10 Places in Finland I think you should visit at least once 

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Hanko

(pronounced: HAHN-koh)

Hanko was one of the first places in Finland that made me slow down.

Sitting on Finland's southernmost peninsula, it has a relaxed seaside atmosphere that's unlike anywhere else I've visited in the country. 

Walking past the beautifully preserved Art Nouveau villas, I couldn't help but imagine what this resort town must have felt like more than a century ago. Somehow, it still holds onto that elegance without feeling like it's trying to recreate it.

One of the places that stayed with me most was Hauensuoli, where sailors carved their names into the shoreline rocks while waiting for favorable winds. Standing there and looking at centuries of history etched into the stone felt surprisingly moving.

I also loved how uncrowded everything felt. The long sandy beaches, backed by pine forests, seemed made for quiet walks rather than busy summer crowds. 

Hanko reminded me that some destinations don't need famous landmarks to leave a lasting impression. Sometimes it's enough to simply spend a day wandering at your own pace.

How Hanko fits into your Finland itinerary

Hanko makes an excellent overnight escape from Helsinki or a relaxing stop on a broader journey through southern Finland. If you're looking for a slower pace and a different side of the country, I think it's well worth adding to your itinerary.

Rauma

(pronounced: ROW-mah)

Rauma felt like one of Europe's best-kept secrets.

It's home to the finest preserved old wooden town in Scandinavia, and yet very few people outside Finland seem to know it exists. 

I arrived expecting to spend an hour or two exploring before moving on. Instead, I found myself wandering the narrow streets for most of the afternoon with no real destination in mind.

What struck me most was how authentic it felt. The colorful wooden houses aren't part of an open-air museum or a reconstructed historic district. People still live here, and that gives the old town a warmth and character that's hard to describe until you experience it for yourself.

I also enjoyed discovering Rauma's centuries-old lace-making tradition. It wasn't something I'd expected to find, but watching the craftsmanship and learning about its history added another layer to the visit.

Rauma reminded me that some of the most memorable places aren't necessarily the most famous. Sometimes they're the ones you stumble into with few expectations and leave wondering why more people aren't talking about them.

How Rauma fits into your Finland itinerary

Rauma fits perfectly into a road trip along Finland's southwest coast and pairs well with Turku and Pori. If you enjoy historic towns with a genuine sense of place, I think it's one of Finland's most rewarding stops.

Koli National Park

(pronounced: KOH-lee)

Some places simply refuse to be captured in a photograph. Koli National Park was one of them.

Standing at the Ukko-Koli viewpoint, I understood almost immediately why this landscape has inspired Finnish artists, writers, and composers for generations. 

Forested hills rolled toward Lake Pielinen, islands dotted the water below, and every direction seemed to reveal another view worth stopping for.

I visited during autumn, when the ruska colors had transformed the hillsides into shades of red, orange, and gold. I kept reaching for my camera, convinced that the next photo would finally capture what I was seeing. It never quite did! Koli is one of those places that simply feels more impressive in person.

The hiking trails made it even better. Every turn along the ridge revealed a slightly different perspective, and even after several hours of walking, I never felt like I'd seen the same view twice.

I can see why so many Finns consider this their national landscape. It isn't dramatic in an overwhelming way. It's quietly beautiful, and somehow that makes it even more memorable.

How Koli fits into your Finland itinerary

Koli National Park is one of Finland's premier outdoor destinations and pairs well with Joensuu and eastern Finland. If you enjoy hiking, photography, or simply spending time in nature, I think it's one of the country's most rewarding places to visit.

Åland Islands

(pronounced: OH-land)

The Åland Islands truly felt different than other parts of Finland.

Although they're part of Finland, Swedish is the main language here. The pace of life is noticeably slower, and the whole archipelago has its own distinct identity. 

Within a day of arriving, I found myself doing exactly what the locals seemed to do: cycling between small villages, lingering over coffee, and never feeling like I needed to rush anywhere.

Mariehamn quickly became one of my favorite small towns in Finland. Its wooden Art Nouveau buildings, waterfront cafés, and maritime history gave it a charm that felt both Finnish and Swedish at the same time. 

I also enjoyed exploring Kastelholm Castle, which offered a fascinating glimpse into the islands' unusual history.

One of the highlights, though, was simply getting there. Taking the daytime ferry through the Finnish archipelago turned the journey into part of the experience, with hundreds of small islands appearing and disappearing as the ship wound its way across the Baltic.

By the time I left, I understood why so many people visit Åland for a weekend and end up wishing they had stayed longer.

How the Åland Islands fit into your Finland itinerary

The Åland Islands are an ideal extension to a visit to Turku and southwestern Finland. If you're looking for a slower pace, beautiful coastal scenery, and a destination that feels completely different from the Finnish mainland, I think they're well worth the journey.

Porvoo

(pronounced: POR-voh)

Porvoo is one of those towns that won me over almost immediately.

I arrived by the summer boat from Helsinki, and I honestly can't imagine a better introduction. As the famous red riverside warehouses came into view, followed by the colorful wooden houses climbing the hillside, it felt like I was sailing straight into a postcard.

