City: Finland
Top Things to do in Finland
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The 10 Best Things to do in Finland, Finland
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Restaurants in Finland
1. Sea Fortress Suomenlinna
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,129 reviews
Reviewed By M6281VPmarks - Scottsdale, United States
Must visit this UNESCO world heritage site of a fortress in Helsinki south harbor across several islands which was built by the Swedes in the 18th and 19th centuries to unsuccessfully prevent Russia from capturing Finland. It is a remarkable piece of engineering, architecture and history. Visit the several museums on the connected islands. There are also fortifications, barracks, residences (people live there full time), church, workshops, shops, cafes and restaurants. You will need at least half a day to visit and will take a 15 minute scenic ferry ride starting at Market Square but the ferry convenienty runs all day starting very early and ending late in the evening because people live there. Children who are into forts and guns will enjoy. Younger children will have the chance to run around to their hearts content.
2. Yllas Ski Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By FinnishMom - Southwest Finland, Finland
The slopes are well maintained, safe, broad and I’d say this skiing was the best I have had in Finland during my 25 years of skiing and the kids liked it, too. When you go during late March-April it is not too cold either, and you can continue skiing until late in the evening - the sun sets at 9 pm and the slopes close at 7 pm!
3. Vapriikin Museokeskus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 396 reviews
Reviewed By leffex - Pietarsaari, Finland
The Vapriikki is amazing. You can find all kind of museums here. The Stone Museum, Media Museum Rupriikki , Puppet Museum , Pirkanmaa Provincial Museum , Postal Museum , Finnish Ice Hockey Museum , Finnish Game Museum and Tampere Museum of Natural History. Vapriikki is named after the Swedish word fabrik. The Museum Center is located in the former workshop of the Tampella Mill, the oldest parts of which were built in the 1880s. Half of the total area of 14,000 square meters in Vapriiki is reserved for exhibitions and public spaces. I’m a history freak, so the most interesting for me was the exhibition “Tampere 1918”, which tells about the bloody battle between the Whites and the Reds during the Finnish Civil War 1918. Perspectives are offered by the fighters on both sides, but civilians and onlookers are not overlooked either. The exhibition presents a large cross-section of society at war, from children and old people to workers and factory managers. The Vapriikki was selected as the Museum of the Century at the Centennial Cultural Gala held in October 2017 as part of Finland's 100th anniversary program.
4. Tampereen Tuomiokirkko
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 418 reviews
Reviewed By mWrite - Helsinki, Finland
This beautiful church was designed by famous Finnish architect Lars Sonck and built early 20th century. I highly recommend a visit and admiring all simple and beautiful detailed decorations. To get all out of the visit, I recommend to read about the church before hand.
5. Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 735 reviews
Reviewed By ester994
Awesome view from the tower!!! The café downstairs is very good with nice coffee and hot chocolate and the best munkki in the whole Finland! (You can find many different things to drink and eat as well) Besides, Pyynikki has nice places to visit around, like pyynikin uimaranta (beach), the theater etc. Definitely must visit this place!
6. Turku Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,126 reviews
Reviewed By Lilli_Hoi - Finland, null
Turku Castle was an important bastion and administrative centre when Finland was under the Swedish rule. All Finnish kids remember mid-16th century period and the reign of Duke John and Catherine Jagellon from the history books. Castle was badly damaged during the years (Fire, WWII etc) but has been lovingly restored. It is relatively sparsely furnished but displays an interesting collection of artefacts from the different periods of its history up in the ‘attic’ and has a temporary exhibition space, too. Current exhibition is about merchant etc women of Turku, very interesting. Castle is about 2.5km away from the city centre, very leisurely and family friendly bike ride along the river Aura (pre-register for Föli city bikes, from EUR 5 / day). Guided tour in English recommended as an introduction to the history, most rooms have also helpful and knowledgable attendants (dressed in historical costumes) who are happy to explain the background to the paintings and furniture not covered on the tour. All signage in English and Swedish as well. Highlight for our nine year old boy was the opportunities to dress up in historical costumes. We all have new appreciation for the Knights after having tried on their full, heavy armour! Lots of steps up and down so do wear comfortable shoes. Allow minimum 2 hours for the visit with the tour, it took us 4 hours with dressing up and a game of chess. Shop has nice souvenirs, coffee and snacks tasty in the restaurant. Highly recommended!
7. SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,010 reviews
Come and enjoy the Christmas of Your dreams in Santa Park! Santa Park is an exciting fantasy world built inside a series of underground caves, and it is filled with the warm atmosphere of Christmas. The Elves are doing their chores and the aroma of gingerbread cookies fills the air. SantaPark offers a wide variety of sights and activities for the whole family! Please have a look at our website for our opening times before your arrival.
Reviewed By KemikOjstra - Maribor, Slovenia
Very special place for all people, not only children and children at heart. There you can visit Santa Claus in his office, take a magic train ride, see Santa's elves and their shows on stage, visit really amazing ice gallery, gingerbread room and eat in a restaurant. I had a nice conversation with Santa Claus in his office. SantaPark is surely a good place to make some lifelong memories.
8. Santa Claus Office
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,776 reviews
Santa Claus Office is the place to meet Santa Claus himself in Rovaniemi. Have a chat with him and have your photo taken with him. Open every day, free of charge!
Reviewed By theadahapalla - Vienna, Austria
Whichever time of the year you come here, it will always give you the Christmas vibes. Don't forget to take a picture in the Arctic circle post. Visit the post office of Santa and some postcards to your loved ones.
9. Santa Claus Village
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4,202 reviews
Reviewed By watsonc - Johannesburg, South Africa
This is a resort type of place with everything to offer to the young and the old. Nothing is more wonderful than to allow your imagination to run wild in the snow magical fun filled place. From visiting Santa’s post office, husky petting, snow tubing, ice skating, reindeer sleighing & all the other excursions & adventures on offer, this is truly a remarkable place to visit. Unfortunately the grotto was closed when we visited but there was plenty to keep us busy for the 3 days. Visiting Santa was also a treat. Just be prepared to pay as this is a tourist kinda trap but worth every cent. A definite must visit regardless if you are an adult or a parent with small children.
10. Arktikum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,812 reviews
Open your eyes to the Arctic! Arktikum is a science centre and museum that lets you experience northern nature, culture, and history up close. Housing the University of Lapland’s Arctic Centre and the Regional Museum of Lapland, we stimulate thought, encourage debate, and provide a deeper understanding of the Arctic. See, explore and enjoy the Arctic stories shared through our experiential exhibitions and events! Arktikum Cafe serves daily lunch and great selection of northern delights. Arktikum Shop offers high-quality Lappish products and souvenirs.
Reviewed By 453isabelal - Tel Aviv, Israel
Amazing exhibitions about the polar region , Northern lights ( there is a northern lights theatre) , history and ethnography of Finland .Many of the exhibits are interactive and the museum has something for people of all ages :)
