Unique Things to Do in Finland; Land of Reindeer and Santa Claus

Home to Santa’s village, charming old medieval towns, beautiful sights, intricate canals, delicious food, Finland is all this and so much more. There is an almost endless list of things to do in Finland, and we guarantee you one visit to this gorgeous Scandinavian country is never going to be enough.

In Finland, you can go sledging with reindeer and huskies, cross into the arctic circle, enjoy leisurely strolls in medieval towns, enjoy canal cruises among many other things. The capital city of Finland aka Helsinki is a vibrant metropolitan city, and you will most likely spend the majority of your time there. You can enjoy many day trips from Helsinki as well as many activities and tours within the city.Plan a memorable Finnish vacay with our curated list of the best things to do in Finland.

Here is a list of top Things to do in Finland:

1. Private Guided Tour of the Suomenlinna Fortress

You must include a visit to the Suomenlinna Fortress, one of the popular Finland Attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site on your list of things to do in Scandinavia. This is one of the largest sea fortresses in the world spanning nearly six islands. You can access it via a ferry from Helsinki and enjoy great views on your way over.

• Location: Helsinki, Finland
• Duration: 2 Hours
• Cost Per Person: Approx. INR 895 Per Adult and INR 325 Per Child
• Ferry Tickets: Approx. INR 730 per person

Highlights:

• This is a 2-hour tour conducted in English just for you and your party
• An opportunity to learn about the eventful history of this significant monument that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Gain access to fortress features such as the Castle Courtyards, The Dry Rock and Pipers Park

Must Read: Why Finland is the world’s happiest country 

2. 3-Hour Private Walking Tour of Helsinki

A great way to see the city of Helsinki is a via a walking tour. The tours are conducted by an experienced guide and are small in number. Hence, you have a more personalised experience and learn a great deal more.

• Location: Helsinki, Finland
• Duration: 3 Hours
• Cost Per Person: Approx. INR 2600.

Highlights:

• Private tour Helsinki for you and your group
• See top attractions such as Upenski Cathedral and Parliament House
• Visit the Helsinki Modern Underground Church and Rock Church
• A Stop over at the Market Square
• Multiple tour timings
• Flexible itinerary

3. Arctic Crossing – Among the most exciting things to do in Finland

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A truly unique and once in a lifetime experience is the epic opportunity to cross onto the Arctic circle from the border on Finland. Every year hundreds of thousands of people flock to Rovaniemi to enjoy this activity. Your list of things to do in Finland is incomplete without the inclusion of this unique experience.

• Location: Rovaniemi, Finland
• Duration: 1 hour
• Cost Per Person: Approx. INR 13,000

Highlights:

• Enjoy a unique experience as a certifies arctic crosser
• You can cross into the arctic circle any which way you like for example, driving, walking or even jumping
• Receive a certificate at the end corroborating this epic moment/accomplishment

4. A trip to Lampivaara Amethyst Mine and Pyha-Luosto National Park

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Enjoy a fun day trip from Rovaniemi and enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful Pyha-Luosto National Park built in 1938. It is one of the top Finland tourism attractions The park has a diverse flora and fauna including trees that date back to nearly 400 years.

• Location: Rovaniemi, Finland
• Duration: 7 Hours
• Cost Per Person: INR 12,000

Highlights:

• To and from transfers from your hotel
• Fully guided tour in English
• Meals Provided

5. Visit the Ranua Zoo

This is a northernmost zoo in the world and home to many magnificent Lapland’s creatures. This is a fun day trip from Rovaniemi, and you must include it on your list of things to do in Finland.

• Location: Rovaniemi, Finland
• Duration: 5 Hours
• Cost Per Person: Approx. INR 7400

Highlights:

• To and from transfers from your hotel
• Family-friendly trip
• Fun activity especially for children
• A chance to visit the northernmost zoo in the world

Must Read: Best Things To Do In Europe

6. Santa Clause Village and Reindeer Farm

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Your list of things to do in Finland is incomplete without a visit to Santa’s home and his dear companions. If you are travelling with young children, then you must visit here, this a truly unique and fun family activity.

• Location: Rovaniemi, Finland
• Duration: Flexible
• Cost Per Person: Approx. INR 15,000

Highlights:

• Snowmobile tour
• Visit a Reindeer farm
• Enjoy sleigh rides pulled by reindeers
• Lunch buffet at Santa’s Village
• A chance to meet Santa at his amusement park
• To and from transfers from select hotels

7. Helsinki Zoo

Home to over 150 different species of plants and animals, the Helsinki zoo is a famous city attraction. The zoo was founded in 1889 and one of the oldest zoos in the world

• Location: Helsinki, Finland
• Cost Per Person: Approx. INR 1000/- PP
• Opening hours: 10 AM to 8 PM

8. Helsinki City Tour and Canal Cruise

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This is an excellent option to not only explore the city and all its sights but also enjoy a cruise of the intricate canals of Helsinki. You must include this activity on your list of Things to do in Finland.

• Location: Helsinki, Finland
• Duration: 3 Hours
• Cost Per Person: INR 4600/- PP

Highlights:

• Flexible departure times
• An extensive tour of the city via coach/bus
• Boat cruise of Helsinki Canals
• Great activity for first-time visitors
• Great orientation and overview of the city

9. Sea Life Helsinki

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A very popular tourist attraction in Helsinki and a hit among young children. This is a giant aquarium home to creatures such as piranhas, sharks, seahorses etc. You can even feed the fishes whilst at the aquarium.