Once I started wandering through the old town, I stopped worrying about maps altogether. The cobbled streets seemed made for getting a little lost, with independent shops, cafés, and beautifully preserved wooden buildings around every corner. 

Even the medieval cathedral felt like a natural part of everyday life rather than a tourist attraction.

One stop I couldn't resist was Brunberg, where chocolate has been made since 1871. Picking up a Suklaapossu became one of those small travel moments that somehow stick in your memory long after you've left.

Porvoo isn't about rushing from one landmark to the next. It's about slowing down, enjoying the atmosphere, and letting one of Finland's most charming towns reveal itself at its own pace.

How Porvoo fits into your Finland itinerary

Porvoo is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Helsinki. If you're spending several days in the capital, I think it's the perfect opportunity to experience a completely different side of southern Finland without having to travel far.

Savonlinna

(pronounced: SAH-von-leen-nah)

Savonlinna has a medieval castle rising from a rocky island in the middle of one of Europe's largest lake systems, which already feels extraordinary. Add an internationally renowned opera festival inside the castle walls, and it becomes something completely unique.

My partner and I spent hours simply walking around the waterfront, watching boats drift across the lake, and taking in the views of Olavinlinna from different angles. Every perspective seemed more impressive than the last, especially as the light changed toward evening.

Even if you don't visit during the opera festival, the castle is worth the journey. Approaching it across the water makes its location feel even more dramatic, and once inside, it's easy to imagine the centuries of history that unfolded within its stone walls.

The surrounding Lake Saimaa became just as memorable as the castle itself. 

Whether you're taking a boat trip, paddling a kayak, or simply sitting beside the water with a coffee, the whole region encourages you to slow down and appreciate the landscape.

Savonlinna combines history, culture, and nature in a way I haven't experienced anywhere else in Finland.

How Savonlinna fits into your Finland itinerary

Savonlinna is one of the highlights of Finland's Lake District and pairs beautifully with nearby nature experiences. If you have time to venture beyond Helsinki, I think it's one of the country's most memorable places to spend a couple of days.

Tampere

(pronounced: TAHM-peh-reh)

Tampere is the city where I finally understood why saunas are such an important part of Finnish life.

Before visiting Finland, I thought of a sauna as somewhere to relax for half an hour before heading back to the hotel. My experience at Rajaportti completely changed that. 

Sitting in Finland's oldest public sauna, with the heat from the wood-burning stove building slowly around the room, nobody seemed to be in a hurry. People chatted quietly, stepped outside to cool off, and then went straight back in again. It wasn't treated as a luxury or a tourist activity. It was simply part of everyday life.

Outside the sauna, Tampere surprised me just as much. The old Finlayson textile factory has been transformed into one of the most interesting neighborhoods I’ve ever seen, filled with restaurants, cafés, galleries, and independent shops while still preserving its industrial character.

My partner and I also loved walking along the Pyynikki Ridge, where you can see both of Tampere's lakes stretching out on either side of the city. Finishing the afternoon with one of the famous Pyynikki doughnuts felt like the perfect end to the day.

Tampere ended up being one of my biggest surprises in Finland, and it's a city I'd happily recommend to anyone looking for a destination that feels both authentic and refreshingly underrated.

How Tampere Fits Into Your Finland Itinerary

Tampere is an easy train ride from Helsinki and pairs well with Finland's Lake District. If you want to experience authentic Finnish sauna culture alongside excellent food and a vibrant city atmosphere, I think it's one of the country's best places to visit.

Turku

(pronounced: TOOR-koo)

Turku is the city where I found myself thinking, "I could happily stay here for a while."

Although it hasn't been Finland's capital for more than 200 years, it still feels incredibly important. 

The Aura River winds through the heart of the city, lined with restaurant boats, cafés, and people lingering by the water well into the evening. It has an easy confidence that I really enjoyed.

One of my favorite afternoons was spent wandering between Turku Castle and the cathedral before settling in for dinner beside the river. 

The seafood was some of the best I had in Finland, and there was something special about watching boats drift past while the city slowly settled into the evening.

What makes Turku stand out, though, is how easily it connects you to the Archipelago Sea. A short ferry ride takes you into one of the most beautiful island landscapes in Europe, and it's an experience that adds a completely different dimension to the city.

If I ever returned to Finland for a longer trip, Turku is the place I'd choose as my second base after Helsinki.

How Turku Fits Into Your Finland Itinerary

Turku pairs perfectly with Helsinki and the Åland Islands, making it an excellent stop for anyone exploring southern and western Finland. If you enjoy history, waterfront cities, and great food, I think it's one of the easiest places in Finland to fall in love with.

Rovaniemi

(pronounced: ROH-vah-nyeh-mee)

Rovaniemi somehow manages to feel magical without ever feeling artificial.

Yes, it's the official hometown of Santa Claus, and if you're visiting with children, that's a huge part of the appeal. 

