Overview
Finland is one of the most Northern and geographically remote countries in the world. This Nordic country has an extremely harsh climate, and is the most densely forested country in Europe. In summer, experience the midnight sun, lake cruises and music festivals as locals lap up every ray of sunshine outdoors. In the winter months, enjoy skiing, stay in an ice hotel, go on an ice fishing safari, and see the incredible aurora borealis. You’re also spoilt for choice with over 40 exquisite national parks to visit.
Consulting a comprehensive finland travel guide will help you map out the perfect seasonal itinerary across these stunning regions.
Urho Kekkonen National Park is the second oldest national park in Finland, and is known as the home of Father Christmas. This exquisite park is bisected by the Suomujoki river, and is laced with gorges and old pine forests. Here visitors can spot the famous golden eagle, as well as reindeer, moose, hares and foxes. Visitors may also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a bear, wolverine, wolf or lynx during their stay. In fact, booking a professional tour for brown bears watching Finland near the eastern border regions offers an incredible chance to see these apex predators up close.
Urho Kekkonenis is the perfect destination for hiking, trekking or skiing. During the winter months, experience snow-capped landscapes and the magnificent aurora borealis, and during summer, the eerie but beautiful midnight sun is a sight not to be missed. Whether your priorities focus on winter sports or summer hiking, discovering the diverse things to do in Finland keeps travelers returning year after year. Exploring the vast network of spectacular national parks in Finland ensures an authentic dive into Europe’s last great wilderness.
A classically Finnish park, Nuuksio National Park lies just 45 minutes outside of Helsinki, and is the perfect park for a day trip. This scenic area boasts lush green forests, sprawling lakes and rugged crags. During winter the park is covered in thick snow, attracting skiers and hikers. In summer the area is ideal for bathing, swimming and picnicking, as well as camping safaris. When visiting this park, be sure to keep an eye out for the endangered Siberian flying squirrel and the wood lark.
The Archipelago Sea, off Southwestern Finland, has more islands than any other archipelago in the world. This massive archipelago, made of over 2000 islands, is rich in culture and biodiversity. Visitors to the Archipelago National Park can live like a local in a modest country cottage, or stay in a hotel, depending on their preference. A major draw to the area is the abundance of watersports, including canoeing, sailing and even skiing on the frozen sea. In this region visitors can spot the white-tailed eagle, Baltic ringed seal, and the grey seal, as well as over 130 bird species.
In Eastern Finland, close to the Russian border, the region of Kuhmo with its ancient taiga forest is home to brown bears and other wildlife such as lynx, wolverine, wolves and owls. During the summer months, the stunning nature and lakes are the backdrop for a range of outdoor activities such as kaykaing, swimming, fishing, boating and walking.
FAQ - Safari in Finland
Finland offers unforgettable outdoor experiences, from hiking in remote forests to spotting wildlife in pristine habitats. Visitors also enjoy lake cruises, skiing, northern lights tours and exploring scenic national parks year-round.
Urho Kekkonen, Nuuksio and Archipelago National Park are among the best national parks in Finland for wildlife enthusiasts. Travellers may spot bears, moose, eagles, seals and rare birds in protected natural areas.
The best time to see the aurora borealis in Finland is between September and March. Northern regions such as Lapland offer dark skies, snowy landscapes and excellent opportunities for winter activities and photography.
Yes, Finland is one of Europe’s top destinations for brown bear watching. Areas near Kuhmo in Eastern Finland provide guided wildlife experiences where visitors may safely observe bears in their natural forest habitat.
Finland is ideal for outdoor travellers seeking hiking, skiing, canoeing and wildlife experiences. The country’s vast forests, lakes and Arctic landscapes create year-round adventure opportunities for couples and families alike.
Finland’s national parks are home to reindeer, moose, lynx, wolves, wolverines and hundreds of bird species. Depending on the season and location, visitors may also spot bears, seals and golden eagles.
Many Finland wildlife tours are family-friendly and suitable for travellers seeking safe nature experiences. Guided excursions, easy hiking trails and outdoor activities make Finland enjoyable for visitors of all ages.