visit finland in june

Journey of a Nomadic Family

Finland in summer. authentically finnish itinerary suggestions.

You’re looking for the best places to travel in June, July & August and you think you’re interested in a summer holiday to Finland? But with over 40 national parks and half a million islands, where in Finland should you go? We try to found out with this post where we asked other people to tell us about their best ‘off the beaten track holiday’ Finland in summer experience.

Table of Contents

What To Expect From Holidays To Finland In Summer?

Midsummer is a national holiday in Finland and it’s a big deal. Midsummer is seen as the beginning of warmer weather and the start of the summer holidays. Midsummer in Finland takes places in the third week of June (around the 20th) and celebrates the solstice; the longest day of the year.  There are lots of festivities to celebrate around midsummer too. Finland has more than 20 annual music festivals with most taking place in idyllic lakeside towns. See here for more rock festivals.

There are no northern lights (aurora borealis) in Finland in summer months and that’s because of the near-endless summer with almost full sun and white nights. For two months northern Finland experiences ‘The Land of the Midnight Sun’ whilst in the southern parts of Finland it is never really dark either, just a period of twilight for a few hours. This is why Finland is a perfect summertime destination; you can just achieve so much more!

The Weather In Finland In Summer

Finland in summer is never going to be tropical but it’s also not as cold as other Scandinavian countries. Between June and August, the weather in Finland reaches between 15°C to 32°C giving you around 100 days of sunshine.

So, if you’re looking for the best place to holiday in June, July or August, we think Finland in summer sounds perfect.

15 Bucket List Things To Do On A Summer Holiday To Finland

• Visit a lighthouse island:  Where there are islands, there are lighthouses and some you can rent, sleep in and eat in . Bengtskär on the west coast is the tallest lighthouse in the Nordic countries. Söderskär lighthouse is a must-see. It is possible to visit Söderskär by boat from Helsinki. The journey takes just over an hour and the visit itself is for two hours. Just enough to climb the lighthouse and have a cup of coffee in the little lighthouse keeper’s cottage next to it. Carry on reading for Josh’s tip on visiting The Kvarken Archipelago. 
• Go see the old wooden town:  Many of Finland’s original towns were built 300 years ago from wood. No surprise as 70% of Finland is forest. The Helsinki districts of Käpylä and Vallila showcase such olden buildings, as does Old Porvoo , an hour from Helsinki, but so do Rauma in the west and Loviisa in the south
• Finland has 7 UNESCO sites: Six of these are cultural and one is natural. The most well known is the fortress & dungeon island of Suomenlinna but the others are the Bronze Age Burial Site of Sammallahdenmäki, old Rauma the wooden village, Petäjävesi Old Church, Struve Geodetic Arc, Verla Groundwood and Board Mil
• Wild camping in a National Park: There are 40 national parks in Finland, scattered around the country’s archipelago, lakes, forests and fells.  Finland’s “Everyman’s rights” mean that you can venture just about anywhere in the parks as long as you respect the nature and clean after yourself. Hossa National park features the Varikallio rock paintings where you can also canoe, paddleboard & swim in rivers but carry on reading for Katalin’s tips on Wild camping and hiking in Koli National Park.
• Pick wild forest berries & mushrooms: Finland has its own unique berries; bilberries; cloudberries and lingonberries are immensely healthy and free to pick between July & September. Due to  ‘Everyman’s Rights’, you can pick anything you want so long as you don’t destroy the habitat and leave enough for others.
• Sweat it out in a sauna: Finns go mad for their saunas and with over 3,000,000 saunas in Finland alone you’d be crazy not to visit one. With 188,000 lakes, many Finns combine the simple pleasure of saunas with lakeside dips and why not as many of them have log cabins sat over the water.
• Stay in a lakeside cottage: 188,000 lakes means there’s a lot of lakeside cottages in Finland giving you the chance to truly be in the middle of nature.
• Ride a steamship cruiser:  There are currently 80–90 functional steamships in Finland . Most are privately owned and most steamships are located in Lake Saimaa, Lake Päijänne and Lake Näsijärvi. The most northern place to experience ‘steam magic’ is Lake Oulujärvi, 550 km north of Helsinki. Find some more info here. 
• Sleep in a tree-house in the middle of a forest: I previously wrote about Glass Igloos in Finland but you can also stay in a treehouse too. If moss blanketed, forest floors and scenes from Brother’s Grimm tales are your thing, then you’ll love Forest Villages. The Forest Village can be found in Storfinnhova Gård, on Kemiö Island
• Gorge yourself at the Fazer chocolate factory:  Is there anything better than chocolate? Finland’s Karl Fazer is part of the Finnish cultural heritage and dates back to 1922. Decorated with distinctive blue and gold colourings, I’m surprised it isn’t more popular. They also offer healthy gum, liquorice tastings and sourdough.
• Dig for amethysts: The village of Luosto is home to the unique Amethyst Mine where deposits of semi-precious gems formed over 20 million years.  You can even dig for your precious stones here.
• Hunt for endangered seals: Take a boat through  Linnansaari National Park and search for the Saimaa ringed seal. You can try and spot one of these mysterious creatures and learn more about their environment and life.
• Fat bike through a forest: Ride through mesmerising forests on a mountain bike with fat tyres.  Either hire one yourself or sign up for a tour and ride through Finland’s nature.
• Take a tandem paraglide: Visit Hyvinkää and take a tandem paraglide. You can see how hawks feel as they glide high above the skies, looking down below.
• Travel to Estonia: You can take a return ferry to Tallinn in one day. Most Finns do this for a cheap booze run but the Old Town of Tallinn is  gorgeous.

Top Things To Do In Finland

Visit vaasa – the town given chartership in the 1600s.

One of the things I love to do when travelling is picking locations that aren’t listed in every guidebook. This way you get to experience a country more like a local. See what real life is like in a country instead of just checking out the touristy highlights.

Vaasa is a perfect destination for that. Vaasa is a laid back university town located a five-hour drive north-west of Helsinki.

A direct train from Helsinki gets you here in roughly four hours, but you can also fly into Vaasa or combine it with a visit to Sweden and take the ferry from Umea to Vaasa.  If you visit Vaasa in summer, you’ll have a great time enjoying the outdoors, drinks on terraces and attending a few outdoor events.

I would recommend staying in Vaasa for at least three days. Because although it isn’t a big city,  there’s enough to do in and around Vaasa to keep yourself entertained for a few days. Explore the centre with its shops, cafes, restaurants and a mix of new and historic buildings. Check out Onkilahti Park for some greenery and lovely views.

Vaasa also has nine public beaches to enjoy and all the water that surrounds the city is great for paddleboarding, kayaking or jet skiing. The city is surrounded by beautiful nature so don’t miss out on that and check out some of the great hikes in the area.

And of course, you can’t visit Finland without trying a Finnish sauna. A cottage by the sea would be my choice, but many hotels and Airbnbs offer saunas for you to use and Vaasa even has a Floating Sauna! Lastly, if you are travelling with kids, check out Waterpark Tropiclandia. That will surely keep you and the kids entertained for a day!

Vaasa feels young and trendy because of the universities but at the same time, it has a very relaxed and clean vibe. Spending a few days in Vaasa will show you what life in Finland is like and I’m sure it will help you fall in love with this beautiful country!

Written by Sanne from Spend Life Traveling. See more from Sanne on Facebook. 

Stay Near Vaasa

Take A Ferry To The Kvarken Archipelago

Countless islands, small beaches, hiking trails, an unlimited source of wild blueberries, and long endless nights. Not an image you would always associate with Finland. This is the summer lifestyle on Finland’s Kvarken Archipelago and some of the reasons it is one of my twelve most beautiful places to visit in Finland

Unless you are from Sweden, you’ve probably never heard of the Kvarken Archipelago. The world has done a good job of keeping it a secret until now. This beautiful collection of islands is located midway up the west coast of Finland, in the Gulf of Bothnia that separates Finland from Sweden.

Listed as one of Finland’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, the archipelago is home to numerous historical fishing villages such as Svedjehamn. Here you will find rows of small wooden boathouses, some converted into secluded Airbnb holiday rentals, and local stores where you can get a tasty bowl of Salmon soup for breakfast or rent a bicycle to explore where cars can’t go. There is also one very unique natural occurrence across the region. The islands are actually are rising out of the water year on year.

The best way for most visitors to reach the Kvarken Archipelago is to drive. We suggest including it as a stop on a Finland road trip. While there are daily train and bus services to Vaasa, the nearest major city on the mainland, public transport is otherwise quite limited to the archipelago.

Once on the islands, you can explore most areas by foot, bicycle, or car. More remote parts can be reached by kayak or rowboat. It is best to allow about 3 days to properly explore and appreciate the region. We recommend staying waterside if possible as the late-night summer sunsets are truly amazing and will be one of your most memorable experiences in Finland.

Written by Josh from The Lost Passport. See more from Josh on Facebook.

Where Could You Stay On The Kvarken Archipelago

Josh from The Lost Passport

Wild Camp And Hike In The Koli National Park

The Koli National Park is the most popular national park in Eastern Finland . We used to live for about a decade in a nearby city, Joensuu, which meant that we were quite frequent visitors to the park as it was only an hour away.

One time we walked from Joensuu to Koli, while other times we took a bus, drove by car or hitchhiked and explored different parts of the park and slept in the free wilderness huts, and hiked in between them. While the park is trendy during the winter, you can do several fun hikes in summer too, not to mention picking and eating blueberries.

If you would like to see the highlight of the park, the view of Pielinen lake from the top of Ukko Koli, you can easily do it in one day, as it is less than a kilometre from the headquarter. For more adventurous people, I highly recommend hiking the Herajärvi trails (40 or 60 km), which you can complete in one day, or divide it to 2-4 days and sleep in the shelters or your tent on the way. In case you want to overnight in summer, make sure you have a decent sleeping bag and mosquito repellent as summer is the favourite season for the little insects too.

You can start the loops either near Ukko Koli or at Eteläpää, at the southern end of the park. If you start it in the north, clockwise, you first walk on the top of the hills along the lake, and then some other adventurous parts come as you descend. For example, you need to cross the River Herajoki and cross Herajarvi by a self-pulled ferry at Sikosalmi. Later, you will walk along with more forests and mires before returning to the starting point in the north.

Written by Katlin from Our Life Our Travel. See more from Katalin on Instagram. 

Book Your Stay Near Koli

Get Cheap Flights to Finland

If you’re interested in seeing how we book cheap flights, you can read our g uide on how to search for cheap flights. Alternatively, read our guide on finding cheap accommodation and what to pack to keep your bags light. 

To look for flights to Finland, click this link

Other things to do in Finland

Explore pallas-yllästunturi national park with an rv.

Hiking in the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is one of our favourite summer activities in Lapland as there is over 300 km of summer hiking trails. You can walk the 55 km trail path Hetta to Pallas as we once did, or just visit different locations near the border of the park and hike from there. From late May till the end of July, the sun doesn’t set, and you can enjoy the brightness all day and night long, and if you have a little luck, you will encounter reindeer and other local wildlife.

The national park has two main areas: the southern one around Ylläs and the northern one is around Pallas. Both locations got their names from the nearby fells where in wintertime ski slopes open, while in summer, there are numerous hiking and biking trails, several of them suitable for short, one-day hikes too.

Since we have a family, we often visit the park by RV, park in one place for a couple of days and hike nearby. Besides the above mentioned two locations, Pallas and Ylläs, our other favourite stopping place is Akäslompolo, where you can walk to a nearby lake and the fells, with the shortest loop trails of 6-8 kilometres. It is a very usual distance for the smallest nature trails in all areas.

You can easily stay 2-3 nights at each spot, and choose different day hikes, or move to the next parking place after each night if you have less time to relax under the midnight sun. It is quite time-consuming to drive around, but we can recommend you to do it. There aren’t many gas stations or shops, only in the bigger settlements, so make sure you have enough freshwater, gas and fuel before driving to a more remote location.

Written by Katalin from Amazing Lapland. You can see more from Katalin on Facebook.

Book Your Stay Near The Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park

Stay In Ylläs In Finnish Lapland

Ylläs in Finnish Lapland is a paradise for any outdoor enthusiast and a perfect destination to enjoy the endless days of Lappish summer.

Located 170 km north of the Arctic Circle, Yllas has the cleanest air in the world (2016) and the seven fells that surround the villages here give it a unique character.  Due to the fells, the area is great for hiking and biking and the challenging Ylläs-Levi mountain bike trail is popular with local bikers.  Ylläs has a large number of lakes, rivers, ponds and creeks which provide a brilliant opportunity to canoe & kayak whilst watching out for reindeer resting by the lakesides.

The small town of Kolari, nestled in the Tornio River Valley is close by and has a rich history. Check out the 200-year-old church on Kolarisaari island, or take a scenic hike on the Lukkarinvainio Natural Trail (3.5 km), birdwatchers will love the Teuravuoma-Kivijärvenvuoma Protected Mire. Considered one of the best birdwatching sites in the whole of Finland, this area features duckboards, lean-tos, campfire sites and observation towers.

Stay Nearby Ylass

Hire A Car In Finland And Self-Drive

Head To The Reserves Of Kuusamo

The centre of Kuusamo is located approximately 60 km (37 miles) south of the Arctic Circle where the population density is 2.2 people per km2! This leaves a lot of untouched wilderness to explore.

In the summer, the region of Kuusamo (which is surrounded by three national parks; Oulanka, Riisitunturi and Hossa) is famed for its greenery and remains a haven for wildlife where you’ll find the Saimaa ringed seal, the flying squirrel, brown bear, wolf, wolverine, lynx, the golden eagle and white-tailed eagle.

Bear watching sites are located near the Russian border in the Eastern Kuusamo. You stay even overnight in a hut. Bear watching trips are organized in Kuusamo by Ruka Safaris ,  Karhutupa   and   Karhu-Kuusamo between June-August.

Perfect for hiking, biking on the ski slopes and water-based activities on the rivers.  Kuusamo has  799 km² of water which attracts swimmers, paddlers, SUP boarders, canoers, rafters and floaters! You can don a warm floating suit where rapids will carry you down streams.  The white rivers of Kuusamo roar loudly in the summer with white, foam crested waves perfect for white-water rafting.

The Ruka sled track , close by, is a 1km run where you descend the mountain on a toboggan at speeds of up to 60km/h but yoga is also a big thing in Kuusamo. There’s hot yoga, after-ski yoga and Saunayoga.

Relax In Riverside Oulu

Oulu is a charming little city on the north-west coast of Finland. It sits on the mouth of the Oulujoki River where it meets the Bay of Bothnia and it’s immensely bike-friendly with the most extensive cycle network in Finland.

Its waterfront square, Kauppatori, is home to food stalls and the Toripolliisi, a squat policeman statue. The Tietomaa Science Centre offers interactive exhibits and a large cinema screen for 3D films. Nearby, the Oulu Museum Of Art showcases regional works.

Oulu has a  Cathedral, the Tietomaa Science Centre. the Oulu Museum Of Art, slightly north of the city are the University of Oulu Botanical Gardens and the Kauppatori (Market Square) in the centre of town, is a bustling place where the terraces are full of market stalls selling arctic berries. The square has a prime position in the town and sits right on the riverfront. You must get a photo with the bronze sculpture on the policeman, Toripolliisi which honours the policemen that used to patrol the market place.

Oulu is a green city and the Hupisaaret Islands have been turned into an elaborate urban park. It is characterised by it’s white, wooden bridges and small brooks and waterways which divide up the park into islands.  The Northern Ostrobothnia museum is located on one of the islands. The first museum building, a national romantic villa built in 1888 was destroyed in a fire in 1929.

There are a number of local beaches; Kiikelin is a small beach located near the centre, whereas Nallikari, which is a wide sand-swept bay, is a short distance away. Kalajoki beach on Hailuoto is about two hours’ drive from the city but a good day trip with its large sandy beach however a ferry runs between the city and the sand dune island during the summer.

If you’re looking for a Finnish spa experience, you could visit the sauna raft Kesän Sauna which floats on a platform in the river. After the sauna, you could take a dip in the river but if you visit Oulu in August, you can take part in the Air Guitar World Championships. The Oulu August festival attracts famous performers and hundreds of multi-art events.

