Credits: Jussi Hellsten, Helsinki Partners
Finns don’t let anything keep them from having a good time – our event calendar is always jam-packed! Winter, summer, spring or fall, guests can get in on the fun at numerous festivals and an array of concerts ranging from pop and rock to jazz and classical. Dance, opera and circus performances are other fun and equally exciting options.
Finland is a mecca for art and design lovers. From the architectural eye candy of Alvar Aalto to contemporary works by young Finnish artists, strolling the city streets and popping into the country’s many factories or design stores is an inspiring experience that’s sure to get those creative juices flowing. Looking for something even more interactive? Treat your guests to a hands-on workshop. Check out this sample itinerary for a few ideas.
Have a look behind the scenes of a Finnish microbrewery or distillery – and enjoy a drink or two. All of the larger Finnish cities – from Helsinki to Espoo and from Turku to Tampere – offer unique microbreweries where guests can get to know the craft of beer-making and the people behind it. Besides breweries, Finland is also home to a handful of craft distilleries known for their rye whiskies and gins, including The Helsinki Distilling Company, Kyrö Distillery and Teerenpeli.
Relax like a Finn at the local sauna. From steam to smoke and modern to rustic, there are thousands of saunas across the country that are accessible year-round – after all, it is our national pastime! Don’t forget to complete the experience with a refreshing dip in the pool, lake or sea. New to sauna? No worries. Check out 10 sauna tips for beginners for a list of do’s and don’ts.
In Finland, history is never boring. Learn about the battles of Suomenlinna fortress or dig into the country’s LGTBQ history in Helsinki. Explore medieval castles and cathedrals in Turku, Finland’s oldest city. And in Tampere, discover the city’s beautiful red brick buildings and unique industrial heritage.
Even in Finland’s city centres, nature is never far. One popular way to explore it is by hopping on a bicycle or kick-bike. Cycling routes are well-maintained, making biking in Finland a fun, easy, sustainable way to see the sights and get your blood pumping.
Arctic nature, natural history, contemporary art and more! When it comes to museums and galleries, Finland has it all. Based in Lapland? Don’t miss science centre and museum Arktikum. Staying in Tampere? Check out its eponymous art museum. Hanging in Helsinki? There’s the Finnish National Gallery, the historic fort at Suomenlinna, the Finnish Museum of Photography and…well, the options are seemingly endless! No matter which Finnish city you choose, there’s sure to be a gallery or museum that intrigues and inspires.
Finns typically eat straight from nature, which means plenty of local seafood, heaps of new potatoes and handfuls of juicy berries. But local specialties also abound – from savoury pastries like Karelian pie to sweet treats such as Korvapuusti. Why not treat your guests to a Finnish cooking class? After all, indulging in local cuisine is a fantastic way to get a taste of a country’s culture.