Best things to do in Finland during winter

If you haven’t got a clue what to do in a cool Nordic country like Finland during the winter months, do not worry. We collected a few ideas to get you started.

There’s no need to be afraid of the cold. Dress according to the weather and layer up, so that you feel comfortable outdoors enjoying the crisp, fresh air. If you're still feeling cold, we suggest a simple Finnish solution – get your blood circulating again in the nearest sauna.

The chill weather also makes many winter activities possible. Go skiing in picturesque crown-snow forests, enjoy the atmosphere in an urban ice skate rink, or hunt for a glimpse of the Northern Lights on the saddle of a fat e-bike. If you need equipment, there are many places around the country that rent gear for outdoor activities, especially near ski resorts.

The best place to experience the Northern Lights in their most vivid form is in the north of Finland, where the season lasts for months, starting in September and continuing until spring.  If the sky is cloudless, the lights statistically appear in Lapland almost every other night. If you are lucky, you can catch a glimpse of the phenomenon in the southern parts of the country as well.

Book yourself a tour to see the auroras or hunt them on your own. Find out where to find the Northern Lights and how to prepare for the quest. 

You’ll find plenty of places to stay overnight in Finland’s arctic landscape. Depending on your wish list and budget, the accommodation options range from sensible to extravagant.

If you are looking for more rustic accommodation, warm and cosy log cabins are available all over the country.

If you are searching for something extra special, check out these unique glass cabins. There you can admire the starry night skies, even the Northern Lights, from the comfort of your bed.

Looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience? We’ve got you covered. Check out these bucket-list snow hotels in Northern Finland. 

If you love winter sports, Finland is sure to deliver. The season up north is long and there are lots of ski resorts around the country, especially in the Lapland and Lakeland regions.

Never tried skiing of any kind? No problem. As Finland’s a relatively flat country, many slopes are suitable for beginners. All gear can be rented, and the ski resorts offer private and small group lessons to get started.

Another accessible option is cross-country skiing. As long as there’s snow on the ground, you’ll find well-maintained ski trails in every corner of the country – from Helsinki to Utsjoki.

Husky and reindeer rides are probably the most fun and memorable ways to explore the arctic landscape. And whilst there are plenty of joyful things to do in wintery Lapland, the rides – without a doubt – make it to the bucket-list category.

Reindeer are semi-domesticated, so you will likely spot one or more roaming near roads or dwellings during your visit to Lapland. Reindeer rides are in fact an ancient Sámi way of getting around. For a reindeer test ride, head to farms as they often arrange short sleigh outings on-site. There are also longer reindeer safaris available if you want to go for the full experience.

If you are more of a dog person and thus interested in husky tours, take a look at some of Lapland's Sustainable Travel Finland certified husky companies, like Hetta Huskies and Bearhill Husky.

Another enjoyable seasonal activity is ice skating. Experience this fantastic winter sport either in the comfort of a city – even in downtown Helsinki – or opt for the real deal on natural ice.

Ice skating in an urban rink is a great pastime but gliding in nature’s open landscapes is one adventure to remember. Once the layer of ice is thick enough – meaning it's safe to skate – Finns head to the outdoor tracks of the seashores and lakes. An excellent place to learn and practice your skating skills on natural ice is the region of Lakeland with its tens of thousands of lakes.

The crown-snowed landscapes can also be explored on land. Snowshoeing or fat e-biking are both accessible and give you a brand-new perspective on the wintry forests and fells. Most ski resorts have marked easy-to-follow snowshoe and bike routes, but alternatively, you can also hire a guide or partake in a guided tour.

Hot tip! Try the sliding snowshoe (liukulumikenkä), the Finnish invention which makes moving around in the deep snow easier.

As you may be aware, Santa Claus comes from Lapland and Rovaniemi is his official hometown. Get in the Christmas state of mind by meeting and greeting him there any day of the year. Rovaniemi offers many Christmassy experiences year-round.

If you are visiting during November and December, there are also idyllic Christmas markets around the country. Enjoy the jolly atmosphere, buy a pair of handmade mittens and drink ‘glögi’ – a traditional warm, spiced cup of mulled wine from the Nordics.

A sauna is certainly a must for any visit to Finland year-round. Public saunas are widely available around the country, often with access to water. Challenge yourself to the full Finnish experience by taking a refreshing dip in icy water followed by a steaming sauna session. The instant hit of endorphins and adrenaline will make you understand why so many Finns get hooked to bathing in freezing cold water every winter. Helsinki – the capital by the Baltic Sea – has plenty of options for experiencing a sauna together with winter swimming.