What Are The Best Things To Do In Finland Winter Tourism?

Finland Winter Tourism offers a magical escape with snow-covered landscapes, the mesmerizing Northern Lights, and unique cultural experiences. SIXT.VN makes planning your Finland trip seamless, providing reliable services for your exploration. From thrilling Arctic adventures to cozy cultural immersions, discover the best of winter in Finland with convenient travel solutions.

1. Experience a Unique Stay: Ice Hotels and Glass Igloos

Imagine waking up surrounded by intricate ice carvings or gazing at the stars from the warmth of your bed. Ice hotels and glass igloos offer unforgettable accommodation experiences in Finland.

Arctic SnowHotel in Rovaniemi offers unique lodging with its ice rooms and glass igloos. According to Visit Finland, ice hotels are rebuilt yearly, providing a novel experience. Staying in an ice hotel or glass igloo allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Finnish winter.

1.1. Discover the Magic of Ice Hotels

Ice hotels in Finnish Lapland are constructed annually, offering a unique and ephemeral experience. According to Nordic Visitor, these hotels feature stunning ice art and frozen restaurants.

1.2. Gaze at the Northern Lights from a Glass Igloo

Glass igloos provide a cozy alternative, allowing you to admire the starry sky and potentially witness the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. Nordic Visitor highlights that clear nights offer the best viewing opportunities.

2. Relax and Rejuvenate: Finnish Sauna Experience

No trip to Finland is complete without experiencing a traditional Finnish sauna, perfect for warming up after a day in the snow.

Finns consider sauna an essential part of their culture. As noted by Nordic Visitor, saunas help relax muscles and improve circulation. Embrace the Finnish ritual and indulge in the ultimate relaxation experience.

2.1. Embrace the Nordic Spa Tradition

Saunas are a popular ritual in Finland, easily found and offering a great way to relax muscles and activate blood circulation, according to Nordic Visitor.

2.2. The Benefits of Hot and Cold Therapy

For an invigorating experience, alternate between the sauna’s heat and a cold plunge pool or a roll in the snow. This practice boosts the immune system and relaxes muscles.

3. Chase the Aurora: Hunting for the Northern Lights

Finland, particularly Finnish Lapland, is one of the best places in the world to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

Finnish Lapland is situated in the “aurora zone,” offering the highest chances of seeing the Northern Lights. A trip to Lapland in winter maximizes your chances of witnessing this spectacular natural phenomenon. Seeing the aurora is a magical experience that will leave you in awe.

3.1. The Prime Location: Finnish Lapland

Lapland is located within the Arctic Circle, which is a prime spot for aurora gazing because it’s close to the North Pole.

3.2. Witnessing the Magical Display

Watching the aurora light up the sky in vibrant greens, purples, reds, or pinks is an unforgettable experience.

4. Engage in Thrilling Winter Activities

Finland offers a plethora of exciting winter activities, especially in Finnish Lapland, where snow-covered landscapes provide the perfect playground.

Finnish Lapland is ideal for winter activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, and skiing. Zipping through the snow in a dog sled or reindeer sleigh is a quintessential Lapland experience. Enjoy the thrill of snowmobiling through the wilderness or try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

4.1. Dog Sledding and Reindeer Sleigh Rides

Enjoy a quintessential activity in Lapland by zipping over the snow in a dog sled or reindeer sleigh, which is a fantastic way to see the snowy scenery.

4.2. Snowmobiling Adventures

Consider snowmobiling through the wilderness and possibly taking an evening tour to look for the Northern Lights.

4.3. Skiing, Skating, and Ice Fishing

Opt for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, or ice fishing on frozen lakes for outdoor exercise.

5. Meet the Legend: Visit Santa Claus Village

Experience the magic of Christmas year-round by visiting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland.

Visit Santa Claus Village to meet Santa in person and experience the magic of Christmas. Children and adults alike will cherish this encounter with the Man in Red.

Meeting Santa in person is a magical experience for visitors of all ages. According to Visit Rovaniemi, Santa and his elves are available year-round for chats and photos.

5.1. A Year-Round Christmas Experience

Santa and his elves are available for meetings and chats year-round, making it a special destination regardless of the time of year.

5.2. The Magic of Santa’s Hometown

Rovaniemi provides a unique opportunity to visit Santa Claus Village and immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit.

6. Explore Architectural Wonders: Discover Helsinki

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is renowned for its impressive architecture, blending modern and classical styles.

Helsinki’s architecture is a major draw, from the modern Finlandia Hall to the neoclassical Helsinki Cathedral. Stroll through Market Square and admire the colorful buildings and the Uspenski Cathedral. Don’t miss contemporary gems like the Oodi Library and Amos Rex museum.

6.1. A UNESCO City of Design

Helsinki is recognized as a UNESCO City of Design, known for its striking modernistic Finlandia Hall and neoclassical Helsinki Cathedral.

6.2. Must-See Architectural Gems

Explore the Oodi Library, Kamppi Chapel of Silence, and Amos Rex contemporary art museum. Take a ferry to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO-listed fortress island with museums and historical buildings.

