Tourist Attractions & Monuments Finland

This museum evokes the life of the Finns of the past. Farms and houses from different parts of Finland are reconstructed on this pleasant land. We walk from one to the other to discover the interiors of these dwellings, which are striking for the beautiful simplicity of their interior decoration, centred around enclosed beds and wall carpets (ryiji). Very characteristic, a large traditional Karelian log house. During the tourist season, a musician even plays the kantele. The large 18th-century state residence, entirely made of wood, houses interesting Gustavian-style furniture (Gustav III, King of Sweden, corresponds to the French Louis XV). See also the small and very Spartan hut where Aleksis Kivi wrote his novel The Seven Brothers. Religious service on Sundays in a small 17th century wooden church where, as wall lights, a row of carved wooden arms carry candles. Also take a trip to the old smoke sauna and the old mill. Objects remind us of the years of great misery and famine, such as shoes made of braided birch bark. Please note that the museum is only open from May 15 to September 15. On site, for those who want, guided tours (in English) are available from June 15 to August 15, every day at 3pm. Bar and restaurant are available for a break during the walk. The museum also has a nice souvenir shop.

A monument created as part of "Helsinki World Design Capital 2012", by architects K2S Oy, representing Finnish innovation in wood construction. Located opposite the Kamppi shopping center, this chapel offers a striking space for meditation in a district teeming with life and activity. The special light that bathes this space contributes to the charm of the site. The ideal place to take a break.

Craft Museum or Luostarinmäki. In 1827, the town was almost completely destroyed by fire with 2,500 houses going up in smoke. Only a modest craftsmen's quarter on the Luostarinmäki hill was spared, which has since been converted into an open-air museum and has been a national heritage site since 1940. More than 30 workshops with their signs, furniture and tools are perfectly preserved there. The whole village offers a vivid picture of the customs and shops of the 18th and 19th centuries. In summer, folk dances and concerts.

In the early 1900s a steamboat was (still) shipwrecked in the Gulf of Finland. The decision was made to build a lighthouse under the leadership of the architect Florentin Granholm. It is one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Finland and the highest in the Nordic countries - 52 m - with a breathtaking view, which was the subject of a long dispute between the Finns and the Soviets during the Continuation War. You can even sleep in a small hotel on the island. Pleasant cruise off Hanko, on the southernmost waters of the country.

Built in 1868, the Orthodox rite cathedral is a superb example of the Byzantine-Slavic style. From the esplanade, the view is breathtaking. It was built according to the plans of the architect A.M. Gornoschtaev. At the time, two distinct notables' cultures coexisted: Swedish-speaking Finns and Russian notables. As for the Finnish-speaking population, which was the majority, it gradually imposed its views at the end of the 19th century. It remains the most important Greek Orthodox church in Western Europe and is still standing.

A must-see stroll by the sea. In summer this cheerful market takes over the southern port (Eteläsatama) in the heart of the city centre. The stalls of the merchants of the four seasons scent the air with their loads of dill and wild berries and fishermen sell their daily catch. Traditional craftsmanship offers objects made of braided birch bark, Russian chapkas made of fur... On summer evenings, the Place du Marché welcomes musicians and various street shows.

This 1,020 ^km2 national park was established in 2005. It covers several municipalities from Kolari (Akaslompolo, Yllasjarvi) in the south to Enontekio in the north. The landscape is very hilly, and made up of fells, the bare hills typical of Lapland. Ideal for wandering from pass to pass and watching the Northern Lights in winter, it's also a veritable paradise in summer. There's nothing better than watching the midnight sun from the top of a tunturi!

Created, extended in 1992 in 1996, it allows to protect a region with a rich heritage. The natural appearance is predominant here with a rare and protected vegetation. The human aspect is also essential from the region was successively place of worship and ancestral sacrificial, subject to the privileged painters of the 19th century and finally holiday resort for over a century. The park also contains the rural nature and activities, including denshering on agriculture. Hiking trails and cross-country skiing in winter, fishing, canoeing, etc.

You will find wildlife from the cold regions and high mountains, including the siberian tiger, the common panda, the musk ox and the snow leopard. You may have even hear and, why not, see the bear... To watch, some extraordinary events, including the competition sculpture on ice cream (mid-February) and sand (mid-June) as well as the night of cats (at the beginning of September).

