1. Aurora Borealis/northern lights

Finland is a gorgeous country that is famous around the world for its stunning landscapes, friendly people, excellent quality of life, and delicious food. Not only that, but lots of tourists dream of coming to this country to witness the elusive and enchanting Aurora Borealis. Also referred to as The Northern Lights or Polar Lights, these beautiful natural phenomena that happen in the sky in high-latitude places, is a dazzling display of light that everyone has to see at least once or twice in their lifetime.

It showcases different colors, such as green, violet, pink, blue, and orange, and it is visible in only a few countries in the world - Alaska, Canada, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Finland, and some countries in the southern hemisphere. Finland has numerous glamping spots so that you can stay in nature and marvel at the beautiful sky filled with auroras.

2. Happiest country in the world

According to The World Happiness Report, Finland is the happiest country in the world, and it has been on the top spot three times in a row now. Although you may think that happiness is subjective, the United Nations has formed a matrix that determines one country’s happiness level. It is based on different factors, such as development, health care, economy, people’s satisfaction with life, and a lot more. Some people can definitely tell that Finland is a happy place as it is one of the countries with excellent education an healthcare systems. More so, the country boasts must-visit attractions, remarkable architecture, sumptuous cuisines, the famous northern lights, and a village where you can meet Santa any time of the year.

3. Lapland

Lapland is situated in the northernmost region of Finland. Husky safaris, reindeer rides, skiing in alpine slopes, and visits to places such as Arktikum make Lapland a trip of a lifetime. Kevo Canyon, Finland’s highest peak, and the Kilpisjärvi area are perfect for hiking enthusiasts. Lake Inari and River Teno offer water activities such as fishing, canoeing, and boating.

The Särestöniemi Museum is a must-visit for art and culture enthusiasts, showcasing Finnish artists’ works and providing insight into the country’s rich cultural history. The winter season, from November to April, is the best time to visit, with snowfall and skiing activities offered.

However, if you’re visiting from June to August, then Finland has numerous things to do during the summer holidays, including experiencing the midnight sun. Lapland is easily accessible by air through cities such as Kemi, Enontekio, Rovaniemi, Kittila, and Ivalo, and is well-connected by rail and road.

4. Reindeers

One of the famous things that Finland is known for is the abundance of reindeer roaming in the country. Reindeers are an integral part of the Finnish culture and can be experienced in many parts of the country, particularly in Lapland.

The village of Saariselkä in northern Lapland is an excellent place to enjoy a traditional reindeer safari, led by a Sami guide. Visitors can ride a reindeer sleigh while taking in the winter landscape and learning about Sami culture. The town of Levi is another popular location for reindeer safaris, offering a range of experiences, including an overnight stay in a traditional Sami tent.

Reindeer farms, such as the Sirmakko Reindeer Farm near Levi and the Kopara Reindeer Park near Rovaniemi, also offer a chance to learn about reindeer and Sami culture. Visitors can feed the reindeer, learn about their daily life, and indulge in a traditional Lappish meal.

5. Santa Claus

Santa Claus is a big part of the fascinating Finnish culture. They claim that Santa is originally from Finland. Do you want to know where Santa came from, specifically? The Finnish have an answer for that - Korvatunturi. Korvatunturi is a fell in Lapland, in the municipality of Savukoski. Santa Claus is a representation of how much of a happy country Finland is, as this legendary character represents bliss and festivity. More interestingly, when you visit the country, you do not need to wait for Christmas to see Santa as he has an official office and a whole village on the captivating Arctic Circle that welcomes everyone, all year round.

6. Midnight Sun Film Festival

Directors, producers, artists, and film enthusiasts surely know about the Midnight Sun Film Festival. To those of you who have no idea what it is, it is a five-day film festival that happens annually in Sodankylä, Finland. Most of the time, this entertaining and informative event is held in the second week of June. It features a well-curated program of different film-related activities. There is a film marathon, where almost up to 50 films and documentaries are shown throughout the course of the festival. Also, there are talks from various film directors and producers. Participants can also attend masterclasses that will teach them important techniques.