So Oulu, Finland in summer sounds very relaxing and a great opportunity to visit some of its sand islands and enjoy Finnish berries.

Stay In Oulu

Where Will You Visit In Finland In Summer?

Have we managed to convince you that Finland in summer is an exceptionally magical place that is worth visiting? If not, maybe some of these longer tours will convince you? Let us know if you visit Finland.

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The Best Time to Visit Finland

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Finland combines wilderness, design heritage, and strong epicurean traditions into one Nordic package. Although the climate varies throughout the year, all seasons in this mystical country have something to offer visitors. Still, the best times to visit Finland are the months of May through September, as these offer the mildest weather and the greatest number of tourist attractions.

While temperatures in the winter months rarely climb over 30 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 1 degree Celsius), the chance to see the Northern Lights also makes this a great time to visit Finland. However, the fairly warm summers provide great opportunities to explore the culture and wilderness of the country, and late spring, especially  May and June , are the most pleasant months in Finland. Finns take their summer vacations in July, which means higher prices, some business closures, and the need for advance reservations. Meanwhile, August and September have more annual rainfall than the prime spring and summer months yet visitors still enjoy mild temperatures.

The Varying Weather in Finland

Contrary to what many travelers believe, Finland's climate is quite diverse and varied throughout the year. Not surprisingly, July is the country's warmest month and February is the coldest, and those two months are also the wettest and driest months, respectively. 

The overall climate is not as cold as many visitors think. Even though it's at the same latitude as southern Greenland, the country receives warm airflows from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea. Still, the weather is variable and can change quickly, especially in the winter. Winters are long and cold and the country's northern reaches might have snow on the ground for nearly half of the year. Average temperatures from November through March rarely exceed 30 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 1 degree Celsius). 

Warmer temperatures can be found in southwestern Finland, especially the country's islands situated in the Baltic Sea. In the summer, the weather is mild and warm, like other parts of the region. From June through August, temperatures typically range between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 and 23 degrees Celsius). Keep in mind that beyond the Arctic Circle in the north of Finland, you can experience the Midnight Sun each summer, when the sun never goes down.

Key Events and Festivals

During May or June, the weather in Finland is typically warm and relatively dry, meaning that outdoor activities and events are plentiful. Just a few of the many spring and summer events in Finland include the  Organ Night and Aria Festival  from June through August; the  Naantali Music Festival , the  Black and White Theatre Festival , and the  Midnight Sun Film Festival  in June; and  Sirkus Finlandia and the  Pori Jazz Festival  in July.

The  Juhannusvalkeat  (Midsummer) Festival is a major celebration throughout Finland, complete with bonfires, dancing, and another revelry. The celebration of  Juhannus , as the Midsummer festival is called in Finnish, originates from John the Baptist whose commemoration and birthday are celebrated in Midsummer. Before 1316, the summer solstice was called  Ukon juhla , after the Finnish god Ukko.  

The High Tourist Seasons

Both winter and summer are the high tourist seasons in Finland, partly due to the special attractions, weather, and events you'll find in the country these times of the year and partly due to school and government holidays in Finland. While residents of Finland only get one week off from school in the winter—called the skiing holiday—kids and adults alike have more than four weeks of vacation to enjoy. As a result, you'll find larger crowds at popular destinations across the country from June to August and over the last week of December and the first week of January. Fortunately, this doesn't mean that hotels will be fully booked or popular attractions will be overrun—you can typically still find good deals on accommodations and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sights and events of Finland any time of year.

Spring in Finland is short and often overlooked as so many travelers flock to the country during the summer months. In some parts of the country, there still might be snow on the ground—it's even possible to ski through late spring—but the season is quite versatile depending on where in Finland you visit and when. While March can be chilly with temperatures hovering around 35 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius), by May, temperatures are regularly in the mid-50s.

Events to check out:

• Vappu, Finland's version of International Worker's Day, is held on May 1. It's one of the country's largest holidays and brings residents to the street for days of partying. The celebration is also sometimes called Walpurgis Night.
• The Helsinki City Marathon is an annual road running event held each year in May. Formerly held in August, the marathon draws more than 6,000 runners each year.

In Finland's north, the  Midnight Sun  is best seen in June and July. While Finns are used to dark Arctic winters, Midnight Sun is the complete opposite, as this natural phenomenon results in the sun remaining visible for almost 24 hours a day during peak summer months. Finns embrace the contrast between the two seasons, and in summer, public places come alive and everyone stays out late. It's a festive, happy atmosphere. It's also an ideal time to go hiking and camping. Finland has 40 national parks , scattered around the country’s archipelago, lakes, forests, and fells. Finland’s “Everyman’s rights” mean that you can venture just about anywhere in the parks as long as you respect nature and clean up after yourself.

• In Helsinki during August, a must-do is the  city's annual Flow Festival , an urban music festival which is held in an abandoned power station on Helsinki's outskirts. The festival features some of the world's most popular flow performance acts and offers an impressive food menu with extensive vegan, organic, and farm-to-table selections.
• Organ Night and Aria Festival is a unique series of late evening classical music concerts held throughout the summer in Espoo that include recitals as well as grand performances of major works.
• The long-running Naantali Music Festival is held in the sunny, coastal town for which it is named. Concerts are held in a medieval abbey and other venues along the archipelago.

September and October are good times to visit Finland if you're on a budget and want to avoid the high tourist season. However, with the diminished crowds, many attractions will be closed. Still, photographers may relish the New England-style fall foliage display in September and October. If you don't mind missing out on the festivals and concerts but enjoy the thought of quiet and pleasant walks, beautiful landscapes, and relatively mild weather, then early fall may be the best time for you to visit Finland.

• The annual Sibelius Festival takes place each year in September and serves to commemorate the anniversary of the birth of Jean Sibelius, Finnish composer and violinist. The festival includes performances by Sinfonia Lahti, the city's famous symphony orchestra.
• Helsinki Design Week spans two weeks in early September and features fashion designers, furniture designers, architects, and other creatives displaying their collections for the coming season.

If you consider yourself a winter-loving traveler, then the colder season may be the best time for your trip to Finland. It's a pricey time of year, but Christmas in Finland, packed with snow and local events, is a great experience. You can  visit Santa in Lapland  and cross the magical Arctic Circle at the  Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi , where you'll find Santa's reindeer and can even go for a reindeer sleigh ride.

Winter is also a time to visit the town of  Kemi where unique ice creations and snow castles attract visitors. The town, located by the Bothnian Bay, is known for the huge snow castle known as LumiLinna that has been erected there every year since 1996. Inside the monolithic ice sculpture, guests will discover a chapel, restaurant, and hotel, complete with ice tables, rooms, a bar, beds, and reindeer fur seat covers. Kemi also has a gemstone gallery that displays a model of the crown of Finland and other pieces like the imperial state crown of Britain and Sceptre of Czar from Russia.

• If you want to see the Northern Lights ( aurora borealis ), aim for December. The aurora effect is a result of charged particles from the sun striking atoms in Earth's atmosphere, causing electrons in the atoms to move to a higher-energy state. When the electrons drop back to a lower energy state, light is released. This process creates a beautiful light effect.
• The biggest events of the winter revolve around celebrating Christmas in Finland , which includes a number of unique traditions, starting with First Advent on the first Sunday in December.

The best time to visit Finland is during the months of May through September, when the weather is mild and the tourist offerings are plentiful.

Finland is the eighth-most expensive country in Europe. Visitors pay more for alcohol, restaurant visits, and hotel stays than in other European countries where electricity and other services are cheaper.

Northern Lights season in Finland spans from mid-August until early April, and the best time for spotting the Aurora Borealis is at the beginning and end of the season.

Britannica. "Finland." Retrieved March 8, 2021.

Helsinki Times. "Why Juhannus Matters." June 27, 2017.

Britannica. "What Causes the Northern and Southern Lights?" Retrieved March 8, 2021

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Finland in June – Top destinations to feel the summer vibe

The beauty of the Finnish countryside is an extravagant sight during the summer. Finland in June is finally into summer though it does not have the scorching sun above your head. The entire country revives from the cozy winter arena to an energetic routine. June is the peak season for buzzing tourists and the best food in Finland. Wake up to a pleasant morning on your Finland tour packages and charge yourself to stroll around the lanes of the happiest country in the world.

Also read: Finland in May – 5 best cities to visit during your stay

Weather in Finland in June

Finland experiences moderate summer in June that doesn’t drain your energy while tripping to various destinations. The average temperature of Finland in June ranges from 11 o C to 20 o C with a mild breeze. The majority of the country experiences mild rainfall for around 13 days and 300 hours of sunshine for the entire month. The shifts between dry and humid weather help in maintaining the cool climate. Tourists prefer to travel more to the northern and southern parts of Finland as they offer better transit options. So worry not! Your trip is planned for the right month.

Things to pack for Finland in June

Packing for Finland in June requires mild and breathable clothing. However, it is better to carry one set of warm clothes to help you acclimatize to the initial cool climate.

• Full sleeve shirts
• Summer dress if needed
• Thin Jacket
• Moisturizer
• Waterproof Dress
• Swim dress in case you go swimming
• Hiking trousers
• Mosquito repellent

Also read: Finland in February

Places to visit in Finland in June

• Archipelago Trail
• Angry Bird’s Park
• Lordi’s Square
• Amox Res Museum
• Oodi Library

1. Archipelago Trail

Get ready and put on your shades and hat! Cycle through the Archipelago trail to witness the stunning beauty of Finland in June. Step out of your car and travel with the soothing breeze to explore more of this trail. This trail runs from the city of Turku to Naantali covering around 250 kilometres. It can be great if you could spend one full day to make your ride a merrier one.

• Locations covered: Turku, Raisio, Pargas, Kaarina, Naantali
• Timings: 8 AM to 8 PM
• Entry fee: Free. However, you need to rent a cycle for your travel

2. Angry Birds Park

Who doesn’t love angry birds? It is so much fun to see each of the colourful birds with their superpowers. What if you get to know that Finland hosts an exclusive angry birds park? It provides ultimate entertainment to all age groups, especially children. Experience the game for real to hunt the eggs and save them from the villainous pigs. Take a ropewalk, swish through the slides, play with the bird balls and enjoy. There an amusement park inside the premises.

• Location: Sarkanniemi, Tampere
• Timings: 11 AM to 9 PM
• Entry fee: Free. Amusement park requires an entry ticket.

Also read: 13 Top Reasons to Visit Finland – The Happiest Country in the World

3. Lordi’s Square

Are you crazy about shopping? Satisfy the shopaholic inside you by paying a visit to the Lordi’s square in Finland. Lordi’s Square, formerly known as Sampo Square, is one of Rovaniemi’s most well-known leisure areas. The location was renamed in the honour of Lordi, a well-known Finnish rock band attracts a large number of tourists every year. Concerts and stage shows are frequently organized here. The brightly lit markets of Lordi are home to affordable stuffs. Try getting into a bargain with the shopkeepers and you might get the goods at even fairer prices.

• Location: Rovaniemmi
• Timings: open 24 hours on all days

4. Amos Rex Museum

Known to guard some of the magnificent art pieces, the Amos Rex Museum is one of the oldest sites of Helenski. It depicts fascinating stories of unexplored tunnels, caves and world beneath the ground. The museum is a dome like structure constructed as a mix of medieval and modern culture. There is a handful of shopping centres and restaurants to offer an ‘all under one roof’ experience.

• Location: Helenski
• Timings: 11 AM to 8 PM
• Entry fee: 5 euros to 20 euros

Also read: Love ‘Murder on the Orient Express’? Experience it in real on this escape-room train in Finland

5. Oodi Library

Oodi is the new central library located at the heart of Helenski. If you are a book lover, the serene atmosphere and rustic smell of books of this place is just your thing. Built around an area of 17,250 square metres, this Finnish architecture was opened in the year 2018 and is home to more than 1,00,000 books. This was regarded as a gift to mark the 101 st birthday of Finland. The library functions on the principle of knowledge being available to all. Open windows, bright sunshine and a book in hand. sounds perfect right? Try visiting this enchanting space during your Finland honeymoon package to discover Finnish tradition.

• Timings: 8 AM to 9 PM
• Entry fee: Free

Also read: The Perfect 5 Day Finland itinerary for a Fabulous Vacation

Frequently asked questions about Finland in June

Finland experiences summer in June although the temperature does not elevate greatly

Summer in Finland demands both warm and light clothing as there is a constant switch between cold and sunny weather.

Mild showers of rain can be expected during June. Make sure you carry an umbrella.

Summers in Finland in June are too good to enjoy. Busy parks, well-lit markets, traditional museums and whatnot! This country has everything for you. Are you hustling between various travel options for your summer getaway? Check out Pickyourtrail for some cool Finland packages. If you’ve got additional plans than those mentioned in the package, you can very well customise your own Finland itinerary. Get in touch to plan a satisfying trip to Finland this summer and unravel the beauty of the Finnish countryside.

Sruthi Suresh

10 posts published., related itineraries.

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The Best Time to Visit Finland

The best time to visit Finland can vary because every season in the Nordic country brings a different kind of charm. If you're seeking sunlight, the sun barely sets in the summers, whereas winters are your best bet at catching a glimpse of the northern lights dancing in the skies. In autumn, Finland is bathed in shades of crimson and gold, and the springtime is temperate and green. The best time to visit Finland depends on what lighting excites you the most: 24/7 daylight , or the neon green aurora borealis against the night skies? Here’s a quick guide to the best time to visit Finland.

• What is the best time to visit Finland? • What is the best time to visit Finland for the northern lights? • What is the best time to visit Finland for snow? • Temperature in Finland throughout the year • Plan your trip

What is the best time to visit Finland?

The best time to visit Finland is in the summer, between June to August , when the temperature ranges between 53°F and 73°C. The days are unusually long in the summer, with 20 to 22 hours of sunlight a day. Museums, castles , and other tourist attractions are open for longer during this time of the year, allowing you to explore long after the usual opening hours. Since winters last for nearly seven months in Finland, summer is also the best time to explore Finland’s 40 national parks and many nature hikes. This is also the season for festivals in Finland; for example. the 10-day Naantali Music Festival , which features classical music artists from around the world, takes place in June.

Shoulder season in Finland spans from April to May, which is to say: springtime. The temperatures usually hover between 32°F and 50°F. There are fewer crowds and nightly rates at hotels take a dip. Speaking of shoulder season, visit Finland in autumn, between September to November, when the temperature fluctuates between 41°F and 59°F, and the country's trees are plentiful shades of yellow and crimson. As it goes with shoulder season, hotels and airfare tend to be cheaper, and there are fewer tourists.

Winter in Finland, which is from December to March, is not for the faint of heart, with temperatures ranging between 14°F and 41°F and sunlight present only three to four hours a day. But this might also the most rewarding time to visit Finland because winter is northern lights season.

What is the best time to visit Finland for the northern lights?

Finland is one of the best countries in Europe where you can chase the northern lights. The northern lights are visible all year round, but they are seen only once the sun sets. Since there's minimal nighttime during the summer in Finland, the best time to spot the aurora borealis is during the winter season, from December to March, when days are actually just nights.

The northern lights are easiest to spot when you’re away from the cities. The secret recipe for a great sighting is clear skies, low light pollution, and long winter nights. If you’re lucky, you may spot the aurora in Helsinki itself, but your best bet is to head north to Lapland, Kemi, Rovaniemi, Muonio, Ivalo, Kakslauttanen, Levi, or Saariselkä.

What is the best time to visit Finland for snow?

Even if you don’t get lucky with the northern lights, the good thing about visiting from December to March is that there are plenty of winter activities to do while you're in Finland. November marks the beginning of the snow season in Finland. Stay in an ice igloo; go skiing or dog sledging; race rally cars through the Arctic; and visit Santa Claus’ home in Rovaniemi.

How many days do I need for a trip to Finland?

The number of days totally depends on your itinerary. If you wish to just explore the capital of Helsinki and places close by, a four- or five-day trip is sufficient. However, if you wish to see Lapland and more, plan a 10-day trip.

