Finland, uniquely known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes” (though it actually has over 188,000 of them), is a Nordic paradise of untouched wilderness and pristine nature. Consistently ranked as the happiest country on Earth, Finland offers a magical escape defined by its endless summer days, snow-covered winter forests, and deeply ingrained wellness traditions. Here is your ultimate guide to exploring this arctic wonderland!

1. The Landmarks You Can’t Miss

• Lapland (Rovaniemi): Travel deep into the Arctic Circle to visit the official hometown of Santa Claus. In the winter, this magical region offers unforgettable experiences like husky sledding, snowmobiling, and sleeping in glass igloos under the dancing Northern Lights.
• The Finnish Lakeland: Explore Europe’s largest lake district, a massive labyrinth of blue waters, islands, and dense green pine forests. It is the absolute ultimate destination to experience the authentic, slow-paced Finnish summer lifestyle.

2. Finland Fun Facts

• More Saunas Than Cars: Sauna culture is a vital part of daily life and is even recognized on UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage list. There are over 3 million saunas in Finland—meaning there are more than enough saunas to fit the country’s entire population of 5.5 million people at the exact same time!
• The Midnight Sun: During the summer months in the northernmost parts of Finland, the sun does not set below the horizon for over 70 consecutive days, creating a spectacular phenomenon of 24-hour daylight perfect for midnight hiking.

3. The Food Scene

• Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pasties): A beloved traditional Finnish pastry. It features a thin, crispy rye crust shaped like an oval boat, traditionally stuffed with savory rice porridge and topped with munavoi—a rich blend of warm butter and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
• Leipäjuusto (Squeaky Cheese): A unique, mild cheese made from cow or reindeer milk that is baked until it develops distinctive brown spots. It gets its nickname from the literal squeaking sound it makes against your teeth, and it is traditionally served warm with sweet cloudberry jam.

4. Practical Travel Tips

• Embrace the Public Right to Roam: Just like its Nordic neighbors, Finland enforces “Everyman’s Right” (Jokamiehenoikeus). This gives everyone the legal freedom to walk, ski, cycle, and wild camp anywhere in nature, as well as pick wild berries and mushrooms, as long as you respect privacy and leave no trace.
• Prepare for Winter Darkness: If you visit Finland between November and January, keep in mind that daylight hours are extremely short. In the north, the sun doesn’t rise at all for weeks (a period called Kaamos), so plan your outdoor activities carefully during the brief twilight hours.