Things to do in Finland – nature, cities and local experiences

Looking for things to do in Finland? Explore cities on foot, spend time by a lake, try a Finnish sauna or discover the country’s architecture and design. Forests, coastal islands and the landscapes of Lapland offer more possibilities, with different experiences throughout the year.

Choose a few destinations that match your interests and leave time to enjoy them. The Finnish Hostel Association’s network offers accommodation in cities, small towns and rural settings, helping you combine different experiences in one trip.

Explore Finnish cities on foot

A city walk can bring together architecture, museums, cafés and time by the water.

In Helsinki, explore Senate Square, browse the Old Market Hall and walk along the waterfront. Step inside Oodi, the central library, for a look at contemporary Finnish architecture. Our Helsinki city break guide offers more ideas and introduces hostels in different parts of the city.

In Turku, follow the River Aura, stop for a meal and visit Turku Castle. You can continue the maritime theme by staying at Laivahostel S/S Bore, a hostel aboard a museum ship near the castle and Forum Marinum Maritime Centre. Hostel Linnasmäki offers another option, around four kilometres from the centre.

In Tampere, explore former industrial surroundings, visit museums and walk beside the Tammerkoski rapids. Dream Hostel & Hotel is one accommodation option for your visit. Find further inspiration in our article on city hostels in Finland.

Spend time by a Finnish lake

Swimming, paddling and boat trips offer different ways to experience Finland’s lakes. You can also enjoy the scenery on a lakeside walk or spend a quiet afternoon by the water.

Punkaharju, in the Lake Saimaa area, is one option for a lakeside stay. Both Hostel Rantakatti and Itä-Karjalan Kansanopisto, a hostel at a folk high school, offer accommodation beside Saimaa.

For a guided experience, SaimaaHoliday Oravi arranges boat excursions in Linnansaari National Park, including trips to look for the rare Saimaa ringed seal. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

You can also stay on the park’s main island at Linnansaari Eco Hostel. Its simple log cabins provide summer accommodation without electricity or running water — an option for travellers who enjoy a rustic island stay.

Walk in forests and discover Finnish nature

A nature outing can be a short forest walk or a full day on a marked trail. Near Helsinki, Nuuksio National Park offers routes through forest and lake scenery, making it one option for combining city sightseeing with time outdoors.

If you prefer help with routes and arrangements, consider a guided holiday. Based in Nurmes in North Karelia, Äksyt Ämmät organises outdoor holidays, including guided walking tours in national parks. Some packages include accommodation and meals at Majatalo Pihlajapuu, a former village school in the Finnish Hostel Association’s network.

Choose activities that suit your experience, follow local visitor guidance and respect wildlife.

Experience a Finnish sauna

Sauna is part of Finnish culture and can fit into almost any kind of trip. Visit a public sauna or enjoy a session where you are staying.

Inside, you will experience löyly, the steam created when water is poured onto the hot stones. Take breaks whenever you want and choose a pace that feels comfortable. Cooling down can mean sitting outside or taking a shower; swimming is optional.

Many hostels in the Finnish Hostel Association’s network have a sauna. Depending on the property, there may be shared hours or privately booked sessions. Check your hostel’s arrangements, including what to wear and whether there is an additional charge.

Discover Finnish design and Alvar Aalto’s architecture

Museums, buildings and design shops offer ways to explore Finnish creativity. Alvar Aalto, an internationally recognised Finnish architect and designer, is one name to look out for. His work includes buildings, furniture and glassware.

In Jyväskylä, visit the Aalto2 Museum and discover Aalto’s architecture, including the university campus. Time Hostel CITY offers accommodation beside the campus, making it a convenient base exploring the city.

In Helsinki, possible stops include Finlandia Hall, the Aalto House and Studio Aalto. You can also see his furniture classics at Artek’s flagship store, adding a design stop to your city walk.

Explore the wooden streets of Old Porvoo

Walk through Old Porvoo’s streets, admire the wooden buildings and browse small shops. Leave time for a café stop and a stroll beside the river.

An overnight stay lets you explore beyond a short visit. Porvoo Hostel offers accommodation in a building more than a century old, adding another glimpse of the town’s past to your trip.

As you explore, respect private homes and gardens: the town is also home to local residents.

Discover the coast and archipelago

A ferry journey and an island walk offer a different view of Finland. From Helsinki, take a ferry to Suomenlinna, where maritime scenery meets the history of a sea fortress. Explore its walking routes, visit a museum and stop at a café.

At Hostel Suomenlinna, you can stay within the fortress and spread your visit over more than one day.

A stay in Turku can also include an outing into the surrounding archipelago. Ferry connections and seasonal services help determine which routes suit your plans.

Explore Lapland in different seasons

Lapland’s outdoor experiences change with the seasons. Winter offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and guided activities. Summer brings long daylight hours for exploring walking routes, while autumn colours — ruska in Finnish — transform the landscape.

At KuerHostel in Äkäslompolo, Ylläs, you can stay beside Kuertunturi fell, with access to the fell from the property and a cross-country ski trail nearby.

The northern lights may be visible from late August into early April, depending on aurora activity, darkness and clear skies. Hostel Visatupa offers a lakeside countryside stay north of the Arctic Circle, in Sodankylä. The absence of nearby street lighting provides an opportunity to look for the lights close to your accommodation when conditions are suitable.

Plan other activities you would enjoy even without an aurora sighting. Spending several nights in one area gives you flexibility, and summer or autumn offers alternatives to the busiest winter holiday periods.

Try Finnish food and café culture

Stop for coffee and a korvapuusti, a Finnish cinnamon bun, or explore a market hall before choosing lunch. Salmon soup, rye bread and Karelian pasties are some foods you might try during your visit.

A grocery shop can also introduce you to unfamiliar foods. Pick something for breakfast or a snack and make use of your hostel’s guest kitchen. Check the facilities if you plan to cook full meals.

Plan your own trip to Finland

When deciding what to do in Finland, start with your interests and the season. Combine a few experiences rather than trying to see everything.

Before booking, check opening hours, activity availability and transport connections, including any boat transfers. Some hostels and outdoor destinations require a local transfer or a car.

All properties in the Finnish Hostel Association’s network offer private rooms, and some also have shared rooms. Find a hostel for your trip to Finland and choose a base for the experiences you want.

Published on 5 October 2026