A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller India .

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The best times to visit Finland: from the northern lights to the midnight sun

May 16, 2022 • 9 min read

From the beautiful colors of fall to the wildflowers in spring, here's what's happening through the year in Finland © SakariLampola / Getty Images

Luring outdoor enthusiasts, design buffs, and curious souls wishing to crack the secrets behind its UN-bestowed accolade of the world’s happiest country , Finland is a destination whose tourist attractions are nearly as diverse as its climate. 

This tract of Scandinavia hosts the midnight sun in summer and the polar night in winter. Lapland , home of the indigenous Sámi people, is covered in snow for up to eight months a year, making it a snowsports destination par excellence. It’s also one of the best places in the world to observe the eerily beautiful phenomena of the aurora borealis, also known as the  northern lights . 

But in the southwest of the country, the Åland Archipelago has the distinction of being the sunniest spot in Northern Europe and so is a popular destination for beach holidays. Between these two regions are cosmopolitan cities, quaint villages, and pristine natural landscapes that shine at different times of the year. This month-by-month guide to climate and events can help you choose the best time for your visit to Finland. 

Head to Lapland in high season (December to April) for winter sports and icy adventuring

This is high season in Lapland, with the main draws being family visits to Santa Claus’ Village in Rovaniemi , sensational snow sports, reindeer racing, overnight stays in whimsical snow hotels, and the extraordinary phenomenon of the northern lights. Resorts and hotels are crowded and expensive around Christmas, during the four-day Easter break, and throughout the ski season, which kicks off in mid-February.

Between December and January the phenomenon of the polar night means that the sun never rises inside the Arctic Circle. In northern Lapland, the closest the sun gets to rising is around midday, when the horizon glows with rich colours for a few hours, bathing the landscape in an ethereal beauty.

The best months for skiing and other adventure sports are from February to April, when the sun has re-emerged after its two-month winter hibernation and the snowy expanses of countryside glisten and gleam.

In the south and center of the country, the winter days are short, with only six hours of light per day in December. Cross-country skiing is popular from February, when the days start to get longer. Ski resorts are crammed with Finns in March and April, particularly during Easter and on weekends – book in advance and expect high-season prices.

Ice and sleet make road conditions treacherous at this time of the year – be very careful if you’re driving.

Your chances of viewing the northern lights in Lapland are high during March and April. Down south, sightings are considerably less frequent. 

Make the most of white nights from May to mid-August

The summer season kicks off on May Day (May 1) and the midnight sun asserts itself from the end of May to the end of July, reducing night-time darkness to five or six hours at most. In Lapland’s far north, the sun doesn’t set at all from mid-May to late July. Daytime temperatures range between 15–25°C (59–77°F) in the south and 10–15°C (50–59°F) in Lapland; the warmest conditions are on the southwestern archipelago.

Finns make the most of these warm days and white nights, enjoying outdoor activities including hiking, biking, canoeing, and swimming during the day and winding down over drinks and long dinners into the wee small hours. There are music festivals to attend, scenic boat cruises to enjoy, and plenty of lakes in which to plunge after spending time in a steamy sauna.

July is the busiest month on the coast and around lakes, as this is when Finns tend to enjoy their annual holidays. Expect crowds and high hotel prices if you decide to join them.

Summer showers are relatively frequent in the interior during July and August, but conditions on the coast are drier, with clear skies and plentiful sunshine. 

Enjoy forest hikes and aurora spotting from mid-August to November

Summer days dwindle and autumn arrives alongside the ruska-aika (russeting), when Finnish forests are ablaze with colored leaves signalling the change of season. This is a marvellous time to go hiking or cycling – the colours turn in Lapland in September before putting on a show in the south a few weeks later.

The first snow falls in the north in late September and winter storms are common in November. Outside cities, many tourist attractions and hotels close from October until the start of summer.

In Lapland, the northern lights make regular appearances throughout October and November.

When can I see the northern lights?

The extraordinary natural phenomenon known as the aurora borealis, or northern lights, is best witnessed in Lapland, particularly north of the Arctic Circle. Here, the skies are clear of light pollution and is dark and cloudless for months on end, maximizing the chance of seeing these auroral displays in all of their swirling technicolor majesty. The spring and autumn months are the optimal viewing times, especially October, November, March, and early April. For more information, see the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s website .

It's really cold in January, perfect for arctic adventuring

It’s cold in January. Really cold. So those travelers who head this way are usually on a mission to experience an arctic adventure. In Lapland, you can overnight in a fairytale-like ice hotel hewn from the ice, embark on an action-packed snowmobile safari, or glide across moonlit landscapes on a sled pulled by huskies or reindeers. Go in the second half of the month, when the sun starts to reappear, but make sure you dress for temperatures as low as -35°C (-31°F).

February is the start of the ski season

The sun slowly starts to exert itself and as daylight hours increase so too do the number of cross-country skiers exploring the snow-covered countryside in the south of the country before heading north in March and April. The ski resorts across the country are busy from the middle of February and their accommodation prices stay high from this point until the end of the Easter holiday.

Keep an eye out for the northern lights in March 

Spring tends to arrive with a whimper rather than a bang, staying cold and often snowy. Days are getting longer, though, so it’s a great time to enjoy snow sports. Temperatures start to nudge above 0°C (32°F) in the north and Lapland’s famous reindeer racing season culminates in the Poro (Reindeer) Cup, held on the ice in Inari, the capital of Sámi culture. The spring equinox on March 21 is generally agreed to be the optimum time for viewing the northern lights. Temperatures can vary greatly between night and day – pack appropriately. Key event: Poro Cup (late March or early April).

April means the return of weak sunshine

The snow disappears in the south and the sunshine makes a welcome, albeit weak, reappearance. There’s still plenty of snow in the north, and Lapland’s ski resorts are often packed to the gills over the four-day Easter holiday. On the Saturday or Sunday before the Easter break, young Finnish children (especially girls) dress up as witches, carry willow twigs and visit houses in their neighborhoods, offering blessings in exchange for sweet treats. Key event:  Pääsiäinen (Easter).

Celebate spring and the midnight sun in May

One of Finland’s major national holidays, Vappu, is celebrated on May 1. Marking the end of winter, its inevitably boozy events tend to kick off on the night before, when bars and restaurants across the country are at their boisterous best. In Southern Finland, spring wildflowers bloom in meadows, birds migrate north, and hikers hit national park trails from late May. Helsinki and other cities are at their vibrant best. The midnight sun reigns over Lapland from mid-May, with melting snow and 24hr sunlight. Key event:  Vappu.

June is party time

Summer brings festivals and cultural events aplenty, including the biggest of them all, Juhannus (Midsummer). Celebrated on the Saturday between June 20 and 26, Finns welcome the midnight sun with lakeside bonfires, cooking, drinking and plenty of sauna action. Cities are quiet in the days around Juhannus, and many businesses close. Other events include Jutajaiset, a three-day celebration of Lapland’s folklore, and the five-day Midnight Sun Film Festival in the northern city of Sodankylä. Conditions in Lapland are muddy, so not ideal for outdoor adventures, but in the south hiking, cycling, and canoeing are popular activities from mid-June. Key events: Juhannus, Jutajaiset , Midnight Sun Film Festival.

There are popular festivals in July

When summer hits its stride the Finns hit the water. July is when most locals take their annual holidays, and accommodations on the coast or near lakes are fully booked months in advance. It’s also expensive. Temperatures range from 17°C (62°F) to 26°C (79°F) and this balmy weather brings with it mosquitos and midges, especially in Lapland – make sure you carry heavy-duty repellent. Popular cultural events include the world-famous Savonlinna Opera and Pori Jazz festivals. Key events: Savonlinna Opera Festival , Pori Jazz, Kaustinen Folk Music Festival, Ruisrock .

August means fewer people

The summer living continues to be easy. School holidays finish in the middle of the month and a blessed calm falls upon lakeside and coastal areas. Temperatures are benign and there are plenty of opportunities for crowd-free hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and fishing. Although most businesses stay open, the price of accommodations drop. In Lapland the mosquito threat lessens but the midnight sun disappears, heralding the first snowfalls on the fells. Key event: Helsinki Festival .

Fall colors are spectacular in September

Few Finnish sights are as splendiferous as the ruska-aika , when the advent of frost prompts foliage to turn gold, orange, bronze, yellow and crimson. Colors last for a couple of weeks in Lapland and then reoccur further south later in the month and into October, providing a wonderful backdrop when hiking or cycling in national parks. The autumn equinox occurs on September 21 and from then the days become shorter every day until Christmas. Most coastal sights and attractions close or adopt reduced hours from the middle of the month onwards. Key event: Sibelius Festival (Lahti).

October is one of the best times for the aurora borealis

The sun has disappeared in Lapland but compensation comes in the form of the northern lights. Your chances of seeing these in October are excellent, and accommodation and flight costs are cheaper than in the winter months because the ski season hasn’t yet kicked off. The rest of the country is easing into its winter hibernation, and many tourist attractions are closed.

November marks the start of snow sports

Winter storms, cold arctic winds, and shortened daylight hours make November a somewhat gloomy month, one that many travelers may wish to avoid. The official ski season kicks off late in November, although some resorts in Lapland have snow-covered slopes earlier in the month.

December is for visiting Santa

By December, most of the Finnish countryside is covered with snow and daylight hours are meagre or non-existent. The powdery-white landscape is picture-book pretty but too cold to explore on foot – take to skis or snowboard instead. Late in the month families descend on Lapland en masse, lured by the chance to meet Santa Claus in his official village in Rovaniemi – aim to arrive early in the month before Finnish school holidays begin if you are keen to beat the crowds.

Elsewhere, Finns keep themselves entertained by steaming in saunas, imbibing copious quantities of glögg (hot spiced mulled wine) and celebrating Itsenäisyyspäivä (Independence Day) on December 6 with processions, fireworks and concerts. Key event: Itsenäisyyspäivä, Joulu (Christmas).

You might also like: How to visit Finland on a budget (the only guide you’ll ever need)    Finnish-ing touches: all you need to know before your trip to Finland    9 incredible remote escapes in Europe for 2022   

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The best time to visit Finland is generally during the summer months of June, July and August, when the climate is warmest, the days are longest and the blossoming landscape at its prettiest. It’s also when tourist facilities and transport services operate at full steam. That said, visit Finland in winter and you can enjoy a snowy wonderland and all the outdoor activities that come with it, such as cross country skiing, snowmobiling and the magic of a reindeer ride, followed by that great Finnish institution – a steaming sauna. Of course, there’s also that spectacular aerial showstopper, the Northern Lights (aurora borealis), which are best seen dancing across the sky between August and April.

Weather in Finland

When to visit finland in spring, when to visit finland in summer, when to go to finland for its summer festivals, when to visit finland in autumn, when to visit finland in winter, when to go to finland to see the midnight sun, travel ideas for finland, created by local experts.

City hopping in Finland and Estonia

Helsinki enchants with its blend of modernity and nature, entertainment and tranquility accessible everywhere and all the time. Turku, in turn, was the first capital of Finland, and has a lot to teach about the Finnish History. Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is not behind in terms of heritage.

Aurora Feast in Finland, Norway and Sweden

This tour is perfect for people who want to explore the Arctic. Begin your journey from the southern part of Finland via Sweden up to the northern part of Norway. Most importantly, you will be hunting for the Northern Lights in the best locations! From Nov to March.

Wild Lapland Experience

Explore the surroundings of the Arctic Circle, visit a magical place - Santa Claus Village - try the traditional Lappish food, snow-shoeing, and much more. You will be located in Pello, close to the famous Eeron Polku trail. From Nov to April.

Midnight Sun in Lapland

In these five days, we will lead you as you learn more about the culture in Northern Europe, taste Lappish delicacies and explore the Arctic Circle. You will also have the opportunity to visit an Amethyst Mine and witness the midnight sun. From Jun to August.

Magical Finland: Helsinki, Arctic Beauty and Midnight Sun

Unique Finnish experiences comprise this superb trip. Tour Helsinki and Porvoo, hike in forests and dig for amethysts, before savouring a midnight sun sauna boat cruise. Visit Santa in his Lapland home, cross the Arctic Circle and head out for an overnight bear safari to wrap up a memorable trip.

Fascinating Northern Lights in Lapland

Witness the mesmerizing dance of the Aurora Borealis on six unforgettable evenings. Fulfill your dream of experiencing this natural wonder, an essential highlight of your Lapland adventure. Available from December to April, the optimal months for both Northern Lights and exhilarating activities.

Mention the very word “Finland,” and most people will shiver at the very notion of the place, with images that involve frozen tundra and thickly iced lakes. Despite sitting fairly far north, Finland maintains a relatively mild climate, thanks to its many lakes and the warming Gulf Stream that flows in off the Norwegian coast – though the weather can change quite quickly, especially during the winter, worth considering when deciding the best time to visit Finland. Snowfall is greater in the north and eastern regions, and usually under a blanket of snow in winter.

Winter cross-country skiing © canadastock/Shutterstock

Rainfall levels are moderate and more or less constant throughout the year, with an annual average of 65cm; the coast and the northern stretches tend to rain less than in the south and in the interior.

Visiting Finland in March–May

Although technically spring, March is still clinging on to winter. It remains cold and often snowy, but match this with the longer days, especially once April arrives, and it’s the best time to go to northern Finland for a snowsports holiday. In fact, it’s not unheard of to find snow hanging around nearly until the beginning of summer in Lapland.

In the south, spring usually begins around mid-April, though it can remain chilly in a number of places until May. However, at least winter has released its icy grip and you'll see the country slowly emerge out of hibernation. Events also start up again in spring: jazz lovers will enjoy the April Jazz Festival in Espoo, just a half-hour drive from the capital, Helsinki .

Helsinki cityscape © elina/Shutterstock

By May, spring is in full swing: temperatures average 10˚C (50°F), flowers are lighting up the countryside and everywhere is a lush green. If you’re in Finland on 1 May, you can’t fail to notice the celebrations taking place across the country. Vappu (also Labour Day) is a national holiday that marks the end of the long winter and the welcoming of spring – an excellent excuse to let loose with boisterous festivities. The party gets going the night before, with people filling the bars and restaurants in Finland’s towns and cities.

Visiting Finland in June–August

With the dark winters seemingly endless, Finns are ready to embrace the warm, sunny days of summer when it finally rolls in. The landscapes are at their best – a palette of vibrant greens and everything in full bloom. And in sharp contrast with the winter months, the summer days are long. So long, in fact, that the sun doesn’t even bother to set from the middle of May until late July in the north – from June in the south. The Midnight Sun is just cause for celebration, and Midsummer ( Juhannus ) is a national holiday. Finns typically take off to spend the weekend closest to the 25 June at country cottages, to hang out with friends and family, light bonfires, steam in a sauna, and relax or party until the small hours – after all, when it’s constantly light, who knows when it’s bedtime? If you’re in the city during Midsummer you may well find it more or less deserted.

Boating on Finland's lakes in summer © Ekaterina Kondratova/Shutterstock

The best month to visit Finland for warmest weather is, without doubt, July. Temperatures average 17°C (62°F), though highs of 26°C (32°F) are not unheard of, especially in the interior. This is summer proper, when everyone makes the most of the good weather and heads outdoors – for hiking and biking, swimming and boating, fishing and foraging for wild food. The only downside is getting bitten by mosquitoes – lots of them.

Vacation time for Finns is generally from Midsummer to early August, when they tend to head en masse to the countryside or the coast – though even then, only the most popular areas are uncomfortably crowded. By mid August it’s back to school time, which means a chance to enjoy a quieter (and cheaper) break.

Picking berries in the forest of Finland © Tsuguliev/Shutterstock

If you’re asking when is the best time to visit Finland for its capital, Helsinki, choose May, early June or September, when it's at its liveliest – though you’ll find plenty going on throughout the year.

