Finland : The best places to visit & seasons to access

 

Finland is a beautiful country with a unique blend of natural wonders, cultural attractions, and modern amenities. Here are some of the top places to visit in Finland:

Helsinki: The capital city of Finland is a vibrant hub of culture, art, and architecture. Must-visit attractions include the Helsinki Cathedral, Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church), and the Design District.

Lapland: Located in the northernmost part of Finland, Lapland is famous for its winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights. Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, is a popular destination here.

 Santa Claus village :   This attraction is located in Rovaniemi, Lapland. Visitors can meet Santa Claus, cross the Arctic Circle, and experience a winter wonderland with various festive activities.

Finnish Lakeland: This region is home to thousands of lakes, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy boating, kayaking, fishing, and camping in the picturesque surroundings.

Turku: Finland's oldest city is known for its historical sites like Turku Castle and Turku Cathedral. The city also offers a lively cultural scene, including museums, galleries, and festivals.

Åland Islands: An autonomous region between Finland and Sweden, the Åland Islands are famous for their unique culture, maritime heritage, and scenic landscapes. The archipelago is perfect for sailing and island-hopping.

Savonlinna: Located in the heart of the Finnish Lakeland, Savonlinna is known for its medieval Olavinlinna Castle, which hosts an annual opera festival.

Tampere: This city is the third-largest in Finland and offers a blend of urban attractions and natural beauty. Must-visit places include the Moomin Museum, Tampere Cathedral, and the Särkänniemi amusement park.

Porvoo: One of the oldest towns in Finland, Porvoo is famous for its well-preserved wooden buildings, charming old town, and cobbled streets.

Nuuksio National Park: Located near Helsinki, Nuuksio offers a peaceful escape into nature with hiking trails, lakes, and forests.

Kemi: Visit Kemi to experience the famous SnowCastle, the largest snow fortress in the world, which is rebuilt annually.

Hanko: Known for its beautiful beaches and historical landmarks, Hanko is a popular summer destination.

These are just a few of the many attractions Finland has to offer. Whether you're interested in nature, culture, or adventure, Finland has something to offer every type of traveller.

The best time to visit Finland largely depends on your preferences and what you want to experience during your trip. Finland experiences distinct seasons, each offering unique opportunities and activities.

Summer (June to August): This is the most popular time to visit Finland, especially for outdoor activities and exploring the countryside. The weather is mild, and the days are long, with the famous Midnight Sun phenomenon occurring in the northern parts of the country. Summer is perfect for hiking, boating, fishing, and enjoying festivals and outdoor events.

Autumn (September to October): Autumn in Finland is a beautiful season as the foliage changes color, creating stunning landscapes. It's a great time for nature walks and hiking while enjoying the picturesque scenery. September is also a good time to spot the Northern Lights, although they become more frequent as the season progresses.

Winter (December to February): If you want to experience a true winter wonderland and participate in winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and dog sledding, then visiting Finland during the winter months is the best option. The winter season is also ideal for witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), especially in Lapland.

Spring (March to May): Spring is a transitional season in Finland, and it can be a bit unpredictable in terms of weather. However, it's a good time for skiing as the snow begins to melt, and you can witness the transformation of the landscape as nature comes back to life. March and April are also excellent months for viewing the Northern Lights.

Keep in mind that the climate can vary significantly from southern to northern Finland, with the north experiencing colder temperatures and more snow during the winter months. So, the best time to visit depends on what kind of experience you desire, whether it's the Midnight Sun, winter activities, colorful autumn, or the Northern Lights.

Cuisines :

Finland has a unique culinary tradition influenced by its geography and climate. Some popular Finnish dishes and ingredients include:

1. **Karjalanpiirakka:** Karelian pasties, thin pastry shells filled with rice porridge, mashed potatoes, or carrot and rice filling.

2. **Kalakukko:** A traditional fish pie made with fish (usually perch or salmon) and pork encased in a thick rye crust.

3. **Lohikeitto:** Salmon soup, a creamy and hearty soup often enjoyed with rye bread.

4. **Ruisleipä:** Rye bread is a staple in Finnish cuisine. It's dense, dark, and hearty, often served with butter, cheese, or cold cuts.

5. **Hernekeitto:** Pea soup, typically made with yellow split peas and ham, served with a dollop of mustard.

6. **Poronkäristys:** Sautéed reindeer, a dish from Lapland, served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry sauce, and pickles.

7. **Salmiakki:** A salty licorice candy that's an acquired taste but loved by many Finns.

8. **Karelian Stew:** A slow-cooked beef stew with vegetables and a rich, savory gravy.

9. **Berries:** Finland is known for its abundance of wild berries, including lingonberries, bilberries, and cloudberries, often used in jams, desserts, and sauces.

10. **Kaalikääryleet:** Cabbage rolls stuffed with a mixture of ground meat and rice, typically served with lingonberry sauce.

11. **Karjalanpaisti:** A traditional Finnish meat stew, usually made with beef or pork, carrots, and onions, slow-cooked until tender.

12. **Mämmi:** A traditional Easter dessert made from malted rye and often served with cream and sugar.

Finnish cuisine places a strong emphasis on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Additionally, due to the cold climate, preserving methods like pickling and fermenting are common. Don't forget to try some of these dishes if you have the opportunity to visit Finland!

Airlines in Finland 

Finland is served by several airlines, both domestic and international. Some of the major airlines operating in Finland include:

1. **Finnair:** Finland's flagship carrier and the largest airline in the country. Finnair operates both domestic and international flights, with Helsinki-Vantaa Airport as its primary hub.

2. **Norwegian Air Shuttle:** Although it's a Norwegian airline, Norwegian also operates flights to and from several Finnish airports, including Helsinki, Oulu, and Rovaniemi.

3. **SAS (Scandinavian Airlines):** SAS connects Finland with other Scandinavian countries and beyond, with services to Helsinki and other Finnish cities.

4. **Blue1:** A subsidiary of SAS, Blue1 operates domestic and European flights with Helsinki as its main hub.

5. **Wingo:** This Finnish airline focuses on leisure and charter flights, connecting holiday destinations with Finnish cities.

6. **Air Baltic:** This Latvian airline offers flights from Riga to various Finnish cities, providing convenient connections to the Baltic region.

7. **Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways, and other international carriers:** These airlines, along with many others, operate flights to and from Finland, connecting the country with destinations worldwide.

8. **Charter Airlines:** Several charter airlines offer seasonal flights to popular holiday destinations, especially during the summer and winter months.

Keep in mind that the airline industry can change, with new carriers entering the market and existing ones adjusting their routes. Always check the latest flight options and schedules when planning your travel to or from Finland.