Finland is a unique European country that is best known for its unique historical sites and its stunning natural beauty. If you plan to visit Finland for the first time, you will definitely want to consider the following beginners guide.
Where to Stay
Finland features a wide array of hotels and hostels which are ideal for any budget. For hotels with easy access to the Northern Lights, opt for Santa’s Hotel Aurora or Star Arctic Hotel; for a unique resort, check out Arctic SnowHotel which features glass igloo accommodation.
What to Do
If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll want to visit Santapark; Santapark is fun, North Pole themed park that allows visitors to attend elf school, meet Santa, and even cross the Arctic Circle using a unique tunnel that goes underground. If you love history and architecture, check out Olavinlinna, a 15th century castle with large circular towers that still stands today. For travelers seeking thrills, head to Levi for the best ski resort in the region, with numerous tracks designed for different skill and experience levels. And you won’t want to miss the Northern Lights, which are best accessed in Lapland; when in Lapland, don’t forget to look out for its most famous wildlife inhabitant: reindeer.
Beginners Tip & Tricks
The following are some beginner tips to keep in mind when visiting Finland for the first time.
- Be prepared for any type of weather, as the weather in Finland is not very predictable
- Never litter or damage nature–preserving nature is very important to Finnish culture
- Remember to bring lots of spending money, as food, gas and other amenities can be fairly expensive
- Most people speak some English, so you will likely be able to get by without having to learn too much of the native language
