What is Finland famous for?

Why is Finland on Everyone's Bucket List?

It is the kind of place that quietly wins hearts—with wild beauty and soulful traditions that make tourists experience moments straight out of a dream. And it's these magical charms that stay with you. Here is a list of things Finland is famous for and experiences that should be included in your Finland itinerary.

• Northern Lights, a craze among tourists.
• Berry-picking in the wild.
• Coffee breaks that matter.
• Skiing under a candy pink sky.
• Santa's "real" home in Rovaniemi.
• Steaming saunas by frozen lakes.
• The Midnight Sun.
• It's the happiest country (World Happiness Report 2025).

5 Reasons Why Finland is So Popular

There is something about Finland that captivates travellers—in the best way. Maybe it's the Northern Lights or the winter sports. Perhaps it's the thousands of lakes in this Nordic nation. Here is why people can't stop talking (and dreaming) about it:

1. Enchanted Nature

Where else can you hike through forests that have stunning natural beauty? You can view:

• The Finnish Lakeland – Known as the land of a thousand lakes, Finland has over 187,000 lakes, and this region has most of them.
• Lapland – Finland's wild north, where the snow is deeper, the silence heavier, and the skies put on a light show. You get:
• Northern Lights through the glass igloos that make you gasp.
• Reindeer (not just at Christmas).
• Midnight sun that refuses to sleep.

2. The Sauna Culture

You haven't truly experienced Finland until you have sat in a sauna, sweating beside a stranger, then jumped into an ice-cold lake. In Finland:

• There are over 3 million saunas – Yes, that's more saunas than cars.
• It's sacred – Business meetings, family bonding, and soul-searching all happen in saunas.

3. The Functional Design

Finns don't do “style over substance.” Their design is calm, clever, and clean. You will see it in:

• Helsinki – A UNESCO City of Design.
• The home of Alvar Aalto, where furniture becomes sculpture.
• Streets dotted with bold, simple beauty—think Artek stools and Marimekko prints.

4. Coffee and Cinnamon Buns

For Finns, drinking coffee is a norm; it's their culture, lifestyle and a way of welcoming people. And yes, it goes beyond the cup:

• Kahvitauko (Coffee Break) – Practically sacred in every workplace.
• Big Cinnamon Buns – Try one at Café Regatta or Fazer Café.
• Helsinki Coffee Festival – Not just coffee, but you can also enjoy the best tea, chocolates, ice creams, and kombuchas.

5. Magical Winters

Finland is known for its long, dark winters that last almost six months. But Finns don't just survive them—they love them. They love:

• Skiing under pink skies – Especially in Levi and Ylläs.
• Ice swimming (on purpose) – It is shockingly popular and weirdly addictive.
• Whole cities wrapped in snowlight – Everything is covered with pure white snow.

Best Time to Visit Finland

The best time to visit Finland depends on what you're after. For Northern Lights and snowy adventures, December to March is ideal. If you prefer midnight sun, warm lakes, and festivals, aim for June to August.

Tips for Travelling to Finland

When planning a Finnish sojourn, a bit of preparation goes a long way. These practical tips cover the essentials—visa, money, mobile, and etiquette—to help you travel smarter and more confidently.

• Indians need a valid Schengen visa to enter Finland. Apply via the Finnish Embassy or VFS Global, ideally 3-4 weeks in advance.
• You must show proof of travel insurance for Finland with a minimum coverage of €30,000, valid throughout the Schengen area. This is a visa requirement.
• Finland is largely cashless. International debit or credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted almost everywhere, even for small purchases.
• For stable mobile data and cheaper calls, get a Finnish SIM or eSIM. Providers like Elisa and DNA have tourist-friendly plans.
• Cities like Helsinki have reliable trams, metros, and buses. Download apps like HSL or use travel cards for convenience.
• When invited to a sauna, it's a gesture of trust. Shower beforehand, remain quiet inside, and follow local etiquette.

Before You Go

Finland doesn't shout for your attention—it wins you over in silence, snow, and small details. As an Indian traveller, once you have sorted the practical bits, the rest is about embracing the calm and the unfamiliar. Keep an open mind, pack a little patience, and don't be surprised if you fall in love with sisu—the Finnish spirit of quiet resilience. You might just return with more than memories.