But what surprised me most was how quickly the focus shifted from Santa to the Arctic itself. The snow-covered forests, reindeer wandering through the landscape, and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights gave the whole trip an atmosphere unlike anywhere else I've been.

One evening, I found myself standing outside watching green ribbons of light slowly move across the sky. I'd seen countless photographs of the Northern Lights before, but nothing prepares you for watching them dance overhead in complete silence. I will remember it forever.

I also spent time at the Arktikum Museum, which gave me a much deeper appreciation for life in the Arctic and the history of Finnish Lapland. It ended up being one of the highlights of my visit and is well worth making time for.

Rovaniemi isn't just a gateway to the Arctic. It's the kind of place that reminds you travel can still fill you with a genuine sense of wonder.

How Rovaniemi Fits Into Your Finland Itinerary

Rovaniemi is the perfect introduction to Finnish Lapland and works beautifully as a winter destination after visiting Helsinki or southern Finland. If you've always dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights, I think there's no better place in Finland to begin that adventure.

Helsinki

(pronounced: HEL-sink-ee)

Helsinki completely changed my expectations of what a Nordic capital could be.

I expected a beautiful city, but I didn't expect one that felt so relaxed and comfortable in its own identity. Nothing here seems designed to impress visitors, yet somehow everything does.

Whether I was wandering around Senate Square, taking the ferry to Suomenlinna, or discovering another quiet waterfront café, the city felt effortlessly livable.

One morning, I wandered through Market Square as the stalls were opening for the day. 

I grabbed a hot coffee and a freshly baked karjalanpiirakka, a traditional Karelian pie filled with rice porridge, and sat watching the ferries come and go across the harbor.

It wasn't a major sightseeing moment, but it's one of the memories that has stayed with me the longest because it felt so unmistakably Finnish.

The Rock Church was another highlight. Walking in from an ordinary residential street and suddenly finding yourself inside a church carved directly into solid granite is an experience that's hard to forget. 

Later, spending an evening at Löyly, moving between the warmth of the sauna and the icy Baltic Sea, gave me an entirely new appreciation for Finland's sauna culture.

Helsinki isn't loud or flashy, and I think that's exactly why I loved it. It's a city that quietly grows on you, and by the time I left, I was already thinking about coming back.

How Helsinki fits into your Finland itinerary

Helsinki is the perfect starting point for exploring Finland and connects easily to destinations like Porvoo, Tampere, and Turku. I think it's one of Europe's most underrated capitals, and it's a city that's well worth slowing down to experience rather than simply passing through.

Not everyone has the same amount of time to explore Finland, so here are the routes I’d personally recommend based on the length of your trip.

5-Day Finland Itinerary

Why this route? This itinerary provides an excellent introduction to Finland by combining the culture, architecture, food, islands, and sauna experiences of Helsinki with Porvoo’s colorful wooden streets and Tampere’s relaxed lakeside atmosphere.

7-Day Finland Itinerary

Why this route? This itinerary showcases several different sides of Finland without requiring long or complicated travel days. You’ll experience Helsinki’s vibrant waterfront, Porvoo’s historic old town, Tampere’s famous sauna culture, and Turku’s medieval history, excellent food, and beautiful riverside setting.

Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku form a convenient city circuit that can be completed by train or bus, making this one of the easiest Finland itineraries for first-time visitors who prefer not to drive.

Finland Sweden Norway Itinerary: 14 Days

Why this route? This 14-day Nordic itinerary combines three fascinating capital cities with historic waterfronts, beautiful archipelagos, scenic rail journeys, and Norway’s spectacular fjord landscapes.

*This itinerary can be completed primarily by train and ferry, although flights between Stockholm and Oslo may save time. Book the overnight ferry and Norway’s scenic rail and fjord connections in advance, particularly when traveling during the summer.

Why I keep coming back to Finland

Every trip to Finland leaves me wanting to explore a little farther north, a little farther east, or just a little more slowly. It's one of those countries that quietly exceeds your expectations.

I can spend one trip wandering the streets of Helsinki and relaxing in a traditional sauna, another hiking through the forests of Koli National Park, and a few days later find myself watching the Northern Lights dance above Finnish Lapland or paddling across the lakes around Savonlinna.

If it's your first visit, don't feel like you need to see all 10 destinations. Some travelers will fall in love with the energy of Helsinki, while others will prefer the peaceful archipelagos of Åland, the medieval streets of Rauma, or the Arctic landscapes around Rovaniemi. 

The best Finland itinerary is the one that matches your interests, your travel style, and the experiences you want to remember long after you return home.

FAQs about traveling to Finland

Ready to explore Finland? Optimise Travel is here to help

From the vibrant streets of Helsinki and the peaceful Lake District to the Arctic landscapes of Lapland and the islands of the Baltic Sea, every region offers a completely different experience.

At Optimise Travel, we create personalized travel itineraries based on your interests, travel style, and budget. 

Whether you're dreaming of chasing the Northern Lights, relaxing in traditional Finnish saunas, exploring medieval towns, or discovering Finland's spectacular national parks, we'll help you build an itinerary that makes the most of your time.

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