Finland’s 37 national parks and its array of commercial cruises plying major coastal cities in the Baltic Region give the country a robust tourism industry. So, don’t miss out on Finland as a spectacular tourist destination where you can enjoy Nordic skiing, yachting, lake cruising, kayaking, bird watching, and a lot of other outdoor activities. Here are nineteen great tourist attractions in Finland.
1. Saint Olaf’s Castle
Located in Savonlinna, the picturesque medieval fortress is an absolute go-to place for your Finnish vacation. Saint Olaf’s Castle was built in 1475 to monitor the border between Russia and Finland. The tourist attraction in Finland was well equipped and protected, including from artillery shelling. That is why the repeated attempts of the Russian troops to break through the defenses often turned out to be unsuccessful.
The castle’s architecture and design were enhanced over the years. Its eclectic form today makes it a center of the lively Savonlinna Opera Festival, an annual festivity that mixes music with the unique spirit of Finland.
Outside the castle walls are two small museums displaying artifacts found in the castle or related to the history of Olavinlinna.
How to get to Saint Olaf’s Castle?
The most common way to get there is by bus or rental car.
2. Fortress of Suomenlinna
The second one of the greatest to visit in Finland is Suomenlinna. The Finland landmark is one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Finland. The trip to this one of the most amazing tourist attractions in Finland by ferry itself makes an indelible impression when you can see and photograph Helsinki from the sea. Suomenlinna has a lot to offer visitors of all ages: ramparts, cannons, tunnels, a museum, and restaurants.
This tourist attraction in Finland is extremely exciting because it breathes the history of the Baltic region. Built in the eighteenth century, the magnificent naval fortress of Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort was erected to defend Sweden against Russia. It is a striking relic of European military infrastructure.
You are welcome to visit this one of the best places in Finland in summer and be amazed. This breathtaking tourist attraction is found at the entrance to Helsinki’s harbor. Moreover, this tourist attraction in Finland is popular not only among tourists: local Finns often come here for a grill, barbecue, or picnic. In the summer, concerts and open-air performances are sometimes held here.
How to get to Fortress of Suomenlinna?
You can get to Suomenlinna by boat. A year-round ferry runs from Market Square (Kauppatori) to the fortress, and during the summer months, there is also a JT-Line sea tram.
3. Market Square
Like the fortress of Suomenlinna, the bustling Market Square is also situated in Helsinki. Market Square is a hall close to South Harbor. Sip a cup of coffee inside one of the cafés to experience the joyous bustle of Helsinki. This busy tourist attraction is your place to go if you want to buy souvenirs commemorating your vacation to Finland. Market Square has a diverse offering of handmade goods, spices, vegetables, and fish.
This one of the greatest tourist attractions in Finland is one of the most picturesque places in Helsinki. In addition to its primary trade function, this square has an essential aesthetic. It is here that the facade of the presidential palace, the Esplanadi Park, as well as the multi-colored port come out. From where, by the way, ferries to Suomenlinna start.
This famous Finland landmark is a rather calm and peaceful place in the capital Suomi on weekdays. However, on weekends it turns into a lively and noisy Finnish market. It is great luck to get to the square during the days of the famous herring fair, Silakkamarkkinat. And, of course, on the days of Advent. A magnificent Christmas market in December opens on Helsinki Market Square.
How to get to Market Square?
The most common way to get to this Finland landmark is by tram 3T. Get off at the Eteläranta stop.
4. Seurasaari Island
To escape the busy city, head on over a few kilometers to downtown Helsinki. You will reach the serene Seurasaari Island, a beautiful place that embodies the Finnish spirit. The island has an eclectic outdoor museum, a country shop, and several traditional cottages and farmhouses. Hike around the island, and enjoy the scenery as you breathe in the fresh air.
This is a favorite place not only for tourists but also for the Finns themselves. You can wander along the forest routes that pass by ancient wooden buildings – mills, houses, barns. On the west coast of Seurasaari, there is a beach where you can swim freely.