7. Immerse in Culture: Sami Cultural Experiences

Encounter the Sami, the indigenous people of northern Finland, Sweden, and Norway, and learn about their rich cultural heritage.

On your winter trip to Finland, you could learn about the Sami’s way of life. Discover how much the Sami rely on reindeer for their livelihood as well as nourishment.

Visiting a reindeer farm provides insights into Sami culture and traditions. According to Nordic Visitor, the Sami have a deep connection with the land and rely on reindeer for their livelihood.

7.1. Understanding Sami Traditions

Learn about the Sami’s strong connection with the land and their reliance on reindeer for their livelihood and nourishment.

7.2. Experiencing Reindeer Culture

Visit a reindeer farm to hear stories, ride in a sleigh, and learn how the Sami are preserving their culture. Try Souvas, a traditional dish of smoked reindeer meat.

8. Brave the Chill: Arctic Swimming Adventure

Take an exhilarating dip in the Arctic Gulf of Bothnia as part of the Sampo Icebreaker tour from Kemi.

Swimming in the Arctic is an unforgettable experience. The Sampo Icebreaker tour from Kemi offers the chance to swim in the Arctic Gulf of Bothnia while wearing a protective flotation suit.

8.1. The Sampo Icebreaker Tour

The Sampo Icebreaker vessel clears frozen water for ships and now invites visitors to learn about its history and take a dip in the Arctic.

8.2. A Unique Swimming Experience

Wearing an impermeable flotation suit, you’ll be buoyant and able to float in the freezing water, making for a unique and memorable experience.

9. Festive Celebrations: Christmas and New Year’s in Lapland

Celebrate Christmas or New Year’s in the magical setting of Lapland, surrounded by snow, lights, and festive traditions.

Lapland is the ultimate Christmas destination, featuring Christmas markets, twinkling lights, and Santa’s grotto. Kids will especially love visiting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.

Lapland offers a magical setting for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. As noted by Visit Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village is a highlight, offering festive dinners and Finnish customs.

9.1. Christmas in Santa’s Homeland

Visiting Lapland during Christmas provides an unparalleled holiday experience, complete with Christmas markets and Santa’s grotto.

9.2. New Year’s Festivities

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in a winter wonderland, enjoying a festive dinner and Finnish customs like tin casting. Watch fireworks displays in both Finland and Sweden.

10. Culinary Delights: Indulge in Finnish Cuisine

Savor the unique flavors of Finnish cuisine, from reindeer meat to fresh seafood and delightful pastries.

Reindeer meat is a staple in Finnish Lapland, often smoked over a fire or sautéed and served with potatoes and lingonberries. Try Arctic Char, fried “squeaky” cheese, and pastries with cloudberry jam. Sample Finnish meatballs, fish pie, and rice pies.

Finnish cuisine offers a delightful array of flavors. According to Visit Rovaniemi, reindeer meat is a local favorite, along with Arctic Char and cloudberry jam pastries.

10.1. Lappish Delicacies

Try local specialties such as Arctic Char, fried “squeaky” cheese with flatbread, and pastries with cloudberry jam.

10.2. Sweet and Savory Treats

Indulge in Finnish meatballs, fish pie, rice pies, cinnamon buns, and berry pie. Don’t forget to try salty Nordic liquorice, a Finnish favorite.

Best Places to Visit in Finland During Winter

1. Rovaniemi: The Official Hometown of Santa Claus

Rovaniemi offers a quintessential winter wonderland experience with its ice hotel, Santa Claus Village, and snow-covered landscapes, making it ideal for winter activities.

Rovaniemi is a must-visit destination for a true winter experience. According to Nordic Visitor, Rovaniemi is near the Arctic Circle, offering excellent chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

2. Santa Claus Village: A Magical Christmas Experience

Santa Claus Village provides a magical experience with handicraft shops, Christmas exhibitions, and the chance to meet Santa Claus in person.

Poised on the outskirts of Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village is as magical as you would hope. Stroll through the snow to explore charming handicraft shops where you can pick up some souvenirs. Visit the Christmas exhibition or send a postcard from Santa’s post office with the help of friendly elves.

Visiting Santa Claus Village is a highlight of any trip to Lapland. As noted by Visit Rovaniemi, you can meet Santa, help Mrs. Claus bake gingerbread, and ride in a reindeer sleigh.

3. Helsinki: A Blend of Culture and Modernity

Helsinki is full of charm in wintertime, offering beautiful architecture, cozy cafés, and delicious Finnish cuisine.

With its snow-dusted streets and cosy cafés, Helsinki is full of charm in wintertime. Go sightseeing to admire the capital’s beautiful architecture, a glorious fusion of classical and modernist buildings. Walk along the harbourfront and look out across the frozen sea.

4. Kemi: Adventures on the Bothnian Bay

Kemi is perfect for dog sledding, snowmobiling, and chasing the Northern Lights, with unique attractions like the SnowCastle and Arctic swimming.

If the idea of dog sledding, snowmobiling and chasing the northern lights appeals to you, then head to Kemi in Finnish Lapland. This town lies on the shores of Bothnian Bay, close to the border with Sweden.

