Summer in Finland

A summer vacation in Finland is the perfect relaxation for the soul. This is not just due to the impressive nature, but mainly because of the tranquility that awaits you here. Read on to discover which activities and places you must not miss.

More and more Americans are longing for a relaxing vacation in nature. Sustainable travel and slow travel are becoming increasingly popular. Finland brings these possibilities together quite perfectly. Alongside the wonderful peace, it is especially the relaxed interactions with Finns and the magnificent nature that will make your summer getaway an absolute highlight of this travel year. The enormous contrast between the long dark winter and the bright nights from June to September ensures that Finns especially enjoy the seemingly endless summer days and welcome every ray of sunshine.

The reasons for a summer vacation in Finland are diverse, as not only relaxed and livable cities like Helsinki or Turku await you, but also pristine lake areas and the far north in Finnish Lapland.

You can find five compelling arguments for a summer vacation in Finland compactly summarized here.

What are you in the mood for during your summer trip to Finland? Are you looking for a beach vacation, searching for a beautiful lakeside house, or wanting to experience the endless expanses of the Finnish taiga and tundra? Here you will get an overview of great regions from the south up to the north.

In Southern Finland, you can expect a colorful mix of Baltic Sea beaches, archipelagos, and urban flair in Turku or Helsinki.

Turku is a cool and vibrant student city by the river, with cafés and restaurants that are truly worth a visit. A stroll along the Aura River takes you from the cathedral past numerous ships to the impressive castle, which you should visit if you have the time.

In Helsinki, you are surrounded by impressive landmarks and a wide selection of fantastic boutiques and restaurants. The city is known for its sustainability and offers you the option to rent bikes affordably to explore all the hotspots of the city.

From both cities, you are just a few minutes away from the water and can take ferries to some of the offshore islands in the Baltic Sea archipelago, where walking paths, sunbathing areas, and public sauna areas await you. Especially in summer, the southern Finnish region by the water is a wonderful place for water sports enthusiasts, swimmers, and sunbathers.

Did you know that there are over 180,000 lakes in Finland? Many of them are located in the region of the Finnish Lakeland northeast of Helsinki. Most lakes are surrounded by dense lush green coniferous forests, where you can search in the shade for berries, mushrooms, or other edible plants. For this, it's best to get help from the locals, as they know best which fruits are in season and taste especially good. By the way, the water quality is very good; theoretically, you could use water from the lakes for cooking if you are camping or traveling in a motorhome.

In the region, you will find numerous hotels and many vacation homes, often located right by the water, equipped with their own boat, and situated far away from other tourists. The area is consequently the perfect place for social distancing and tranquility in nature.

If you occasionally crave a piece of cake or a good coffee, towns like Kuopio, Pieksämäki, Savonlinna, or Joensuu are just the right places for you. Check the local market days or if you can shop at a local grocery store. You will mostly find fresh and regional vegetables and many local specialties like fish, jams, or cheese.

We all know the pictures of magical northern lights, igloos, and dog sledding. But have you ever thought about what the landscape of Finnish Lapland looks like in summer? Here in the far north, the sun never sets in summer. Even after midnight, you can enjoy the endless golden hour by the campfire and relish the absolute peace of the surroundings. Because up here, above the Arctic Circle, you have the lakes, forests, and meadows in many regions almost completely to yourself. Only a few curious reindeer and other wildlife might cross your path if you are quiet enough.

Lapland is uniquely beautiful in summer and despite the low population density, offers several opportunities for guided hikes, trips, and action-packed activities like mountain biking, climbing, or rafting. During your travels here, it's best to have an experienced guide explain more about the nature and the taiga and tundra, and together keep an eye out for wolves or bears, which you might occasionally see during hikes.

Lapland is magically beautiful in the summer and shows a much more colorful and fresher face than in winter. If after long days by the lake you finally crave some interaction with the locals, then a visit to the towns of Kuusamo, Kemi, Kittilä, or Inari is highly recommended.

A visit to the Sámi Museum and Nature Centre Siida in Inari is particularly worth it. Here, you can learn more about the Sámi, the indigenous people of the region. To better understand the culture and have a feel for the traditions and values of the Sámi, a visit here is almost a must.

The Finnish summer is hardly comparable to ours. After all, the Finnish dark season lasts significantly longer than in our latitudes. It's no wonder that Finns enjoy summer fully and extensively. Throughout the country, there are outdoor events all summer long that you can participate in during your visit as well. Life takes place outdoors, and as soon as it's warm enough, Finns flock to the water. Sailing trips, hikes, swimming sessions, and visiting the sauna are all essential parts of summer in Finland.

Finland is known for being particularly sustainable and environmentally conscious. You will see and experience this important trend not only in the capital but also in the lesser-known regions of Central and Northern Finland, where the availability of sustainable products and companies is becoming increasingly diverse.

You can also pay attention during your travel planning to select companies and providers that strive to minimize their ecological footprint with their offerings. So, for example, take advantage of the opportunity to stay in a designated sustainable hotel, and ensure that you rely on regional products when shopping at markets or in grocery stores. In this way, you will indirectly contribute to supporting this development and can return home satisfied with many memories after a varied and sustainable vacation in Finland.

Finland is a wonderful summer destination - so what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip and arrange some great accommodations by the lakes, in the city, or right in the wilderness of Lapland. If you are craving a relaxing vacation in nature, a trip to Finland is absolutely perfect for that. Below, you will find even more tips and helpful information. Enjoy and have a great vacation!