Among the marked routes, the magnificent hiking or skiing in the heart of the Pallas National Park, the third park of Finland by its area of 510 km ². Between Pallas and Enontekiö, or the opposite, you cross a plateau of mountains, including the respective summits, the Outakka (Ounastunturi) and the Taivaskero (Pallastunturi), peak at 723 m and 807 m. A half-way, conifers give way to stunted birch, whose red filled flames nature during ruska, the autumn Sami. Côté fauna, elk, bear, lynx and gloutons elected home in the area. In summer, many migratory birds are also in the park. Plan for 2 days of minimum walking (authorized camping) in September because, during summer, mosquitoes are legion and rather voracious.

Reservation required for the three golf courses (€ 10 per night). Information from the Pallastunturi or Enontekiö information centres, which will provide you with the keys and all the useful information.

At the beginning of 2018, the Amos Andersson Museum moved to historic buildings dating from 1936 that have been completely restored. If the BBC and the Guardian have named it among the most interesting museums in the world, it is not usurped! Indeed, you will discover on 200 ^m2 three exhibitions per year which are most often on the Contemporary or Modern Art themes. Part of the museum offers to see or review historical films, sometimes in French. The programme of exhibitions and films shown is on the website.

This national park is located on the Russian border. It is especially known for the Karhunkierros Trail, which is one of the most popular hiking trails in Finland. Here you can observe all the surrounding nature from the park's hilltops, through pine forests and along rivers. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. Maps and all information for camping sites in the park can be found at the Hautajärvi Visitors' Centre in Hautajärvi. An accessible and resourcing place in the wilderness!

Inaugurated in 2012, Kaisa House, which houses the central bookshop of the University of Helsinki, is a striking architectural achievement. Its immaculate spaceship shape is not only innovative, it's also functional, warm and elegant. A little secret that the students will only reluctantly let you in on: the terrace, on the top floor, is a wonderful place to enjoy a coffee and admire the view over Helsinki and, above all, its white cathedral.

This museum traces the history of the fortress from the 18th century to the present day: in particular its construction and the life of the naval base and garrison. Every 30 minutes, the Suomenlinna Experience film is screened in the auditorium, 9 languages are available including French. This is a 25-minute historical film on the big screen that sums up the entire history of the Suomenlinna fortress. This gives a good understanding of the past of this site and its issues in particular. Open all year round, it's free with the Helsinki Card.

This interesting museum, renovated in 2008, reveals the mysteries of flora and fauna through four permanent exhibitions (Finnish Nature, Nature of the World, History of Life and History of Bones) as well as temporary exhibitions. The Kaisaniemi and Kumpula botanical gardens and the mineral cabinet (^3rd floor of the Arppeanum, Snellmaninkatu 3) are extensions of the museum. Tip: it's free for a few days a year (see website).

Aboa Vetus (literally "Old Turku" in Swedish) is an ingenious and relevant portrayal of a medieval district. Renovation work in the early 1990s uncovered period streets and the foundations of medieval houses. A successful reconstruction that plunges us into the everyday world of the inhabitants. Opened in 1995, the museum is still evolving as excavations continue. The Ars Nova focuses on contemporary art.

More than just an amusement park, Särkänniemi is in fact a vast area featuring an art museum (with beautiful temporary exhibitions), an observation tower (Näsinneula and its panoramic restaurant), an aquarium, a planetarium and a farm (open only in summer). The park itself offers no fewer than thirty attractions, suitable for young and old alike. A very popular outing for Tampere families!

This natural reserve covers 544 km ² and includes a good number of coastal islands. Since the withdrawal of the glaciers 10 000 years ago, the rise of the east coast is 285 m, which corresponds to the most important rebound ever observed and has earned the reserve to be inscribed in World heritage by UNESCO. The result is an exceptional coastal landscape of 5 600 islands and flush islets. New islands emerge continuously. The archipelago has a few major lighthouses (Ritgrund, Valsörarna, Norrskär and Strömmingsbada), reflecting the route of the boats. The reserve has the usual logistics (forest houses and huts), to be travelled on foot or in canoe, between the islands of Björköby and Replot.

For 30 years, guests have been able to discover fifty Arctic and northern wild species here, in nature in a park where the majority are in semi-liberty. The zoo has three polar bears (and recently a bear la ligera called Ranzo!). Also see the wolves, gloutons them, lynx and other carnivorous. Plan 2:00 for a full tour. At the time of Christmas, the zoo offers the opportunity to take a ride to dogs, reindeer or snowmobile at reasonable prices.

This small Karelian village houses a permanent exhibition on the Kalevala. As a reminder, the Kalevala is a Finnish national epic based on Finnish mythology originally transmitted orally, these are popular poems collected from the population. It is a major work symbolic of the Finnish national identity written in 1835 by Elias Lönnrot. An opportunity to discover Karelian songs and traditions.

