Travel - thisisFINLAND

How to sleep under the stars: 3 unforgettable stays in Finnish nature

Whether it’s a traditional night under canvas, a sleek eco-cabin on a remote island or a luxurious glamping tent on the edge of a national park, spend the night embraced by Finnish nature.

Arts & culture Festivals

Magic in the Finnish summer air

Every year, music festivals fill cities, fells, forests and lakesides with live music and a peculiar kind of charm that can only be felt in the summertime. Let’s unpack the reasons that make Finland the promised land of summer festivals – and look at some unique festival experiences for those who have seen it all.

Life & society Sauna

5 Finnish saunas that show there’s a sauna for every taste

There are over three million saunas in Finland – in theory, enough for everyone in Finland to have a sauna at the exact same time! While most of them are privately owned, public sauna culture is also thriving, with a staggering variety of options available. Here are a few outstanding picks if you’re looking to experience the real deal.

Mellunmäki

The world's northernmost metro station, in Helsinki

Life & society Equality

Finnish comic artist Kaisa Leka breaks preconceptions about disabilities and being outdoors

Award-winning artist and adventurer Kaisa Leka wants to ensure that nature is accessible for everyone. Her prosthetic legs have taken her across the United States and all the way to the Arctic Sea, but her hidden gems are on the countless islands of the Finnish archipelago.

Life & society Architecture

Admiring art nouveau: Helsinki’s architectural eye candy

Helsinki showcases one of Europe’s richest concentrations of photogenic art nouveau buildings. We aim a camera at some of our favourite Finnish façades, towers, doorways and balconies.

#3 passport

Finns can travel visa-free to 175 countries (14 other countries share this honour)

Source: Passport Index

Life & society Sustainability

On a roll: Helsinki urban planning continues to expand bike path network

The Finnish capital places high on the growing list of enlightened world capitals that embrace cycling as an urban planning priority. Broad political agreement is a factor in the long-running development of its bike path system.

Arts & culture Cuisine

Food first: Finnish festival cuisine emphasises sustainability and artisanal touches

The recipe for the perfect bite? Sustainable, local ingredients turned into world-class artisanal dishes, served with a smile in a laid-back festival setting.

Life & society Nature

Spending an idyllic week in a Finnish national park, on a shepherding holiday

In several of Finland’s national parks, grazing sheep and cows help maintain traditional landscapes. Holiday-goers can enjoy a week surrounded by natural beauty while looking after the animals.

495,145

Number of summer cottages in Finland

Source: Statistics Finland