Finland has so many natural and cultural attractions that aren’t Helsinki. From the vast forests to the Arctic landscapes, to Sami culture, to the seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, here are five awesome places you should spend your city break in Finland.
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
Despite the theme, Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is open through all four seasons of the year. It’s a treat for well-behaved and curious adults alike, and Santa is available for gift requests in his office when you arrive.
Medieval Finland in Old Rauma
Old Rauma, home to over 600 people, is a museum that’s bustling with life. In its 600 colorful historic buildings, there are small boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. You’ll also find Finland’s narrowest street.
Moomin Culture in Tampere
The quirky characters in Moomin’s story remain popular after 50 years. It’s a family-friendly art gallery displaying original art and 3D tableaus. It also has books in diverse languages including Afrikaans, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Karelian—the Finnish-based language spoken in Russia.
Finnish Lakeland
Finland is a great option for nature lovers with countless lakes and islands. They’re clustered together in the country’s southeastern region, and Finland has over 55,000 water bodies with a width of at least 650 feet.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
At this resort, you’ll be drawn to the Northern Lights display. You can host your own Northern Lights safari from the comfort of your bed between September to early April each year. For a comfortable aurora hunting experience, you’ll find wooden chalets, some with an igloo annex.
