Finland Nature & Wildlife
Tourism Sites
Åland Archipelago
🧠 Fact: The Åland Islands comprise over 6,500 islands, offering a unique blend of Finnish and Swedish cultures.
💡 Tip: Explore the maritime heritage in Mariehamn, visit the Åland Maritime Museum, and enjoy cycling tours across the islands.
Info - The Åland Archipelago is a breathtaking cluster of over 6,500 islands nestled between Finland and Sweden. Known for its laid-back lifestyle, maritime culture, and stunning seascapes, Åland is a unique autonomous region with its own traditions and Swedish-speaking community. Visitors can explore quaint villages, historic castles like Kastelholm, maritime museums, and pristine nature trails. Popular activities include cycling, kayaking, fishing, and island-hopping by ferry. With serene landscapes and a rich blend of Nordic history and nature, Åland offers a peaceful, unforgettable escape in the Baltic Sea.
Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
🧠 Fact: Sleep under the northern lights in a glass-roofed igloo.
💡 Tip: Combine your stay with an ice sauna experience.
Info - The Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos in Rovaniemi offers one of Finland’s most unforgettable winter experiences. Guests can choose between spending a night in beautifully sculpted snow rooms or cozy, heated glass igloos with panoramic views of the starry Arctic sky. The SnowHotel features intricate ice art, an Ice Bar, and an Ice Restaurant serving local delicacies. The glass igloos offer a perfect spot to watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of a warm bed. It’s a magical, once-in-a-lifetime Lapland escape combining art, adventure, and natural wonder.
Kaivopuisto Park
🧠 Fact: One of Helsinki’s oldest and most popular seaside parks.
💡 Tip: Visit during Vappu (May Day) celebrations for lively picnics and music.
Info - Kaivopuisto Park is Helsinki’s most beloved seaside green space, offering open lawns, rocky outcrops, and sweeping views of the Gulf of Finland. Popular year-round, it’s a favorite spot for summer picnics, outdoor concerts, and New Year’s Eve fireworks. Walking paths and waterfront cafés make it ideal for relaxed strolls, while its observation points provide scenic photo opportunities. In winter, the park’s hills become lively sledding spots. With its combination of natural beauty, coastal charm, and local history, Kaivopuisto is a treasured urban oasis in the heart of the capital.
Klovharun Island (Tove Jansson’s Summer Home)
🧠 Fact: This is where the Moomin author lived and worked during summers.
💡 Tip: Book a guided boat trip from Pellinki.
Info - Klovharun Island, a tiny, rocky islet in the Pellinki archipelago near Porvoo, was the beloved summer retreat of Finnish author and artist Tove Jansson, creator of the Moomins. Accessible by boat during guided summer tours, the island is known for its rugged natural beauty and Jansson’s modest cabin, where she sought inspiration from the sea and solitude. The windswept cliffs, tranquil waters, and surrounding skerries reflect the wild charm that influenced her stories. A visit to Klovharun offers a rare glimpse into the personal world of one of Finland’s most cherished cultural icons.
Kumlinge Nature Trail
🧠 Fact: A peaceful island with serene nature trails and historic churches.
💡 Tip: Best explored by bike during summer.
Info - The Kumlinge Nature Trail offers a serene and scenic journey through the tranquil landscapes of the Åland Archipelago. Winding through peaceful forests, meadows, and rocky shorelines, the trail reveals the region’s diverse flora and fauna, with excellent birdwatching opportunities. Along the route, visitors encounter ancient stone cairns and charming seaside views that showcase Åland’s natural beauty. Well-marked and easily accessible, it’s perfect for a leisurely hike, nature photography, or simply enjoying the quiet, unspoiled wilderness of this island paradise.
Lake Saimaa Cruise
🧠 Fact: Cruise through Finland’s largest lake and its scenic archipelago.
💡 Tip: Keep an eye out for the rare Saimaa ringed seal.