The place is famous even for Finns who have never been to Kuopio! The 75m high tower houses a revolving panoramic restaurant - a great place to grab a bite to eat! But above all, it offers a magnificent view of the region with its lake Kallavesi and its forests as far as the eye can see. The unreal light at sunset in summer is mesmerizing, you can stay a long time contemplating the landscape! See also the impressive ski jumps from which the flying Finns take off. Start walking in the surrounding spruce forest.

The maritime district is a picturesque shipyard where you can watch boats under construction as well as traditional wooden boats parked on the harbour. Lively environment with also a forge and other craft activities in addition to a sailors' chapel, a restaurant, a museum. The latter, in a wooden shed, deals with the techniques and history of shipbuilding. Attention, no information in English.

The local customs and traditions are honoured with eight different themes: fishing and hunting, agriculture, the Viking origins, daily life, navigation, the city, wars and the autonomy of the islands of Åland. A comprehensive museum which allows you to understand the history of the islands and lifestyle of its inhabitants.

A unique, fun and ecological way to discover Helsinki! All tours are private, the whole tuk-tuk is reserved for your group only and your driver is also a local guide. With a maximum of 4 people, Yoo-hoo! offers a great way to communicate with the guides during the tour, to have time to discuss the topics and sights you are interested in, and to be able to tailor the tour to your wishes as much as possible. You can bring your own snacks and refreshments and even dogs are welcome.

The Finns are also gifted with talented designers. This design house, created by a passionate couple, Hanneli and Pekka Sillfors, opened its doors in 2005. Set in the heart of nature, its workshop and showroom are housed in a handsome wooden building complete with a Lappish tent. Here you'll discover the full range of contemporary design: glass, wood, metal and lighting in all shapes and materials. The exhibition changes every year, with several designers in the spotlight each time.

This café-gallery is absolutely exceptional. Lea Kaulanen and her husband Juha have turned it into a magical place with a warm and enchanting folklore atmosphere. This is due to the fact that Lea and Juha make puppets representing the maahinen, small forest dwellers from the Lappish legends. You can have a coffee in the big warm room, on the wooden tables, while tasting one of Lea's tasty pastries. And you can't miss listening to her tell one of the legends of the Lappish forest.

This district, built around a bay, is a great place to stroll, to breathe in the sea air and admire the unique blend of modern architecture and soothing natural surroundings. Helsinkians call it the Smurfs or Legoland district, because of its multicolored, geometric buildings from the 1980s and 1990s. The whole area is reminiscent of a vacation village, but not unpleasant. There are also a few wooden sculptures dedicated to children's cultural awakening and a playground.

Behind this classic brick building lies a treasure trove of architecture, a magical place that any local will advise you to visit. This popular and very dynamic library, in view of the many cultural events organised regularly, houses a beautiful collection of books of all kinds, in small and cosy reading rooms, decorated with late Art Nouveau frescoes. On the top floor, the castle of tales is the room reserved for little faces.

A museum that traces the history of Finnish sport through numerous exceptional objects from all eras. You'll find Olympic medals, a crystal globe, autographed soccer shirts (such as Jari Litmanen's) and video documents from the era. The visit is also suitable for younger visitors, thanks to the many play facilities available on site. The tour can be combined with a visit to the Olympic Stadium Tower.

Recently opened in a magnificent space (a former printing house), this museum, which is mainly dedicated to contemporary Finnish and Nordic art, is well worth a visit. More accessible than its cousin Kiasma, Emma gives you a diversified picture of Finnish art through 500 works representing different currents of art from the ^20th century to the present day, notably from the November Group. The permanent collection was developed by the Saastamoinen Foundation, which continues its policy of acquiring contemporary art.

After a stopover in the museum's café-restaurant, you can take advantage of your time at WeeGee to visit the other rooms: the interesting collection of the Helinä Rautavaara ethnographic museum, an adventurer who brought back ritual objects, masks, paintings and photos from her many travels around the world...

Also on the first floor are the Clock Museum and the Espoo City Museum, which traces the city's (rapid!) evolution, as well as temporary exhibitions. The yellow Futuro in the adjoining park (a 50 m² habitat designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen in the late 1960s in a series of around a hundred units, and which bears a striking resemblance to a flying saucer) has recently been revived, taking visitors back in time to the futuristic architecture and design of the late 1960s. A must-see if you're an enthusiast or in the industry. One of Finland's finest museums, not to be missed!

Ideal if you want to find out more about the search for and exploitation of gold: the exhibition presents the history of gold prospecting in Lapland, from the rush on the Ivalojoki River in 1868 to the present day. Also on display is an overview of gold prospecting around the world, the working conditions of gold miners, and a collection of precious stones. Bonus: the gold site offers you the chance to pan for gold yourself (outdoors in summer, or inside the panning site in winter).

