Finland holiday
Travel tips, best time to visit & highlights for your Finland holiday in Europe
Finland is the land of extremes: Midnight sun in summer and dancing northern lights in winter, endless forests with 188,000 lakes, and the highest sauna density in the world. In Lapland, Santa Claus lives, huskies pull sleds through snowy forests, and Helsinki delights with Scandinavian design and architecture. Finland offers natural experiences that are unmatched in Europe.
Capital
Helsinki
Language
Finnish, Swedish
Currency
Euro (€)
Time zone
UTC+2
Flight time from DE
approx. 2.5 hours
Entry requirements
EU identity card
Top hotels & accommodations in Finland
Selected hotels and holiday accommodations in Finland — with images, reviews, and direct booking links with our partners.
Hotel Kämp
Helsinki, Finnland
Hotel Lilla Roberts
Helsinki, Finnland
Hotel Haven
Helsinki, Finnland
Hotel F6
Helsinki, Finnland
Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Helsinki
Helsinki, Finnland
Hotel Scandic Marski
Helsinki, Finnland
Hotel Airport Pilotti
Vantaa, Finnland
Hotel Scandic Park Helsinki
Helsinki, Finnland
Top 5 highlights in Finland
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Lapland
Northern lights, reindeer farms, husky sledding, and glass igloos under the polar light – arctic magic.
Helsinki
Scandinavian design, rock church (Temppeliaukio), Suomenlinna fortress, and the new sauna culture at the harbor.
Rovaniemi
The official home of Santa Claus at the Arctic Circle – Santa Claus Village and Arktikum Museum.
Lake District
188,000 lakes, countless islands, and endless summers – cabin life with sauna and pier is the soul of Finland.
Midnight Sun
In June and July, the sun does not set north of the Arctic Circle – a surreal natural experience.
Hotels in Finland
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reise-SIM für Finland
Prepaid-SIM mit Datenvolumen für Finland. Einfach einlegen und sofort lossurfen – keine Roaming-Gebühren.
* Weiterleitung zu travSIM.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reiseversicherung abschließen
Rundum-Schutz ab 9,90 € auf TravelSecure.de
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to visit Finland
Recommended travel time
December–March (Northern lights/winter) or June–August (Midnight sun)
Summer
15–25°C
Winter
-15–0°C
How much does a holiday in Finland cost?
Average cost per person per day (excluding flight)
Budget
60–90€
Hostel, street food, public transport
Mid-range
90–170€
Hotel, restaurant, excursions
Luxury
170–350€
Boutique hotel, fine dining
5 travel tips for Finland
Insider knowledge to make your holiday better.
Best time for northern lights is September–March in Lapland – Aurora apps help with predictions
Visit public saunas in Helsinki (Löyly, Allas) – it's part of the culture
Everyman's right allows free camping and berry picking in nature
In winter, wear thermal underwear and layers – temperatures can drop to -30°C
Rent Finnish cabins (Mökki) by the lake for the most authentic experience
Food & drink in Finland
These dishes you must try!
Discover Finland
7 regions, cities and highlights in Finland
Regions
Finnish Lakeland
The Finnish Lakeland is one of the largest interconnected lake regions in the world – a breathtaking mosaic of 188,000 lakes connected by rivers, canals, and narrow land bridges, creating a water area larger than Belgium. For German travelers seeking absolute tranquility, unspoiled nature, and the authentic Finnish way of life, the Lakeland is the perfect destination – here you find the Finland of postcards: red wooden cottages (Mökkis) by the lakeside, a private sauna with a dock for ice bathing, and hours of silence interrupted only by the calls of diving ducks. The center of the Lakeland consists of the large lakes Saimaa, Päijänne, and Pielinen. Saimaa is the largest lake in Finland, covering over 4,400 square kilometers and home to the extremely rare Saimaa ringed seal, of which only about 430 individuals remain. The landscape around Saimaa is a labyrinth of islands, bays, and isthmuses best explored by canoe, kayak, or on one of the many steamships. The cities in the region – Savonlinna, Kuopio, Jyväskylä, and Tampere – offer surprisingly rich culture: The Savonlinna Opera Festival in July, where international stars perform in the medieval Olavinlinna Castle, is one of the cultural highlights of Scandinavia. Kuopio attracts visitors with the legendary Kalakukko fish pie and the best marketplace in Finland. Tampere, the country's third-largest city, delights with its industrial culture, Moomin World, and a vibrant craft beer scene. The best way to experience the Lakeland is through a Mökki vacation – renting a traditional Finnish wooden cottage right by the lake, with its own sauna, rowing boat, and often without Wi-Fi, but with absolute peace of mind. For German travelers, the region is easily accessible by flight to Helsinki and then a domestic flight to Savonlinna/Kuopio or by train (3-5 hours from Helsinki).
Lapland
Lapland is Europe's last great wilderness – an endless expanse of snowy forests, frozen lakes, and dancing northern lights that stretches across the northernmost parts of Finland, Sweden, and Norway. For German travelers, Finnish Lapland is the gateway to a world that seems to have sprung from a winter fairy tale: Here, the Sami, Europe's only indigenous people, live with their reindeer herds according to centuries-old traditions, while the Aurora Borealis bathes the sky in green, purple, and pink veils on clear winter nights. The region around Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, is the most popular entry point for German travelers. The Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle may be touristy, but beyond that, the real magic begins: husky safaris through quiet snowy landscapes, reindeer sleigh rides with Sami herders, snowshoe hikes through the Arctic primeval forest, and nights in glass igloos from which one can observe the northern lights from bed. Saariselkä, Levi, and Inari are other hotspots that showcase different facets of Lapland. In summer, Lapland transforms under the midnight sun into a green paradise: the tundra blooms, rivers invite fishing and canoeing, and the hiking trails through Urho Kekkonen National Park and Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park are among the most beautiful in Scandinavia. The Ruska season in September, when the Arctic vegetation turns vibrant red and gold, is a hidden gem among nature photographers. For German travelers, Lapland is accessible by direct flight to Rovaniemi or Ivalo in about three hours. Prices are high – Scandinavia is expensive – but the experiences are unique and unforgettable. Families with children particularly enjoy December when Santa Claus personally welcomes visitors at the Santa Claus Village.