Midnight Sun Film Festival

Address: Sodankylä, Finland

Website: Midnight Sun Film Festival

Opening hours: Second week of June (annually)

7. Skiing

With Finland’s diverse landscapes that include mountainous and forested areas, it is no wonder that skiing is a widely popular sport in the country. Finland boasts a multitude of excellent ski resorts that offer various slopes, ideal for all types of skiers. Plus, the weather in Finland is very favorable for this sport. From October to May, it is possible to enjoy some ski fun in holiday resorts as the landscapes are still covered in snow. Some of the best ski resorts in Finland that you should try, include Pyha Ski Resort, Saariselka Ski Resort, Vuokkati Ski Resort, Levi Ski Resort, Ruka Ski Resort, Tahko Ski Resort, and a lot more.

8. Glass igloos

Finland attracts millions of tourists annually. Most of these tourists come to the country with the thought in mind that it is the happiest country in the world. Aside from its fascinating culture, nice people, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious food, the Aurora Borealis is one of the main reasons why people fly all the way to Northern Europe. Due to this, resorts in the country have come up with creative and luxurious ways to bank on this desire. Some resorts in Finland offer upscale glass igloos, where tourists can see the skies all night, inside the shelter of a cozy glass igloo. It is an experience that makes guests feel like they are one with nature. One of the best resorts in the country that offers this experience is Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort.

9. Sauna

Finland is characterized by a lengthy winter season and moderately rainy summers. This is why it is a common misconception that the country is winter all year long. Due to this climate, saunas are widely popular in the country. The Finns are fond of their steam rooms, and wherever they live, they can find one that they can access. Some households even have their own saunas. Even some workplaces and factories have saunas. In 2013, it was recorded that the country has 3.3 million saunas all over Finland, more than half of its population then, which is 5.3 million.

10. Nokia

In terms of modern technology, there is one brand that Finland is known for - Nokia. This multimillion Finnish company was founded in 1865 with headquarters in Espoo, Finland, Helsinki. It is a global brand that covers information technology, multinational telecommunications, and consumer electronics. The company caters to almost 130 countries in the world, and as of 2018, they had 103 300 employees working for the company. In 1998, this global brand was hailed as the best-selling mobile phone brand in the world. Presently, Nokia is still in the telecommunications playing field, offering 5G-capable smartphones.

11. Salmiakki

Finland is known for its delicious Nordic cuisines. Tourists who are also foodies will have a field day in the city when they visit as it features many great places to eat. Aside from complicated dishes and well-plated fine-dining fare, there is one delicacy that Finland is popular for - Salmiakki. This culinary treat is made from black licorice, flavored with ammonium chloride, and it has a salty flavor. This treat is eaten like candy. Finns can’t get enough of their salmiakki.

12. Helsinki

Helsinki is the captivating capital of Finland. It is nestled on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland, south of the country. Helsinki is a charming metropolis that has a breathtaking sea-facing landscape. It is also highly urbanized, just like most capital cities in the world. Unlike other modern cities, this one boasts remarkable period architecture that beautifies the lot of it. Aside from architecture and modern attractions, Nordic cuisine is also a reason to visit Helsinki. Some of the most visited points of interest in the city include Suomenlinna, Temppeliaukion Church, Senate Square, the bustling Market Square, and the remarkable Sibelius Monument.

Fall in love with Finland

There are numerous good things about Finland, it is a stunning city with fascinating culture, warm people, beautiful architecture, and impressive attractions. It is also a country that has been hailed as “The Happiest Country in the World” for three consecutive years now. You can even meet Santa Claus at the Santa Claus Village all year round. Surely, there are lots to love about Finland. If you are planning to visit this charming Nordic country, be sure to familiarize yourself with this list of things that Finland is known for. Don’t forget to check out the top things to do and places to visit in Finland as well!