In our site we have divided Finland into five main destinations: Lapland, the Oulu region and Kainuu, Eastern Finland, Western Finland, and Southern Finland.
Lapland
Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, is famous of being the winter wonderland. Winter activities in the snow and breathtaking northern lights are fun during dark winter months. In summer Lapland and its vast wilderness provide excellent hiking and trekking opportunities. Autumn colors are especially beautiful in Lapland.
The main ski centers in Finnish Lapland are Levi in Kittilä, Ylläs in Kolari, Saariselkä in Inari, and Pyhä in Pelkosenniemi. Ruka in Kuusamo is often viewed as a destination in Lapland even though it is located in Kainuu region.
The main airports in Lapland are located in Rovaniemi, Kittilä, and Ivalo. Also, Enontekiö, Kemi-Tornio, and Kuusamo in Kainuu have small airports. Lapland can also be reached from Helsinki or Tampere by overnight train, which arrives in Rovaniemi or Kolari. Long distance buses operate from southern Finland to all major ski centers in Lapland in winter.
There are seven national parks in Lapland: Lemmenjoki National Park, Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, Pyhä-Luosto National Park, Urho Kekkonen National Park, Salla National Park, Oulanka National Park, and Riisitunturi National Park. In addition to the national parks, there are twelve wilderness areas in Lapland.
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Oulu region and Kainuu
The Oulu region and Kainuu are located in northern Finland but below the arctic circle. The region extends across Finland from the Gulf of Bothnia coast to the Russian border.
The Oulu region is home to the city of Oulu, which is the largest city in northern Finland and acts as a gateway to the area’s natural wonders. From here, visitors can explore the vast Oulujärvi Lake, the rugged Rokua Geopark, and the stunning Hailuoto Island, which is a haven for birdwatchers.
Kainuu, on the other hand, is known for its vast wilderness areas, which cover over half of the region’s landmass. Kainuu is home to three national parks: Hossa, Hiidenportti, and Oulanka. These parks offer visitors the opportunity to hike, cycle, kayak, and even go bear watching.
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Western Finland
Western Finland consists of long coast by the sea with beautiful archipelago as well as inland towns, where nature plays a big part in the Finnish lifestyle.
The archipelago of Western Finland boasts over 20,000 islands, providing a unique environment for exploration by boat or kayak. The Kvarken Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to unique geological formations created by the land uplift process. The area has also an eventful history ever since it got settled after the last ice age that ended in the 9000BC.
Inland, the region is dotted with numerous national parks, including the Kauhaneva-Pohjankangas and Seitseminen National Parks. These parks offer visitors the opportunity to hike, bike, and explore pristine forests, wetlands, and meadows.
The city of Tampere, the largest city in Western Finland, is situated on the banks of two stunning lakes and offers numerous outdoor recreational activities.
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Eastern Finland
Eastern Finland is especially known for its lakes and the area is often referred as Finnish Lakeland. The region is home to two of Finland’s largest lakes, Saimaa and Pielinen, providing visitors with numerous opportunities for water-based activities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking. Saimaa is also home to the endangered Saimaa ringed seal.
In addition to beautiful lakes, the Eastern Finland is full of wonderful landscapes and national parks, including the Koli National Park, which boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and forests. The Linnansaari and Kolovesi National Parks, located on Lake Saimaa, offer visitors the chance to spot rare birds and explore untouched islands.
The cities of Joensuu and Kuopio serve as gateways to the region’s natural wonders. Visitors can explore local markets, sample regional cuisine, or take a cruise on one of the region’s many lakes.
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Southern Finland
Southern Finland includes the following regions: Uusimaa, Kanta-Häme, Päijät-Häme, South Karelia, and Kymenlaakso region. Finland’s capital Helsinki is located in the Uusimaa region. One of the region’s most popular natural destinations is the Nuuksio National Park, located just outside of Helsinki.
The archipelago of the Gulf of Finland is another must-see destination for nature enthusiasts. With over 40,000 islands, the area offers visitors unparalleled opportunities for boating, kayaking, and island hopping.
In addition to natural attractions, Southern Finland is home to numerous cultural landmarks, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites the Suomenlinna Fortress and the Old Rauma town. These historic sites provide a glimpse into Finland’s rich cultural heritage.
With its unique blend of urban and natural experiences, Southern Finland offers visitors the best of both worlds.
Go to Destination > Southern Finland