Finland Travel Guide for B2B Clients
Introduction: Finland, the land of a thousand lakes and Northern Lights, offers an extraordinary blend of pristine wilderness, modern design, and deep cultural traditions. With its vast forests, tranquil waters, and unique Arctic experiences, Finland appeals to nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts alike. This guide highlights the best experiences in Finland’s East, West, North, and South regions for Jain Voyagers’ B2B clients.
1. East Finland Guide
Key Highlights:
- Lake Saimaa Region: The largest lake district in Finland, known for its picturesque waterscapes, islands, and water activities.
- Savonlinna: A historic town famous for its medieval Olavinlinna Castle and annual Opera
1. East Finland Guide (Continued)
Key Highlights (Continued):
- Savonlinna: A historic town famous for its medieval Olavinlinna Castle and annual Opera Festival, held in the castle’s atmospheric setting.
- Koli National Park: Known for its iconic landscapes, offering some of the most stunning views over the Finnish lakeland, making it a popular spot for hiking and outdoor photography.
- Punkaharju Ridge: A scenic ridge surrounded by lakes, forests, and picturesque landscapes, ideal for cycling, nature walks, and relaxing retreats.
- Joensuu: The capital of North Karelia, blending cultural experiences with nature, including museums, botanical gardens, and access to pristine wilderness areas.
Top Attractions:
- Olavinlinna Castle: A well-preserved medieval fortress on an island in Lake Saimaa, with guided tours showcasing its fascinating history.
- Koli National Park: Hiking to Ukko-Koli Hill for panoramic views, visiting the Koli Nature Centre, and exploring the untouched wilderness of Eastern Finland.
- Lake Saimaa Cruises: Explore Finland’s largest lake by boat, with stops at quaint lakeside villages and islands.
- Lusto Museum: Located near Punkaharju, this museum is dedicated to Finland’s forest culture and offers insights into the importance of forests in Finnish life.
Accommodation Options:
- Lake Saimaa Region: Lakeside cottages, boutique hotels, and eco-friendly resorts that blend into the natural surroundings.
- Savonlinna: Charming hotels with views of the castle, modern apartments, and historical guesthouses.
- Joensuu & Koli: Family-run guesthouses, luxury retreats in nature, and cozy cabins near hiking trails.
Activities:
- Summer boat tours on Lake Saimaa, with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife spotting.
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Koli National Park during winter.
- Cultural tours in Savonlinna, including the famous Opera Festival.
- Nature photography and wildlife watching, especially for rare species like the Saimaa ringed seal.
2. West Finland Guide
Key Highlights:
- Turku: Finland’s oldest city and former capital, Turku is known for its medieval architecture, including the Turku Castle and Cathedral.
- Archipelago Sea: One of the largest archipelagos in the world, offering over 20,000 islands to explore by ferry, boat, or bicycle.
- Rauma: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its wooden old town and maritime heritage.
- Vaasa: A lively coastal city, often called the sunniest place in Finland, known for its proximity to the Kvarken Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Top Attractions:
- Turku Castle: A stunning medieval castle located at the mouth of the Aura River, with exhibits on Finnish history.
- Rauma Old Town: Wander through cobblestone streets lined with colorful wooden houses, craft shops, and maritime museums.
- Kvarken Archipelago: A unique natural site, where land is continuously rising due to post-glacial rebound, creating new islands.
- Moominworld, Naantali: A theme park based on the beloved Moomin characters, making it a perfect family-friendly attraction.
Accommodation Options:
- Turku: Modern hotels in the city center, boutique accommodations in historical buildings, and riverside hotels along the Aura River.
- Archipelago Sea: Charming seaside cabins, island guesthouses, and eco-friendly resorts.
- Vaasa & Rauma: Coastal hotels, family-run guesthouses, and historical inns in the old town areas.
Activities:
- Island hopping in the Archipelago Sea, with options for cycling, kayaking, and overnight stays on various islands.
- Exploring Turku’s medieval history through guided tours of the castle and cathedral.
- Visiting the Kvarken Archipelago for hiking, birdwatching, and photography of its unique geology.
- Craft shopping and enjoying local cuisine in Rauma’s picturesque old town.
