Finland is already an attractive holiday destination due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle. Here, the sun doesn’t set for months at a time during the summer. In winter, however, the country is shrouded in darkness for weeks and months on end. However, even during this time, countless flights are booked to Finland due to the high chance of visitors catching a glimpse of that awe-inspiring spectacle: the Northern Lights. This jaw-dropping sight is particularly common in the northern reaches of the country, but in the south, even as far south as Helsinki, tourists stand a good chance of catching a glimpse of this natural wonder.
From here, regular buses run direct into the city centre so that departures and arrivals are a breeze. Looking forward to planning your trip? Don’t delay, book your flights to Finland the easy way with SunExpress!
If you want to experience a break in a destination almost untouched by civilisation, then Lapland should be at the top of every wish list. In this magical region, more than 200,000 reindeer run free, so you can bet on a meeting with these majestic animals during any visit. The Finnish part of Lapland can be explored by foot during the winter months, while those looking for a more comfortable way to explore the region can hitch a ride with sleigh dogs or an engine-powered sled. Even outside of the winter months, the Lapland region has plenty to offer. In the summer months, the region stays bright around the clock, with no sunsets hindering your views of this beautiful corner of the world. The midnight sun also provides ideal conditions to explore Lapland’s endless expanses and unique attractions. The Finns are a welcoming people, with a host of cultural events and festivities happening throughout the year. In Lapland, winter sports are the norm and the region offers fantastic downhill skiing opportunities – perfect for newcomers to the sport looking for a memorable introduction. The best time for a winter holiday is from February to April, although the area is a must-visit destination in whatever month you’re planning on visiting. The airports of Oulu and Ivalo offer convenient connections to the hotspots in this region. The airport of Ivalo is the northernmost in the country, making it an ideal destination for tourists looking for a stellar view of the Northern Lights.
The Finnish Lakeland consists of some 1,000 lakes, many of which contain their own small islands, rivers and canals. This inspiring region is populated by mountainous terrain and dense forests, making it the perfect place to holiday for nature lovers. If you wish to explore this region by boat, the best time to visit is from June to August. In these months, the weather is at its warmest, with temperatures averaging around 20 degrees Celsius, with balmy water temperatures to match. Those passionate about skating and sleigh rides are best served by the winter months, however, when the ice on the lakes forms a thick layer. In this region, visitors can rent one of many holiday homes with premium lakeside views, serving as the perfect place to relax, unwind and forget the hassles of everyday life. If you’re looking for something more cosmopolitan, schedule in a visit to the city of Tampere, located between two lakes and teeming with cultural attractions and festivities. What’s more, making your base here puts you in a prime location for venturing out on all manner of outdoor adventures and excursions.
In addition to the unspoilt stretches of natural landscapes, Finland is also home to some of the most beautiful cities in Europe. One such city, Turku, was awarded the European Capital of Culture in 2011. This medieval town boasts meandering cobblestone streets with its own historic cathedral and castle. Visitors also have the chance to arrange all manner of excursions from here, with many sailing boats moored in its harbours. From here, many boat trips depart to explore the extensive archipelago in the area. The best destination for a city trip is Helsinki on the east coast, with plenty of sights and attractions easily explored by foot. Helsinki offers plenty in the way of nightlife, with dozens of clubs and bars in the city centre that welcome visitors from every corner of the globe. If you need to relax, take the ferry to one of the more remote islands, or visit the lake fortress of Suomenlinna. The national parks of Nuuksio and Sipoonkorpi are also located nearby. Helsinki Airport (HEL) is located in the city of Vantaa, about 15km away from Helsinki itself, and serves as the main gateway for visitors to Finland.