Quirky accommodation rental Finland

Finland: Where 188,000 Lakes and Endless Forests Become Your Backyard

Imagine a country so vast and sparsely populated that nature practically begs you to lose yourself in it. Finland, tucked into the northern reaches of Europe, is a land of staggering contrasts: midnight sun in summer, dancing northern lights in winter, and an almost eerie sense of calm year-round. With a population of roughly 5.6 million spread across 338,000 square kilometres, Finland has one of the lowest population densities in Europe, averaging just 18 people per square kilometre. That means there is a lot of space for you and very few crowds to deal with. If you have been searching for the perfect destination to book a unique place to stay, Finland might just be the most rewarding choice you will ever make.

A Quick Lay of the Land

Finland sits between the 60th and 70th northern parallels, bordered by Sweden to the west, Norway to the north, Russia to the east, and the Baltic Sea to the south and southwest. About one-third of the country lies north of the Arctic Circle, which means the far north experiences the midnight sun in summer and polar nights in winter. The landscape is overwhelmingly flat, shaped by glaciers during the last Ice Age. Those glaciers left behind roughly 188,000 lakes and 179,000 islands. Approximately 70 to 75 percent of Finland is cloaked in boreal forest, making it the most densely forested country in Europe. Helsinki, the capital, is the second most northerly capital in the world after Reykjavik, yet it enjoys surprisingly mild temperatures thanks to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream and the Baltic Sea.

The Four Regions

Finland is broadly divided into four regions, each with its own distinct character:

• The Helsinki Region: urban sophistication blended with coastal charm.
• The Coast and Archipelago: home to the world's largest archipelago, with more than 50,000 islands dotting the Baltic Sea.
• Lakeland: the heart of the country, featuring the densest concentration of lakes and forests you can imagine.
• Lapland: the Arctic wilderness, where reindeer outnumber people and the Northern Lights put on regular performances from September through March.

Why Finland Deserves a Spot on Your Travel Wish List

The Happiest Country on Earth Wants to Share

Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world for eight consecutive years by the World Happiness Report. This is not just a statistic. It reflects a society built on trust, social support, and a profound connection with nature. As a visitor, you will feel that calm contentment in everything from the well-maintained trails and crystal-clear lakes to the genuine warmth of the people you encounter.

Everyman's Right: Nature Belongs to You

Finland has an extraordinary legal tradition called Everyman's Right (Jokamiehenoikeus). This gives anyone, regardless of nationality, the freedom to roam the countryside, forage for wild berries and mushrooms, swim in lakes, fish with a rod and line, and even pitch a tent temporarily in nature. The right extends to both public and private land, as long as you respect the environment and keep a reasonable distance from dwellings. This means the entire Finnish landscape essentially becomes your playground, free of charge, no permits needed. Few other countries in the world offer visitors this level of freedom in nature.

Four Seasons, Four Completely Different Holidays

Finland is not a one-season destination. Summer brings nearly 24-hour daylight, turning the country into a paradise for hiking, kayaking, and swimming in warm lakes. Autumn paints the forests in fiery reds and golds during a spectacular season the Finns call ruska. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland ideal for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and aurora hunting. Spring sees the snow melt and nature spring back to life with astonishing speed. Each season gives you a radically different reason to book a unique place to stay.

The World's Cleanest Air

According to the World Health Organisation, Finland has some of the cleanest air on the planet. The cleanest readings have been measured at Pallas in Lapland. Simply stepping outside and breathing deeply feels restorative in a way that is hard to describe until you experience it.

Finland Highlights You Probably Did Not Know About

Saunas Outnumber Cars

Finland has approximately 3.2 million saunas for a population of 5.6 million. That is more saunas than passenger cars in the country. Sauna culture is deeply woven into Finnish life. It is where families bond, friends gather, and even business deals get discussed. There is a sauna in the Finnish Parliament. During your stay, participating in a traditional sauna session followed by a dip in an icy lake or the sea is a rite of passage you should not skip.

Old Rauma and the Preserved Wooden Towns

Finland has remarkably well-preserved wooden towns that feel like living time capsules. Old Rauma, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the west coast, is one of the largest and best-preserved examples. The colourful wooden buildings of Old Porvoo, just an hour from Helsinki, are equally enchanting. These are places where the pace of life slows right down and history is tangible on every cobblestone.

