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Exploring Finland’s Must See Places By Foot
Finland is a land of endless beauty and adventure, and there is no better way to experience it than by foot. From the stunning Northern Lights to the rolling hills of Lapland, Finland has plenty of must-see places to explore. Whether you’re a dedicated hiker or a city-dweller looking for a change of scenery, Finland is the perfect place to stretch your legs. Here are the top 12 places to visit and things to explore when you’re visiting Finland on foot.
1. The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are one of the most stunning natural phenomena in the world, and they are visible in Finland during the winter months. The best time to view the Northern Lights is between September and March, when they can be seen in the sky for hours on end. The best places to view the Northern Lights in Finland are in Lapland, where you can explore the Arctic wilderness and experience all of the wonders that nature has to offer.
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience when exploring Finland by foot, then make sure to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights! They are an unforgettable sight and a must-see for any traveler in Finland.
2. Lapland
Lapland is one of the most beautiful places to explore in Finland. It is located in the far north of the country and is home to vast expanses of untouched nature, from rolling hills to snow-covered forests. Lapland is also home to a number of unique wildlife, from reindeer to wolverines, so make sure to explore the area carefully.
When exploring Lapland, you can also visit the famous Santa Claus Village, where you can meet and take pictures with Santa himself! Additionally, you can explore the vast terrain of the area on foot, and take in all the beauty that Lapland has to offer.
3. The Archipelago Sea
The Archipelago Sea is a stunning area located in the south of Finland. It is made up of over 40,000 islands, each unique and beautiful in its own right. Exploring the Archipelago Sea by foot is an incredible experience, as you get to take in the stunning scenery, explore the islands, and take part in a range of water activities. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil stroll or an adventurous boat ride, the Archipelago Sea has something for everyone.
When visiting the Archipelago Sea, make sure to take the time to explore the numerous islands. You can also take a boat tour to get a closer look at the stunning scenery and wildlife that inhabit the area.
4. The National Parks
Finland is home to a number of stunning national parks, each one offering a unique experience. From Lake Saimaa to the Hiidenportti National Park, there is something for everyone in Finland’s national parks. Whether you’re looking for an easy day hike or a challenging multi-day trek, Finland’s national parks have something for you.
When exploring the national parks, make sure to take time to admire the stunning landscapes and wildlife that inhabit the area. Additionally, you can take part in a range of activities, such as swimming, fishing, and canoeing, to make the most out of your visit.
5. Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland, and it is a must-see when exploring Finland by foot. This vibrant city is full of culture and history, and it is the perfect place to explore on foot. You can visit the many museums, galleries, and monuments that the city has to offer, or take a stroll along the waterfront to take in the stunning views. Helsinki also has a vibrant nightlife, so make sure to check out the local bars and clubs when you’re visiting.
When exploring Helsinki, make sure to take the time to explore the old town, which is full of small cobblestone streets and quaint shops. Additionally, you can take a tour of the city’s many landmarks, such as the Helsinki Cathedral and the Sibelius Monument, to get a better understanding of the city’s history and culture.
6. Kuusamo
Kuusamo is a small town located in the far north of Finland. It is a popular tourist destination, and it is known for its stunning scenery and its many outdoor activities. Kuusamo is the perfect place to explore on foot, as it is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. You can take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside, or take a more challenging hike through the forests and mountains. Additionally, you can take part in a number of outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.
Kuusamo is also home to a number of unique wildlife, such as bears, wolves, and elk. Make sure to keep an eye out for these animals when you’re exploring the area. Additionally, you can take part in a number of cultural activities, such as visiting the local Sami culture center, to get a better understanding of the area.
7. Turku
Turku is the oldest city in Finland, and it is full of history and culture. The city is located on the banks of the Aura River, and it is home to a number of stunning landmarks and monuments. When exploring Turku on foot, make sure to take the time to explore the old town, which is full of narrow cobblestone streets and quaint shops. Additionally, you can visit the Turku Castle, the Cathedral of Turku, and the Turku City Hall to get a better understanding of the city’s history.
