Finland Travel Guide

Suomenlinna is a sea fortress spread over several islets off Helsinki, begun by Sweden in the 18th century to guard against imperial expansion and later enlarged by Russia — a UNESCO World Heritage site. Massive walls, batteries and tunnels link museums, homes and barracks; a short ferry ride feels like stepping into another era. Summer picnics on the grass and island walks, winter's snow on stone — both a historic site and Helsinki residents' favourite near-island retreat.

Sibelius Park is a pleasant city park in Helsinki—built for Finland's greatest composer, Jean Sibelius, and famed for its unique Sibelius Monument, a great place to honor Finland's musical soul and enjoy greenery and art. Jean Sibelius, Finland's greatest composer, expressed Finnish national feeling (his 'Finlandia' is a national symbol). Sibelius Park, built to honor him, is a green, pleasant park in the west by the sea. Its most famous feature is the Sibelius Monument—an abstract sculpture of about 600 silver metal pipes welded together like a giant organ (or abstract forest/waves), dynamic and rhythmic (said to evoke his music and Finnish nature); beside it stands a bust of Sibelius. This unique monument is a famous Helsinki photo spot. Exploring Sibelius Park and its monument is a spot full of art and nature.

Santa Claus Village is Rovaniemi's most famous, dreamy landmark—the 'Official Hometown of Santa Claus' on the Arctic Circle, where visitors (especially children) can meet Santa and experience an Arctic Christmas, a top Rovaniemi (and Finnish Lapland) sight. Rovaniemi, capital of Lapland, is hailed as the 'Official Hometown of Santa Claus.' Santa Claus Village sits on the Arctic Circle—a themed village full of Christmas and fairy-tale atmosphere. Inside, the highlight is meeting Santa in his office—posing and chatting with the red-suited, white-bearded Santa (a child's dream); there is also the famous Santa Claus Post Office, the Arctic Circle line, reindeer and husky sleds, Christmas shops, restaurants and a winter snow world. In winter, snow-blanketed, it is like a Christmas wonderland. The village is open year-round. Visiting Santa Claus Village and meeting Santa on the Arctic Circle is a dreamy, family-friendly experience.

The Arctic Circle marker in Rovaniemi, Finland, marks the official Arctic Circle in Lapland. The 66°33'N latitude passes through Santa Claus Village, with a white marker line, the ritual of crossing into the Arctic, plus Santa's office and post office — the core landmark of a Lapland Santa trip and the official "entering the Arctic Circle" photo spot. The marker is in Santa Claus Village ~8 km north of Rovaniemi — the 66°33'N line passes through. A white line on the ground lets visitors straddle it — the ritual of "entering the Arctic." Santa Claus Village is Lapland's most famous destination — Santa's office (photos), Santa's Post Office (Arctic-stamped postcards), SantaPark (underground theme park). In winter, snowmobiles, husky and reindeer sledding; in summer, the midnight sun. Rovaniemi, capital of official Lapland, is "Santa's hometown." Visiting to straddle 66°33'N and enter the Arctic Circle with Lapland's Santa atmosphere is a must-do photo pilgrimage in Finnish Lapland.

Helsinki Cathedral is Finland's capital's most famous, iconic landmark—a white, green-domed Neoclassical church atop Senate Square, outlining Helsinki's skyline, the undisputed symbol of the 'Daughter of the Baltic.' Built in the mid-19th century, a grand Neoclassical (Greek Revival) Lutheran church atop Senate Square, the most harmonious, classic cityscape. All white, with a tall portico of Corinthian columns and a great green central dome ringed by four smaller ones—the most iconic on the skyline. The white exterior against blue sky is very photogenic (especially in sun or at first light). Inside is plain, bright, solemn. The high steps and square are a popular gathering spot. Exploring Helsinki Cathedral and its white elegance is the top Helsinki landmark.

Turku Cathedral is Finland's most important, famous church and national shrine—a centuries-old Gothic cathedral in the old capital, mother church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, among Finland's most precious religious and historic buildings. Built from the 13th century, it is the foremost Lutheran church (cathedral of the Archbishop) and Finland's national shrine. A majestic, plain medieval (Gothic) brick cathedral, its tall tower is the old town's most conspicuous landmark. It has witnessed many major events (including fires, later restored) and buries many Finnish notables (bishops, generals, nobility, even a Swedish queen's consort), with a fine altar, chapels, stained glass and precious relics—solemn and ancient. As the national shrine, its tower bells even broadcast as a symbol of Finnish holidays. Exploring Turku Cathedral and its grand, ancient solemnity is a sight rich in history and faith.