Summer offers plenty of fun and culture via its many festivals. Kicking off in June is the Midnight Sun Festival (Sodankylä Elokuvajuhlat), five days of screenings by national and international filmmakers in the city of Sodankylä, in northern Finland. In July, head west for the hugely popular Kaustinen Folk Music Festival , or Pori Jazz , one of the top jazz festivals in Europe. But one of the biggest events in July is the Tangomarkkinat (the Tango Festival) in Seinäjoki, where couples have been twirling each year since 1985. If you’re in Helsinki in August, get tickets for Flow , a contemporary music and arts festival, with international heavyweights taking to the stage.

Visiting Finland in September–November

Visually speaking, autumn is a superb time to visit the country, especially in Lapland during ruska-aika (russeting): the lower fells become bathed in golds and oranges, bracken and beech glow bronze, poplars cloak the hills in yellow and the higher hills turn a deep crimson. Bear in mind though that the coastal waters can be fairly nippy as early as September, and that most sights and attractions have reduced hours outside of high season, from mid-September onwards.

Lake cabin on the island of Ruissalo, Turku © Igor Grochev/Shutterstock

September to October is one of the best times to visit Finland for sightings of the Northern Lights, particularly if you’re in the north of the country. You can also expect the first whisperings of winter in October. This means temperatures drop – to below freezing at nighttime in the north – and the number of daylight hours shrinks. It’s also often rainy and windy. Travel in November and you’ll probably find Finland at its gloomiest: short days eking out just four hours of daylight near the Arctic Circle and only a couple more down south.

Visiting Finland in December–February

There’s no skirting around it: winter is dark and cold, February being the coldest month. But the snow is transformative. Landscapes are beautiful under the heavy layer of glistening, powdery white, and become a playground for anyone interested in the outdoors. From ice skating to snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and Nordic skiing, or just strapping on a pair of snowshoes and walking through the soft stuff – there are many ways to enjoy this time of year. And what could be better than spending the day outside in the cold and then having a glugg of hot glogg, Finland’s version of mulled wine, and thawing out in a wood-burning sauna – although you’ll probably want to skip the option of plunging into a freezing cold lake after.

Book this excellent winter woodland snowmobiling and ice fishing adventure to find out how the Finns enjoy the winter wilderness of Rovaniemi in Lapland.

Sauna in a Finland forest © Lana Kray/Shutterstock

Obviously December is the best month to travel to Finland for Christmas snowy magic, especially in Lapland, home of Father Christmas himself. If you go in early December, before school’s break for the holidays, or in January, you’ll find it less busy and easier on your wallet in terms of accommodation costs.

It’s worth mentioning that the Finns are well used to these conditions and don’t bat an eyelid when everything freezes over. This means everything runs smoothly and visitors are well catered for. Bear in mind, though, that towns and cities during the coldest months feel somewhat dormant. Also worth noting is that the Finns from the south tend to take their skiing holidays in February and March in the north, so you should book accommodation and outdoor activities in advance.

Reindeer rides in Lapland © BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock

When is the best time to travel to Finland to see the Northern Lights?

Firstly, the best place in Finland to see the Northern Lights is north of the Arctic Circle. And Lapland’s wilderness and sparsely populated region means little light pollution, which makes it ideal for catching sight of the heavenly display, assuming there are clear skies. The short days and long nights from autumn through winter and into spring give the best chance of sightings, with September-October and February-March being the optimum times.

Northern Lights activity in Lapland © Ekaterina Kondratova/Shutterstock

There are numerous tours on offer to see the Northern Lights, and some ski resorts are set up to maximise sightings. For example, in Lapland, at the resort of Yllas they turn street lights off after 10pm if the Northern Lights put in an appearance, while many resorts, such as Levi, offer accommodation with panoramic views.

It’s one extreme to another: from mid-winter winter darkness to perpetual light. Due to the way the Earth tilts on its axis, regions above the Arctic Circle experience days of unbroken daylight, from mid May to late July. The best place to see the Midnight Sun is Lapland, as you’ll have around 70 days to witness this phenomenon. But even Helsinki, in the south, barely sees the sun dip below the horizon before popping back up again.

Summer midnight sun in Finland © Ekaterina Kondratova/Shutterstock

In a nutshell, the best time to visit Finland to see the Midnight Sun is between June and July in the south, mid May to late July in the northern regions.

If we've inspired you to visit Finland, why not let our local experts help you to plan a tailor-made holiday adventure ?

Top image: Lake in Finland in summer © ArCaLu/Shutterstock

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The Best Times to Visit Finland for Outdoor Adventures, Northern Lights Viewing, and More

These are the best times to go to Finland, based on your travel goals.

Ah, Finland. The land of saunas, Santa Claus, and happy people. That might be a touch reductive, but they are, in fact, highlights of this Nordic country. Saunas are a deeply ingrained part of Finnish culture; Santa Claus' "official" residence is in the Lapland town of Rovaniemi; and the country has been voted the world's happiest numerous times. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Finland is a year-round destination, drawing visitors to its lakes in the summer and ski slopes in the winter. Fall and spring might not be quite as busy, but there's one big perk during these seasons: the northern lights. "The best time to see them is really the shoulder months; September and October and February and March," Rose Hipwood, founder of The Luxury Arctic Travel Company , tells Travel + Leisure . It might be a cliché statement, but there truly is no bad time to visit Finland, as each season offers different highlights.

Michael Hausmann/Getty Images

• High Seasons: Summer and Winter
• Shoulder Season: Fall
• Low Season : Spring

Here are the best times to visit Finland for northern lights viewing, outdoor adventures, and more. 

wmaster890/Getty Images

Best Times to Visit Finland for Smaller Crowds

It's easy to find peace and quiet in Finland throughout the seasons — there's a lot of nature here — but if you're looking for smaller crowds at the country's major attractions and most popular destinations, visit in the spring. "In the springtime, the days slowly become longer, and the sunshine begins to make a reappearance from the dark winter months," says Meri Sipilä, the PR and media manager of Visit Finland . "The spring also offers the best skiing conditions in Lapland through early May." As we mentioned, the northern lights are visible throughout most of the spring, with a surge in solar activity frequently occurring during this period.

Olezzo/Getty Images

Best Times to Visit Finland for Good Weather

"Good" is a bit subjective here, as the best weather really depends on what types of activities you're looking to enjoy. For skiers, good weather means chilly temperatures and snow. "For winter activities, March is best as there is optimum snowfall," says Hipwood.

But for sunshine and warmer weather, you'll want to visit during the summer or early fall. "Personally, I love visiting Finland in September. I really enjoy the summer activities such as hiking and canoeing — it's a nature lover's paradise," says Hipwood.

Sipilä also loves summer activities in Finland. "I love to spend time with my family under the midnight sun at our summer house. In the city, I soak up the long, summer nights by dining at patio restaurants, watching movies at the outdoor theaters, swimming, and visiting the public saunas in Helsinki with my friends," she says. "Summer is my favorite time of the year to explore Finland's many national parks with my dog, Ispa, where I also enjoy berry picking and look forward to the beginning of mushroom season!"

Vladislav Zolotov/Getty Images

Best Times to Visit Finland for Lower Prices

Because spring is technically the low season, you'll generally find lower prices for airfare and hotels. But as we mentioned before, spring is still a great time to visit Finland — take advantage of those lower prices and enjoy the northern lights. One caveat: Since March is a snowy month, ski resorts might still charge higher prices. In late spring, you might find better discounts as the weather heats up.

Fall is also considered shoulder season, meaning you'll typically find lower prices than in the high seasons of summer and winter. And it's a very scenic time to visit Finland. "Autumn is all about the changing colors of nature, what Finns call ruska , and with over 75 percent of Finland's land covered in forests, there is no shortage of colorful fall foliage," says Sipilä. September and October are some of the best times of the year to go hiking and camping or embark on foraging activities, such as picking fresh berries and mushrooms."

© Marco BottigelliGetty Images

Best Times to Visit Finland for the Northern Lights

The northern lights occur year round, but that doesn't mean you can see them every night. For starters, you'll need darkness — and Finland doesn't have much of that in the summer. As with all northern destinations, the country experiences the midnight sun north of the Arctic Circle, which means the sun never sets below the horizon. And even in the southern parts of the country, you're likely to have at least some light in the sky practically around the clock. For that reason, winter is a much more popular time for aurora viewing because the skies actually get dark and stay dark for longer. 

"While many people associate the northern lights with winter, the most active aurora seasons are autumn and spring, when the earth's orientation towards the sun maximizes the probability of solar flares interacting with the planet's magnetic field," says Sipilä. "The end of August to April are the best months to see the northern lights in Finland. It requires clear skies and just a bit of luck. Statistically, the lights are visible every other night."

Worst Times to Visit Finland

Since there's no real "bad" time to visit Finland, it all comes down to the type of experience you're looking for. For instance, if you're traveling to Finland to see the northern lights, you'll be disappointed in the summertime. Though the northern lights technically happen throughout the year, Finland is so far north that the sky isn't dark for very long at night — or at all, if you're north of the Arctic Circle. That results in some pretty poor aurora–spotting conditions. By the same token, don't expect to go skiing in summer! Though ski season can last later than it does in the United States, conditions do deteriorate in the summer.

And if you're looking to avoid crowds, you might want to skip traveling to Finland in the peak seasons of summer and winter. These seasons also command higher prices, which could be another reason to skip visiting at those times of the year. Of course, there's a reason they're so popular — they're great times to visit Finland!

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Epic Finland Summer Guide: 20 Practical & Cultural Tips

Summer in Finland is the most waited time of the year. It is like Christmas, but better, because it usually lasts more than one day.

A popular Finnish saying states that you don’t need to check the weather to see if it’s summer in Finland, you just look at the calendar.

For most Finns, Finnish summer starts in June and ends in August. Three months of summer bliss no matter what’s the amount of sunny days (and mosquitos).

This post tells you 20 practical and cultural tips about the summertime in Finland.

I hope here you’ll find answers to the questions you have and, most importantly, to those you didn’t know to ask. I want you to have the best time in summer Finland! If anything is missing, ask it in the comments section and you’ll get a fast reply.

Follow me on Instagram and add more Finland to your life instantly!

            Näytä tämä julkaisu Instagramissa.                         Henkilön Finnish Language Finland Blog (@her_finland) jakama julkaisu Touko 15, 2019 kello 5.20 PDT

Here are the things I’m going to cover in this post. Feel free to click any heading to jump to read that section!

Table of Contents

Best Things to Do in Finland in the Summer

Finnish things to do in summer finland, hot and cold summer weather in finland, what to pack for a finland summer visit, eat by the sea, visit nuuksio national park, check out a local flea market, enjoy suomenlinna island, how to spend a summer beach day in finland, sleeping in the bright summer night in finland, twenty summer tips for your finland visit.

Finland is a place where you can get away from it all. Summer is such a special time that Finns do their very best to relax as much as they can. I encourage you to do the same.

Enjoy a sauna and try the age-old tradition of beating your skin gently with a birch whisk to improve circulation. Cool off by taking a dip in a lake. Afterward, sit listening to the nature surrounding you, possibly, with a sauna beer. For many Finns, that is all it takes to have a perfect summer evening.

Visit a local market and buy fresh Finnish strawberries and garden peas . In no hurry, eat your berries and peas, possibly, enjoy a morning coffee at the market too. As the soft summer wind blows your hair, your mind is effortlessly calm and happy. For many Finns, that is all it takes to have a perfect summer morning.

Go hiking in Finland. Admire the majestic spruces and pines, the green moss carpet covering the forest and the never-ending wilderness landscape view when you have reached, possibly a bit sweaty, the top of a hill. Enjoy a packed snack at a campfire. For many Finns, that is all it takes to have a perfect summer day.

Okay, so now you might be thinking… Besides sauna, strawberries and hiking, there must be other summery things to do too? Like, what do the locals do during the summer?

Most Finns have four weeks of summer holiday. July is the most preferred holiday time in Finland. That’s why the busiest holiday season for locals is from the end of June to the middle of August.

Here are some Finnish things to do in summer Finland: 

• Go to the summer cottage. Of course!
• Grill a lot.
• Make a library visit because summer and reading are a perfect match.
• Go to a summer theatre (kesäteatteri in Finnish) to watch an amateur play. It’s usually a Finnish classic including romance, misunderstandings, bad humor and accordion music. This will be the highlight of the summer when the shows will be open again.
• Go to pick berries in the forest. If you want the ultimate Finnish experience, spend the same time as in the woods preparing the berries for the freezer cleaning them from twigs and moss.
• Forage pine, blueberry, and spruce branches from the forest to make a refreshing forest water drink.
• Visit a small town summer market fair. For Finns, that is usually the market fair of the town where the summer cottage is.
• Go to a summer festival to listen to music and hang out. Most summers are known for small and relaxed music festivals and outdoor gigs when there’s not a pandemic.
• Eat new potatoes (Tiny and super delicious. You never knew that potatoes could be so addictive.)
• Make a road trip to the Finnish countryside and visit Finnish farms with adorable cafes, restaurants and shops.
• Finnish families head to outdoor theme parks. (You’ll find some Finnish family destination ideas on this post!)
• Do outdoor painting which you estimate to take “some two hours.” Finally, finish exhausted and with severe back pain after seven hours.

Typical summer weather can be anything from 60 to 80°F (15 -30°C) in Finland. The short-term weather forecast is usually reliable in Finland, so be sure to glance it through just before you travel.

Note that Finnish seaside destinations almost always have a cold sea breeze, even during the warmest summertime.

My monthly Finland weather guide offers you details about each summer month weatherwise.

When it comes to clothes, Finland is super casual. Finns dress very practically and comfort is vital. Rest assured, no Finn is going to judge you for anything you wear.

Here are your summer essentials for Finland: sunglasses, sun lotion, jeans, shorts, casual tops, swimwear, sleep mask, earplugs, light down jacket, light scarf, summer beanie, gloves, umbrella and great walking shoes (possibly waterproof). That’s how you are prepared for everything!

Download below my free Finland Starter Kit to get a detailed packing checklist for your trip (and a ton of other helpful tips).

Grab the free kit

Best Things to Do in Helsinki in the Summer

Most Finland summer visitors spend at least a day or two in Helsinki. Here are my suggestions when it comes to enjoying summertime in Helsinki!

My favorites near Kaivopuisto area include Mattolaituri, Cafe Birgitta, and Löyly. Blue Villa’s Cafe (Sinisen huvilan kahvila in Finnish) is a dreamy summer cafe offering a beautiful view over Töölö bay.

The cute Cafe Regatta near Sibelius monument doesn’t only have delicious Finnish traditional treats but also sup boards and kayaks to rent.

There’s a beautiful national park called Nuuksio near Helsinki. In the summer and autumn time, Nuuksio has a wide range of daily activities from visiting a reindeer park to enjoying a forest wine tasting.

I recommend starting your self-guided walk from Haltia, the Finnish Nature Center . The lovely staff will help you with routes and you can even rent gear there.

If you are feeling very adventurous, you can spend a night there in a tentsile, a tree tent at the Tentsile Experience EcoCamp!

To reach Haltia from Helsinki railway station, you should the train U, E or X to Espoo train station. There, find the platform 32 and take the bus 245 to Nuuksionpää. Hop off at the Haltia stop.

For the above-mentioned train and bus combo, you’ll need to buy a public transport ticket with the zones ABC.

If you are buying the Helsinki Card, upgrade it to include regional transport. The upgrade is called Helsinki Travel Regional and it will also include public transport for the Helsinki airport.

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Finns love an outdoor sale! The most famous of Helsinki outdoor flea markets is  Hietsu (address: Lönnrotinkatu 34), just next to Hietalahti market hall, which is one of my favorite places to grab a bite in Helsinki. The flea market is open every day in the summer.

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is a Unesco World Heritage Site and a must to visit during summer! Here are the nice-to-know things before you go:

• Book 3-4 hours if you want to walk the whole island circle. The area is huge!
• There are free maps and toilets when you arrive and midway between the two main islands.
• Tap water is always drinkable in Finland so can fill your water bottle in Suomenlinna. You’ll see plenty of locals filling their bottles in the restroom after washing their hands.
• For locals, Suomenlinna is a popular picnic place with the children. However, it’s not the best baby destination, as there are many cobblestones and stairs. On the other hand, walking with a pram in Suomenlinna is a great full-body exercise!

