Tourist Attractions & Monuments Finland

Those who want to know more about the snowmobile and the lumberjack's life in the area will find all the info here. A large collection of snowmobiles and chainsaws is on display. The collection traces the history of this indispensable means of locomotion for the local population. Today, it is widely used by tourists to discover the vastness of Lapland's landscapes, but it has many applications, even on reindeer farms. There's also a sawmill museum... It's both typical and atypical!

Following the E8 road from Kilpisjärvi, we reach a beautiful landscape of moorland and bushes about 45 km to the south. This is a good opportunity to discover a bit of Finnish nature away from the pine trees. You can stop at the parking lot and take a path of raised wooden boards to discover this beautiful ecosystem. Only reindeer and a few rabbits live among these desolate bushes and the moor seems to extend as far as the eye can see. The place is ideal for a picnic as well as for a walk easily accessible to the whole family.

Jarama Fortifications is a way to discover a part of the history of the region. After a ten-minute video, you can access these old trenches that date back to 1944. During the war in Lapland, Germany invaded this part of Finland. In the summer of 1944, they built fortifications to defend themselves from the Finns who were trying to regain ground. A few blockhouses remain from this period, which can be discovered behind the museum by walking through the trenches. Beware, it is easy to get lost!

Mining began in 1897 in Lohja. To visit this authentic limestone mine still in operation, you descend 80 m underground by funicular - guided tour only. You will learn all about the living conditions of the miners and their working methods. Sound and light show in an underground quarry. Don't forget to cover up because the visit lasts 1h30 and the temperature in the mine is 8 degrees. Instructive and entertaining: we recommend it!

This oasis has been around for over a hundred years and is popular with families! It's a lovely setting for a picnic on sunny days, amidst flowers, the beach and farm animals. Viksu the friendly mascot is in charge of the animations. On site, there are many games for children to keep them busy, entertained and amused. The park is especially famous for hosting the popular Pori Jazz Festival which takes place every year in July.

Located in the old town of Naantali, the museum is spread over two wooden buildings dating from the 18th century. It reflects the bourgeois lifestyle of the small town and the trades of yesteryear. The first building houses the museum's ticket sales, an archaeological exhibition of the early days of Naantali and a miniature model of St. Bridget's Convent. The second takes visitors into 19th century interiors that show how the merchants of the small town lived. Beautiful garden with a rose garden. Count 1 hour for the visit.

An impact crater, 6 km in diameter. An impressive site, also enjoyed by migratory birds every autumn and spring, who invade it entirely to rest and feed. A permanent exhibition at the heart of the impact, run by volunteers, takes you on a journey back in time to 520 million years ago. The site also boasts a well-equipped astronomical observatory, a bird-watching tower and a miniature of our solar system... A must-see if you're drawn to the mysteries of the universe...

One of the biggest cultural events of the summer in Finland. The programme includes painting exhibitions, concerts, lectures, etc. Every 3-4 years, a competition of young painters is held here, as well as a traditional Finnish singing competition Merikanto. The restaurant Kesäheinä - Summer Hay - serves you inside. This event is very popular among Finns, and is attracting more and more foreigners. In addition to art exhibitions, the Salmela Centre also organises concerts, see their website for the agenda.

Now an observation tower, this old water tower from 1912 stands on Naisvuori (literally "Women's Mountain") hill in the centre of Mikkeli town. The café inside, known for its delicious waffles, is always busy during the summer holidays. It is the ideal place to take a break between visits and walks, and is a great place to enjoy a meal. The hill also has a small park with all kinds of flowers. You can have a picnic here or simply enjoy the splendid view!

A site much visited by Finns, but also by foreigners, which presents the history of the terrible Winter War of 1940. The Winter War Monument is a field with thousands of stones erected in memory of the Finnish and Red Army soldiers who died in the Battle of Suomussalmi in 1939-1940. The idea of the place is to make visitors reflect, using visual means, on the suffering and ravages of war. Guided tours.

Magnificent summer villa built in 1939 by the famous Alvar Aalto for Mayor and Harry Gullichsen, a cut of industrialists passionate about art. Progressive and without prejudice, they were interested in modernist abstract art and utopian ideology. Alvar Aalto then had carte blanche to experiment without any restrictions and made sure that the construction would blend completely into nature. The interior of the villa was designed by Aino Aalto and now houses priceless works of art by Picasso, Braque and Modigliani.

As Helsinki continues to expand, the city is taking over former harbors and waterfront industrial districts. Kalasatama is one of these up-and-coming business and residential districts. On the disused site of a large and beautiful factory built at the beginning of the ^20th century, you'll find a skatepark, a graffiti gallery, bars and pop-up restaurants in summer. It's a district in full transition, with work scheduled to continue for several more (long, long) years, until 2030. All the more reason to come back!

