• Meeting Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Arctic Circle.
• Learning about Lapland the Sami people at the Siida Museum.
• Following the creaky bridges and maze-like interiors of 15th-century Olavinlinna Castle in Savonlinna.
• Skiing, snowboarding or dog sledding in the Finnish winter outdoor capital of Levi.
• Island hopping in the charming Aland Archipelago.
• Shopping alongside Helsinki residents at Kauppatori, one of northern Europe’s most popular market squares.
• Being awestruck and overcome by the beauty of the Northern Lights, seen best from September to March.
• Staying overnight in the iconic Lumilinna Ice Castle in Kemi.
• Marveling at the gigantic Kummakivi, or “strange rock,” one of the top attractions of Ruokolathi.
• Spend a day in an old wooden town, like Kӓpylӓ and Vallila in Helsinki, or Old Porvoo, where the wooden residences date back as far as 300 years.

Coronavirus Update

As of July 30th Finland is open to travelers from a limited number of countries. Travelers from the US are currently banned from entering EU countries.

More resources for travel in the time of Covid-19

Finland in 1 Week - Northern Lights Itinerary

See the pride of Lapland in Finland: the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. You’ll head into the northernmost regions of Finland, where you might stay in a glass igloo for the best possible Northern Lights views, go on a reindeer safari, meet local farmers and shake hands with Santa himself.

Days 1-2, Helsinki: Explore the vibrant city of Helsinki, partaking of its great restaurants and snapping photos of the various architectural styles to be found here. Your Helsinki tour guide can introduce you to Senate Square, the Helsinki Cathedral, Market Square, Kaivopuisto Park and more.

Days 3-4, Helsinki-Ivalo-Kakslauttanen-Northern Lights: Fly north to Lapland in search of the Aurora Borealis, reindeer, igloos and Santa Claus, among other Arctic highlights. Your stay might include a couple of nights in a Finnish wood cabin, complete with sauna of course. Hike with other like-minded guests toward Inari in search of the best views of the Northern Lights.

Day 5, Kakslauttanen-Santa’s Home-Reindeer Safari-Northern Lights: Meet Santa Claus in his Arctic home of Rovaniemi (the capital of Lapland) and later, embark on a reindeer safari into the remotest areas of the region. Cozy up under blankets in a sleigh and sip warm berry juice - this is Lappish Christmas cheer at its best, no matter what month it is!

Day 6, Kakslauttanen-Husky Safari-Northern Lights: Live out the dream - mushing your own dog-sled team. These fluffy cuties will pull you through a winter wonderland for an unforgettable day in Finland.

Day 7, Kakslauttanen-Helsinki: Return to Helsinki for your flight home, taking time to check out any sights you didn’t get to see at the beginning of your Finland tour.

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Finland in 1 Week: Cycling the Turku Archipelago

Cycle tours are popular in Finland and perhaps nowhere more than the Turku archipelago. Some 20,000 islands are spread out in the sea off the coast of Turku in southwest Finland (this is actually Finland’s oldest city). Your bike tour will head off in a circuitous route around the main islands, complemented by ferry service. Enjoy peaceful days breezing through rural farmland, historic cities and their medieval architecture, riverside paths and harbor villages.

Day 1, Turku: Take some time to explore Finland’s oldest city and its medieval castle and cathedral. Then rest up, perhaps enjoying a sauna session or two, for your first biking day tomorrow.

Day 2, Kustavi: Your cycling tour will provide your bike equipment, so grab your two-wheeler and head off into the countryside outside Turku. You’ll board the ferry for some island-hopping, making your way to a harborside hotel with thatched cabins, hearty cuisine and a sauna.

Day 3, Inio-Houtskar-Korpoo: Take five different ferry rides today to visit tiny, remote Inio Island, the challenging cycle routes of Houtskar Island and the ancient sights of Korpoo Island - a 14th-century church. Stay in a unique converted-barn hotel and rest those weary legs.

Day 4, Nauvo: Take a day of your Finland cycle tour at your leisure, choosing to stay on Korpoo or heading to the nearby island of Nauvo. Dine tonight at one of the many local restaurants on fresh Finnish cuisine.

Day 5, Rymattyla-Naantali: Visit the bustling harbor village of Nauvo Island, then cycle through Rymattyla - comprised of 400 islands! You won’t visit all during one Finland bike tour, of course, but you’ll likely see the village center, St. Jacob’s church and several markets where you can buy produce straight from the island farmers and local handicrafts. Head back to Naantali and overnight in a charming bed and breakfast.

Day 6, Tuku: Not quite finished with Naantali? Spend today of your cycle tour exploring on your own, then start the bike ride back to Turku.

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