3. North Finland Guide
Key Highlights:
- Lapland: The heart of Finnish Lapland, home to the Sami people, reindeer, the Northern Lights, and vast wilderness areas.
- Rovaniemi: Known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, this Arctic city offers unique winter activities and is a gateway to the Arctic Circle.
- Levi & Ylläs: Popular ski resorts in Finnish Lapland, offering winter sports, hiking, and access to pristine Arctic landscapes.
- Inari: A cultural hub for the indigenous Sami people, where visitors can learn about Sami traditions and explore the wilderness of Lake Inari.
Top Attractions:
- Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi: A year-round Christmas wonderland where visitors can meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, and visit reindeer farms.
- Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights): Lapland is one of the best places to witness the magical Northern Lights, visible from late autumn to early spring.
- Sámi Museum Siida, Inari: Learn about the culture, history, and traditional lifestyles of the indigenous Sámi people.
- Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park: One of Finland’s oldest and most popular national parks, ideal for hiking, skiing, and experiencing the midnight sun or polar night.
Accommodation Options:
- Rovaniemi: Stay in glass igloos, luxury Arctic hotels, or cozy lodges with views of the Northern Lights.
- Levi & Ylläs: Ski-in/ski-out resorts, traditional log cabins, and luxurious spa hotels.
- Inari & Saariselkä: Wilderness lodges, eco-friendly retreats, and traditional Sámi-style accommodations.
Activities:
- Winter adventures such as husky safaris, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
- Aurora hunting tours in the wilderness, either by snowmobile, reindeer sleigh, or on foot.
- Meeting the indigenous Sami community and learning about their culture, reindeer herding, and crafts.
- Skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking in the pristine Arctic landscapes of Levi and Ylläs.
4. South Finland Guide
Key Highlights:
- Helsinki: Finland’s capital, known for its design district, historic landmarks, and beautiful seaside location.
- Porvoo: A charming medieval town with colorful wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and a riverside location.
- Tampere: An industrial city turned cultural hub, located between two lakes, known for its museums, theaters, and outdoor activities.
- Hämeenlinna: A historical town with a medieval castle and scenic lakeside surroundings.
Top Attractions:
- Helsinki Cathedral: An iconic symbol of the city, located in the Senate Square, with stunning neoclassical architecture.
- Suomenlinna Fortress: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this sea fortress spans six islands and offers guided tours and museums.
- Porvoo Old Town: Explore the narrow streets, artisan shops, and cafes of Finland’s second-oldest town.
- Tampere Art Museum & Vapriikki Museum Centre: Learn about Finnish art, culture, and history through diverse exhibits.
Accommodation Options:
- Helsinki: Luxury hotels in the city center, boutique design hotels, and modern apartments near the waterfront.
- Porvoo: Quaint bed-and-breakfasts, boutique inns, and historical guesthouses.
- Tampere & Hämeenlinna: Lakeside resorts, city-center hotels, and family-friendly accommodations.
Activities:
- Design and architecture tours of Helsinki, including visits to the Design Museum and contemporary landmarks like Oodi Library.
- Day trips to Porvoo, exploring its old town, riverside, and historic sites.
- Visiting Tampere’s many museums and theaters, as well as hiking in the surrounding lake regions.
- Boating, fishing, and relaxing at lakeside saunas in South Finland’s countryside.
Transportation:
- Trains: Finland’s rail network connects major cities like Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, and Rovaniemi, with high-speed trains and scenic routes.
- Internal Flights: Domestic flights are available between major cities, especially to northern destinations like Rovaniemi and Inari.
- Buses: Long-distance buses connect cities and towns, providing flexible travel options.
- Ferries: Helsinki is a major hub for ferries to nearby countries like Estonia, Sweden, and Russia, as well as cruises around the Finnish Archipelago.
Conclusion:
Finland is a country of contrasts, from the bustling design and culture scenes of Helsinki to the serene wilderness of Lapland. Jain Voyagers offers curated experiences across Finland’s East, West, North, and South regions, allowing B2B clients to offer their travelers a wide range of activities, from exploring medieval towns to experiencing the magic of the Northern Lights. Whether it’s winter sports, cultural discovery, or serene lakeside retreats, Finland promises an unforgettable journey.
