Name: Capitals of Scandinavia
Brand: Trafalgar
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Finland
Destination guide

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, you’ll connect to the real Finland in a way like no other. Venture to the far northern reaches of the earth and you’ll discover Finland’s extraordinary wilderness. Soaring forests flecked with blue lakes, national parks with bears and reindeer, and the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) dancing across the snowy landscape - Finland is simply magical. With a sub-zero winter and a short golden summer, this is a place to appreciate the seasons, and the Finns know how to enjoy life, whatever the weather. Visit Finland in the snowy months for skiing, sledding and relaxing in saunas, or feel the local joy in summer with annual festivals, lake cruises and endless midnight sunshine. Discover the impressive architecture and cuisine of Helsinki, and delve deeper with Trafalgar as we reveal artistic neighbourhoods, curious museums such as the National Museum of Finland, old markets with Finnish delicacies, and the Chapel of Silence, where you can truly get lost in the moment. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights.

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Railway Station In Helsinki, Capital Of Finland

Finland at a glance

Venture to the far northern reaches of the earth, and you’ll discover soaring forests flecked with blue lakes, national parks with bears and reindeer, and the Northern Lights dancing across the snowy landscape. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and discover the surreal magic of Finland.

Currency

Euro

Capital City

Helsinki

Winter avg temp

-6°C

Language

Finnish

Summer avg temp

17°C

Good morning

Hyvää huomenta

Time Zone

GMT+3

Good evening

Hyvää iltaa

"I love to take our guests into Finnish culture. It is like experiencing a completely different way of life, based on nature, beer and SAUNA!"

Xavier, Travel Director

See the modern marble façades of Finlandia Hall

Explore Finlandia Hall, a Nordic masterpiece designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. Located in central Helsinki, this concert venue is a monumental ode to nature and light, cloaked in gleaming strips of Carrara marble. Your Local Specialist might even let you in on the secret of its optical illusion.
Indulge in Helsinki's Market Hall for local flavours

As the oldest food market hall in Helsinki, Old Market Hall is brimming with old-time elegance and Finnish flavours. Established in 1889, the market has since been lovingly restored, and you can wander among the beautiful wooden stalls in search of traditional treats and local delicacies.
Enjoy a drink at Café Esplanad

Sweeten up your Finland trip with a visit to Café Esplanad, known for their giant cinnamon rolls (a Finnish pastry called Korvapuusti), that are freshly baked in the café. You’ll find a bubbling European atmosphere inside the store, or you can bask in the sunshine on the outdoor terrace.
Visit the Chapel of Silence

Take a moment for quiet reflection at the Chapel of Silence (also known as Kamppi Chapel). Located at the core of Helsinki, this small contemporary building inspires tranquility, with its curved wooden facade and a shielding interior. A peaceful retreat amidst the hubbub of the city, this is a magical place to pause and take a breath.
Stroll through Helsinki's Design District

Of all Helsinki attractions, the city’s Design District is one of the most alluring. Set in the centre of Helsinki, the district is a web of creativity covering over 25 streets and 200 buildings. Discover artistic boutiques, visit the Design Museum, one of the oldest museums in the world, and sample Finnish cuisine in the vibrant cafes.

Our top 5 things to do in Finland

In a city that’s famed for its architecture and cuisine, you can spend hours exploring Helsinki’s streets. Wander aromatic markets and sweeping boulevards as you sample sweet pastries. Here are our favourite activities when we’re out on a trip, and our guests love them too.

Helsinki
Mannerheim Museum

Located in an impressive residential area in Helsinki, the Mannerheim Museum was established to preserve and showcase items from the life and times of Baron Gustaf Mannerheim, a famous president of Finland. The museum is located in the former home of Mannerheim, who lived there from from 1924 to 1951.
Helsinki
Seurasaari Island & Open Air Museum

Discover traditional Finnish rural life in the beautiful countryside at the Seurasaari Island & Open Air Museum. Located on an island just a few kilometres from Helsinki, you’ll find cottages, cabins, farmsteads and manors from the past four centuries. The buildings feature original furniture and dress that have been brought in from all over the country.
Helsinki
Luonnontieteellinen Museo

Housed in a former cadet school built in 1913, the Luonnontieteellinen Museo (Natural History Museum of Helsinki) contains a variety of zoological collections including skeletons, prehistoric remains and taxidermied animals. You’ll find an incredible taxidermied African elephant, a moose statue and an exhibition of Finnish nature.

Best museums in Finland

Every trip to Finland offers the chance to explore its intriguing museums. Discover the life of Baron Mannerheim, see a taxidermied African elephant, or roam the countryside in an open-air museum.

Lohikeitto

A traditional Finnish specialty, Lohikeitto is a delicious creamy soup made with chunks of salmon, leeks, boiled potatoes, topped with a sprinkling of dill. Simple and hearty, this well-loved dish is the perfect way to warm up your Finland tour.
Fried Baltic Herring

Found only in the Baltic sea, Baltic herring is one of the most popular fish species eaten in Finland. You can try it smoked, salted, pickled or baked, and it’s delicious when fried - doused in a creamy batter and fried in butter until crispy.
Karelian Pasty

Karelian pasties or pies are among the best-loved traditional Finnish dishes. Handmade with a thin rye crust, they are commonly filled with rice and carrots or mashed potatoes, and spread with an egg butter before eating them hot out of the oven.

Best food in Finland

Finnish cuisine is a highlight of all of our Finland travel experiences, with creamy soups, dark rye breads, buttery pastries, and plenty of fish like smoked salmon and fried herring.

What to pack for Finland

Water and windproof clothes

Protect yourself from Finland’s unpredictable weather with water and windproof clothes and a scarf - the Finns wear scarves all year round, so you’ll fit in with the locals.

Comfortable shoes

Whether you’re walking the streets of Helsinki or exploring forest trails, you’ll need a comfortable pair of shoes. If you’re visiting in winter, waterproof shoes are best for the snow.

Sunglasses

An essential item all year round, sunglasses will protect your eyes from the bright Midnight Sun in summer, and the glaring snow in winter.

Camera

Finland is a photographer’s dream, from the city architecture to the Northern Lights. Remember to pack a waterproof bag for your equipment and bring extra batteries as they die faster in cold weather.

An adaptor plug

Voltage in Finland is 220V and the sockets are of Type C or F, with standard European 2-pin plugs.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

Our Europe & Britain destinations

France

Portugal

Ireland

Croatia

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Other worldwide regions we visit