first Friday of every month, entry is free.

Day 3

 

Visit Tallinn for the Day, Estonia

Just a short ferry ride separates Helsinki and Tallinn, Estonia’s capital. This town is one of the most gorgeous examples of its kind, and it is especially lovely in the summer.

Both New Tallinn and Old Tallinn are important portions of the city. Old Tallinn, with its narrow lanes and hidden cafes, is a romantic destination in and of itself. When you arrive, practise your mediaeval archery skills outside Fat Margaret tower that houses the Estonian Maritime Museum.

Try the great Estonian coffee, then spend the day walking around Old Tallinn and taking in the sights while snacking on freshly roasted almonds sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar

When returning to Helsinki from Tallinn, leave just before sunset to take in the scenery from the ship, and then spend the remainder of the evening taking in the fresh air of the ocean and browsing the ship’s shop.

Note:
There are two major ferry lines that go between Estonia and Finland, and both provide a variety of ticket options and schedules. The lowest-priced round-trip tickets are €30 if purchased online one week in advance. Several times a day, the Silja Line fleet sails between Tallinn and Helsinki. You can check out their schedules online.
It is not recommended to take the final ferry back to Helsinki (at 10:30pm) with young children. The crowding is bad enough, but most of the people returning are drunk. There is security on board, so things rarely get out of hand, but there are always one or two drunks who are a problem.

To see even more of Finland, you may skip this day and go straight to Espoo.

  • Backpacker: 
  • Budget: 
  • Mid-range: 
  • Luxury:

When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is some reason to be alarmed about walking alone in the city since there is some petty crime recorded in Helsinki to warrant worry. You can walk safely at day, but be wary while walking at night and be alert in crowded areas or unlit alleys or streets. You can always take taxis, if you don't feel comfortable, Be wary of petty crime by taking precautions mentioned in the safety section above.

Day 4

 

Espoo

About 20 minutes on the bus will get you to Espoo, a city close to Helsinki. Haukilahden Yacht Club, located in the gorgeous tiny marina, is home to an impressive collection of boats and yachts, and the city itself is charming as the second biggest in Finland.

Get out and enjoy the stunning scenery in Nuuksio National Park.

Espoo also has a handful of huge public beaches that are worth checking out. The modest, homey Mellsten Café offered a nice break from the bustle of the city with its wonderful wooden terrace. Their paninis, gelato, and coffee are flawless. The Espoo Museum of Modern Art (EMMA) can also be discovered in Espoo. On the other hand, in the same structure as EMMA is an interesting clock museum.

Group discounts, student discounts, senior discounts, and children’s discounts are all available at EMMA. ISIC cardholders pay €10, adults pay €12, and seniors 70 and above, kids under 18, and on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. get in for free.

  • Backpacker: 
  • Budget: 
  • Mid-range: 
  • Luxury:

When it becomes dark, a foreign city may be twice as dangerous - especially if you don't understand the language and are unfamiliar with the area. There is some reason to be alarmed about walking alone in the city since there is some petty crime recorded in Helsinki to warrant worry. You can walk safely at day, but be wary while walking at night and be alert in crowded areas or unlit alleys or streets. You can always take taxis, if you don't feel comfortable, Be wary of petty crime by taking precautions mentioned in the safety section above.

Day 5

 

Iso Vasikkasaari

Iso Vasikkasaari is a popular island attraction that is accessible by boat during the summer months. Get some sun, have a picnic, read a book, and reward yourself with some gelato flavoured with traditional Finnish cloudberry jam from a small, family-run stand.

Even in the height of summer, the waves off Finland may be rather rough, yet the Finns have a word for facing one’s fear head-on: sisu. So, Sisu your way into the icy water and Un-sisu your way back out.
After returning to Espoo, dine at E.T. Charlie and take a walk around the harbour at night before boarding the overnight train to Rovaniemi.
VisitEspoo.fi provides information about boat times and fares. Since lines and people are abundant on sunny days, it’s best to quickly check the boat schedule the night before and get there as early as possible.

