10 Ways to Experience Finland’s Nature, Culture, Design, and Wellbeing

Finland is commonly referred to as the Land of a Thousand Lakes and is a destination where nature, culture, design and wellbeing combine to bring unforgettable experiences. There are peaceful forests and pioneering architecture, deep traditions and health practices, and visitors can find many ways to experience the Finnish way of life. If you are planning your next trip and starting your Finland visa application, this guide from Go Kite Tours will show you ten enriching ways to discover the very best of the country.

1. Explore Finland’s National Parks

Finland has 41 national parks which demonstrate the untouched wilderness of the country. Be they hiking, kayaking, or just taking in some fresh northern air, these parks are the haven of natural beauty. Nuuksio National Park, located outside of Helsinki, is one of the most easily accessible ways to get a taste of the untouched Finnish forest, whereas Urho Kekkonen National Park in Lapland offers wide tundra sceneries which are ideal to spot reindeer and the Northern Lights.

2. Experience the Magic of the Midnight Sun

In northernmost Finland, it does not get as dark as in other parts of the world during the summer. This is a phenomenon that is often referred to as the Midnight Sun, which provides the traveler with an opportunity to have an outdoor adventure until the wee hours of the night. Think kayaking in a sky lit up at 2 a.m. or enjoying a hike with endless daylight—it’s one of the most unique aspects of Finland’s nature, culture, design and wellbeing.

3. Discover the Finnish Sauna Tradition

There is no visit to Finland that is complete without a jump into the sauna. Besides relaxation, the sauna is also integrated into the Finnish culture and is assumed to be a place of purification of the body and soul. In Helsinki, there are traditional public saunas, such as Loyly or Allas Sea Pool, where a sauna culture and contemporary design are combined. The ritual is an ideal representation of the nature, culture, design and wellbeing of Finland as it provides restoration as well as a connection to the local traditions.

4. Visit Helsinki’s Design District

Finland is known around the world as a country with an exceptional design, both in architecture, fashion and general objects. The Design District in Helsinki is the place to find shops, galleries and workshops showcasing Finnish talent. The impact of such giants of design as Alvar Aalto is felt all over the city. The visit to this neighborhood is a motivating experience to learn how design is involved in daily life and how it is a part of nature, culture, design and wellbeing of Finland.

5. Immerse Yourself in Finnish Cuisine

Food is the straight access to the culture and the Finnish cuisine is simple, fresh, and seasonal. Try traditional meals such as salmon soup, rye bread, Karelian pies and cloudberry desserts. In Lapland, reindeer dishes can help you taste the north, whereas in Helsinki, restaurants with Michelin stars offer modern interpretations of local ingredients. Every bite is a story of how Finland relates to its environment.

6. Witness the Northern Lights in Lapland

The Northern Lights are the main attraction of a visit to Finland to many travelers. The magical colors that play across the Arctic sky is best observed between the month of September and April. The glass igloos and wilderness cabins are the best options to visit and experience this natural phenomenon in the silence of the night and snowy scenery. This breath taking phenomenon is an indication of how the nature, culture, design and wellbeing of the people of Finland are intertwined with the environment.

7. Celebrate Local Festivals and Traditions

To be a local is to engage in local customs. There are festivals all through the year in Finland, including Midsummer on the lakeside, Vappu (May Day) a spring festival with balloons, picnics, and music. Finnish Lapland is where Santa Claus lives, so it is the best place to spend a Christmas holiday. These festivals emphasize the hospitality and friendliness of the Finnish culture.

8. Reconnect with Nature in a Finnish Cottage

A beloved aspect of Finnish culture is relaxing at a cottage by the lake, or moki. Visitors can hire a cottage to enjoy the pace of the countryside- fishing, berry picking, swimming in lakes, and the most important, using the sauna. This back to nature experience offers the ultimate Finnish wellbeing experience where visitors can rest, recharge and live like locals.

9. Discover Finnish Art and Museums

Finland is a country with a lot to admire by art lovers. The Ateneum Art Museum features the works of the Finnish artists such as Akseli Gallen-Kallela, whereas Amos Rex museum is a combination of modern art and building design. In Lapland, cultural centers of the S ami people demonstrate the culture of the Indigenous S ami people. The visit to these museums can give a better understanding of the cultural aspect of Finnish nature, culture, design and wellbeing.

10. Indulge in Finland’s Wellbeing Practices

Finns value wellbeing and it is more than just saunas, it is also outdoor activities, mindfulness, and a strong respect of a balance. Whether that is forest bathing (metsan terapia), yoga retreats on the lakes or simply cycling through sleepy towns, Finland is a country that invites people to take their foot off the accelerator and adopt a healthier lifestyle. In this case wellness tourism is not only a trend but rather a lifestyle.

Conclusion

A country of immense national parks and ancient customs, contemporary design and a wellness-oriented culture, Finland has a rich and diverse offering that can be defined as a whole. Discovering the nature, culture, design and wellbeing of Finland is an adventure that is both adventurous and relaxing, creative and traditional.

Before you travel to Finland, you must meet your Finland visa requirements to have a smooth travel. Go Kite Tours is a tour company that focuses on arranging tours in Finland in a way that is natural and unforgettable. We will lead you to lakeside cottages, design districts, and skies full of aurora to have the experience of a lifetime.