Finland

Finland

About Place

  • "The Land of a Thousand Lakes"
  • "Northern Lights Wonderland"
  • "Home of Santa Claus"
  • "A Haven for Nature Lovers"
  • "Land of the Midnight Sun"

Reasons to Visit

  • Mesmerizing Northern Lights : The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a breathtaking natural phenomenon visible in the northern regions of Finland, especially in Lapland. This spectacular light display attracts visitors from around the globe, offering an unforgettable experience.

  • Pristine Wilderness and Lakes : Finland boasts over 188,000 lakes and vast expanses of untouched forests, making it a haven for nature lovers. The country's stunning landscapes provide endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as canoeing, fishing, hiking, and simply enjoying the serene beauty of nature.

  • Unique Cultural Experiences : Finland offers distinctive cultural experiences, including visiting the enchanting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, experiencing traditional Finnish saunas, and exploring the vibrant design and culinary scenes in Helsinki. These experiences showcase Finland's rich heritage and innovative spirit.

Visa

  • Schengen Area Citizens : No visa required for entry.

  • Non-Schengen Countries (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, Japan) : Visa-free entry for short stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

  • Other Countries : Schengen visa required. Application can be made at Finnish embassies and consulates.

Travel Expenses

  1. Travel to & from destination :
    • Round trip flights from the nearest metro city to Helsinki :  $1,200 per person.
    • Round trip flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi :  $250 per person.
  2. Hotel cost:
    • Average hotel cost in Helsinki :  $150 per night.
    • Average hotel cost in Rovaniemi : $200 per night.
    • Average hotel cost in Kemi : $180 per night.
  3. Food cost:
    • Average cost of lunch :  $30 per person.
    • Average cost of dinner :  $50 per person.
  4. Activity cost:
    • National Museum of Finland :  $15 per person.
    • Northern Lights tour :  $100 per person.
    • Husky sledding/reindeer sleigh ride :  $150 per person.
    • Ranua Wildlife Park :  $20 per person.
    • Sampo Icebreaker cruise :  $300 per person.
  5. Near destination travel cost :
    • Car rental : $70 per day.
    • Fuel costs : $50 per day.
Route Image

Best Itinerary

Day 1 :  Arrival in Helsinki Arrive in Helsinki and check into your hotel. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Helsinki Cathedral, followed by exploring the historic Market Square. For lunch, head to Ravintola Savoy to try Finnish cuisine. Spend your afternoon at the National Museum of Finland to learn about the country’s history and culture. In the evening, stroll through Esplanadi Park and dine at Olo Restaurant, known for its Nordic gourmet dishes. End your day with a visit to a traditional Finnish sauna.

Day 2 :  Helsinki to Rovaniemi Catch an early flight to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland. Check into your hotel and visit the Arktikum Museum to learn about Arctic life and culture. For lunch, try the local dishes at Restaurant Nili. In the afternoon, visit Santa Claus Village and cross the Arctic Circle. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Lappish dinner at Laanilan Kievari. If conditions are favorable, go on a Northern Lights tour to witness the auroras.

Day 3 :  Rovaniemi and Surroundings Start your day with a visit to Ranua Wildlife Park, home to various Arctic animals. Return to Rovaniemi for lunch at Café & Bar 21. In the afternoon, enjoy a husky sledding or reindeer sleigh ride adventure. For dinner, try the local flavors at Roka Kitchen & Wine Bar. Spend your evening stargazing or taking another chance to see the Northern Lights.

Day 4 :  Rovaniemi to Kemi Travel to Kemi and check into your hotel. Visit the Kemi SnowCastle, an incredible structure built entirely of snow and ice. For lunch, dine at Seaview Restaurant Lumihiutale. In the afternoon, embark on a unique icebreaker cruise on the Sampo Icebreaker, which includes a chance to swim in the icy sea in a survival suit. Return to Kemi and have dinner at Pizzeria Di Mare. Enjoy a peaceful evening walking along the frozen shores of the Gulf of Bothnia.

Day 5 :  Return to Helsinki Return to Helsinki by flight. Spend your afternoon shopping for Finnish design products in the Design District. For lunch, try the seasonal menu at Juuri. Visit the Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, famous for its stunning architecture. Enjoy your last dinner at Restaurant Nokka, which offers locally sourced Finnish cuisine. Spend your evening experiencing Helsinki's nightlife or take a night stroll by the Baltic Sea.

Nature Beauty Image

Safety Tips

  • Always carry a copy of your passport and visa.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated areas at night.
  • Use official and licensed transportation services.
  • Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying them in public.
  • Stay informed about local weather conditions, especially in winter.
  • Follow local rules and regulations, particularly regarding wildlife and natural reserves.
  • Keep emergency contacts handy, including your embassy and local authorities.
  • Be cautious when participating in outdoor activities and follow safety guidelines.
  • Use sunscreen and protective clothing, even in winter.
  • Learn basic Finnish phrases or keep a translation app handy.