During the holidays, folk festivals with folklore groups, dances, and performances for children are organized on the island. And on Easter and Juhannus, huge bonfires are lit here. In addition, couples love to get married at this one of the most famous places in Finland. They come to the old wooden church to tie the knot.
How to get to Seurasaari Island?
Take bus number 24 from Helsinki, from Mannerheim Avenue, to get there. The trip will take no more than half an hour.
5. Koli National Park
You cannot go wrong with the thick pine forests, clear lake waters, rare geological formations, and rolling hills of this Finnish tourist attraction. Considered one of the most famous landscapes in Finland, Koli National Park boasts a rich network of reserves and national parks.
The rolling hills in Koli National Park are remnants of mountains formed two billion years ago. You are welcome to discover the breathtaking scenery and fitness-intensive outdoor activities and enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature.
The main tourist attractions of Koli Park are the beautiful views and nature. The hills and lakes included in the park are indescribably beautiful. In addition, you can see numerous ancient natural formations and geological objects on tourist routes. The park is home to numerous traditional Finnish animals such as sheep, goats, and cows.
How to get to Koli National Park?
There are some ways to get to this one of the fascinating tourist attractions in Finland. Car, taxi, bus, or train are the most convenient for it.
6. Turku Castle, Turku
Turku Castle, located in the ancient port city of Turku in southwestern Finland, is rightfully considered one of the most incredible tourist attractions in Finland. Abo Castle is one of the most visited places in Finland, which everyone can visit. This Finnish landmark is famous primarily because it was built in the Middle Ages and was one of the largest buildings of those years.
Today, within its walls, you can find the city historical museum. The sights of the castle stand out, such as halls with Gothic vaults, prison cells, the dwelling of robbers, the chambers of the duke, sculptures from the 16th century, exhibitions dedicated to the ghosts living in the castle, collections of weapons, medals, coins, and medieval toys.
On holidays majestic medieval halls of this tourist attraction in Finland can be rented for celebrations. In particular, wedding banquets are often arranged for an inexhaustible stream of people wishing to get married in the castle chapel.
How to get there?
The most convenient ways to get to this tourist landmark in Finland are taking a taxi and buses № 1, 42, or 702.
7. Old Rauma
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Another fascinating attraction in Finland is Old Rauma. The old city is fully included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its history dates back to the middle of the fourteenth century. Therefore, a trip to Rauma is a real journey through time, as it is here that you can see what Finland was like 150-200 years ago.
The city was founded in the 15th century, but the very first buildings of Old Rauma date back to the 18th century. It consists of over 600 wooden houses, making it the largest surviving city in the Nordic countries. Unfortunately, most of the old wooden buildings burned down in fires. Interesting wooden buildings are the House of the sailor Christie and the house of the shipowner Marel.
This Finland destination often hosts interesting festivals, most of which are held in the summer. For example, Klustermus gathers alternative music lovers, while those who prefer more traditional forms of sound come to the blues festival, summer jazz festival, or classical music festival. The famous Lace Week is held at the end of July, and The Blue Sea Film Festival attracts Finnish and foreign cinema fans.
Here you will find a huge number of excellent cafes, restaurants, and charming little boutiques. The idyllic atmosphere is complemented by museums, beautiful gardens, a market square, and a splendid medieval atmosphere of this one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Finland.
How to get to Old Rauma?
The easiest way to get to this Finland city is by car or bus from Helsinki.
8. Jean Sibelius Monument, Helsinki
The Jean Sibelius Monument is also included into the list of the greatest tourist attractons in Finland. This Finnish landmark is one of the most visited sights in Helsinki. The Finnish composer became famous as a reformer of classical ideas in music and an exponent of the national spirit of Finland. Sibelius played a significant role in shaping the Finnish national consciousness. His music inspired and united the people.
The abstract monument, erected in 1967 by Finnish sculptor Eila Hiltunen, resembles a sound wave made up of clusters of organ pipes. The jagged monument consists of more than 600 steel pipes assembled in ensembles at different heights. The tallest chimney stretches over 8m high.
