This is where you want to go dogsledding in Finland

❓ Best time to visit?

A summer trip between June and August will bring you long, light-filled days of cultural festivals and lakeside adventures. In winter, from December to March, you can witness the Northern Lights and embrace cosy Finnish traditions such as saunas and snow sports.

✈️ How to get there?

Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL) is the main international airport in Finland, located about 17 km north of Helsinki city centre. Turku Airport (TKU), about 8 km north of Turku, is often used by budget airlines. Turku Airport is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours driving from Helsinki, depending on the route.

Click here to find cheap airfare. Make sure to always reserve airport extras such as parking, transfers, lounge access, etc.

➡️ How to get around?

Trains (VR railway system) and buses (Matkahuolto and OnniBus) connect most cities in Finland efficiently. For remote regions, rent a car or take a ferry across Finland’s many lakes and islands.

Helsinki’s trams, metro, and buses all run on one easy HSL ticket (there is a handy app to buy tickets). Walk or cycle to the main attractions, and don’t miss the ferry to Suomenlinna for a quick island escape.

⏰ How many days to visit Finland?

For Helsinki, I would recommend planning at least 2 days to discover the main highlights. Adding a day or two will allow for a slower travel pace and day trips to, for example, Porvoo, Nuuksio National Park, or Suomenlinna Island.

Up for a Finland road trip? Plan about 10–14 days for a Southern Finland route: Helsinki → Turku → Rauma → Vaasa → Oulu → Kuopio → Jyväskylä → Helsinki. This loop follows part of the Bothnian Coastal Route and cuts back through Finnish Lakeland, where you can slow down at sauna cabins, sample local fish dishes, and explore forest trails.

For an epic Finland adventure, leave about 14 to 21 days to travel farther north and visit Lapland, Rovaniemi, and the Arctic Circle.

⭐ Best Tourist Pass

We recommend the Helsinki Card (24, 48 or 72 hours), which covers the main attractions and includes free public transportation (zones AB).

⬆️ Recommended Helsinki Hotels

Click here for an overview of all central accommodations in Helsinki.

❤️ Best Small Group Tours

Joining a group tour takes away the planning stress, saves money, and makes exploring easier. With expert local guides managing logistics and safety, you can focus on the experience and meet friends! We recommend group tours by Gadventures.

⚠️ Best Insurance

Make sure to always have travel insurance to avoid nasty surprises while on the road. World Nomads provides 24/7 emergency assistance, medical coverage, trip cancellation, baggage/gear cover & more for all types of travel styles.

⚠️ Best eSIM

Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices.

⁉️ Best Finland Guidebook

Have a look at these best-selling travel guides from Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, and Rick Steves.