Unmissable Attractions in Finland

Practically the national symbol of Finland, the Lutheran Cathedral on the Senate Square is an outstanding piece of architecture. Its white towers and green domes dominate the cityscape and are visible for miles around.

The riverside is a perfect place to while away an afternoon, whether in the summer or winter. Along the Aura River you’ll find trendy cafes and restaurants, the cathedral, the central library, the Aboa Vetus Museum and much more.

Located near the site of one of most significant World War II battles in Finland, the Winter War Museum tells the story of the Battle of Suomussalmi and the military history of the area. Nearby is a memorial statue for the Winter War.

One of the most remote parts of Finland, the Åland Islands, far out in the southwest archipelago, consist mainly of Swedish-speaking residents. As well as being a quiet spot for relaxation, there is also a maritime museum, archaeological sites and an annual Viking Market.

A Unesco World Heritage site, this island fortress contains numerous battlements and buildings from different eras. In addition, there are multiple museums, galleries and cafes scattered around the island.

Koli, in North Karelia, is one of the most beautiful national parks in Finland, with clifftop views overlooking forests and lakes. To make the most of it, rent a lake cottage near the park and take advantage of the local skiing opportunities.

A huge icebreaker ship, Sampo takes tourists on short cruises on the Gulf of Bothnia, breaking up the ice in its path. It is one of the most unique and exciting cruises you can take.

Not only does this region in Lapland have some of the top ski resorts in Finland, it also has the only sauna gondola in the world. That’s a gondola ski lift car transformed into a functioning sauna.

It is quite a hike to reach this tiny wooden church in Lapland, but worth it. Not only is the Lapland landscape beautiful, but the church dates from 1760 and is one of the oldest surviving churches in Lapland.

A place to get in touch with Finnish wildlife, Ahtari Zoo contains many Scandinavian forest animals, including bears, owls, reindeer and lynx.

A World Heritage site, the old town area of Rauma is filled with classic wooden buildings preserved and reconstructed from the pre-industrial era. It is rare to see such buildings in Finland and walking through the town feels like stepping into a fairytale.

The highest peak in Finland, right on the Finnish-Norwegian border, is a difficult but exhilarating trek of more than 50km (31mi). Reaching the summit provides the best views of Lapland on both the Finnish and Norwegian sides.

The 35,000 paintings in this state-owned collection are divided between three buildings in Helsinki, and are regularly lent out to other museums. A visit to any one is a fascinating look at Finnish and European art, from classic to modern.

This is a fascinating museum exploring the history, arts and culture of the native Sámi people in Lapland. There is also an open-air museum of traditional Sámi dwellings and a shop selling handmade crafts.

A key trade and transport hub of the capital city, the south harbour contains the market hall, presidential palace and Uspenski Cathedral. Throughout the year there are multiple markets and events held here.

Just outside the Kiasma Art Museum, in the city center, you can spot the tall and imposing statue of World War II military leader Mannerheim. Mounted on a horse and standing on a tall plinth, the statue is a powerful tribute to the key figure in Finnish war history.

This impressive 15th-century castle in Savonlinna is significant, not only for the history, but also for the intriguing ghost stories. The castle is also home to events such as the Savonlinna Opera Festival.

You might not associate Finland with grand manor houses, but there are many beautiful examples, such as Herttoniemi Manor in Helsinki. The 19th-century manor was renovated from an old porcelain factory and combines baroque architecture with an English-style garden.

The second tallest observation tower in the Nordic countries, Näsinneula in Tampere has views of the city centre and surrounding lakes up to 20km (12mi) away. The structure also has a rotating restaurant.