Finland is a quaint little country that seems like created by God just for the ecstasy of our mind. The magical country at the northern part of Europe is bordered by Norway and Sweden. The Arctic Circle passes through it and hence the weather is generally freezing cold throughout the year with temperature dropping to about -40 degree Celsius during the winter months.

But unlike other American or European countries the Finns love to indulge with the season, especially winters with layers on. That is what the spirit of Finland is. This ethereal country is also said to be Santa’s official country where he is on his spiritual mission to bring love and joy for everyone. Dotted with dramatic picturesque fells, museums, freezing lakes, and frosty forests, a trip to Finland will fill your heart with natural warmth and intimacy. The lovely sunsets on pristine lakes, along with the allegoric Northern lights over snowy fells are one of the most miraculous sights you’ll ever see in your lifetime.

List of must see places in Finland

1. Santa Claus village: Located in Rovaniemi, in Lapland region of Finland, this was declared as the official home of Santa in 2019. Even the Rovaniemi airport welcomes you with the note reading, “welcome to Santa Claus’ city”! Situated in the northern most point of earth at the Arctic Circle. Being here, you’ll get to meet Santa every day and cross through the geographical landmark of the Arctic Circle, denoted by a white line right through Santa Claus’ village. It has a Santa Claus’ office where you can meet Santa in person and also send postcards to your family back home with love from Santa. Every day here is like a celebration and the snow adds to the beauty of the place. A must visit destination for every traveler exploring Finland.
2. Nuuksio National park: A 30 minutes drive from Helsinki will lead you to Nuuksio Natural Park. If you want to spend a day basking in natural glory this is your perfect spot. You can go hiking up the hiking trail, make fire and live in the wilds. You can relax here by simply enjoying the beautiful Finnish scenery around, breathing the fresh and calm air, fishing in the lakes and spotting the rare flying squirrel.
3. Levi: Levi is the ideal quaint little Santa town you’ve has always dreamt of. This picturesque location is best for skiing and reindeer sleigh rides, taking you back in time to shiny childhood days. You can also trek on Icelandic horses in Levi. A sight that shouldn’t be missed at any cost is the night time snow trekking, with the rapturous northern lights dazzling the sky above. This pictorial panorama will enrapture your senses and take your breath away.
4. Senate square Helsinki: This architectural allegory is a must visit for you to experience the cultural heritage of Finland. This building along with some other buildings like the government palace and Helsinki cathedral are some points of interest here to visit and enjoy the grandeur of Carl Ludvig Engel’s architectural marvel. Definitely, walk up the stairs which have been constructed so mystically that you’ll feel as if you are rising up a cliff and of course the sight above is worth the climb. You’ll see!
5. Temppeliaukio (Rock) church: This extraordinary marvel is the place to be if you love the combination of natural beauty and man-made wonders wedded together. This Lutheran church is build into a solid rock, and its construction began even before the world war and got completed in 1969. The gorgeous copper dome of the church is its striking features along with other wonderful décor inside. A visit to this church on a simple Sunday morning with the Finns will enchant you beyond doubts.
6. Ylläs: This charming little high fell in the Lapland region of Finland. Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi are its two quaint villages located on either side of the Yllas fell. At 718m Yllas is the highest fell in Finland renown for skiing, hiking and canoeing during summer seasons.
7. Linnanmaki: This is the largest amusement park in Finland. It is filled with joy rides. In total there are 43 rides in here. The place also boasts of a museum and sea life centre which is a must visit irrespective of your age.

Be it parks or museums or skiing, the Finns have it all in their country. One of the best places to take a vacation especially during the winters to enjoy Finnish style Christmas with mulled wine and admire the pictorial beauty of northern lights and magical sunsets on pristine lakes in frosty forests of Finland.

Happy Travelling!!

image source : touropia.com