Top Travel Destinations for Finland in Winter
Where to travel in Finland in winter?
Finding the perfect winter destination in Finland can be a little overwhelming because there simpy are so many stunning places. It depends a little bit on what you’re looking for and what you want to experience, but here are my picks:
Ruka-Kuusamo
How to get there?
From Helsinki, you can take a flight to Kuusamo, and then take the airport bus to Ruka village, or continue with a rental car. Ruka is a great got-it-all destination that you can also experience without a car. Connections are great and transportation is often included when you book activities.
What to do there?
Well known as a skiing destination, Ruka-Kuusamo does have everything else too, though. Stunning Arctic landscapes, magical snowy forests, meeting reindeer and riding a husky sled, ice climbing on frozen waterfalls or a peaceful snow-shoeing experience – you’re not short of options.
You can read all about the perfect winter trip to Ruka-Kuusamo here
Savonlinna & Saimaa Lakeland
How to get there:
you can reach the Saimaa lakeland area by train or bus connections from Helsinki, or drive yourself. Trains and busses take you to Mikkeli or Savonlinna frequently. Admittedly, getting around with public transport in the area is tricky, especially in winter. So if you can get a car rental from Mikkeli or Savonlinna or come with your own, I would recommend it.
What to do there:
the frozen Lakelands are famous for their winter skating, where you can take in the beauty of icy landscapes, you can float in frozen rivers and hike through the snowy forests, or book yourself into a sauna or spa, enjoy some delicious local food – for me the Saimaa area is a favourite for a slow and peaceful winter nature trip. I’ll be back here for sure!
Muonio in Finnish Lapland
How to get there:
The night train from Helsinki is easy, incredibly scenic and truly a beautiful adventure. It perfectly combines transportation and overnight, the beds are comfortable, and the train ride is just the right length to enjoy dinner on board, have a drink, go to sleep, wake up in winter wonderland, have a coffee and you’re there.
What to do there:
Muonio is the ultimate destination in Lapland for those who want to be off the beaten path a bit, the community is small, it’s quiet, all the winter activities are there from Huskies, to reindeer and learning about Sami traditions, plus the highest chance to see the auroras in all of Finland!
Read more about the hidden gem of Finnish Lapland, Muonio, here
Tampere
How to get there?
Tampere can be reached by bus, car or train. The train connection is a really convenient, affordable and fast.
What to do there?
The lakeside sauna capital is well known for its laid-back vibes, industrial heritage, design and culinary scene, and of course munkki (local donuts). Known to be the Finns’ favourite city, it’s a wonderful place to explore and connect with the locals, while enjoying a great mix of city life and beautiful nature. In winter you can enjoy the frozen landscapes by skating on the lakes, and taking a dip in the icy water after a steamy sauna
Read the full Tampere Guide here!
Vuokatti
How to get here?
You can take a plane to Kajaani airport, or travel by train from Helsinki. The train ride takes a few hours, but especially when it’s such a beautiful winter landscape, the journey is part of the destination!
What to do here?
Vuokatti is well known for their world-class training facilities for Olympian cross-country skiers, so if that is your jam – Vuokatti will be amazing. Otherwise, you can also go downhill-skiing, take the huskies out for a spin.
Pyhä-Luosto
How to get there:
the easiest way is to take a flight to Rovaniemi and continue by bus or rental car.
What to do there:
The area of Pyhä-Luosto is well known for its skiing and all kinds of classic winter activities. The National Park is dreamy, you can experience unique snow mobiling tracks and stunning nature.
Kemi
How to get here?
You can fly up to Kemi, or take a train which takes a while – but with either an overnight option or if you like to gaze out at the beautiful winter scenery – definitely a good and inexpensive option!
What to do here?
The Kemi area has a lot of unique things going on, such as the snow castle that is built every year with a different theme. However, what I couldn’t recommend more is the excursion with Sampo the Icebreaker. This massive ship will take you across the sea and show you how powerful it is to crush down on the ice-shield – it’s fascinating and an experience I will never forget. You can also go floating in the frozen sea while at it.
Jyväskylä Region
How to get here?
Jyväskylä can best be reached by train. Busses also go here frequently, but especially in the winter the train is by far the best option!
What to do here?
The Central Finnish lakeland does have a lot going for it, from beautiful winter hikes, snow-mobiling and gorgeous sauna experiences, for lots of active winter activities, this region is for you!
Read more about an active winter holiday in the Jyväskylä region here
HAPPY WINTER!
Greetings, a winter soul