• Location: Helsinki, Finland
• Duration: 2 Hours
• Opening Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM
• Cost Per Person: Approx. INR 1250/- PP

Highlights:

• Entrance ticket to Sea Life in Helsinki
• Spend the day exploring this popular attraction
• Enjoy fish feeding conducted every hour
• Family-Friendly activity

10. Café Ursula

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Founded in 1952, this popular café in Helsinki serves some of the best food in the city. Guest can enjoy a delicious salad buffet, sandwiches, soups, pastries, cakes and ice creams while enjoying great views of the city. You must include a visit to this popular café in your list of Things to do in Finland.

• Location: Helsinki, Finland

11. Sibelius Monument

This is 24 metric tonnes abstract monument built in the honour of famous Finnish composer. The monument was designed by Eila Hiltunen and became quite controversial during its first unveiling in 1967. The locals were bemused by the concept of abstract art back then; however, it has since become one the most important and popular attractions in the city. Make sure you include this on your list of things to do in Finland.

• Location: Helsinki, Finland
• Cost Per Person: Free
• Opening Hours: 24*7

12. Husky Rides

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Your list of things to do in Finland is incomplete without a day spent at the husky farms of Finland. At the farm you can spend the day sledging, feeding, grooming or simply cuddling these gorgeous Alaskan huskies.

• Location: Rovaniemi, Finland
• Duration: 1-2 Hours
• Cost Per Person: Varies as per the activity you choose

Highlights:

• Enjoy a thrilling sledge ride pulled by beautiful and friendly Alaskan Huskies
• Other activities at the Husky farm include grooming, feeding these gorgeous creatures

13. Silja Overnight Cruise

Enjoy an exciting overnight tour from Helsinki to Stockholm. This is a great way to cross between the countries if you are on a tour of the Scandinavian countries.

• Location: Cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki and Vis-a-Vie
• Duration: Overnight
• Cost Per Person: Approx. INR 10,000 (Different categories available)

Highlights:

• Enjoy onboard entertainment
• Duty-free shopping
• Enjoy delicious food prepared on board at one the sensations restaurants on the ship
• Enjoy breathtaking views of coastal Stockholm along the way

14. Tallinn Day Trip

Tallin is a charming old medieval town intact with small labyrinths like alleyways, colourful architecture and old-world charm. If you have a day to spare in Helsinki, make you include a day trip to Tallinn in your list of things to do in Finland. This is a great place to but some handmade souvenirs and antiques

• Location: Helsinki, Finland
• Duration: 11 Hours
• Cost Per Person: Approx. INR 14,000

Highlights:

• Family friendly
• Explore the streets of Tallinn via a guided walking tour
• To and from hotel transfers
• The tour includes a boat cruise around Tallin

15. Food Tour in Helsinki

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Your list of things to do in Finland is incomplete with a food tour of its capital city. The tour gives you experience the culinary heritage of the country. The tour takes you to the not too obvious but amazing food host spots that are only known to the locals. The tour gives you an insight into the culinary history and tradition of Finland, and of course, you get to eat delicious food.

• Location: Helsinki, Finland
• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost Per Person: Approx. INR 7800

16. Finland Live Music Experience

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If you are a fan of classical music, then this is must have experience in Finland. During this hour-long show, performers recreate some of the famous works of Jean Sebelius. The performances are truly divine, and you will be left mesmerised.

• Location: Helsinki, Finland
• Duration: 1 hour
• Cost Per Person: Approx. INR 3000

Highlights:

• An hour-long performance on the works of famous Finnish composer Jean Sebelius
• Performed at the Helsinki national hall which built in 1901

17. Day Trip to Turku

Another charming medieval Finnish town, Turku, makes for a great day trip from Helsinki.  Here you can visit the 13^th century Turku castle, among other popular attractions.

• Location: Helsinki, Finland
• Duration: 8 Hours
• Cost Per Person: Approx. INR 23,000

Highlights:

• Full Day Trip from Helsinki
• 2 Hour panoramic walking tour of Turku
• All entry tickets and fees included
• Enjoy a day strolling the cobbled streets of the city eating, shopping and taking in the sights

18. The Finnish Sauna Experience – One of the best things to do in Finland

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A Finnish Sauna Experience must be at the top of your list of things to do in Finland. There are numerous natural sauna’s in Finland, and you can enjoy a modern sauna experience or a traditional smoke sauna experience and end the day with a dip in the cool icy lakes.

• Location: Helsinki, Finland
• Duration: 3 Hours
• Cost Per Person: Approx. INR 10,0oo

Highlights:

• Enjoy an authentic experience much like the locals
• Experience both a modern and traditional sauna
• Bath towels provided on site
• To and from hotel transfers

19. Segway Tour in Helsinki

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Enjoy a fun Segway tour of the city and visit its beautiful parks, monuments, markets complete with your guide.

• Location: Helsinki, Finland
• Duration: 2 Hours
• Cost Per Person: Approx. INR 6000

Highlights:

• Tour conducted by a professional guide
• Segway and helmets provided
• Safety instruction is given at the beginning of the tour
• Fun and family-friendly activity

20. Half Day Tour of Porvoo

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Another famous medieval Finnish town aka Porvoo. The town is located near Helsinki, and you can visit here as a part of your city tour. We certainly recommend you include this last activity on your list of things to do in Finland

• Location: Helsinki, Finland
• Duration: 6 hours
• Cost Per Person: Approx. INR 14000

Highlights:

• Combined with the city tour of Helsinki
• Walking tour of Porvoo
• Hotel transfers
• Experienced tour guide

We thoroughly enjoyed curating this amazing list of things to do in Finland. We had a great time compiling these list of activities, tours and excursions and we assure you that you will have an even better and memorable time doing some of these fun activities.

Cleary you can do them all at once, but that means you are going to have to come back for more and let’s be real, we both know your first trip to Finland is hardly going to be your last.