Day 6

 

Rovaniemi

To those who may not know, Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland, the northernmost province of Finland. But the fact that the Claus family lives there takes precedence. You read that right; referring to Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is the city’s most popular tourist destination. Every year, youngsters bring their Christmas wish lists to Santa, who sits on a chair and listens to them.

Rovaniemi’s Sky Enontekio, a Michelin-starred restaurant at the Sky Ounasvaara, is an absolute must-do for every visitor, even more so than the well-known tourist snapshot of themselves with one leg inside and one outside the Arctic Circle. In the summer, mushrooms taste even better than usual, so if you have the choice, go for a meal that has them. The restaurant’s terrace offers spectacular views of the forest outside, and diners may even get a glimpse of reindeer on occasion.

Rovaniemi, being colder than southern Finland, is an ideal spot for first-time visitors to experience a traditional Finnish sauna. The sauna is a terrific place to meet new people since you’ll be surrounded by welcoming foreigners and locals alike. After around 15 minutes in the sauna, you should take a cold shower or swim in a nearby lake to cool down.

You may round off your day in Rovaniemi with a delicious Finnish meal of reindeer, potatoes, carrots, pickles, turnips, and lingonberry sauce.

Notes:

At Santa’s Post Office, you may get a certificate for $5 that will prove you’ve been beyond the Arctic Circle. At the summer, there isn’t much to do in Santa’s Village but feed and touch the reindeer. To get the most out of Santa’s Village, especially if you’re bringing kids, it’s best to go in the winter when the rides are open.
Those who come to Rovaneimi during the months of March and August may be able to see the Northern Lights . For more on auroras, check the geomagnetic activity forecast on www.AurorasNow.fi.

Day 7

 

Rovaniemi to Helsinki

Midmorning is a good time to leave Rovaniemi and board the train back to Helsinki, where you may have one more stroll around the city and see some of your favorite landmarks or go shopping for some souvenirs in one of the many markets before continuing on to the airport.

The Most Popular Food in Finland

As the world’s happiest country, Finland is quickly becoming a popular travel destination in the Nordic region. Maybe the high level of happiness in Finland can be attributed to the high quality of the local cuisine. Since Finland was a part of the Swedish kingdom for ages and then ruled by the Russians for over a hundred years, its cuisine has been profoundly affected by both countries. Finns are passionate about pure and healthy food. The country’s woodlands and lakes provide the inspiration for the country’s simple and healthy food as it is based on nature  gifts (marsh berries, fish, mushrooms) and animal-based products (cream, milk, meat, butter).

Gravlax

Salted and sugared raw salmon is seasoned with dill and served as a typical appetiser. Sauces made of dill and mustard are often used to top the salmon. You could also get bread or boiling potatoes.

Karelian stew

Beef, pork, and sometimes lamb are used to make this flavorful stew. Carrots, onions, and potatoes are staples because they provide bulk and fill you up.

Lohikeitto (salmon soup)


As a country, Finland eats a lot of fish, with salmon being the most beloved kind. A cup of steaming hot salmon soup along with a slice of rye bread is a quintessential Finnish meal. You may make this easy soup with a clear or milky broth, and on special occasions, fresh cream is added for a richer taste.

Ruisleipä (rye bread)

Rye bread is so popular in Finland that it was chosen as the country’s official cuisine in 2017. In Finland, ruisleipä is a staple food that is eaten for breakfast, lunch, and snacks, and it is often accompanied with ham, cheese, and butter.

Loop Sausage

This is a big sausage with a subtle taste, and it’s traditionally grilled with a layer of sweet Finnish mustard. Best enjoyed with a cold drink.

What's the Travel Budget for Finland

Final Thoughts on Finland

Legacy seen through traditional buildings and a greatly diverse culture, stunning and unusual landmarks, some of which are pilgrimage sites, unbelievable warmth despite the cooler weather, exciting tunes and festivities, and vivid picture-perfect surroundings of highlands and pristine beaches best for kickingback and watching the sunsets all contribute to Finland’s allure. Finland’s recorded history dates back to at least 9,000 BC. Among the best places to visit in all of Scandinavia. Finland is a traveler’s paradise due to its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and fascinating historical monuments. Interested in visiting Finland?

Have you ever been to Finland? Leave your comments or questions in the section below.

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