As with all of the Nordic region, Finland is known for its striking natural beauty. Lakes and forests cover much of the country, yet the majority of Finland’s 5.5 million residents live in cities.
04.01.2024 - 13:13 / forbes.com
Why not get the new year off to a great start by visiting Finland, often said to be the happiest country in the world. The country has an endless supply of amazing adventures tailored for every kind of traveler. The enchanting landscapes, teeming with thousands of lakes, millions of saunas, and a bounty of fresh, forest-inspired cuisine, provide a perfect backdrop for well-deserved rest and holistic wellbeing. Here’s a curated list of the best nine experiences in Finland to add to your travel bucket list for the upcoming year.
Dine and forage in the Saimaa Region – the European Region of Gastronomy 2024
Located in Finland’s Lakeland region, Saimaa is rapidly gaining recognition as a premier international destination for aficionados of fine cuisine. In the upcoming year of 2024, Saimaa is poised to receive the prestigious European Region of Gastronomy Award in acknowledgement of its dedicated emphasis on the significance of cultural and culinary distinctiveness. Such dedication is reflected in the region’s beloved produce grown deep in its forests and freshly caught from one of the largest lakes in Europe, Saimaa. The region is a true treasure – as it remains a hidden gem for international travelers, it is a place where Finns like to spend their holidays in a summer cottage foraging for berries and mushrooms.
2. Watch films for 24 hours above the Arctic Circle
In mid-June, Sodankylä, a tiny town in Lapland, comes alive. Though it has a population of less than 10,000 people, Sodankylä is the center for world-class cinema and culture. The Midnight Sun Film Festival was founded in 1986 by Finnish filmmakers, Aki and Mika Kaurismäki, along with the municipality of Sodankylä. You might just even see celebrities like Francis Ford Coppola and Wim Wenders. Movies are shown in four venues around the town.
3. Cross-country ski in the Green Capital of Europe, Lahti
Finns love cross-country skiing, in fact, it’s a national hobby. The season starts in October and can run as late as May in Finland’s northern most region, Lapland, where you can have the chance to ski under Northern lights. The European Green Capital 2021, Lahti has hosted the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships seven times. The area has world-class ski tracks in the forest and is only an hour train ride from Finland’s capital city, Helsinki. Each year in March, Himos Ski Resort hosts a unique bikini skiiing event, Simmarihiihto, which combines skiing and sauna.
4. Travel regeneratively and build an insect hotel
Regenerative traveling encourages visitors to travel in a more meaningful way to help the well-being of the community. Haltia Lake Lodge, awarded Visit Finland’s Sustainable Travel Finland award and the Best Sustainable Hotel in
As with all of the Nordic region, Finland is known for its striking natural beauty. Lakes and forests cover much of the country, yet the majority of Finland’s 5.5 million residents live in cities.
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