Finland is like opening a package of surprises. Finland is a wonderland of sea and snow, perfect for adventurers of all ages. There is an endless number of attractions in Finland, making it difficult to choose.
But, you can rest assured that your trip to Finland will be a blast and will leave you wanting more. Thus, while you’re still in the mood to discover this peaceful region, familiarize yourself with a few key locations.
Is It Expensive to Live in Finland?
Finland is often perceived as one of the more expensive European countries to live in, due to its high standard of living. Here’s what you need to know about the cost of living in Finland:
- Housing: Like many countries, housing costs in Finland vary significantly between urban and rural areas. Cities like Helsinki, Espoo, and Tampere tend to have higher rental prices. Expect to pay anywhere from €700 to over €1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in city centers.
- Utilities and Connectivity: Monthly utilities for a standard apartment can cost between €100 and €150, depending on usage and service providers. Internet subscriptions are relatively affordable, given Finland’s excellent digital infrastructure.
- Transportation: Public transportation is widely used in Finnish cities and is well-organized. Monthly passes typically range from €50 to €70. Owning and maintaining a car can be more expensive due to high fuel prices and vehicle taxes.
- Food and Necessities: Grocery prices are on the higher side compared to some other European countries, but the quality of goods is generally excellent.
Top 7 Places To Visit In Finland
Below are some of Finland’s most popular tourism destinations. Don’t waste your vacation time by skipping out on these fantastic opportunities to experience the finest that Europe has to offer!
Read Also:
1. Helsinki
The capital and most visited city in Finland is also one of its most picturesque. There’s something unique about this metropolis, what with its shiny skyscrapers, green parks, and busy vibe.
One of the best ways to see Finland is to take a ferry to Market Square in Helsinki and sample the local cuisine. Don’t miss out on one of Europe’s most stunning locations by failing to visit Finland.
2. Kauppatori (Market Square) and Esplanadi
The harbor in Helsinki is a central section of the city, and many of the city’s landmarks can be seen from the water. In addition to being a hub for social activity, the area is home to a bustling open-air market where residents sell their wares year-round.
Salmon cooked on cedar planks is a common sight alongside the boats, and depending on the time of year, you may also see a rainbow of ripe berries or baskets of foraged woodland mushrooms.
While more food vendors can be found within the historic market hall that was built in 1889, the outdoor market is open all year and is covered with tarps and tents to keep it safe from the elements.
3. Rovaniemi and the Arctic
Rovaniemi, located in northern Finland, lays claim to the title of “Gateway to the Arctic” because the Arctic Circle passes through the center of town. This results in the famous Midnight Sun throughout the summer months.
From late May until early August, the sun never dips low enough for it to get dark in Rovaniemi, even though it does so for a full 24 hours on the summer solstice in late June. The locals encourage visitors to come out and enjoy the “White Nights” with them.
4. Helsinki Churches
Churches—two of them cathedrals and one of them a symbol of modern architecture—are three of Helsinki’s most popular attractions. The 13 green-topped spires of Uspensky Orthodox Church culminate in gold cupolas and tower majestically over the eastern side of the port.
With its interior gleaming with gold, icons, crosses, altars, and finely carved arches, this Orthodox cathedral is the largest in western Europe. Visitors are welcome to the cathedral, which serves Helsinki’s sizable Russian community.
5. Go Skiing or Ride a Dogsled
The Arctic winter is a dream for skiers and other snow and ice sports enthusiasts. Dogsled safaris across frozen lakes and visits to Sami communities, reindeer sledding lessons, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing for miles, and the incredible northern lights are just a few of the activities available.
In Levi, located about 170 kilometers north of Rovaniemi, you’ll find miles of gorgeous Nordic ski tracks that are lighted for night skiing, making it a prime destination for downhill skiers. The largest downhill ski area in Finland’s largest country are too. The glass ceilings of many Levi hotels make it possible to view the northern lights without leaving the comfort of your accommodation.
6. Shop and Browse in Helsinki’s Design District
Helsinki, the heart of contemporary Scandinavian design, has a whole neighborhood filled with Finnish design studios, galleries, and even antique shops. Spending even a few hours in these areas, either shopping or window-shopping, is a great way to get a taste of this exciting part of Finnish artistic life.
Punavuori, Kaartinkaupunki, Kamppi, and Ullanlinna are the hubs of Helsinki’s Design District, where you can discover stores, galleries, and studios specializing in modern designs for clothing, jewelry, home decor, and other common objects.
7. Watch the Northern Lights
Seeing these dazzling curtains of light sweep across the sky is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the vast majority of humans. The northern lights may be seen at some of the best locations in Finland.
The greatest site to observe the lights is in the area near or north of the Arctic Circle, however they can sometimes be seen even in the southernmost sections of the country. If the sky is clear, visitors here nearly always see a spectacle between September and March.
Several northern hotels offer special rates for guests interested in viewing the lights. Sign up for free Northern Lights email updates from the Finnish Meteorological Institute.
Language Diversity in Finland
Finland is officially bilingual, with Finnish and Swedish as the national languages. Here’s what this means for residents:
- Finnish: Spoken by the majority, Finnish is complex due to its unique linguistic structure.
- Swedish: About 5.2% of the population speaks Swedish, particularly in the coastal areas and Åland islands.
- Sámi Languages: Spoken by the indigenous Sámi people in the Northern parts of Finland.
- English Proficiency: Most Finns speak fluent English, which facilitates communication, especially in business settings and larger communities.
Employment Opportunities in Finland
Getting a job in Finland can vary widely depending on your field of expertise, qualifications, and command of the Finnish language. Here are a few points to consider:
- Job Market: The Finnish job market is competitive but fair. Key industries include technology, services, and manufacturing.
- Language Requirements: For most professional roles, fluency in Finnish is often required, though there are increasing opportunities available in English, especially in tech and academia.
- Work Culture: Finland boasts one of the best work-life balances in the world. There is a strong emphasis on equality, collaboration, and employee well-being.
Quality of Life in Finland
Finland consistently ranks high in global quality of life indexes, and here’s why:
- Education: Finland offers one of the best education systems in the world, with free access to quality education at all levels.
- Healthcare: The healthcare system is robust, with services provided by both public and private sectors. It is primarily funded through taxation.
- Safety and Security: Finland is one of the safest countries globally, with very low crime rates and a trusted police force.
History and Culture of Finland
Finland’s history and culture are deeply rooted in its geographical and historical position between East and West.
Finnish culture is a rich tapestry woven from history and modernity, characterized by unique traditions such as sauna, the celebration of Midsummer, and a deep connection to nature.
Finland’s history, from its days as a part of Sweden and Russia to its current independent status, has shaped a resilient and innovative cultural identity visible in its music, art, and national character.
Read Also:
- Top 18 Things to Do in Tauranga
- 10 Awesome Things to do in Christchurch
- 10 Best Car Rental Companies in New Zealand
Conclusion
Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, Rovaniemi, Suomenlinna Fortress, Kauppatori, land Archipelago, Lake Saimaa, Lemmenjoki National Park, Santa Claus Village, Levi, Sibelius Monument, Olavinlinna Castle, Snow castle of Kemi, Urho Kekkonen National Park, and Nuuksio National Park are just some of the many attractions in Finland.
Finland has an abundance of tourist attractions that are sure to leave an indelible impression. You may expect to see some beautiful scenery, as well as museums and galleries filled with historical and cultural significance.
You may take the kids to a variety of kid-friendly parks, visit some truly magnificent churches, and see some incredible wildlife in the midst of verdant forest covers. Traveling around Finland will leave you spoiled for choice and provide you with memories you’ll never forget.