Cities
Helsinki
Helsinki, Finland's capital, is located on a peninsula by the Baltic Sea and embodies Nordic design, sauna culture, and the unique connection between city and nature. The compact city center delights with the white Cathedral above Senate Square, the Design District featuring Finnish brands like Marimekko and Iittala, and the avant-garde Oodi Library — one of the most modern public buildings in the world. Helsinki is the sauna capital: over 3 million saunas for 5.5 million residents — the public Löyly Sauna by the sea is an architectural highlight. The Suomenlinna sea fortress on the nearby islands is a UNESCO World Heritage site and perfect for a half-day trip. The Temppeliaukio Church, hewn into bare granite, is an acoustic and architectural wonder. Helsinki combines functional design with wild nature — forests and the sea are just minutes away from the city center.
Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland and lies directly on the Arctic Circle, making the city the official hometown of Santa Claus. The Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle, where you can meet Santa Claus year-round and send mail with the coveted Arctic Circle stamp, is a magical experience for families from all over the world. German winter vacationers come to Rovaniemi for the unique combination of Northern Lights, reindeer and husky sledding, snowmobile safaris, and overnight stays in glass igloos under the starry sky. In summer, Rovaniemi surprises with endless days under the midnight sun, hikes through the vast taiga landscape, and rafting on the Kemijoki River. The city center designed by Alvar Aalto and the Arktikum Museum offer cultural depth beyond the Christmas magic. The Sámi culture and the Arctic nature make Rovaniemi the gateway to a fascinating world on the edge of the Arctic.
Tampere
Tampere is Finland's third-largest city and an underrated gem between two large lakes — Näsijärvi in the north and Pyhäjärvi in the south. The former industrial city has transformed into a vibrant cultural center, where old brick factories have been converted into museums, restaurants, and creative spaces. The rapids of Tammerkoski, which flow through the city and connect the two lakes, give Tampere a unique atmosphere. The industrial heritage comes alive at the Vapriikki Museum Center and the old Finlayson factory — now a complex of cinemas, restaurants, and boutiques. The Tampere Market Hall, one of the largest in the Nordic countries, offers Finnish specialties from reindeer sausage to fresh berries. The famous Mustamakkara, a black blood sausage, is Tampere's culinary landmark and is traditionally eaten with lingonberries. Tampere is the sauna capital of the world — with over 50 public saunas, including the legendary Rajaportin Sauna from 1906 and the modern Kuuma Sauna by the lakeside. The Moomin Museum, the only one of its kind in the world, is a must-visit for fans of the Finnish troll family and a highlight for families. From Helsinki, Tampere can be reached in just 1.5 hours by train. The city is attractive year-round — summer festivals by the lake, autumn colors in the parks, Christmas markets in winter, and the endless summer nights in June.
Turku
Turku is Finland's oldest city and former capital — a charming center at the mouth of the Aura River in the archipelago of the Baltic Sea. The city combines medieval history with a vibrant cultural scene and serves as a gateway to one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world with over 20,000 islands. As the European Capital of Culture in 2011, Turku has established itself as a creative center of Finland. Turku Castle, one of the largest preserved medieval castles in Scandinavia, stands on the riverbank and houses a fascinating historical museum. The Turku Cathedral, Finland's most important religious building, towers over the old town with its distinctive spire. Along the Aura River, restaurant ships, museums, and cafés line up — the riverbank is the pulsating heart of the city. The archipelago in front of Turku is a natural paradise for island hopping — with ferries, bike paths, and idyllic fishing villages. The Archipelago Ring Road connects several islands and is one of the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe. In summer, Midsummer festivals, sailing regattas, and the endless bright nights attract visitors. Turku is reachable from Helsinki by train in two hours. The city is also the starting point for ferry crossings to Stockholm through the archipelago — one of the most spectacular ferry routes in the Baltic Sea.
Complete guide for Finland
Regions, attractions, food, routes, costs & practical tips — all in one digital guide.
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Plan a holiday in Finland
Finland is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe, offering Nature, Northern lights, Winter and much more. The best time to visit Finland is December–March (Northern lights/winter) or June–August (Midnight sun), when the weather is ideal for exploration and relaxation. With a daily budget starting from 60–90€ (Budget) to 170–350€ (Luxury), Finland is suitable for various travel budgets.
From the capital Helsinki, Finland can be excellently explored. The official language is Finnish, Swedish, and the currency is Euro (€). From Germany, you can reach Finland in approx. 2.5 hours. Whether you want to try culinary highlights like Karjalanpiirakka, Lohikeitto, Poronkäristys, visit top attractions, or simply enjoy the atmosphere: Finland has something for every type of traveller.
Use our free travel tools to prepare your Finland holiday perfectly. With the holiday finder, you can discover if Finland is the right destination for you. The budget calculator helps you plan costs realistically, and with the packing list, you won't forget anything.
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