It is housed in former ceramic factories. There are several permanent exhibitions devoted to innovations, the Tammerkoski waterfalls and the civil war that raged in Tampere in 1918 (the exhibition is not recommended for children under 13). You'll also find the Post Museum, the Toy Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Finnish Hockey Museum, where you can test your aiming skills with the goal simulator. A must-see!

Original idea and very fun museum where you can discover the techniques and other tricks to introduce yourself with the life of a Mata Hari or a James Bond. Discover their methods of phone-tapping and the lie detector, their weapons and pass the test of secret agent (€5 extra)!

To begin with, let's go to the market square. With the covered market, the numerous stalls and old stalls, you will find the spirit of the countryside of yesteryear. And, in summer, you can discover Oulu by the sea by embarking on a cruise from the shore of the market square. Then take a stroll along Rotuaari Street. This is Oulu's lively pedestrian street where you can go shopping, have a drink and go to a restaurant to enjoy one of the many summer terraces. Then, you can continue to Nallikari Beach to admire the sea and take a swim.

This museum devoted to local history and folk art is well worth a visit, offering the most comprehensive cultural panorama of the region. Rose-painted clocks and cupboards, troika sledges, kantele, old weaving looms... Three rooms are dedicated to Vaasa. The Hedman collections are housed in 12 closed rooms. This is the most astonishing part of the museum, as the collection abounds in masterpieces. Ask at the cash desk for a guide to accompany you. On the first floor, you'll find the Terranova center dedicated to the Kvarken archipelago.

The Polar Explorer, a 1960 icebreaker converted into a cruise ship for tourists, carries up to 150 people for 3-hour polar safaris. We watch the pieces of ice cracking and being pushed out with a certain fascination. The highlight of the trip is the bath in the icy water. We lend you a survival suit, before you are lowered into the water. You can watch an introductory film and visit the engine room with a guide.

Lapland Safaris offers winter and summer excursions to enrich your stay and keep you entertained. In winter, snowmobile rides, reindeer- or husky-drawn sleighs, hole fishing, dinner and overnight stay in an igloo... In summer, traditional boat cruises, visits to reindeer farms and a wide range of activities to do on your own. Thanks to its network of service providers, the agency can offer stays throughout Lapland. Beware, however, that this is group tourism, and you'll often be working with large groups.

The oldest building in the city of Turku is the seat of the evangelical archbishopric. Its construction, begun in 1280, was not completed until 200 years later. Originally it was built only of wood. For centuries it was one of the most important places of northern Christianity, together with Lund, Nidaros and Roskilde. At the time, it radiated on the terra incognita that was, beyond Turku, the immense Finnish territory covered with lakes and forests: from Lapland to the Russian Orthodox border. The cathedral houses a monument to the Finnish reformer and Luther disciple Michael Agricola, who later became Bishop of Turku. It was he who made Finnish a written language when it was only spoken. Today the organ concerts are impressive, don't hesitate to ask at the tourist office for the dates. The whole cathedral quarter is a magnificent neoclassical ensemble. The most imposing of its buildings, the former Academy, has a superb village hall with granite columns. The Turku Academy was for a long time the only relay of European humanism in Finland, until the change of capital in 1812 on the orders of the Russian Tsar Alexander I. From the heights of the city, there is a beautiful view of the Aurajoki River and its banks, which border the Sibelius Museum, the cultural centre, the library and the municipal theatre. The cathedral is considered one of the most remarkable historical monuments of the country.

It is the work of two men: Johan Albrecht Ehrenström and Carl Ludvig Engel. The first, whose task is to create a city worthy of a European capital, is called in 1816 at the Berlin Engel, already at work in Tallinn and St. Petersburg. In the space of a quarter of a century Engel will draw the plans of about public buildings and a large number of special houses in Helsinki and other cities in Finland. He is nevertheless obliged to submit his projects to Tsar Alexander I and his successor Nicolas I, who, in all things, retain their right of veto.

The northern place of the Senate is dominated by the very white Lutheran cathedral (Tuomiokirkko), one of the largest dome cathedrals in the world, completed in 1852 according to the plans of Engel. The monumental staircase further strengthens its imposing character. The sculptures on the roof, representing the apostles, are carried out on the model of the Isaac church of St. Petersburg. From the top of the stairs, the view on the south port (Eteläsatama) and the surrounding streets is splendid. From the Gulf of Finland, for example on a ferry, the panorama is even more striking. The façade of the cathedral, surmounted by the large green dome and surrounded by numerous terrazzo columns, then shines gently. On the right of the square, the Governor's Palace, one of the major works of Engel completed in 1822, houses the Senate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Prime Minister's office is located on the first floor at the corner of the Aleksanterinkatu. The main entrance to the main entrance hides one of the most beautiful interiors in Empire style. The place is unfortunately forbidden to the public.