Info - A Lake Saimaa cruise is a scenic and relaxing way to experience Finland’s largest lake and its beautiful archipelago. Cruises depart from Savonlinna, offering breathtaking views of crystal-clear waters, forested islands, and charming lakeside cottages. Along the journey, visitors might spot the rare Saimaa ringed seal, one of the world’s most endangered seal species. Cruises vary from short sightseeing trips to longer excursions with dining and historical commentary. It’s an unforgettable way to explore the heart of Finnish Lakeland, rich with natural beauty and tranquil serenity.
Lemmenjoki National Park
🧠 Fact: It's the largest national park in Finland and one of the biggest wilderness areas in Europe
💡 Tip: Go for a gold-panning experience or hike the legendary Ravadas Falls trail.
Info - Lemmenjoki National Park, Finland’s largest national park, is a vast wilderness haven in Lapland, famed for its untouched forests, shimmering rivers, and remote hiking trails. It offers a true back-to-nature experience with marked trails, wilderness huts, and riverboat excursions in summer. Known for its Sámi culture and centuries-old gold panning sites, visitors can explore historical digs or try their hand at panning. In autumn, the park’s landscapes blaze with vibrant fall colors. Lemmenjoki’s serene beauty, rich wildlife, and quiet isolation make it a cherished destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Pyynikki Observation Tower
🧠 Fact: Famous for its scenic views and legendary doughnuts.
💡 Tip: Climb to the top for panoramic lake views.
Info - The Pyynikki Observation Tower is a beloved landmark in Tampere, offering panoramic views of the city, Lake Pyhäjärvi, and Lake Näsijärvi. Located on the Pyynikki Ridge, the tower stands 26 meters tall and is surrounded by scenic forests and walking trails. At the top, visitors are rewarded with stunning 360-degree vistas of the surrounding nature and urban skyline. The adjacent Pyynikki Café is famous for serving Finland’s best doughnuts (munkki), a local tradition that pairs perfectly with the picturesque setting. It’s a must-visit for nature and city views.
Sampo Icebreaker Cruise
🧠 Fact: You can float in the icy sea in a survival suit.
💡 Tip: Book early as it’s one of Finland's top winter activities.
Info - The Sampo Icebreaker Cruise offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on the icy waters of the Gulf of Bothnia. This retired Arctic icebreaker now takes passengers on thrilling cruises through frozen seas, where guests can witness the ship’s powerful ice-crushing capabilities up close. The experience includes a guided tour of the engine rooms and bridge, and for the brave, a chance to float in the frigid sea in a thermal survival suit. Departing from Kemi, the Sampo Icebreaker combines Arctic adventure with unique maritime history, making it a top Finnish winter attraction.
Savonlinna
🧠 Fact: Located amidst the Saimaa lake system, Savonlinna is famed for the medieval Olavinlinna Castle.
💡 Tip: Attend the annual Savonlinna Opera Festival held in the castle, and enjoy cruises on Lake Saimaa.
Info - Savonlinna is a picturesque lakeside town in eastern Finland, renowned for its natural beauty and cultural charm. Surrounded by the sparkling waters of Lake Saimaa, it’s home to Olavinlinna Castle, the annual Savonlinna Opera Festival, and serene lake cruises. The town’s cozy cafés, wooden houses, and market square reflect a warm, small-town atmosphere. Nature lovers enjoy hiking, boating, and spotting the rare Saimaa ringed seal. Combining medieval history, vibrant festivals, and scenic landscapes, Savonlinna offers visitors a perfect blend of culture and nature in the Finnish Lakeland.
Turku Archipelago Trail
🧠 Fact: 250 km of stunning coastal roads and ferry crossings.
💡 Tip: Best explored by bike during summer.
Info -
The Turku Archipelago Trail is a scenic route that winds through one of the world’s largest archipelagos, with over 20,000 islands. Stretching about 250 kilometers, the trail combines roads, bridges, and ferries, making it perfect for cycling, driving, or boating. Along the way, travelers experience quaint fishing villages, historic churches, local markets, and stunning sea views. Popular stops include Naantali and Korpo. Open seasonally, the trail offers a unique way to explore Finland’s coastal culture, maritime traditions, and breath taking island landscapes, all easily accessible from Turku.