What Finland is known for:

• Stunning nature (thousands of lakes, large forests, and the Northern Lights)
• Saunas (an important traditional place for Finns to relax)
• High-Quality & free education (free education with good quality)
• Innovative design (Marimekko, Alvar Aalto and many more)
• Happiest country (named as the happiest country on the planet)
• Friendly people (people are happy to help tourists with directions)

Discover the Unique Nature of Finland

Nature in Finland can be very special and intriguing for peeople outside the Nordic countries. I definitely recommend visiting some local nature spots in Finland. The most well-known for its nature is, of course, Rovaniemi in the northern parts of Finland (in Lapland), where Santa Claus lives.

A lot of Finns visit Lappland all over the year. In the summer you can hike long beautiful nature trails and experience days that never end (it never gets dark, because the sun never sets) or in the autumn when the leaves have turned yellow, orange, red and brown. Also in autumn there are literally no mosquitos. In the winter Lappland is really expensive, so unless you have big budget I suggest you visit Lappland in the summer or autumn.

In the case that you travel to the capitol, Helsinki, and not Lappland, you can with a little effort experience nature. Basically you have a couple of options, either Nuuksio National Park (in Espoo) or Sipoonkorpi (in Vantaa). Both are reachable with public transportation. Check the best route from your hotel or where you are stying with Google Maps or HSL (the local transport authority). Additional information on nature and urban fun can be found here.

Finnish Sauna: Relaxation and Wellness like a local

Saunas can be found in almost every household, and I don’t know any Finnish person who hasn’t tried a sauna. You could say it’s a strong part of Finnish tradition. Local saunas are typically warmed up to 176–230 °F (80–110 °C). So you might want to skip the sauna or be cautious if you fall into any of these groups:

• Pregnant women: High temperatures can be harmful to the developing fetus.

• People with cardiovascular conditions: The heat can put extra strain on the heart.

• Individuals with low blood pressure: Saunas can cause dizziness or fainting.

• Those with respiratory issues: The heat and steam can exacerbate breathing problems.

• People who have recently consumed alcohol: It can increase the risk of dehydration and overheating.

• Individuals with infections or open wounds: The heat can worsen infections or delay healing

Usually, hotels in Finland have saunas, but there are also public saunas like Löyly (which roughly translates to “Steam”) and Allas Pool. Both are located in Helsinki.

Remember, when you use a sauna in Finland, it is traditional to sit in the sauna naked—yes, naked—with strangers, people you have never met. That’s the local way. However, the saunas are typically separated by gender, so there is one for men and a separate one for women. It’s always best to check the specific sauna’s policies before your visit.