Turku is also home to a bustling nightlife, so make sure to check out the local bars and clubs when you’re visiting. Additionally, you can take part in a number of cultural activities, such as visiting the Turku Art Museum or the Turku Music Festival.
8. The Koli National Park
The Koli National Park is located in the far north of Finland, and it is the perfect place to explore on foot. This stunning park is home to a number of unique landscapes, from rolling hills to snow-covered forests. When exploring the Koli National Park, make sure to take the time to admire the stunning scenery and wildlife that inhabit the area. Additionally, you can take part in a number of activities, such as skiing, snowshoeing, and fishing, to make the most out of your visit.
The Koli National Park is also home to a number of unique cultural activities, such as visiting the local Sami culture center or taking part in a traditional Sami reindeer herding experience. Make sure to take the time to explore the area and learn about the unique culture and history of the area.
9. Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is the largest city in Lapland, and it is the perfect place to explore on foot. This vibrant city is full of culture and history, and it is home to a number of stunning landmarks and monuments. When exploring Rovaniemi, make sure to take the time to explore the old town, which is full of narrow cobblestone streets and quaint shops. Additionally, you can visit the Arktikum Museum, the Santa Claus Village, and the Korundi House of Culture to get a better understanding of the city’s history.
Rovaniemi is also home to a bustling nightlife, so make sure to check out the local bars and clubs when you’re visiting. Additionally, you can take part in a number of cultural activities, such as visiting the Christmas Market or the Finnkino Movie Theater.
10. Tampere
Tampere is a vibrant city located in the south of Finland. It is known for its stunning architecture, and it is the perfect place to explore on foot. When exploring Tampere, make sure to take the time to explore the old town, which is full of narrow cobblestone streets and quaint shops. Additionally, you can visit the Tampere Cathedral, the Tampere Art Museum, and the Tampere City Hall to get a better understanding of the city’s history.
Tampere is also home to a bustling nightlife, so make sure to check out the local bars and clubs when you’re visiting. Additionally, you can take part in a number of cultural activities, such as visiting the local theater or the Tampere Music Festival.
11. The Finnish Lakes
Finland is home to a number of stunning lakes, each one offering a unique experience. From the crystal-clear waters of Lake Saimaa to the secluded lakes of Lapland, there is something for everyone in Finland’s lakes. Exploring the lakes by foot is an incredible experience, as you get to take in the stunning scenery, explore the islands, and take part in a range of water activities. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil stroll or an adventurous boat ride, Finland’s lakes have something for you.
When visiting the lakes, make sure to take the time to explore the numerous islands. You can also take a boat tour to get a closer look at the stunning scenery and wildlife that inhabit the area. Additionally, you can take part in a number of activities, such as swimming, fishing, and canoeing, to make the most out of your visit.
12. The Midnight Sun
The Midnight Sun is one of the most unique natural phenomena in the world, and it is visible in Finland during the summer months. The best time to view the Midnight Sun is between June and August, when it can be seen in the sky for hours on end. The best places to view the Midnight Sun in Finland are in Lapland, where you can explore the Arctic wilderness and experience all of the wonders that nature has to offer.
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience when exploring Finland by foot, then make sure to catch a glimpse of the Midnight Sun! It is an unforgettable sight and a must-see for any traveler in Finland.
Finland is a land of endless beauty and adventure, and there is no better way to experience it than by foot. From the stunning Northern Lights to the rolling hills of Lapland, Finland has plenty of must-see places to explore. Whether you’re a dedicated hiker or a city-dweller looking for a change of scenery, Finland has something for everyone. From the vibrant cities of Helsinki and Tampere to the stunning natural beauty of the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun, Finland is the perfect place to explore on foot. So grab your hiking boots and get ready to explore Finland’s must-see places by foot!