This incredible tourist attraction in Finland was created in such a way as to embody the spirit of Sibelius’s music. But its abstract nature caused a lot of criticism: it was noted that it does not perpetuate the memory of the composer himself. Therefore, a large bust of Sibelius was installed at the foot of the monument so the audience would not get lost.
How to get to Jean Sibelius Monument?
This Finland tourist attraction is located at the address: Helsinki, Sibeliuksen puisto, Mechelininkatu, 00250, Sibelius Park. You can get there by buses No. 14, 18, 18N, 39, 39B and get off at the Kivelan sairaala stop. Getting there by trams No. 2 and 8 is also possible.
9. Kamppi Chapel of Silence, Helsinki
City officials welcome modern architectural designs. Thanks to this, tourists can admire the unusual Kamppi Chapel of Silence. The chapel is not a temple in the usual sense, services are not held here, but on its territory, you can get psychological help or just take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city space.
This one of the most exciting Finland monuments on the south side of the square stands out sharply against the surrounding modern buildings. The outer surface is made of bent spruce slats treated with glazing wax. You can get inside through the entrances in the nearby glass pavilion. The architects fulfilled their task – to completely cut off the city noise and encourage people to listen to their own souls.
How to get there?
You can get to this fascinating Finland monument by metro to the Kampin metroasema station, trams № 7, 7H, 9, 9H, and bus № 23N to the Simonkatu stop.
10. Assumption Cathedral, Helsinki
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Assumption Cathedral is one of the most remarkable tourist attractions in Finland. This is the largest Orthodox church in Northern and Western Europe, located in Helsinki. However, it is not only the impressive size but also the originality of the building and its convenient location on a high cliff. The temple was built by the famous Russian architect Alexei Gornostaev, a student of K.P. Bryullov.
In the layout, the influence of the Romanesque style is clearly traced because, despite the variety of external decor, the very form of the temple is quite simple and strict. The domes are covered with copper, and the graceful domes, according to tradition, are gilded. Despite its impressive size, the cathedral does not seem heavy and cumbersome. The interior is distinguished by richness and sophistication of decoration, it is spacious and light inside, and the walls and ceiling are painted in the Byzantine tradition.
How to get to Assumption Cathedral?
The best way to get there is by trams No. 4 and 4T and get off at the Ritarihuone stop. Another way is by car. The route will run along road 45.
11. Arktikum Science Center, Rovaniemi
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The Arktikum Science Center is a scientific center that studies the regions of the North and a museum dedicated to the northern peoples’ history, traditions, and culture. Today it is one of the main attractions of Rovaniemi.
This Finnish tourist attraction is a real masterpiece of architecture – it has the shape of a stone semicircle, from which a 172-meter glass “caterpillar-gallery” leads to the observation deck by the river, from where you can watch stunning sunsets and sunrises in summer, and the northern lights in winter.
This one of the most majestic places to visit in Finland includes photo exhibitions of Arctic landscapes, the forest industry, snowmobiles, a restaurant, a cafe, and a souvenir shop, where you can buy handmade art products created by masters of the Sami people.
How to get to Arktikum Science Center?
You can get there by buses No. 8, 10 and 12.
12. National Museum of Finland, Helsinki
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The National Museum of Finland is the most solid repository of the country’s cultural and historical heritage. The rich funds of the museum cover the entire period of development of the Finnish state from antiquity to our times. In addition to the main expositions, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions dedicated to local history, ethnography, and the cultural heritage of Finland.
The museum’s entire collection is divided into thematic blocks and exhibited in different halls. The most extensive section is historical. Unique artifacts are collected here – remnants of various eras and cultures: ceramics, household items, jewelry, weapons, etc. Several other departments of the National Museum of Finland store information about the history of the development of Finnish culture and society from the Middle Ages to our time. Particular attention is paid to the formation of the culture of independent Finland.