Left, the place of the Senate is bordered by the main building of the former university of Finland, transferred to Helsinki by decree of the czar after the great Turku fire in 1827. The façade presents the same structure as the Governor's Palace. A large part of the university will, however, be destroyed by the bombings of 1944, including the large concert hall, works of art included (since 1971, the large concert hall in Helsinki has been elected to the Palais Palace of Alvar Aalto). Behind the cathedral, in the Unioninkatu, the small Orthodox church of the Holy Trinity, also in Engel, hosts several beautiful old icons, including the Virgin of Smolensk. Also in the Unioninkatu, the beautiful library of the university (Yliopiston Kirjasto), the ceiling decorated with frescos, is one of the most beautiful works in Engel. Its interior splendour is commensurate with its splendid yellow facade, decorated with a majestic corinthienne colonnade.

At the centre of the square is the statue of Alexander II, assassinated in 1881 by an anarchist group, made by Walter Runeberg in 1894 (son of the famous writer Johan Ludvig Runeberg). It was under Alexander II that the Duchy of Finland acquired broad autonomy, hence the special place it held in the memory of the inhabitants of the city. The place of the Senate is also bordered to the south by former residences of the Helsinki Commercial Bourgeoisie. Among these mansions in the early th century, notice the beautiful grey-grey house built for the powerful businessman Sederholm. The ground floor is now occupied by small boutiques in the old, by charming cafés or Russian restaurants. The Demetriade house, which makes the corner of the Unionkatu, gathers many of these chic shops that form the very tourist Baazar Demetriade. Helsinki also sometimes displays a small air in St. Petersburg. Moreover, the Finnish capital was used as a shooting site for certain films, the action of which was supposed to take place in the city built by Pierre-le-Grand in 1703.

Here it is, the famous village that draws crowds from all over the world. Santa's workplace. You can even take a photo with him, or send a card from his post office! As for the rest, Santa's village is nothing more than an open-air shopping mall, where you can find absolutely every Lapland souvenir you can imagine, from Lappish handicrafts to Christmas decorations, and where you can indulge in all the typical activities. The place is fun, but the prices are exorbitant.

This imposing granite construction of the architect Eliel Saarinen (1910-1914) marks a turning point in Finnish architecture. With a national romantic style, the lines are little more refined. The building of the station mixes Art nouveau and functionalism. Its strong facade, the jewel of Art Nouveau, is mitigated by the subtlety of coronations and the integration of the. Four busts of massive and solemn men, lamp carriers, frame the main entrance. The 48 m tower with a green-green roof has a clock 3 m in diameter. Inside the Station, the Pullman fresco on the second floor is signed by Eero Järnfelt, one of the great Finnish artists. To fool the boredom of expectations, the café on the ground floor has a small casino! The station provides access to the largest metro station and an underground shopping outlet.

It's the hub where you can schedule safaris or get information on everything. Previously, the tourist office was located at Lordi Square: Lordi was the pseudonym of a singer before becoming the name of a Finnish hard rock band formed in 1996. A jack-of-all-trades, Mr. Lordi, the band's lead singer, began making demos on his own before forming his own group. The band won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006. Their victory prompted the town of Rovaniemi to rename a square in their honor. A fitting tribute!

This "tourist" attraction allows visitors to discover Saami culture and to get up close to reindeer. Indeed, visitors are taken to an enclosure where several reindeer live in freedom with the possibility to feed them and touch them. Explanations on reindeer breeding, then demonstration of lasso throwing, and discovery of Saami traditions over tea or coffee and interpretation of traditional songs. Shop on site.

This reliable and quality tour operator offers you all the great classics of Lapland. And you can even tailor-make them on request if you prefer. You can buy tickets for the Siida, rent a canoe, book an ice fishing trip, a night outing on cross-country skis or snowmobile to see the Northern Lights, a husky sleigh ride, a visit to a reindeer farm with a craft demonstration, a Lappish cooking class, a horse ride, etc... In short, no time to get bored!

To find out about outdoor activities, find accommodation (large choice of chalets), understand how transportation works on the islands and ask for useful addresses or all kinds of advice. The tourist office provides all the information and maps you need for walking, ice climbing or canoeing. The tourist office also organises guided tours. It also provides information about the different museums in the city, or other cultural activities. Brochures can be downloaded from the Internet.