Flights

  • Finnair : Direct flights from major cities to Helsinki, approximately $600-$800 round trip.
  • Norwegian Air : Budget-friendly options, with fares around $500 round trip.
  • SAS : Offers flights with layovers, around $700 round trip.

Hotels

  • Helsinki :
    • Hotel Kamp
    • Hotel Lilla Roberts
    • Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
    • Klaus K Hotel
    • Hotel Fabian
  • Rovaniemi :
    • Arctic Light Hotel
    • Santa's Hotel Santa Claus
    • Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara
    • Scandic Rovaniemi City
    • Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
  • Kemi :
    • Hotel Merihovi
    • Seaside Glass Villas
    • Hotel Palomestari
    • Hotel Yöpuu
    • Hotel Toivola

Country

Finland

Closet Airport

  • Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)

Nearest City

  •  Helsinki

Heritage Sites

  • Suomenlinna sea fortress

Airlines

  •  Finnair 
  • Norwegian Air 
  • SAS
  • Lufthansa
  • British Airways

Currency

  •  Euro (€)

Languages Spoken

  •  Finnish
  • Swedish

Contacts

  • Indian Embassy in Helsinki : +358 9 228 99 010
  • Police : 112
  • Ambulance : 112
  • Firefighters : 112

Real Story

One major historical event in Finland's history is the Winter War (Talvisota), fought between Finland and the Soviet Union from November 30, 1939, to March 13, 1940. The conflict began when the Soviet Union demanded territory from Finland, including parts of the Karelian Isthmus and areas near Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). Finland refused, leading to a Soviet invasion.

Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, the Finnish forces, known for their exceptional use of guerrilla tactics and their intimate knowledge of the terrain, put up a fierce resistance. The Finnish soldiers, or "White Death" as they were called by the Soviets, utilized the harsh winter conditions to their advantage, employing hit-and-run tactics, and effectively using snipers and small, mobile units on skis to harass the Soviet troops.

One of the most significant battles of the Winter War was the Battle of Suomussalmi, where the Finnish forces managed to encircle and decimate a much larger Soviet division. This victory, along with others, showcased the resilience and ingenuity of the Finnish military.

The war had a profound impact on Finland's national identity and its international standing. Although the conflict ended with the signing of the Moscow Peace Treaty, which resulted in Finland ceding significant territory to the Soviet Union, the country's resistance against a superpower garnered worldwide admiration and sympathy. The Winter War also influenced Finland's foreign policy, leading to a more cautious approach towards its powerful neighbor and the eventual policy of neutrality during the Cold War.

The legacy of the Winter War is still evident in Finland today, with numerous memorials and museums dedicated to the conflict, serving as a reminder of the country's resilience and the importance of maintaining national sovereignty and preparedness.

Cuisine

Finnish cuisine is characterized by its simplicity and use of fresh, local ingredients, often reflecting the country's natural bounty. Traditional Finnish dishes include :

  • Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pie) : A rye crust filled with rice porridge or mashed potatoes, often topped with egg butter.
  • Ruisleipä (Rye Bread) : A staple in Finnish diets, known for its dense texture and tangy flavor.
  • Kalakukko : A fish pie made with a crust of rye bread, filled with fish, pork, and bacon.
  • Leipäjuusto (Finnish Squeaky Cheese) : A mild, fresh cheese traditionally served with cloudberry jam.
  • Poronkäristys (Sautéed Reindeer) : A Lappish delicacy, often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce.
Real Story Image

Culture and History

Finland is a country rich in culture and history, deeply influenced by its geographical location and natural surroundings. The Finnish people, known for their resilience and innovation, have developed a unique cultural identity that blends Eastern and Western influences due to its history of being a part of Sweden and later the Russian Empire. One of the most significant aspects of Finnish culture is the sauna, a tradition that dates back thousands of years. Almost every Finnish home has a sauna, and it is a place for relaxation, socializing, and even conducting business meetings.

The Finnish language, part of the Finno-Ugric language family, is distinct from the Scandinavian languages, contributing to Finland's unique cultural identity. Finland's education system is renowned worldwide for its emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and equality, resulting in high literacy rates and innovation.

Finland’s music scene is diverse, from classical compositions by Jean Sibelius to modern rock and heavy metal bands like Nightwish and HIM. Finnish design, particularly in architecture and furniture, is celebrated globally for its simplicity and functionality, with designers like Alvar Aalto and brands like Marimekko and Iittala gaining international acclaim.

Finnish festivals and holidays often celebrate the country's deep connection to nature and seasonal changes. The Midsummer celebration (Juhannus) marks the summer solstice with bonfires and festivities, while the winter season features Christmas markets and events in Rovaniemi, known as the official hometown of Santa Claus.

The historical influences on Finland are evident in its architecture and historical sites. The Suomenlinna sea fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflects the country's military history, while the medieval Turku Castle and the Helsinki Cathedral highlight its architectural evolution.

In summary, Finland's culture is a tapestry of traditional practices, innovative thinking, and a profound respect for nature, making it a unique and captivating destination for travelers.

Geographical Coordinates

64, 26