What to see in Finland: 10 must-sees

Explore the northernmost capital of the European Union, founded in 1550 by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden as a commercial rival to Tallinn. Facing the harbor, Kauppatori market sells smoked salmon and berries, and nearby rise the Lutheran Cathedral and the Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral. Save an afternoon for the Kiasma museum, home to the largest collection of contemporary art in the Nordic countries, and remember that the city was European Capital of Culture in 2000. End the day in a public sauna by the Baltic, as Helsinkians do all year round.

Immerse yourself in Turku, Finland's former capital, where the medieval castle and the 13th-century cathedral set the pace of this city on the banks of the Aura River. Head down to the Aboa Vetus museum to walk over archaeological remains of medieval streets exposed underground. Browse the market square, full of local fish and breads, and cross the river to cafés and libraries that inherited the momentum of the 2011 European Capital of Culture. Here, history is read in stone and in everyday life.

Sail to this 18th-century fortress, where tunnels, bastions and the museum create a landscape that has withstood 250 years of history on the Baltic islands. A UNESCO site since 1991. Take in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where history, architecture and culture create a landscape that has inspired travelers for centuries. UNESCO experts have recognized it for its exceptional value. This site bears exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization that has disappeared.

Traverse the 42 km of trails in Nuuksio National Park, in Uusimaa, just 45 minutes from Helsinki. Walk among spruces and lakes good for fishing, stop at the bird-watching lookouts and spot roe deer or fox tracks beside crystal-clear streams. Century-old pine forests, rocks polished by ice and blueberry clearings allow for half-day getaways or longer routes with overnight stays in free-use shelters, where the silence of the forest replaces urban noise.

Stroll through pine forests where reindeer graze freely and, in winter, the sky lights up with auroras. Explore snowy trails on snowshoes or by sled, sleep in cabins with a sauna and learn about the Sami customs of the Rovaniemi area. From September to March, clear nights offer the best chances to watch the northern lights dance over frozen lakes. In summer, the midnight sun lets you wander at leisure across hills and bogs covered in blueberries. Bring thermal clothing: temperatures often drop below -20 °C.

Explore Savonlinna, on Lake Saimaa, where the medieval Olavinlinna Castle hosts the opera festival every summer among islands and calm waters. Walk the Karelian trails, breathe in the forest air, and end the day at the beach: fine sand, clear water, and swims by the shore. Between concerts, local art, and lake strolls, you'll find a place made for slowing down and staying a few extra days.

Ski at Finland's most famous ski resort, where slopes, northern lights, and sauna create the perfect winter destination. 43 slopes, 29 lifts, and 240 km of snow trails. Enjoy adventure activities and entertainment where excitement, scenery, and fun come together into a lasting memory. Adrenaline, fun, and memories to last a lifetime.

Immerse yourself in the Finnish sauna, the ritual that shapes the country's daily life: more than 3 million saunas, one for every 1.7 people, in a tradition practiced for 2,000 years. Warm up by the wood-fired stove, plunge into icy water or roll in the snow, and share the steam with locals, because here the sauna is also a space for conversation and friendship. Recognized as intangible cultural heritage, it combines relaxation, health, and socializing in every session.