Kemi offers a range of winter activities and unique experiences. According to Nordic Visitor, you can sleep in a frozen room at SnowCastle or cruise on the Sampo Icebreaker for Arctic swimming.

5. Kakslauttanen: Igloo Village Under the Northern Lights

Kakslauttanen, home to Igloo Village, is ideal for enjoying the snowy wilderness, with activities like ice fishing, snowmobiling, and Northern Lights hunting.

Another great spot in Finnish Lapland you should consider visiting in winter is Kakslauttanen, home to Igloo Village. Not just home to snow igloos, this winter resort also offers glass igloos for you to hide away in.

Kakslauttanen offers a unique winter experience with its Igloo Village and proximity to Urho Kekkonen National Park. Nordic Visitor highlights activities like ice fishing, snowmobiling, and Northern Lights viewing.

Essential Information for Your Finland Winter Trip

How Long is Winter in Finland?

Winter typically lasts for five months, from November to March, with snow in Lapland from November to May.

Winter is usually 5 months long, lasting from November to March. Visit the northern regions, such as Lapland, and you’ll experience the snow from November to May.

How Cold is Finland in Winter?

Temperatures in Helsinki range from 1 to -7°C (44 to 19°F), while in Lapland, they average between 3°C (37°F) to -16°C (3°F), tempered by the dry air.

It does get cold in Finland in winter. If you go to Helsinki, you’ll likely find the temperature hovers between 1 to -7°C (44 to 19°F). In Lapland it averages between 3°C (37°F) to -16°C (3°F), however these weather conditions are tempered by the dry, crisp air.

What to Wear in Finland’s Winter?

Pack plenty of warm layers, including wool clothing, insulated and waterproof outerwear, sturdy shoes, hats, gloves, and scarves.

To be comfortable in the cold, you should pack plenty of warm layers for your trip to Finland in winter. Note that if you have planned any activities in the snow, like dog sledding, you will be provided with proper thermal outerwear.

Wearing appropriate clothing is crucial for enjoying Finland’s winter weather. According to Visit Rovaniemi, wool clothing and waterproof outerwear are essential.

What Shoes to Wear in Finland’s Winter?

Choose waterproof shoes or boots to keep your feet warm and dry, and consider packing snow boots for visiting Finnish Lapland.

The last thing you want on your winter trip is to have cold, wet feet! That’s why you should bring waterproof shoes or boots that will keep you warm. If you’re visiting Finnish Lapland, you could consider packing snow boots to ensure your feet stay nice and toasty.

How Many Hours of Sunlight in Finland in Winter?

Daylight hours vary, with Helsinki getting 6 to 12 hours and Rovaniemi getting 2 to 12 hours, with the shortest days around December 21.

Finland has short daylight hours in winter, but just how many depends on where you go and what month you visit.

Can You See the Northern Lights in Finland in Winter?

Winter is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland, especially in Lapland, where auroral activity is strongest.

Finland is a great place to visit if you want to see northern lights and winter is the best time to spot them. The aurora borealis appear at any time of year, but in winter the skies are darkest so you can see them really clearly.

Seeing the Northern Lights is a highlight of visiting Finland in winter. According to Nordic Visitor, Lapland offers the best chances due to its strong auroral activity.

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FAQs About Finland Winter Tourism

1. What makes Finland a great winter tourism destination?

Finland is a top winter destination due to its magical snow-covered landscapes, the mesmerizing Northern Lights, unique experiences like ice hotels and saunas, and a variety of winter activities.

2. When is the best time to visit Finland for winter activities?

The best time to visit Finland for winter activities is from December to March, when the snow is plentiful and the days are dark enough for Northern Lights viewing.

3. What should I pack for a winter trip to Finland?

Pack warm layers, including wool clothing, insulated and waterproof outerwear, sturdy waterproof shoes or boots, hats, gloves, and scarves.

4. How can I see the Northern Lights in Finland?

Head to Finnish Lapland, particularly between December and March, and find a location away from city lights. Clear nights offer the best viewing opportunities.

5. What are some unique activities to try in Finland during winter?

Unique activities include staying in an ice hotel or glass igloo, experiencing a traditional Finnish sauna, swimming in the Arctic Ocean, and visiting Santa Claus Village.

6. Is it expensive to travel to Finland in winter?

Finland can be an expensive destination, but careful planning and budgeting can help. Consider traveling during the shoulder season (November or April) for lower prices.

7. What are the best places to visit in Finland during winter?

Top places to visit include Rovaniemi (home of Santa Claus), Helsinki (the capital city), Kemi (known for its SnowCastle and icebreaker cruises), and Kakslauttanen (famous for its igloo village).

8. How do I get around in Finland during winter?

Public transportation is reliable, but consider renting a car if you plan to explore remote areas. Winter tires are mandatory. SIXT.VN can arrange transportation for you.

9. What is the Sami culture, and how can I experience it in Finland?

The Sami are the indigenous people of northern Finland. You can visit reindeer farms, learn about their traditions, and sample traditional Sami cuisine to experience their culture.

10. Are there any special events or festivals in Finland during winter?

Yes, Finland hosts several winter events and festivals, including Christmas markets, New Year’s celebrations, and various winter sports competitions.