When it’s a sunny and warm summer day in Finland, locals head to the beach if not already at their summer cabin.

These five simple steps help you make a Finnish beach day. So take a towel and join the evenly-scattered (there needs to be enough personal space for everybody) Finns to enjoy the sun.

#1 Where to find a beach in Finland?

There are amazingly  26 beaches in Helsinki and even the smallest village in Finland has a lake beach, most likely a couple.

Just search a sign with the word “Uimaranta” (swimming beach, in Finnish) or a sign with a swimmer’s picture and follow it to the shore.

#2 What can I expect to find on the beach?

Finnish beaches are maintained nicely. They have changing rooms and trash bins. The biggest beaches have lifeguards for the busiest day hours.

In most cases, the beach has a marked children’s area with shallow water and toilets of some sort. If there is no toilet, adult Finns go behind the bush, never in the water.

#3 Swimming culture in Finland

Most Finns are good swimmers. Children are taught to swim from an early age. It’s quite normal to see some 10-year old children on their own enjoying the sun and swimming. The parents naturally accompany young kids.

If you come to an empty beach on a hot day, first look for a message board. All official beaches have one.

Make sure there isn’t a note that blue-green algae have conquered the lake. In that case, swimming is not good for your health.

#4 Sunbathing in Finland

Remember to put on sunscreen even though you might think that Finland is such a northern place that you don’t need to. The sun is very strong.

#5 Eating by the lake beach

Eating is allowed on the beach and many Finns make their snacks at home. The biggest beaches have a kiosk which sells at least ice cream.

Remember to take your trash with you and don’t feed the birds.

Endless Summer Daylight Hours in Finland

It is very, very bright in Finland during the summer. I also mean summer nights. This is due to a phenomenon called Midnight Sun or Polar Day.

The sun doesn’t set at all in Lapland during the summer months. The northern you go, the longer and brighter the nights are.

The amount of sunlight is the biggest around Midsummer. That’s a special time for Finns. Learn more about this magical holiday by checking out my Midsummer post .

In southern Finland, the sun sets but only for a short time. It’s amazing to stay up and see the sunset and sunrise happening basically at the same time. The shades of pink, red and orange are breathtaking.

How to sleep when Finland’s summer nights are so bright? There are three options:

• Take a sleep mask with you
• Make sure the place where you are staying has a blocking curtain
• Cope with the situation

Most hotels have great blocking curtains, especially in big towns. If you are staying in a small village hotel, Airbnb, B&B or cabin, I would definitely bring a sleep mask. A mask is small and convenient on the flight too.

Note that Finnish summer nights are not 100% quiet. If you are surrounded by nature, you are most likely to hear some of these voices:

• A cuckoo. Early summer, particularly.
• A mosquito. Somewhere very close to your ear but never visible.
• A loon. When there is a lake, there is almost always a loon.

On the other hand, if you are staying at the center of a small city or town, a pack of 15-year old youngsters may be cruising with their mopeds enjoying the summer night. Avoid the night sounds with earplugs.

Here is a summary of all the tips above. I hope these local’s tips give you ideas and help your travel planning!

1. Relax. 2. Enjoy the Finnish summer sauna experience. 3. Visit a local market to buy strawberries and garden peas. 4. Hike to see the Finnish nature. 5. Visit or rent a summer cottage. 6. Grill and eat new potatoes. 7. See a play at a local summer theatre. 8. Pick berries in the forest. 9. Visit a small town summer market fair. 10. Visit a summer festival. 11. Be prepared for cold and hot weather if you are staying more than a couple of days in Finland. 12. Nobody will judge you for what you wear. Finland is practical and casual. 13. Download my helpful packing checklist to make sure you have everything. 14. Enjoy the sea and lakes. 15. Check out a local flea market. 16. Visit Suomenlinna island if in Helsinki. 17. Wear sunscreen. 18. Stay up late to see the softly eerie light of summer nights. 19. Prepare yourself correctly for bright nights. 20. Remember that tap water is delicious everywhere in Finland .

Are you going to visit Finland in the summer? What are your plans? Is there something you’d like to know but didn’t find in this post? Let me know in the comments! I’d be happy to help you out.  

If you are looking for more information about Finland, check out some of my other posts:

• How to Pick the Best Finland Guide Book for You!
• How to Use and Book Trains and Buses in Finland
• Finland with Kids: 33 Helpful Tips to Plan a Finland Family Vacation
• Pyhä Luosto National Park: Summer Hike Tips + Detailed Packing List
• Norway & Finland Trip: 7 Stops to Add to Your Lapland Itinerary

About Varpu I’m the founder of Her Finland. I love cultural tidbits, aha moments, Finnish folklore, and cinnamon buns. My newest interest is learning bird songs. Read more about me..

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Finland in June: Recreations in the Magical Summer

• ~ mins read

June is a month of celebration in Finland, as locals emerge from a long dark winter to rejoice in the warmer and sunnier days. The snow and ice thaw around this time and the countryside turn green, with flowers blooming all around. The lovely weather and beautiful landscapes draw international travelers from around the world and Finns themselves take long vacations, making June and July peak season. Yes, travel and accommodation prices are higher than usual if you are taking a trip to Finland in June , but this is one of the best times to visit the country. This is also an excellent time to explore Helsinki and Tampere, as they are relatively free of crowds with many locals heading to their summer homes along the coast or in Lakeland for their annual vacation.

• Tommytraveler

Finland Weather in June

Although short and sweet, summers in Finland are magical. June is the start of the summer and a great time to visit the country. Days become longer during this time of year and temperatures also warm up. The average daytime temperature ranges between 15°C and 20°C and the weather is generally dry and sunny all around. The northern areas of Finland may still be cold with some snow, but it gets warmer the further south you go. The best part of summer in Finland is the long days. You can experience up to 10 hours of daylight hours during late June and early July.

For a seasonal overview of the weather in Finland, visit our guide on the best time to visit Finland .

Weather in Finland in June - Rainfall and Temperatures

Why visit finland in june.

Summer is a time of celebration for the Finnish people. Festivals and events are held around the country, from music and dance festivals to the Midsummer Equinox National Holiday. Plus, there is an array of things you can see and do in June in Finland. Here are some highlights you should not miss:

• Naantali Music Festival : Held in the sunny seaside town of Naantali in southwest Finland, this festival is one of Finland's longest-running and highly esteemed music festivals. It features a range of classical and chamber music by top Finnish and international artists in Naantali’s splendid medieval abbey.
• Midnight Sun Film Festival : Held in the town of Sodankyla in Lapland, this highly acclaimed film festival takes place around mid-June, where award-winning local and international films are screened over several days.
• Organ and Aria Festival : This festival takes place in the town of Espoo on the banks of the Espoonjoki River. It is another fantastic event for classical music lovers that features a range of musical concerts by leading Finnish and international artists in the medieval stone church of Espoo. The concerts are held every Thursday evening throughout the summer.
• Midsummer (Juhannus) National Holiday: The midsummer equinox is an important part of the summer in Finland, so much so that the Finns have declared it a national holiday. Held shortly after the summer equinox, this holiday is celebrated by the locals at their holiday homes on the lakes or in the countryside with all-night parties.
• Helsinki Pride : The LGBTIQ+ community of Finland celebrates the pride event in Helsinki from late June to early July. The vibrant festival boasts a variety of cultural events and a magical parade full of color, music, and dance.

Where To Go and What to Do

Summer in Finland is all about getting outdoors and enjoying the long sunny days. Head to the south and western parts of Finland to explore the myriad islands, inlets, bays, and coves. Home to 188,000 islands, this Finnish archipelago is one of the world's largest and provides plenty of spots to enjoy picnics, swimming, canoeing, and sailing amongst the many little islets.

If you prefer fresh water to the ocean, head to Finnish Lakeland where thousands of lakes dot the countryside like odd-shaped mirrors glistening under the sun. Head to one of the two main cities in the region – Tampere in the west or Joensuu in the northeast – and start exploring this incredible part of Finland. Rent a bicycle and meander along the 250-km-long Archipelago Trail around the Turku Archipelago, or put your hiking boots to the test and do some hiking in the beautiful Lakeland area.

The archipelago of islands along the coast is ideal for water sports like canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. You are bound to find a secluded little cove somewhere to drop anchor and have a refreshing swim. There are also over 40 national parks around the country that are home to some amazing fauna and flora and are well worth a visit.

Spectacular natural beauty, awe-inspiring landscapes, enchanting cities with incredible Nordic architecture and design, and friendly locals make Finland a one-of-a-kind travel destination, and summer is the best time to explore this country.

If you need assistance planning a trip to Finland in September, feel free to reach out to our local travel experts who can devise a tailored itinerary for you. For a detailed itinerary, check out our guide on how many days to spend in Finland . Or, you can browse through our tours to Finland in July for more information.

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The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Finland Itinerary (Winter or Summer)

Last Updated on January 31, 2024

by Olivia Ellis

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning a perfect 5 to 7 days in Finland itinerary is a great experience if you’re searching for a European destination off the beaten path from traditional tourist-heavy routes. In unique proximity to Scandinavia, Russia, and the Baltics, Finland is saturated with rich history and culture and “the happiest people” in the world.

From cosmopolitan and sustainable Helsinki to the country’s oldest city, Turku, Finland is a country waiting to be explored with open arms. This itinerary will help you plan an ideal trip to Finland, exploring both cities and nature while discovering unique corners in between.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Finland?

Many potential visitors wonder how many days to spend in Finland in order to do this beautiful Nordic nation justice.

Finland is one of the largest countries in Europe, and with that being considered, there’s a great amount to visit. With that being said, I recommend a minimum of 5 days in Finland; this way you can visit and wander around Helsinki, but also manage to get to another city/town or two. 

On top of that, I believe that the ideal length of time to spend in Finland is around 1 week. With 7 full days in Finland, you’ll experience all that you can in 5 days, but also be able to go beyond.

You’ll truly be able to do the country justice, explore a few different regions of the country and go beyond major cities to further off regions, such as Finnish Lapland to perhaps visit a reindeer farm, go dog sledding or see the Northern Lights.

Getting To & Around Finland 

Getting to finland.

Regarding this particular itinerary, the best and most convenient option will be to first fly into the capital city of Helsinki.

Helsinki Vantaa Airport is the fourth largest Nordic airport by passenger numbers and has frequent routes year-round connecting Finland mainly to Europe but also intercontinental.

Due to the large airport and frequent flights, the Finnish capital is also typically a fairly affordable destination to fly into. You can get from the Helsinki airport to the city center by bus, train or private transfer.

Another unique option for those visiting Finland from neighboring Tallinn, Estonia or Stockholm, Sweden , is to reach Finland by ferry.

There are frequent ferry routes to/from each city and depending on your chosen journey, they can also be more affordable than flight transportation. You can browse ferry schedules here.

Getting Around Finland

When organising your transportation plans for getting around Finland, it’s important to keep in mind the time of year. This itinerary is best suited for the winter months, so unless you’re someone with at least some experience driving in wintery/snowy conditions, I’d recommend against driving.

For those that will be driving, the country is well-prepared for winter weather with cars equipped with the right winter tires so you don’t need to worry about anything out of the ordinary.

If you decide to opt-in to rent a car, I’d suggest only renting it for the time in Rovaniemi. Like most European and Nordic cities in particular, you’ll have an excellent public transportation system at hand to get around with and no necessity to rent a car whilst in the capital city. You can browse Rentalcars.com to compare prices on car hire.

Helsinki is also an incredibly walkable city, with most sights and points of interest in close distance, you’ll find it a joy to walk around the pleasant capital Finnish city. 

Furthermore, the other destinations outside of Rovaniemi are easily accessible to Helsinki by bus and train. The last two days of the itinerary are in Finnish Lapland and with such a long drive from southern/central Finland (~10 hours), it would take a day out of your trip to drive.

Rovaniemi is the most “wild” part of the itinerary and having a car would be an advantage (especially if you’re determined to spot the Northern Lights), but it isn’t completely necessary. There are several car rental companies in Rovaniemi, both in the city and at the airport if you’re keen to drive during your time in Lapland. 

5 to 7-Day Finland Itinerary

Regardless of how long you have, you’ll find spending time in Finland to be a Nordic treasure. If you have 5 days, you’ll get to know Finland through its capital city, Helsinki, along with other authentic towns and major cities.

For those continuing onwards to a 7-day itinerary, you’ll make your way north to the wild Arctic Lapland region and its capital city of Rovaniemi where you can enjoy either incredible winter activities or, in the summer months, basque in the midnight sun. 

Day 1 – Arrive in Helsinki

The first 3 nights of this itinerary are spent in the capital city of Helsinki. Once arriving, you’ll likely first notice the beautiful and diverse architecture and styles painting the capital city.

The city is a unique blend of Finnish, Swedish, and Russian architecture – reflecting the deep history and heritage not just of Helsinki but also of Finland itself. 

Helsinki is a fairly small and compact city, which makes it convenient to see most of the main sights during day 1 of your time in Finland. Begin at the Senate Square in the center of the city (Kruununhaka neighborhood) to marvel at the stunning white Helsinki Cathedral along with the National Library of Finland. 

A short walk brings you to one of the most unique churches you’ll probably ever visit, the Temppeliaukio Church. Built within a solid rock, the church is a must-visit in Helsinki and for that reason, it’s one of the most popular attractions in Helsinki. 

For a taste of some of the best Finnish cuisine in the city along with affordable options, make sure to visit Helsinki Market Square & Old Market Hall. The market square is particularly special if you’re visiting Helsinki during the winter , where you’ll find a joyful Christmas market full of independent stands and vendors.

The Old Market Hall is the oldest market in Finland as well as the perfect spot to enjoy a traditional meal.

Where to Stay in Helsinki

Bob W Kluuvi – This hotel is perfect for mid-range visitors. They have a great, central location for exploring the city along with plenty of great rooms to choose from and breakfast available in the mornings.

Hotel Mestari – This luxury hotel is perfect for those looking for a plush stay in the Finnish capital. They have a number of wonderful rooms to choose from, great amenities for guests to enjoy and a fantastic location for seeing all Helsinki has to offer.

The Yard Hostel – Those visiting Finland on a budget will love this cool hostel in the center of Helsinki. They have both private rooms and dorms to choose from along with good self-catering facilities and common areas.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Helsinki hotels!

Day 2 –  Helsinki

After a wonderful first day exploring Helsinki and getting acquainted with Finland, a great way to continue your trip is by making a day trip to the Suomenlinna Fortress. This sea fortress also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Suomenlinna Fortress is situated on a group of 8 islands off of Helsinki and demonstrates key elements of Finnish history and independence from both Sweden and Russia. 

Suomenlinna is easily reached by a short 15-minute ferry ride (tickets are included within the Helsinki transport system) from Helsinki Market Square. 

Finland has a wonderful fashion scene, with both local and high-street shops with a big influence on sustainability. Pohjoisesplanadi, the main shopping street in the heart of Helsinki is about a kilometer long and is the perfect place to take a look at Finnish trends and maybe find a souvenir to bring home. 

Day 3 – Porvoo

On day 3, I suggested making a day trip to the nearby middle-aged town of Porvoo . Porvoo is best reached from Helsinki by bus, with just around an hour’s journey. I recommend booking with Omnibus, as buses are frequent (around every 10 minutes) and the system is reliable. Schedules can be found here. You can also book a guided tour .

Porvoo is a lovely little town giving a completely different feel to Finland than big-city Helsinki. The town is the second oldest in Finland and wandering through the old streets can’t be any more idyllic; especially in the snow during a Finland winter itinerary.

I recommend warming up with a hot chocolate at Petris Chocolate in the town center before heading back to Helsinki.

Day 4 – Turku

After spending 3 nights in Helsinki, make your way to the charming Finnish archipelago city of Turku. Turku is easily reached by train from Helsinki in just under 2 hours and train schedules and booking can be found here . 

