Have you ever heard of Finland? Odds are, you haven’t. Unless you’re a geography buff or happen to follow world news closely, this small Nordic country is likely off your radar. But that’s starting to change. Finland has been making headlines lately and people are beginning to take notice of what this little-known country has to offer.
So what is Finland known for? Let’s take a look. Did you know that Finland is known for more than just its breathtaking scenery? In fact, this northern European country is home to a number of unique landmarks and attractions that are worth exploring.
From the quirky Museum of Lapland to the stunning Saimaa Lake, here are some of the best things to see and do in Finland.
1. Helsinki
As the capital city of Finland, Helsinki is a bustling metropolis that is home to over 600,000 people. Located on the southern coast of Finland, Helsinki is a major center for culture, education, and business. From its world-famous opera house to its lively nightlife scene, Helsinki has something to offer everyone.
There are also a number of interesting sights and attractions in Helsinki worth exploring. Some of the most popular include the Senate Square, the Helsinki Cathedral, and Suomenlinna Fortress. Helsinki is also a great place to shop, with a wide variety of stores and boutiques to choose from.
2. Northern Lights
If you’re looking for an awe-inspiring natural spectacle, look no further than the Northern Lights. Also known as the aurora borealis, these lights are a beautiful display of color that can be seen in the night sky.
The best place to see the Northern Lights is in Finland, where they are most visible from September to March. If you’re lucky, you may also be able to see them in summertime. Be sure to check out the aurora forecast before your trip to see when the best time to view them is.
3. Saimaa Lake
Located in southeastern Finland, Saimaa Lake is a stunning body of water that covers over 4,400 square kilometers. The lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, elk, and beavers.
Saimaa Lake is also home to a number of scenic villages and towns, as well as the Saimaa Canal, which connects the lake to the Baltic Sea. There are a number of cruises available on Saimaa Lake, giving you the opportunity to explore this beautiful area up close.
4. Lapland
If you’re looking for a place with a little bit of everything, look no further than Lapland. This vast region in northern Finland is home to forests, mountains, lakes, and rivers. It’s also home to the Sami people, an indigenous group that has inhabited Lapland for centuries.
Lapland is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of activities to keep you busy. You can go hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and dog sledding in Lapland, among other things. Be sure to check out the reindeer herders while you’re there – they make for an interesting sight.
5. Santa Claus Village
If you’re looking to visit Santa Claus, there’s no better place than Santa Claus Village. Located in Rovaniemi, Finland, this village is home to Santa’s Workshop, where you can meet the man himself and get a picture taken with him.
In addition to meeting Santa Claus, Santa Claus Village offers a number of other activities and attractions. You can go ice skating, take a ride on the reindeer sleighs, or visit the Christmas Museum. There’s also a shopping area where you can buy all sorts of Christmas-themed souvenirs.
6. Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is one of Finland’s most popular sports, and the country has a long history of success in the sport. The Finnish national team has won numerous gold medals in international competitions, and Finnish players are some of the best in the world.
If you’re interested in seeing a game of ice hockey, be sure to check out one of the games played by local teams like Jokerit Helsinki or Tappara Tampere. You can also visit the Finnish Ice Hockey Hall of Fame in Tampere, which is home to a number of interesting exhibits about Finnish ice hockey.
7. Sauna
The sauna is an iconic part of Finnish culture, and something that every visitor should experience while in Finland. There are saunas in nearly every town and village in Finland, and they can be found in homes, hotels, and even on cruise ships.
Saunas are typically heated to around 180 degrees Fahrenheit, and people often take a cold shower after leaving the sauna to cool down. Saunas are not just for relaxation – they are also used for bathing, socializing, and even as a place to work.
8. Design
Finland is known around the world for its high-quality design products. From cars to furniture to clothing, Finnish designers produce some of the best-quality products in the world.
If you’re interested in Finnish design, be sure to visit one of Helsinki’s many design stores or museums. The Design Museum in Helsinki is a great place to start, and it’s home to a number of exhibits on Finnish design history. You can also find Finnish design products in stores like Iittala and Marimekko.
9. Education
Finland consistently ranks among the best countries in the world for education, and the quality of its schools is renowned around the globe. In recent years, Finland has even started to export its education model to other countries.
If you’re interested in studying in Finland, be sure to check out one of the country’s many universities or colleges. The University of Helsinki is one of the most prestigious universities in Europe, and there are a number of other top-quality schools located throughout the country.
10. Nokia
Nokia is one of the world’s largest and most successful cellphone companies, and it’s headquartered in Finland. The company was founded in 1865 as a paper mill, and it has grown into one of the largest technology companies in the world.
If you’re a fan of Nokia phones, be sure to visit the Nokia Museum in Espoo, Finland. The museum is home to a number of exhibits on Nokia’s history and products, and it also has a gift shop where you can buy all sorts of Nokia memorabilia.
11. Angry Birds
Angry Birds is a popular video game that was developed in Finland by Rovio Entertainment. The game was released in 2009, and it has since become one of the most successful mobile games of all time.
If you’re a fan of Angry Birds, be sure to visit the Angry Birds Activity Park in Sipoo, Finland. The park is home to a number of attractions based on the game, including an Angry Birds-themed water park, amusement park, and hotel.
12. Happiest Country in the World
In 2011, Finland was named the happiest country in the world by the United Nations. The country’s high standard of living, excellent healthcare system, and strong education system are just a few of the reasons why it ranked so highly.
If you’re looking for a happy place to visit, be sure to add Finland to your list. The people are warm and welcoming, and there’s always something to do or see.
13. Finnish language
Finland’s official language is Finnish, and it’s one of the most difficult languages to learn in the world. The language is spoken by around 5 million people, most of whom live in Finland.
If you’re interested in learning Finnish, be sure to check out one of the many language courses offered in Finland. There are courses available for all levels of learners, and they can be found in cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku.
14. Santa Claus
Santa Claus – or joulupukki in Finnish – is a popular figure around the world, and he was originally based on a character from Finnish folklore. In Finland, Santa Claus is known as a kind and generous figure who brings happiness and joy to children during the holiday season.
If you’re looking for a place to visit during the holiday season, be sure to add Finland to your list. You can visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland, where you can enjoy all sorts of Christmas-themed activities.
15. Finnish Cuisine
Finland’s cuisine is based on traditional Nordic dishes, and it features a lot of fish, meat, and potatoes. Some popular Finnish dishes include kalakukko (a fish-filled pastry), hernekeitto (a pea soup), and mämmi (a type of sweet pudding).
If you’re interested in trying Finnish food, be sure to visit one of the country’s many restaurants or street stalls. You can also find Finnish food products in stores like Karelian Pastry Shop and Valio.
Read more: What is Netherlands Known For?
Finland is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture. If you’re interested in learning more about Finland, be sure to visit one of the country’s many museums or tourist attractions. You won’t regret it!