Best Places to See & Things to Do in Finland

One of the most enchanting things to do in Finland is visiting Santa Claus Village in Lapland, where the Christmas spirit lives year‑round. Located in Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle, this place is often called the official hometown of Santa Claus, and it’s a top Finland tourist attraction. You can meet Santa Claus any day of the year in his office, send postcards from his Main Post Office, cross the Arctic Circle line, or take reindeer and husky rides. If you want to plan your visit properly — checking hours, seasonal events, and best times to go — see this useful guide: Visit Santa Claus, Lapland. For those wondering what to do in Finland, spending time at Santa’s Village is pure joy and deeply memorable. Even in summer, the forest, snow‑free trails, and long daylight hours turn the village into something magical.

Lapland, in northern Finland, offers one of the most unforgettable and otherworldly experiences in Europe. It's a land of vast Arctic wilderness, glowing snowfields, and long polar nights lit by the incredible Northern Lights, which you can see between late autumn and early spring. Whether you're gliding across frozen lakes by husky sled, relaxing in a glass igloo, or skiing through national parks, the region feels magical. You'll also find Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, where Christmas lives year-round — a must-see for families and holiday lovers alike. The culture of the Sámi people, Finland’s only recognized indigenous group, adds another deep layer of authenticity.

For an immersive look at seasonal highlights, Arctic wildlife, and cultural gems, explore these curated tours to Finland focused on Lapland’s most iconic experiences. Whether you visit in the snowy winter or the sun-filled Arctic summer, Lapland is full of once-in-a-lifetime things to do in Finland. It’s no surprise it ranks among the top Finland tourist attractions. The contrast between winter’s silent, snow-covered forests and summer’s endless daylight makes it feel like two destinations in one. In winter, you can try snowmobiling across frozen lakes or sleeping in an ice hotel under the aurora-lit sky. Summer invites hiking through pristine national parks, paddling down wild rivers, and spotting.

Finland is 75% forest and home to around 188,000 lakes — nature truly defines the country. There are 41 national parks, each offering different ecosystems, landscapes, and experiences. For example, Pyhä-Luosto National Park features ancient fells, mystical forests, and quartz-rich trails. In eastern Finland, Koli National Park offers spectacular lake views from forested hills. You can hike in summer, cross-country ski in winter, or just breathe in the pure air year-round. Berry-picking and mushroom foraging are popular seasonal activities, as is camping in designated wilderness areas. The concept of Everyman’s Right allows everyone to roam freely in nature, as long as they respect it.