The city of Turku was founded almost 800 years ago and is a unique must-visit on any visit to Finland. With the Aura River meeting the archipelago as the centerpiece for Turku, you’ll find the city to be an exciting destination full of soul and history as it was once Finland’s capital city before Helsinki. 

Stop by the 13th-century Turku Castle to get a better insight into Finnish Heritage in its oldest town as well as the Turku Cathedral, which also happens to be the seat of the Archbishop of Finland. 

If you’re visiting in the summer, a great way to enjoy Finland’s bountiful nature is to take a ferry to the Turku Archipelago. Spending the day in the long daylight is best spent wandering the trails, taking a dip in the water, and discovering the archipelago’s 40,000 tiny islands by bicycle. 

For a meal with a nice ambiance, the riverside area has wonderful restaurants with gorgeous views no matter the time of the year that you visit.

Where to Stay in Turku

Centro Hotel Turku – This hotel in central Turku is an excellent choice for those after a mid-range option in this Finnish city. They have myriad great rooms to choose from and a lovely breakfast available in the mornings.

Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone – Located in the center of Turku, this hotel is a great choice for those who want something a bit more high-end while visiting Finland. They have a range of rooms to choose from, fantastic amenities and an on-site restaurant/bar.

Forenom Aparthotel Turku – This aparthotel is great for those who want their own flat but don’t want to sacrifice the convenience of a traditional hotel. There are a range of apartments on offer and they also have a great, central location.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Turku hotels!

Day 5 – Tampere

On your 5th day in Finland, a quick hour-and-a-half train from Turku will bring you on a day trip to the quirky city of Tampere. Tampere is the second biggest city in Finland with a lot to offer but is regularly missed by tourists, making it a great destination for any trip to Finland off the beaten path.

Tampere is the sauna capital of Finland, with over 50 public Finnish saunas waiting for you to relax and rejuvenate in the Finnish style. If you’re looking to tick visiting Finland’s oldest sauna off of your travel list, head to Rajaportti Sauna to experience a sauna heated by wood in the most traditional method.

The city is full of unique and exciting museums such as the Moomin Museum, the quintessential destination for any lover of the Moomin cartoon world. Another great museum option in Tampere for a particular perspective on Finnish culture and social history is Werstas – The Finnish Labour Museum

During your time in Tampere, make sure not to miss the largest Market Hall in all of the Nordics , Tampere Market Hall. This is the perfect destination to sample quintessential Finnish delicacies in a pleasant spot with friendly locals and authentic Finnish food.

If you’re spending just 5 days on you trip, this is the last day of your Finland trip. There is an airport in Tampere with a handful of European connections, making it a convenient ending if you can leave from Tampere. Otherwise, take the train back to Helsinki to continue onward.

For those continuing onward to the city of Rovaniemi in Lapland, the best transportation options from Tampere are to either return to Helsinki to fly to Rovaniemi or take an overnight train/bus from Tampere. 

Day 6 – Rovaniemi, Lapland

The last two days of your Finland travel itinerary will be spent in Finland’s largest region, enchanting and magical Lapland.

While also an ideal destination for the summer months because of the incredible nature and lush boreal forests of the northern Finnish region, it’s hard to find any travel destination more perfect in winter than Lapland. 

When planning accommodation, the costs of Lapland nature-surrounded hotels are much higher than in the center of Rovaniemi, it enhances the fairytale Lapland experience if you can afford the cost. 

The city of Rovaniemi is quite small in comparison to most other Nordic and Finnish cities, but it feels like an entirely different world in itself. To learn more about Arctic and Lappish culture, science, and history, head to the Arktikum Museum for a perfect taster to educate you for the rest of your time in Lapland. 

Rovaniemi is the main hub for most activities in the area and they’re plentiful. Whether you’re interested in taking a cosy reindeer sleigh ride in the Arctic forest or an Aurora Borealis expedition with a cup of hot chocolate, there’s something for everyone.

The majority of tour and activity groups leave from Rovaniemi with pick-up from surrounding hotels, making it an effortless trip if you decide not to rent a car to explore Rovaniemi, Lapland. 

If you’re visiting Lapland and following this itinerary in the summertime, it’s a completely different atmosphere but still incredibly special in its own right. From long days spent exploring Lapland’s wildly deep nature and forests to midnight-sun bonfire nights, summer in Lapland is truly special as well.

Where to Stay in Rovaniemi

Arctic Light Hotel – This modern hotel in Rovaniemi, this is a great base for exploring Lapland. There are several chic rooms to choose from, an airport shuttle, free parking and a superb breakfast.

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle – The perfect arctic escape, the glass igloos located outside of Rovaniemi are excellent for a unique visit. They have several different pods on offer, a great restaurant, room service and other amenities.

Hostel Cafe Koti – A good budget option in Rovaniemi, this hip hostel has both dorms and private rooms, a bar and cafe on site, a sauna and good self-catering facilities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Rovaniemi hotels!

Day 7 – Santa Claus Village

One of the most popular attractions when visiting Rovaniemi, Lapland is the magnificent world of Santa Claus Village.

Santa Claus Village is just about a 10-minute drive (or 20-minute bus ride) outside of Rovaniemi city center and is a must-visit magical stop while in Rovaniemi, for both adults and children. You can also take a guided tour  from Rovaniemi.

The village is a large wonderland, full of activities from ice skating and sledding to visits at the husky park and postcards and a meeting with Santa at Santa’s workshop. You’ll find conveniently placed fire pits throughout the village and the village’s forest area to warm up if you decide to walk among the snow-dressed Arctic trees.

The official boundaries of the Arctic Circle run through Santa’s Village and even though it’s just a line, it’s truly thrilling to pass back and forth through the Arctic Circle! 

Food options are plentiful in the village no matter your budget or preferences; from cafeteria-style food to classic Lappish food (I recommend the open-fire cooked salmon!) in a traditional hut. 

With so much joy and winter wonderland from just around every corner, it’s easy to spend a long day at Santa’s Village. It’s also safe to say that there’s no better send-off from a trip to Finland than heading to the snowy paradise of your childhood dreams. 

If you’re visiting in the winter, you may be able to find a return flight from Rovaniemi depending on the city, but otherwise, return to Helsinki to wrap up a marvelous week in Finland.

Have More Time?

In the case that you are drawn to the Lapland region and would like to explore further, I highly suggest heading further north to experience the region on a deeper level in the resort town of Levi.

In Levi, you can hit the slopes and ski on Finland’s biggest ski slopes, search further for the Northern Lights with a higher chance of seeing them, and find yourself in further bewilderment by Finland’s stunning natural beauty. 

On top of that, if you want to continue your trip and are looking to go beyond Finland, Swedish Lapland is just over the border with more outdoor adventures waiting for you.

Finnish Lapland is a lot more “developed” and touristy in comparison with Swedish Lapland, so if you’re interested in experiencing more of a local experience in Lapland, Swedish Lapland is a great way to continue your trip. 

A Finland trip undoubtedly has something for all kinds of travelers, whether you’re a city-seeker or someone happiest among nature. With this Finland itinerary, you’ll see all aspects of Finland, giving the perfect representation of this dynamically beautiful, and kind country. 

Are you planning a trip to Finland? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Essential Guide to Visiting Helsinki in Winter

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The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Helsinki Itinerary

About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Hi, Olivia: Thank you so much for sharing! It does make my coming Finland travel plan clearly. I am wondering how about Levi in Summer, and do you have any suggestions about summer in Rovaniemi?

With many thanks Sherry

Love the very informative initinery. Will certainly follow it. Planning to go in November 2023. Bravo!

Very very informative, thanks Olivia

Very very helpful review. We hope to have a family trip to Finland and these suggestions were terrific.

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Finland in June: A Summer Wonderland of Endless Delights

Experience the mesmerising allure of Finland in June while basking in the splendour of summer in this charming nation. Take part in a variety of activities, such as witnessing the midnight sun, kayaking through serene lakes, visiting old woods, seeing uncommon wildlife, and adopting Finnish sauna customs. For tourists looking to experience the charm of an Arctic summer, Finland in June provides an outstanding and varied experience.

Welcome to Finland in June, a month of fascinating contrasts as the arctic landscapes come to life beneath the ethereal warmth of the midnight sun. Finland transforms into a paradise for explorers and environment lovers as the days become longer and longer. June offers a symphony of activities that will fascinate and inspire you, from taking in the majesty of the midnight sun to exhilarating wildlife encounters, kayaking across tranquil lakes, soaking in Finnish sauna traditions, and exploring historic woods. So come along on a journey of discovery with us as we investigate the fascinating activities Finland has to offer you in this enchanted season.

Embrace the Midnight Sun in Finland in June

The midnight sun, where the sun is visible for the majority of the day and night, occurs in Finland in June. Visit Lapland’s most remote areas, like Rovaniemi or Inari, to see this captivating natural beauty. Imagine going on a walk or riding in a reindeer sleigh while the bright Arctic sun shines down on the pristine landscapes, casting an ethereal sheen on them. Being surrounded by sunlight even at midnight is a bizarre sensation that is nothing short of wonderful.

Travel to the Arctic tundra and spend the night in an open-roofed Aurora Bubble or glass igloo for an unmatched midnight sun experience. You’ll have a front-row seat to the cosmic show above while you rest quietly in your cosy lodging. A remarkable experience of the Arctic’s perpetual sunshine is seeing the sky change from sunset to sunrise in a seamless display of colours.

Kayaking Through Tranquil Waters

For those who enjoy kayaking, June provides the perfect opportunity to discover Finland’s calm waterways. Explore the Turku Archipelago, the world’s largest archipelago, with its maze of islands, complete with innumerable islets and jagged coasts. In the midst of spectacular vistas of the Baltic Sea and its varied flora and fauna, paddle through the calm waters. The beauty of the Archipelago is unmatched, and kayaking offers a close encounter with the natural world.

Visit the Lakeland area, which is renowned for its many lakes and clear waterways, for a kayaking experience that is more daring. Immerse yourself in Finland’s untamed environment as you glide across the pristine waters and experience peace. A highly endangered creature that occasionally appears in Lake Saimaa’s waters and can add some excitement to your kayaking journey is the elusive Saimaa ringed seal.

Exploring Ancient Forests

Finland’s historic forests come alive in June with lush vegetation and colourful fauna. Discover the magnificent Taiga forests of Kainuu, among the oldest and largest forests in Europe. Wander through the old forests while taking in the earthy aromas and the peaceful sounds of the fauna and birds. For those who enjoy the outdoors and photography, the Taiga forests are a refuge, offering many opportunities to capture the untainted beauty of the Arctic tundra.

Consider taking a walk through the Evo Nature Reserve, which is close to Helsinki, for a distinctive woodland experience. This spotless reserve has a number of clearly marked trails that take you through picturesque landscapes of soaring trees, serene lakes, and moss-covered boulders. You can develop a closer relationship with nature thanks to the Evo Nature Reserve’s revitalising atmosphere, which also promotes serenity and gratitude for Finland’s unspoiled wildness.

Rare Wildlife Encounters

Finland’s June month presents an exceptional chance to see exotic and unique animals. A bear-watching tour can be taken in Kuhmo or Kuusamo to see these magnificent animals in their natural environment. It becomes more likely to see bears when they come out of hibernation, making it an exciting experience for wildlife aficionados. View bears safely from specially made hides for one-of-a-kind and responsible contact with these majestic creatures.

Visit the Ranua Wildlife Park for a more fanciful wildlife adventure, where you can see Arctic species up close in roomy, natural habitats. Discover fascinating animals like polar bears, lynxes, and wolverines in a setting that puts a high priority on protecting them. Your visit will not only be fun but also significant in understanding Finland’s efforts to preserve its priceless biodiversity thanks to the park’s commitment to education and conservation.

Embracing Finnish Sauna Traditions

The Finnish sauna custom is still a beloved method to unwind and re-establish a connection with nature in June. Think about hiring a lakeside cabin with a personal sauna, which makes the ideal getaway. Spend some time in the soothing warmth of the sauna after a day spent discovering Finland’s breathtaking natural beauty. Let your worries fade. After a sauna session, indulge in an original Finnish ritual known as “avantouinti” by taking a cool swim in the lake.

Visit Löyly, a cutting-edge public sauna complex in Helsinki, for a genuinely one-of-a-kind sauna experience. Architecturally stunning, this contemporary sauna institution offers expansive views of the Baltic Sea through its big windows. Enjoy the flawless integration of Finnish sauna culture with modern design as you unwind in the wood-heated saunas, chill off on the sun terrace, or take a plunge in the water.

In June, Finland is a mesmerising wonderland where the majesty of the midnight sun, the peace of kayaking over calm waters, the magic of old woods, the excitement of seeing rare wildlife up close, and the embrace of Finnish sauna traditions all coexist in perfect harmony. You’ll make priceless memories that capture the essence of this fascinating country during its lovely Arctic summer as you immerse yourself in the beauty of Finland in June .

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The Best Things to do in Finland in the Summer

When you think of Finland, you might picture snow-capped mountains, northern lights, and sub-zero temperatures. But what if we told you there was more?

This story was created in partnership with: Visit Finland 

There’s a side of Finland that’s been overlooked for too long: the summer months! It may not be what you first imagine when planning a trip to this Nordic country, but Finland in summer offers countless opportunities for adventure, beauty, and fun. The country’s location in the gulf stream means its climate is much milder than some of its neighbours, and temperatures in the summer reach an average high of 17 degrees Celsius. Here are the best things you can do to make the most of your time in Finland in the summer!

Travel to: Finland

1. Stay in a lakeside cottage

Finland is home to over 187,000 lakes, which means Finns have perfected the art of the lakeside vacation. Staying in a cottage in Lakeland, Finland’s lake district, gives you a more authentic Finnish vacation, puts you in the middle of nature, and gives you unbeatable views.

The most popular destinations in Lakeland include Kuopio, a beautiful, colourful city known for its friendly locals, and Joensuu, a cultural hub home to an annual music festival.

Even though the weather is going to be warmer, you can’t go to Finland without trying out a sauna! Some cottages come equipped with their own saunas, and Finns claim they help with everything from stress, to aging, to weight loss. If nothing else, relaxing in a Finnish sauna is the perfect start or end (or both!) to a day of canoeing and lakefront exploring.

See Also: Where to Take Your Family in Europe (6 Perfect Vacation Destinations)

2. Take in an outdoor concert

Picture this: after a day exploring forests and lakes, you and your friends wander through the small city you’re staying in. A summer breeze blows as you make your way to an open-air stage, where an orchestra is accompanying an opera singer.

Not your scene? How about a heavy metal festival? Or pop? Or EDM?

Finland is home to more than 20 annual music festivals, and it’s a pretty safe bet that you’ll love at least one of them. From low-key evenings to all-day dance parties, you and Finland can make beautiful music together in the summer. Many of the festivals take place in gorgeous lakeside towns where you can kick back with a drink, do a little shopping, or just snap pictures of Finland’s natural beauty between sets.

3. Enjoy a meal al fresco

Dining outdoors is one of summer’s greatest joys, and Finland takes it to another level. Dinner Under the Helsinki Sky is an annual event that transforms streets, parks, and other urban areas into glamorous dining rooms. Participants to this unofficial tradition bring their own meals to white tablecloth-covered tables long enough to seat up to a thousand people, and enjoy a dinner with friends, family, neighbours, and strangers alike.

If your visit doesn’t coincide with this event, fear not! You always have the option of picnicking in one of Finland’s national parks (just be sure to check guidelines for food disposal) or having a meal outside of a local restaurant. Of course, if you agree that Dinner Under the Helsinki Sky is an event not to be missed, you can always come back to fully enjoy it!

4. Explore a national park

Remember those national parks we mentioned? They’re the perfect way to spend a summer’s day (or two!) in Finland. You’ll find 40 of them all over the country, and each offers unique views, activities, and opportunities.

With many including hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and watersports like sailing, canoeing, and swimming, Finland’s national parks shine in the summer. At Koli National Park, in the North Karelia region of the country, visitors can even treat themselves to the perfect summer’s day activity: berry picking! Explorers are welcome to pick (and eat!) blueberries, raspberries, and even Nordic staple, lingonberries. Try your luck collecting the juiciest ones, or go hunting for the edible mushrooms dotted around the landscape. There’s a Finnish National Park for every itinerary and every traveller.  