The Sami: Europe's Only Indigenous People

In Lapland, the indigenous Sami people have maintained their culture, language, and traditions for thousands of years. Their story is one of resilience, and learning about their heritage adds a meaningful layer to any trip north. The Sami Cultural Centre Sajos in Inari is the cultural hub of the Finnish Sami community and offers a genuine window into their way of life, including authentic handicrafts and music.

A Thriving Design and Music Scene

Finland punches well above its weight in design and music. Helsinki's Design District is home to around 200 shops selling everything from iconic Marimekko fabrics to Iittala glassware and Fiskars design products. On the music front, Finland has one of the highest numbers of heavy metal bands per capita in the world, along with a rich classical tradition, and hosts excellent music festivals throughout the summer months.

The Archipelago Sea

Between the Finnish mainland and the Aland Islands lies the Archipelago Sea, containing tens of thousands of islands, many of them uninhabited. This is a region of old fishing traditions, bilingual culture, and maritime heritage. Cycling between islands on the Archipelago Trail, hopping ferries, and discovering lighthouses is one of Finland's best-kept secrets.

Five Things to Do in Finland That Are Not on Every Tourist List

1. Dig for your own amethyst in Lapland. In the Pyha-Luosto National Park, the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine sits on top of a fell and is believed to have formed around two billion years ago. Guided tours take you into a working mine where you can dig for your own amethyst and keep one that fits in your fist. It is a genuinely surprising experience in the middle of the Arctic wilderness.

2. Walk through Turku's medieval pilgrimage routes. The Way of Helena and the Way of Peter are modern pilgrim trails starting from Turku Cathedral, Finland's oldest city. The shorter route is about eight kilometres along the River Aura, while the longer one stretches 35 kilometres. They are not religious in nature but offer a wonderful way to connect with Finnish history and landscape on foot, by bike, or partly by kayak.

3. Go wolverine or brown bear watching in Wild Taiga. The remote northeast of Finland, near the Russian border, is one of the last places in Europe where you can observe wolverines and brown bears in their natural habitat. Wildlife hides let you spend hours or even overnight quietly watching these magnificent animals emerge at dusk. It requires patience, but the reward is extraordinary.

4. Experience the sauna gondola in Yllas. In the municipality of Kolari, a gondola sauna glides down the 718-metre Yllas fell while you sweat and take in panoramic Arctic views. It fits a maximum of four people per ride, making it one of the most unusual sauna experiences on the planet.

5. Forage for wild berries and mushrooms under Everyman's Right. In late summer and autumn, Finnish forests overflow with bilberries, lingonberries, cloudberries, and wild mushrooms. Under Everyman's Right, you are free to pick as much as you like for personal consumption. Many of these berries are not commonly available outside Northern Europe, so this is your chance to taste flavours you simply cannot get at home.

Practical Notes for Visitors

Getting There

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is Finland's main international gateway, with direct flights from major cities across Europe, the US, and Asia. From Helsinki, you can reach Lapland in about 90 minutes by domestic flight. Finnish trains are comfortable and affordable, with the rail network extending as far north as Kolari. Buses operated by Matkahuolto cover more remote areas not reached by train.

Currency and Language

Finland uses the Euro, which is convenient for visitors from the Eurozone and straightforward to exchange for those from the US, UK, or Australia. The official languages are Finnish and Swedish, but English is very widely spoken, especially among younger generations and in tourism areas. You will rarely have trouble communicating.

The Best Times to Visit

• For Northern Lights: September to March, with the best viewing in Lapland far from city lights.
• For the Midnight Sun: Late May to early August, especially above the Arctic Circle.
• For autumn colours (ruska): Mid-September to early October in Lapland.
• For berry foraging: Late July through September.
• For winter activities: December to March, when snow coverage is reliable.

Safety and Trust

Finland is one of the safest countries in the world and consistently ranks among the least corrupt. Nordic countries rank among the top places for expected and actual return of lost wallets. This culture of trust extends to every interaction, making Finland a remarkably stress-free destination.

A Country That Stays With You

Finland is not a destination that shouts for your attention. It whispers. It invites you to slow down, breathe clean air, soak in a sauna, wander through ancient forests, and rediscover what it feels like to be genuinely at peace. Whether you are after the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights, the endless daylight of a Lakeland summer, or the quiet thrill of spotting a wolverine in Wild Taiga, Finland delivers experiences that burrow deep into your memory. Book a unique place to stay in Finland and let this remarkable country surprise you in ways you never expected.