Finland Is Calling: A Dreamy Escape with Northern Lights, Santa’s Village & Fairytale Scenery
If your soul is craving stillness, unspoiled nature, and the kind of scenery you’d expect to see in a fantasy novel, it’s time to stop dreaming and start planning a trip to Finland.
This magical Nordic country has everything you could want in an escape — peace, purity, and postcard-perfect views — plus a few things you probably didn’t expect, like meeting Santa Claus in real life and chasing the Northern Lights under Arctic skies. Trust me, Finland is more than just a destination. It’s a feeling.
Why Finland Should Be at the Top of Your Travel List
Ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world (again and again), Finland is tucked away in Northern Europe, part of the Nordic region. It’s known for its quiet beauty, high quality of life, and landscapes that make you stop and stare.
With a population of only around 5.5 million, everything here feels refreshingly uncrowded. Whether you’re wandering through Helsinki, going off-grid in Lapland, or soaking in the culture in small towns, you’ll feel safe, welcome, and completely at peace.
The weather? Cold, yes — but in the best possible way. Summers are crisp and comfortable (10–15°C), perfect for city strolls and lake hopping. Winters, on the other hand, turn the whole country into a snowy wonderland, where every snowflake feels like it’s falling just for you.
Finland’s Must-Visit Places (Trust Me, You’ll Want to See Them All)
Helsinki & Senate Square
Start your journey in the capital city, where Senate Square sets the tone with its stunning neoclassical architecture. The white-domed Helsinki Cathedral is the crown jewel here — it’s one of those places that looks just as good in real life as it does on Instagram.
Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi
Yes, Santa is real — and he lives in Rovaniemi, right on the Arctic Circle. His village is open year-round, and whether you’re mailing a letter from Santa’s post office or browsing snowy Christmas shops in July, it’s pure magic.
Snow Experience 365
No snow? No problem. At Snow Experience 365, you can sled, slide, and snowball-fight in sub-zero temperatures any time of year. It’s indoor, icy, and ideal for families or anyone wanting that winter thrill without the seasonal wait.
Arktikum Museum
This isn’t your average museum. Arktikum in Rovaniemi is a deep dive into the Arctic lifestyle — think immersive exhibits, glowing Northern Lights tunnels, and stories of the region’s indigenous Sámi culture. Beautiful and brainy.
Uspenski Cathedral
A red-brick beauty with golden onion domes, Uspenski Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. It’s a visual standout in Helsinki and well worth the climb for panoramic city views.
Stockmann Department Store
Time for a shopping break? Stockmann is Finland’s answer to Harrods — massive, elegant, and full of fashion, Finnish design, beauty products, and top-tier souvenirs.
Kauppatori Market Square
Fresh seafood, warm coffee, and handmade crafts? Yes, please. This lively waterfront market is a Helsinki staple and the perfect place to pick up a smoked salmon sandwich and watch the boats go by.
Esplanadi Park
This elegant green promenade in central Helsinki is the city’s favorite place to wander, relax, or just people-watch. In summer, live music and food stalls bring the whole park to life.
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
Just a short ferry ride from Helsinki, Suomenlinna is a historic sea fortress spread across six linked islands. With coastal trails and cannons overlooking the Baltic, it’s equal parts scenic and storybook.
Levi – Lapland’s Winter Playground
If you’re serious about skiing, snowmobiling, or Northern Lights hunting, head to Levi in Finnish Lapland. It’s quiet, cozy, and filled with glass-roof cabins that let you lie in bed and watch the sky dance above you. Honestly, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
So, Why Visit Finland?
Because Finland isn’t just a trip — it’s a reset button. The kind of place where time slows down, the air feels cleaner, and you remember what it’s like to feel really present. Whether you’re solo, with your partner, or bringing the whole family, Finland offers a calm, quiet kind of magic that stays with you long after you leave.
From wild forests to icy adventures, from Northern Lights to midnight sun, Finland is where wanderlust meets wonder. You’ll arrive as a visitor — and leave with a new favorite place on Earth.
Source: Wikipedia, Visit Finland, Britannica, Tripadvisor
Image: Rovaniemi, Visit Finland, Tripadvisor, Wikipedia, Arktikum, hos.fi
Written by Amy Sukkasem