See Also: Northern Lights VS Southern Lights: What is the Difference?

5. Enjoy a steamship cruise

If you still can’t get enough of Finland’s picture-perfect lakes, this is a fantastic way to see more of them. Before more modern methods of transportation were available, the easiest way to navigate Finland was by boat. Today, even though those modern modes of transport have definitely made it to Finland, it’s safe to say that travelling the country by boat is still the most scenic way to get around!

Many of the larger lakes, like Lake Saimaa, offer steamship cruises reminiscent of the old days. Depending on the location of the cruise, you could spend an hour sailing in some of the world’s cleanest water, surrounded by lush forests, or enjoy day-long cruises that visit multiple lakes. You could even go island-hopping! With thousands of small islands in amongst Finland’s lakes, the possibilities for exploration are truly endless; but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it your best shot.

6. Take a walk on the wild side

At Atreenalin Seikkailupuisto Saimaa, thrill-seeking travellers are welcome to attempt high ropes courses, ziplines, and climbing walls. Created with sustainability and eco-consciousness in mind, the park offers courses for all ages and skill sets. Children under 130cm tall even have their own park!

If you’re not so sure about zipping through the trees, never fear: the park is located in Rauha, home of Lake Saimaa, which means you’ll be able to just kick back and enjoy the region’s natural beauty, or venture into this vacation town for a drink.

One of the best parts of travelling is finding new and unexpected things about the places you visit. If you thought you knew everything there was to know about Finland, hopefully you know now that the country has so much more to offer than just its (awesome, of course) winter activities! What do you think? Is Finland in summer on your list now? Let us know!

Maggie Soares

Maggie is a life-long traveller with a special affinity for the United Kingdom. When she's not reading, writing, or dreaming about her next trip, you can find her talking at length about her dog to anyone who'll listen.

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Finland Weather in June: Travel Tips for First-Timers

June's weather in Finland is cool to mild, with lots of sunshine and a 33% chance of rain. We suggest visiting Helsinki, Tampere, Hammarland, and Turku. Read on to find out more about travel and weather, including temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and tips for June.

Content Preview

• 1. Weather Overview
• 2. Best Places to Visit
• 3. Crowds and Costs
• 4. What to Wear

Finland Weather in June: Overview

• Temperature range: 11–19°C (52–66°F)
• Rainfall: 6 cm (2 inches)
• Rainy days: 10
• Sunshine hours/day: 10
• Humidity: around 67% (a little bit damp in Finland)

Finland has lovely weather in June, with 10 hours of sunshine per day, and even more than that if you visit the north of the country. Temperatures are mild to cool, with the occasional chance of a warmer day particularly in the south of the country.

There is a 33% chance of rain in Finland in June, with around 6 cm (or 2 inches) of rainfall on average during the month. Finland's summer showers are generally brief and last only for a short time, leaving the sky open for sunny weather otherwise.

June Climate Comparison (Averages) for Finland's Top Tourism Areas

The best places to visit in finland in june.

June's weather is milder, with it being summer, particularly in the south of the country. As a results, we recommend traveling around Finland to enjoy the beautiful nature, from mountains to lakes and rivers. While there is a chance of showers, Finland summer showers are brief and the weather is generally nice.

We recommend visiting Helsinki, Tampere, Hammarland, and Turku. If you want a little more guidance from our team on what to see and putting together an itinerary, reach out to Global Highlights for more information. Our Finland experts will be able to plan your ideal trip, regardless of what you'd like to do and how you like to travel. Get help planning your trip to Finland today.

1. Spend Time in Helsinki's Historic Senate Square

Helsinki's Senate Square is the oldest part of the center of Helsinki, and is a unique combination of Finland's political, religious, scientific, and commercial history and present-day features. It's a great place to kick off your Finland travels and learn more about this interesting country.

The square was designated as the capital's main square in 1812, and designed by Johan Albrecht Ehrenström, a Finnish politician. In 1822, the construction of the Palace of the Council of State was built on the east side of the square. This building still houses the offices of the Prime Minister of Finland and the cabinet. On the northern side of Senate Square is Helsinki Cathedral, which you can read more about in our article about visiting Finland in January.

After your visit to Senate Square, we suggest visiting some of the other architecture in Helsinki (read more about this in our piece about visiting Finland in May), or going on a walking tour throughout the city (which you can read more about in our article about visiting Finland in April).

Particularly if you hit a warm day, there are lots of nice cafés and restaurants along the way to enjoy a drink in the sunshine, or have a nice lunch.

2. Take a Walking Tour around Tampere

Tampere is a beautiful lake-side city, and there's lots to see inside the city too. We suggest taking a day walking around the city. If you are interested, Global Highlights can help you arrange a tour guide to help take you around, tell you the history of the city, and share some insights.

We suggest starting at Tampere Cathedral, or Tampereen Tuomiokirkko, also known as St John's Church. It's a Lutheran church and was built in the national romantic style in the early 1900s. Inside are beautiful frescoes painted by Hugo Simberg. One of the paintings has been controversial in the past, including a winged serpent with a red background at the highest point in the ceiling, which was sometimes interpreted as a symbol of sin and corruption.

As a result of Tampere's location between two lakes, there is a channel of rapids that flows between the lakes. The Tammerkoski rapids are a good next stop on your walking tour of the city, and the power station at the bridge is one of the city's most iconic landmarks.

And finally, an ode to Tampere's industrial path can be found in the former Finlayson factory, founded by a Scotsman which became a textile company. The building houses businesses today, including a museum and restaurants.

3. Go Salmon Fishing on Hammarland

Hammarland, an autonomous territory of Finland, is actually home to mostly Swedish speakers. The area is based on an island in between Finland and Sweden, and is a great place for salmon fishing between May and July, making June the perfect time of year to do this.

The area is not one of the top tourist places in Finland, making it a great place to visit as a quieter destination where you could enjoy nature off the beaten track.There are a lot of spots for salmon fishing there, and we suggest taking a tour guide or an organized fishing trip to ensure that you are aware and sticking to the local fishing regulations to protect the salmon populations. If you don't want to fish yourself, there are also boat rides that offer beautiful views over the unique landscape.

Other activities around Hammarland include swimming, biking, walking, and kayaking, and there are also sights to visit including the Hammarland Church and a local fire brigade museum.

4. Stand in Awe of Turku's Medieval Castle

Turku is a great example of a European market town, with plenty of medieval sights to keep you busy. The main example of this is Turku Castle, which is also one of the oldest buildings that is still in use today. It houses a museum, with lots to explore.

In the castle, the three lower floors are dedicated to the medieval castle, while the upper floor is a dedication to it being a renaissance castle, and the attic is home to its collection of artifacts. For more information about visiting Turku Castle, you can read our article about visiting Finland in January.

After the castle, we suggest taking a look around Qwensel House, the oldest wooden house in Turku, dating back to the 18th century. Today, it is a museum of pharmacy, but a visit is also worth it to understand more about how the Nordic bourgeois lived back then.

Qwensel House's name comes from its original owner, Wilhelm Johan Qwensel, who moved there in 1695 when he came to work for the Court of Appeal in Turku.

Start of High Season: More Expensive and More Crowded

June is the start of the high season in Finland, with milder weather warming up the country, particularly the south of Finland. As a result, it might be busier, and prices for accommodation and transportation might be higher, meaning it is a good idea to book ahead.

What to Wear in June

June's weather is largely mild and sunny, but we would still recommend bringing a jumper or a light jacket just in case you hit a cooler day, or in case you're hoping to visit the north of Finland, where temperatures are slightly lower than in the south. The beginning of the month can also be a little cooler, and it's best to be prepared with an additional layer of clothing.

We also recommend bringing good footwear so that you can walk around Finland's beautiful cities, and also go for a hike should you be interested. If you are looking to take advantage of Finland's natural offerings, we suggest bringing activewear, as well as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.

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36 Hours in Helsinki

By Ingrid K. Williams Updated August 7, 2024

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By Ingrid K. Williams Photographs by Vesa Laitinen

Ingrid K. Williams is a regular contributor to the Travel section. She lives part-time in Stockholm and has covered the Nordic region since 2010.

For seven consecutive years, Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world , and summer is the brightest, cheeriest season to visit its capital. At its peak, Helsinki basks in nearly 19 hours of daylight, which is more than enough time to explore the stunning architecture of the new central library, browse treasure-filled shops in the Design District, sweat in a wood-burning sauna, sip cocktails on a schooner and trek across islands in the surrounding archipelago. Meanwhile, ongoing construction along the waterfront continues to transform industrial zones into livable, residential neighborhoods in this progressive, design-focused city.

Recommendations

• Luovuus Kukkii Kaaoksesta , which translates to “creativity blooms from chaos,” is a playful restaurant with eclectic décor and inventive small plates.
• Vallisaari , a small island in Helsinki’s archipelago, is home to nature trails, mossy woodlands, grazing sheep and military fortifications with spectacular views.
• The Old Man & the Sí! , the city’s quintessential summer bar, is a seasonal pop-up on an old three-masted wooden schooner docked in the eastern harbor.
• The Aalto House is a modest, two-story home designed by Alvar Aalto and his first wife, Aino, in the mid-1930s that is now a museum open to the public on small guided tours.
• Oodi , the new central library, is a monumental, three-story structure with a striking, curved-wood facade.
• Kansalaistori Square is surrounded by contemporary architectural landmarks, including the curvilinear Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma and the boxy glass Musiikkitalo concert hall.
• Amos Rex is an art museum on Lasipalatsi Square, where a temporary exhibition of enormous elfin sculptures is set amid futuristic, undulating domes.
• HAM Helsinki Art Museum has a permanent collection of murals by Tove Jansson, the Finnish author and illustrator who created the Moomins — the whimsical hippo-like trolls that are today an adorable and indelible part of the country’s modern culture.
• Sompasauna is a popular, no-frills locale in an industrial zone north of the city center with three mixed-gender, clothing-optional saunas steps from the Baltic Sea.
• Uusi Sauna is a modern complex in Jätkäsaari, a new residential neighborhood along the western harbor, with single-gender saunas and an on-site bar.
• Galerie Forsblom is a contemporary art gallery showcasing both established international artists and emerging Nordic talents.
• Studio Aalto , in the suburban Munkkiniemi neighborhood, is a striking building designed by Alvar Aalto in the mid-1950s as an office for his architecture firm.
• Way Bakery , a neighborhood cafe and artisan bakery, has minimalist design and sunny sidewalk tables where locals linger over brunch.
• BasBas Kulma , the sibling restaurant of a beloved neighborhood bistro, serves small plates from a charcoal grill in a sprawling space with brick walls and a laid-back atmosphere.
• Bob’s Laundry , a kitschy laundromat-themed cocktail bar, serves drinks like the Rum’N’Soap, a tiki-inspired highball with rum, pineapple, lychee, orange and coconut.
• SalamaNation is a beer bar in the downtown Kamppi neighborhood with 20 taps, most dedicated to Finnish craft breweries.
• Rams Roasters , in the southern Ullanlinna neighborhood, is a bustling coffee shop with excellent espresso and buttery, Finnish-style cinnamon buns.
• Hakaniemen Kauppahalli , the Hakaniemi Market Hall, recently reopened after a five-year restoration, with vendors selling fresh fish and meats, seasonal vegetables and edible souvenirs.
• Liike , a Design District boutique, is stocked with unique fashions from up-and-coming Finnish designers.
• Fasaani Antiikki is a maze-like second-hand emporium with antique Finnish ceramics and glassware.
• Salakauppa is a tiny shop filled with fanciful, handcrafted treasures such as Russian matryoshka figurines shaped like root vegetables instead of dolls.
• The Hotel Maria opened in December in the harborside Kruununhaka neighborhood, steps from Senate Square and the neoclassical Helsinki Cathedral, with 117 luxurious, cream-colored rooms and suites along with an on-site restaurant, spa and chandelier-lit bar. Rooms start at around €425, or $464 .
• The Hobo Helsinki , which opened this year near the central Esplanade Park, has 183 cozy, colorful rooms and a daily breakfast buffet, fitness center and a popular terrace bar. Rooms start at around €180.
• Scandic Helsinki Hub is an excellent option in the city center that opened in 2022 with more than 350 modern, spacious guest rooms and amenities that include an ample breakfast buffet (included), a gym, sauna and a large coworking lounge. Rooms start at around €150 .
• Look for a short-term rental in Punavuori, a cool neighborhood in the southwestern part of central Helsinki with many great restaurants, bars, cafes, parks and coffee shops.
• Public transportation in Helsinki is excellent, with buses , trams and metro lines (single ride, €2.95; day ticket, €9). There are also commuter trains , that connect to the airport, as well as ferry lines. Download the HSL app to purchase tickets, or buy from ticket machines or sales kiosks. Bike-share docks are also stationed throughout the city (day pass, €5). Taxi and ride-hailing services include Taksi Helsinki and Bolt .

Many arrive in Helsinki via the central railway station, which is also an ideal spot to begin a tour of the city’s contemporary architecture. But first, stop to admire the station’s Jugendstil, or Art Nouveau, facade, clad in Finnish granite and designed by Eliel Saarinen with a tall clock tower and stern statues flanking the main entrance. From there, it’s mere steps to Oodi , the new central library in a monumental, three-story, curved-wood building. Head to the top floor — an open-plan, glass-enclosed reading space nicknamed “book heaven.” There, a wide balcony overlooks Kansalaistori Square , a grassy plaza surrounded by other architectural landmarks: the curvilinear Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma , the boxy glass Musiikkitalo concert hall and, farther away, the Alvar Aalto-designed Finlandia Hall (currently under renovation).

Continue the tour at Amos Rex , a new museum (known as the Amos Anderson Art Museum before it moved to its current location) that opened in a functionalist building from the 1930s on Lasipalatsi Square. Today the square is dominated by futuristic, undulating domes — each with a spherical skylight for the museum’s subterranean galleries below — and a free temporary exhibition of giant, moss-green elfin figures by the Finnish sculptor Kim Simonsson (through Oct. 20). Inside the museum (admission €20, or about $22), current exhibitions include post-Impressionist paintings by the Finnish artist Magnus Enckell and an experiential installation with beds and silicone “wombs” by the European artist collective Keiken. Visitors this fall should also stop at the nearby HAM Helsinki Art Museum to see “Paradise,” an unprecedented exhibition of Tove Jansson’s large-scale public paintings, which is part of the 80th anniversary celebration of the Moomins, the whimsical, hippo-like trolls that Jansson created (Oct. 25 through April 6, 2025; €18). The museum also holds a small permanent collection of her murals.

Fun might not be listed on the menu, but it’s always included with dinner at Luovuus Kukkii Kaaoksesta , which translates to “creativity blooms from chaos.” This downtown restaurant opened in 2022 with eclectic décor foraged from second-hand shops, a colorful mural of sea creatures and a menu of inventive small plates that changes with the seasons. Ask for a table in the main dining room, where the owner Samu Räsänen charms diners with his delightful banter and fantastic wine pairings. A recent meal also included fresh scallop sashimi with pink sesame seeds and nectarine slivers, white asparagus beneath a frothy tomato-spiked Béarnaise sauce (both €13), and a hibiscus-flavored “tuttifrutti parfait” (€10).

After dinner, socialize as Finns do, in the sauna. Sompasauna is a popular, no-frills option in an industrial zone north of the city center with three mixed-gender, clothing-optional saunas steps from the Baltic Sea. There’s no admission fee (or staff) at this community-run locale, so users are expected to pitch in, either by donation or by helping with chores, like chopping firewood. Bring your own towel and a lock to secure your belongings. For a late-night sweat session with more amenities, try Uusi Sauna , which recently opened in Jätkäsaari, a new residential neighborhood along the western harbor that had been a cargo port until 2008. At this modern complex, the saunas are single-gender (admission, €18; towel rental, €5), and there’s an on-site bar serving Nordic craft beers beside an outdoor courtyard where sauna-goers cool off between rounds.