In addition, you are welcome to enjoy tasty dishes at the museum restaurant, which is open during the National Museum’s opening hours.
How to get to the National Museum of Finland?
Getting there by trams № 4, 4T, 7A, 7B, 10 and buses № 40, 43, 63, and 69 are the most convenient ways.
13. Pyynikki Observation Tower, Tampere
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The Pyynikki Observation Tower is part of the Pyynikki nature reserve in Tampere, Finland. It is located on the top of a ridge, which is about ten thousand years old, at the moment it is part of the city. The tower reaches a height of 26 meters, and the observation deck is located at an altitude of 180 meters above sea level. It was erected in 1929, and the tower was made of granite.
You can use the elevator or climb the steep stairs to climb to the tower’s observation deck. You will have a beautiful Finland view of the lakes Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi, Tampere, and its surroundings. In bad weather, when it is too windy and cold, you can look at the city from a closed gallery just below the observation deck.
Moreover, you are welcome to drink aromatic coffee and taste the most delicious munkki donuts in Finland in the cafe on the 1st “floor” of this one of the greatest tourist attractions. The recipe for munkki donuts has remained unchanged for 80 years.
How to get to Pyynikki Observation Tower?
One of the most spectacular tourist attractions in Finland is located west of the Finnish city of Tampere. Pyynikki Park can be reached from the center by buses № 24, 25, 8, 11B, 17, 11C, 26, 29A, and 29B. You can also get there by car by driving through Näkötornintieor.
14. Lemmenjoki National Park
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Lemmenjoki National Park is the largest national park in Europe, a true example of Finnish nature. Officially, the park was founded in 1956, and it has a rich history in all its years of existence.
The most fantastic place in the park is the beautiful valley of the Warm River. Here, the hills can rise to 600 meters, and from the tops of these hills, you can see Pallas Saariselkya – neighboring majestic and powerful massifs. The length of the river is seventy kilometers.
One of the most famous tourist attractions in Finland is well-known due to protecting many unique plants. There are many berries and mushrooms. The local richness of the fauna is impressive: in particular, wolverines live and are protected here. In addition, this Finnish landmark attracts about 10,000 tourists to the park every year thanks to many kilometers of well-equipped trails for tourists, campsites for car travelers, and hunters’ houses.
Finland best place to visit offers excellent leisure opportunities for those who love quiet hunting, as well as outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Fishing, picking mushrooms and berries, rowing and canoeing, caches, boating, hiking trips and walks through charming protected areas, and washing gold in gold mines are available here.
How to get to Lemmenjoki National Park?
The most comfortable ways to get to this one of the best tourist attractions in Finland are by bus or car following the E75 highway.
15. Lake Saimaa, Tampere
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Lake Saimaa, a pearl of the Lake District in the east of the country, is the largest lake in Suomi and the fourth largest freshwater lake in Europe. It stretches for almost 200 kilometers, forming endless labyrinths of picturesque islands.
This fascinating landmark in Finland offers entertainment for every taste. Saimaa is a real Mecca for amateur fishermen and those who appreciate outdoor recreation, solitude, and peace.
Thrill-seekers should try kayaking through the water labyrinths of Saimaa. The region has accessible canoe routes along sheltered shores suitable for beginners, as well as more challenging tracks for thrill-seekers.
One of the most famous tourist attractions in Finland is a real paradise for lovers of sport fishing. In addition, skating on a special track on the lake, snow safaris, reindeer teams, and, of course, ice fishing – all this is available to guests of Saimaa in the cold season.
How to get to Lake Saimaa?
It is best to follow the lake by public transport, rented car or taxi.
16. Sapokka Water Garden, Kotka
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The Sapokka Water Garden is considered the cleanest place in Kotka from an environmental point of view. Everything pleases the eye here: paths made of various types of natural stone, ponds, and various vegetation.