Vanha Kauppahalli

Vanha Kauppahalli , the 19th-century Old Market Hall, is a natural first stop for many visitors disembarking from the hulking cruise ships that dock along the bustling harborfront. But for a less touristy atmosphere, hop on a tram to Kallio, a residential neighborhood just to the north, where Hakaniemen Kauppahalli , the Hakaniemi Market Hall, reopened last year after a long restoration. Inside the two-story, red-brick building, which first opened in 1914, stroll the airy aisles where vendors sell fresh fish and meats, seasonal vegetables, delectable cakes and pastries, hearty rye loaves and edible souvenirs like smoked reindeer, salty licorice candies and bags of locally roasted coffee beans.

It’s a short walk from the market to Way Bakery , an all-day cafe and artisan bakery with minimalist design and sunny sidewalk tables where locals linger over granola bowls (€7) and thick focaccia squares topped with burrata (€11.50). For brunch, consider the ever-changing selection of special pastries displayed atop the stainless-steel counter, which recently included frosted rhubarb-strawberry financiers and raspberry-and-mascarpone-filled maritozzi buns (from €6.50). Or order my go-to: the bread plate with chewy sourdough, thinly sliced cheese, a generous schmear of salted butter and a jammy soft-boiled egg (€11).

Suomenlinna

On a sunny summer afternoon, you won’t be the only one lining up on the harborfront to board a boat headed to one of the more than 300 islands that make up Helsinki’s archipelago. One of the most popular islands, Suomenlinna, is a former sea fortress (and UNESCO World Heritage Site ) to which crowded ferries depart as often as every 15 minutes. For a more tranquil island escape, instead hop on a boat to Vallisaari , a small island that opened to the public in 2016 after serving as a military area since the 18th century (€13.90 round-trip). It’s a breezy, 20-minute ride to this idyllic island, where an easy, two-mile nature trail loops past mossy woodlands, a glittering lake, grazing sheep and military fortifications with spectacular views across the archipelago.

Back on the mainland, meander through the Design District , which has grown to encompass not only shops and galleries but also design-minded hotels, restaurants and museums. Find up-and-coming Finnish fashion designs at Liike , a boutique stocked with shimmering flower-print coats from the Turku-based designer Miia Halmesmaa and hand-crocheted hair clips from a local brand called the Finnish National Romance Museum . In the white-walled galleries of Galerie Forsblom , view a series of color-splashed, politically charged paintings by the Finnish artist Riiko Sakkinen (until Aug. 18, free). Several blocks south, scoop up Finnish antiques, including ceramic plates by Arabia and glassware by Iittala , at Fasaani Antiikki , a maze-like second-hand emporium. Then peek inside nearby Salakauppa , a tiny shop filled with fanciful, hand-crafted treasures such as Russian matryoshka figurines shaped like root vegetables, and hand-painted Japanese kokeshi dolls.

Southwest of the city center, BasBas Kulma is the new sibling restaurant of Baskeri and Basso — a beloved bistro locals call “BasBas” — that opened in a sprawling space with brick walls, exposed pipes and a laid-back vibe. Reserve a table in advance to join the jolly crowd feasting on charcoal-grilled skewers of octopus with spicy ’nduja sausage (€14) and charred spring cabbage smothered in peanut-chile sauce (€12). Other standouts from the menu of shareable small plates might include a crisp kohlrabi-and-pear salad with crumbled goat cheese and rhubarb vinaigrette (€11); a delicious pile of tiny Baltic shrimp, tender potatoes and foamy horseradish cream (€11); and for dessert, a warm Belgian waffle with apricot jam and white-chocolate mousse (€9).

Bob’s Laundry

After dinner, you could walk two blocks to Bob’s Laundry , a kitschy laundromat-themed cocktail bar serving drinks like the Rum’N’Soap, a tiki-inspired highball with rum, pineapple, lychee, orange and coconut (€14). Or hop on a tram to SalamaNation , a beer bar in the downtown Kamppi neighborhood, to sample Finnish craft brews like the Neo-Elektro, a hazy I.P.A. from Salama Brewing. Or head across town to the city’s quintessential summer bar: The Old Man & the Sí! , a seasonal pop-up on an old three-masted wooden schooner docked in the harbor beside the northeastern Kruununhaka district, where you can lounge on the poop deck with a Bitter Paloma (tequila, pink grapefruit, hibiscus, lime and tonic; €15) as the sky dims but never fully darkens.

Could coffee be the key to happiness? Finns are among the world’s top consumers of coffee per capita, so it’s certainly part of the equation. To test this theory, step inside Rams Roasters , a busy little coffee shop on a quiet street in the southern Ullanlinna neighborhood. Order a shot of espresso (€4.50) or a light-roast coffee made with beans from Sweden’s Koppi Roasters (€3.50), and don’t sleep on the outstanding baked goods, particularly the buttery cinnamon buns in the Finnish style: oversize and topped with pearl sugar (€5.20).

The Aalto House

The Aalto House is a modest, two-story home that the world-renowned architect and designer Alvar Aalto and his first wife, Aino, also an architect, built for themselves in the mid-1930s. Today the well-preserved building in the suburban Munkkiniemi neighborhood, a half-hour north of the city center by tram, is a museum open to the public on engaging, small guided tours (tickets, €30). The timeless home was a family residence and an office, with a sliding partition separating the wings, both furnished in the midcentury modern style that the Aaltos pioneered. If you’re left wanting more after the hour-long tour, it’s only a seven-minute walk to Studio Aalto , a separate office that Alvar Aalto designed to accommodate the growing architecture firm in the 1950s (guided tour, €20).

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Salzburg, Austria:  The compact Austrian city of medieval alleys, majestic Alpine views and just 150,000 residents bursts to life in the summer .

Southern Sardinia:  This overlooked island region of Italy, with its idyllic beaches and buzzing capital , is ready to share its essence.

Adirondacks :  New York’s Adirondack Park draws more than 12 million visitors each year. Here’s where to go to avoid the crowds .

Los Angeles:  The California city has one of the most diverse urban forests in the world and each neighborhood has its own characteristic plantings .

Nighttime Activities :  Travel adventures, from goat hikes to snorkeling , get even better when they’re done under the stars.

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Olympics closing ceremony 2024: Everything you need to know, how to watch, start time

After weeks of intense and exciting competition, international athletes are about to say “au revoir” to the 2024 Paris Games.

Unlike the ambitious opening ceremony , the closing ceremony will take a more traditional route. Rather than the open-air venue of the Seine River, the closing ceremony will be held in the 80,000-seat Stade de France.

The stadium has hosted a number of events over the course of the Games, including world-record-breaking track races and a historic first for the American women’s rugby team . Now, the venue will be filled with artists, dancers, acrobats and surprise performers to celebrate the end of this year’s Olympics and look ahead to the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

Here’s what you need to know about the ceremony.

What time does the Olympic closing ceremony start?

The closing ceremony will be held on Sunday. NBC will air a live preshow at 2 p.m. ET, which will include a recap of some of the most unforgettable moments from this year’s Olympics.

The actual ceremony will start at 3 p.m. ET, and an encore telecast will play for U.S. viewers during prime time. The ceremony is expected to last a little over two hours.

A broadcast about the 2028 G ames will air at 10 p.m. ET.

How can you watch?

The ceremony will be available to stream on NBC, Peacock and NBC Olympics. (NBC News shares a parent company with those entities, NBCUniversal.)

Viewers can also watch on their local NBC channel. Full TV listings for the ceremony can be found on the NBC Olympics schedule page .

What happens during the closing ceremony?

Similar to the opening ceremony, many details about the closing ceremony have been kept under wraps.

The Paris 2024 Olympic committee said the closing ceremony will feature “over a hundred performers, acrobats, dancers and circus artists.” Artistic director Thomas Jolly, who also planned the opening ceremony, said the theme is “Records.”

Viewers can expect the usual parade of athletes, a display of the participating nations’ flags and the lowering of the Olympic flag. A portion of the closing ceremony is dedicated to the host city handover from Paris to Los Angeles, in which Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo will give the Olympic flag to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

Some final medals are often handed out during the closing ceremony. The Olympic flame is extinguished.

The flame for the Paralympic Games, which take place Aug. 28-Sept. 8, “will be lit shortly after the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Stoke Mandeville, the historic birthplace of Paralympic sport,” according to the Olympics website . From Aug. 25 to Aug. 28, about 1,000 forerunners will carry the Paralympic flame to 50 cities throughout France as part of the the Paris 2024 Paralympic torch relay, the website states.

Who are the ceremony hosts? Who is performing?

NBC’s Mike Tirico will return as a host alongside late night host Jimmy Fallon. They will be joined by sports commentator Terry Gannon and former Olympic figure skaters Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir, all of whom previously served as hosts during the PyeongChang, Tokyo and Beijing Games.

The ceremony will feature prominent performers representing California, a nod to the next host city. Rapper Snoop Dogg — who has become a fixture of this year’s Games — will play a role in the handover segment. R&B artist H.E.R. will perform the U.S. national anthem at the ceremony.

The full slate of performers remains unconfirmed.

However, there has been speculation that Los Angeles natives Billie Eilish and the Red Hot Chili Peppers will be a part of the event. Meanwhile, French bands Phoenix and Air are expected to perform, according to a Variety interview with ceremonies director Thierry Reboul.

Actor Tom Cruise, who attended various events at the Games and is currently filming “Mission: Impossible 8” in Europe, is also rumored to be part of the closing celebration.

Who are the flag bearers for Team USA?

Swimmer Katie Ledecky and rower Nick Mead will be the flag bearers during the closing ceremony.

Ledecky is the most decorated female Olympian of all time, snagging her 14th medal after the 800-meter freestyle on Aug. 3. She won a gold medal in the event, securing her ninth gold overall.

Mead won a gold medal alongside teammates Liam Corrigan, Michael Grady and Justin Best in the men’s four rowing event. It was the first time since 1960 that Team USA won the event.

Daysia Tolentino is a culture and internet reporter for NBC News.

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It Ends with Us

Adapted from the Colleen Hoover novel, Lily overcomes a traumatic childhood to embark on a new life. A chance meeting with a neurosurgeon sparks a connection but Lily begins to see sides of ... Read all Adapted from the Colleen Hoover novel, Lily overcomes a traumatic childhood to embark on a new life. A chance meeting with a neurosurgeon sparks a connection but Lily begins to see sides of him that remind her of her parents' relationship. Adapted from the Colleen Hoover novel, Lily overcomes a traumatic childhood to embark on a new life. A chance meeting with a neurosurgeon sparks a connection but Lily begins to see sides of him that remind her of her parents' relationship.

• Justin Baldoni
• Christy Hall
• Colleen Hoover
• Blake Lively
• Jenny Slate
• 100 User reviews
• 69 Critic reviews
• 54 Metascore

Top cast 24

• Ryle Kincaid

• Atlas Corrigan

• Andrew Bloom

• Jenny Bloom

• Young Atlas Corrigan

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• Trivia The casting of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni as Lily and Ryle caused backlash from fans because in the book Lily is 23 and Ryle is 30, while Lively is 35 and Baldoni is 39. Author of the book Colleen Hoover explained in an interview that she wanted to age the characters up in the movie in an effort to correct a mistake she made in the book. She said, "Back when I wrote It Ends With Us, the new adult [genre] was very popular. You were writing college-age characters. That's what I was contracted to do. I made Lily very young. I didn't know that neurosurgeons went to school for 50 years. There's not a 20-something neurosurgeon. As I started making this movie, I'm like, 'We need to age them out, because I messed up.' So, that's my fault."
• Connections Featured in The Project: Episode dated 6 August 2024 (2024)
• Soundtracks Strangers Performed by Ethel Cain

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• August 9, 2024 (United States)
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• $25,000,000 (estimated)
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• Aug 11, 2024
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Carolina faculty trio win Fulbright awards

Scholars in nursing, Latin American studies, and exercise and nutrition will travel to Nepal, Spain and Finland.

Three UNC-Chapel Hill faculty members recently received awards from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board to teach or conduct research abroad during the 2024-25 academic year.

Among the 800 U.S. scholars selected are Carolina’s Suja Davis, clinical associate professor at the School of Nursing; Oswaldo Estrada, professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Romance studies department; and Anthony Hackney, professor in the College’s exercise and sport science department and the Gillings School of Global Public Health’s nutrition department.

“Participation of Carolina faculty in Fulbright supports the global mindset of our campus and enhances the University’s global reputation,” said Giselle Corbie, senior vice provost for faculty affairs. “I am proud of these faculty who will maintain their international connections for years and bring global knowledge and perspectives to their research and teaching.”

Carolina has a long history with the  Fulbright Program . This year, UNC-Chapel Hill was honored as a Top Producing Institution for Fulbright U.S. students for the 14th time for sending over 20 students and recent alumni abroad on Fulbright scholarships for graduate studies, research or teaching.

Suja Davis 

An educator and a health care professional, Davis will be hosted by the Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences in Nepal. There she will teach adult health nursing and research courses, conduct workshops and seminars for the faculty and promote faculty scholarship. She will lecture, lead seminars and conduct research to incorporate educational innovations into the nursing curricula.

“The Fulbright Scholar Award is the most widely recognized, prestigious and respected international exchange program in the world,” Davis said. “I aim to build a global network of contacts, which can lead to collaborations and partnerships that benefit Carolina’s SON.”

Oswaldo Estrada 

Estrada is a professor of Spanish and Latin American studies and director of the Faculty Fellows Program at the Institute for the Arts and Humanities. In Spain, he will do archival research as part of the Literature, Image and Cultural History research group in the Institute of Language, Literature and Anthropology.

Estrada’s work will focus on Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1648-1695), a poet from colonial Mexico. Estrada is writing a book about her carols, religious poems and her prologues and dedications to explore how the poet-nun of the Baroque era articulated a feminist discourse that attracts a wide range of readers today.

“My interdisciplinary reading reflects the true nature of the poet who contests calcified differences between male and female,” Estrada said. “I would love to offer undergraduate and graduate courses on Sor Juana’s feminism, in English and Spanish, to serve our students interested in gender studies, feminism and queer studies.”

Anthony Hackney 

Hackney will complete the second year of his Fulbright fellowship at the University of Eastern Finland as the Fulbright-Saastamoinen Distinguished Chair in Health Sciences. Through the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children study, he researches how chronic engagement in physical activity, like sports, may affect the health and physical performance capacities of young girls transitioning to women.

This is Hackney’s fourth Fulbright scholar award. He also serves as the University’s Fulbright faculty liaison in the Center for Faculty Excellence and advises Carolina faculty on developing competitive Fulbright applications.

“If I had to name one thing that has profoundly helped to shape me into the person I am today, it would be the Fulbright program,” Hackney said. “It has made me a better professor in the classroom and the laboratory — a better all-around person — and enriched my life and that of my family. It has been and is a ‘win-win’ experience.”

Read more about the Fulbright scholars.

Anyone with an active UNC-Chapel Hill email can take advantage of the deal on GoTriangle bus routes.

Anson Dorrance announces retirement after 47 years

The 1974 Carolina alum won 1,106 games coaching the Tar Heel soccer programs, and his 21 NCAA women’s soccer championships are the most in any Division I sport.

Video: ‘A truly joyous day’ for Carolina

The Carolina community welcomed Lee H. Roberts as the University's 13th chancellor with a campus event Aug. 9 at the Kenan Center.

Carolina welcomes Lee H. Roberts as 13th chancellor

“I’m here to listen and learn, to partner with you,” Roberts told the campus at an Aug. 9 event.

Message from Lee H. Roberts on becoming Carolina’s 13th chancellor 

“I truly believe there is no better job in the world than leading Carolina and building on its remarkable legacy of excellence,” Roberts says in this video to campus. 

Read UNC System President Peter Hans’ chancellor nominating statement

Hans says that Lee H. Roberts “has shown a willingness to listen, to learn, to approach difficult moments with humility.”

For Aline Awada, being different is a strength

A Lebanese native who grew up in Brazil, the first-year student developed leadership skills through helping others.

First-gen student turns art into business

Entrepreneur and first-year student Alyssa Crane makes and sells paintings and jewelry.

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