With the onset of darkness, about two hundred special lamps illuminate the park, turning it into a fantastic fairy-tale forest, in which the play of light and shadow creates a unique, mysterious atmosphere. The lighting of the garden makes a particular impression on blue summer nights, as well as in winter when trees and plants are covered with a blanket of snow.
One of the best tourist attractions in Finland is designed in such a way that the flowering of various plants continues throughout the growing season. In addition to the natural vegetation, hundreds of different garden plants, thousands of ornamental plants, and bulbous flowers have been planted in the park. In autumn, bright autumn colors delight the eye. In winter – the beauty of frost-bound, frost-covered trees and plants sleeping under the snow. The park is an experimental site for growing various species and varieties of plants.
This one of the most picturesque places in Finland is perfect for walking. Families with children like to walk here, and lovers make dates. In addition, concerts are often held on an impromptu stage in the warm season. All this makes this tourist attraction one of those places to visit in Finland all year round.
How to get to Sapokka Water Garden?
The Finland sightseeing Sapokka Water Park in Kotka is located within walking distance of the city center. You can get there on foot. It takes about 10 minutes. Or get there by car. Depending on where you live, you can still use public transport or a taxi.
17. Yyteri Beach, Pori
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Yyteri is one of the most beautiful beaches in Finland and is very popular among locals and tourists. Its coast impresses with incredibly clean fine white sand resembling powder. This one of the most remarkable tourist attractions in Finland is the longest beach in all the Scandinavian countries.
People come here for a pleasant pastime on the beach and active recreation. The water here is quite warm, and near the coast, there is a wonderful area of a gradual increase in depth and shallow water, which makes this beach especially popular among families with children.
For surfers and kiters, Yyteri Beach is one of the best places to visit in Finland. The waves here are not exceptionally high but stable, which is especially valuable for beginners in these sports.
How to get to Yyteri?
One of the greatest tourist attractions in Finland is about 1.5 hours east of Tampere and 2 hours north of Turku. Bus service from Pori is direct to the Yyuteri sandy beach dunes.
18. Särkänniemi, Tampere
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Särkänniemi has been repeatedly named the best leisure destination in Finland. The park was opened in 1975 and is the second most popular amusement park in Finland, with over half a million visitors a year.
In addition to an incredibly huge amusement park with various attractions, you can admire the jumps and agility of dolphins at breathtaking performances in the dolphinarium and view exotic fish and turtles in the aquarium. You will also have an opportunity to learn exciting details about space travel or climb one of the highest Näsinneula observation towers in Finland.
Särkänniemi has 34 rides, including roller coasters, swings, and water rides. The main “stars” are roller coasters, and the most extreme are Hype and Tornado. Equally mesmerizing are the swinging pendulums of the “X” and “High Voltage” machines. The youngest visitors will be interested in the Angry Birds Country play area.
You can take a breath and combine entertainment with education in the planetarium – its exposition and program are designed for visitors of all ages. The park also includes the fabulous city of Koiramäki. The atmosphere of narrow streets surrounded by wooden houses takes visitors to 19th century Finland. It is especially magical here during the Christmas holidays.
How to get to Särkänniemi?
It is best to get there by car or bus № 3.
19. Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi
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Santa Claus Village near the city of Rovaniemi is one of the most famous amusement parks and, at the same time, the residence of everyone’s favorite Santa Claus, who is called Yolupukki in Finland.
This one of the most fabulous tourist attractions in Finland welcomes visitors to its residence, which has been here since 1992. In addition to the main building, the village has several hotels, souvenir shops, a postal service, and a deer and husky farm where you can see these animals and ride in their team. The food court of Santa’s Village is represented by several restaurants where you can taste national Finnish and international dishes.
Several times a year, large-scale events are held on the territory of Santa’s village. The main one is the opening of the Christmas season. It usually takes place at the end of November and attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. Then, Santa Claus arranges another performance on Christmas Eve before setting off to wish all the children a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
How to get to Santa Claus Village?
You can get to the most spectacular tourist attraction in Finland from the city center by taxi or by regular bus number № 8.