This superb 1960s house, the work of architect Viljo Revell, houses a beautiful little private museum of modern and pre-Columbian art, hidden away on an island off Töölö Bay. It's easily reached by bike or bus, as the island is linked to the mainland by a bridge. Marie-Louise and Gunnar Didrichsen accumulated such an artistic heritage that they had to extend their private home and convert part of it into a museum. Today, exhibitions of contemporary art are held here. Permanent exhibitions of pre-Columbian art are housed in the basement. The park surrounding the house is home to a number of modern sculptures, including the largest collection of Henry Moore's work outside the UK. The museum's architecture is truly remarkable. The Didrichsens had originally approached Alvar Aalto to build their home, but he turned them down for lack of time, recommending Viljo Revell as the only architect capable of building their dream home. The museum's interior has kept some of the house's rooms intact. The living room, with its art library, enchants the mind with its large bay window overlooking the pine trees and pebble beach below. The bathroom, dining room and bedrooms are surprising in their modest size and simplicity. During the Didrichsen couple's lifetime, this rationalist architectural jewel was already giving pride of place to works of art.

Erä Eero offers organized excursions to observe bears and other animals such as beavers, wolves, wolverines, lynxes and birds at night. A moment out of time! We walk around and we settle on the towers arranged to land and take pictures, there are about ten around and we walk between 50 meters and 300 meters maximum. Once in the cabins, we only have to wait and hope to see appearing under our amazed eyes one of the magnificent Finnish mammals! Professional and very nice welcome!

A site as unlikely as it is magnificent, proof (if proof were needed) of the variety of Åland's island heritage! On one side, a cave (where trolls once lived, according to legend), quickly accessible from the site entrance (but at the price of a few antics). On the other side, a forest and rocky passage worthy of Fontainebleau gives access to a (short) hiking trail, a picnic area and an observation tower offering a beautiful 360° view. A little tricky to find, but well worth the stop and the walk.

This is one of the places we recommend in our Finnish design itinerary. It was created by an American artist Robert Wilson. He is known to be above all a scenographer, and therefore a specialist in staging. The park is divided into nine rooms, each symbolising different domestic spaces. It was designed in memory of Tapio Wirkkala, a designer. It was his daughter who suggested the name Robert Wilson, who at the time used a photo of a sculpture by Wirkkala for one of these settings.

Feeling like you're at the end of the world is (a little) what awaits you when you arrive at the Herröskatan nature reserve, just south of Lemland. There are few people here, but the scenery is breathtakingly rich in nature, emblematic of the richness of the archipelago. It's also a paradise for birdwatchers, especially from the top of the tower (albeit a little faded). In short, for a break from the usual tourist circuits and a breath of fresh air: don't hesitate!

With this agency, you'll discover the waters of the Repovesi National Park, as well as its forests and islands. Riitta, whom French visitors have nicknamed "Mamie du Bois" for her knowledge of the forests, welcomes you with all her heart, and takes care of the smallest details to make you experience something unique in the middle of nature. It's a doubly enriching experience: on the one hand, the exceptional nature of the Repovesi with its magical calm, and on the other, the kindness of the people who will share their joie de vivre with you.

This is a very serious agency, on a human scale, where you'll be greeted with a smile! In winter, snow activities are the order of the day, with snowmobile tours of all kinds, including night-time northern lights, husky sleigh rides, reindeer farm visits, ice-fishing sessions and more. In summer, you can enjoy rafting, jet-skiing or paintball. And to round things off, there's also a bar, restaurant and accommodation.

This little ice village is a must when visiting Santa Claus! Some attractions to entertain young and old like a descent in a tyre on an icy slide, an Ice Bar to taste a cocktail, a restaurant to feast... All this in an igloo atmosphere, and the possibility to sleep in the igloo, without risk of catching cold, wrapped up in a blanket... In short, there's plenty here to enjoy in Santa's country. Ideal to make the children dream!

Visiting this museum is a good idea to learn more about the habits and customs of the region, especially through a collection of objects and costumes. There are permanent exhibitions, as well as several temporary exhibitions that change every 2 to 4 years. Located in the heart of the city, it is a must-see for visitors to the city who are curious to learn more about the past and the values of the region, on which today's communities are based.

This agency organizes tours in the Far North, highlighting the Lappish culture. Many activities are offered: snowshoeing, snowmobile safaris, sledding with huskies or reindeer, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, Nordic walking, berry and mushroom picking, bird watching, or boat cruises on Lake Inari. The safaris are carried out in a spirit of ecotourism, with the emphasis on family-run facilities, such as the Husky GuestHouse in Ivalo, the Kultahovi Hotel in Inari and the Holiday Village Vallee in Utsjoki.

Built in 1834, the observatory was reopened to the public after modernization work in 2012. You will be able to observe the stars and visit an exhibition on astronomy in the planetarium. Nice coffee on the spot. From this 38 m high hill, a privileged place for picnics in summer and sledging in winter, you will have a breathtaking view of the whole capital and the sea on the horizon! Guided tours are made by passionate people who are happy to pass on their knowledge! Don't miss the Shipwrecked Statue just around the corner.

This beautiful cultural center, clad in wood and glass, is home to the Saami Parliament. Created in 1996, its mission is to provide for and implement the autonomy of the Sami as an aboriginal people in matters of culture and language. It is composed of 21 members elected every 4 years. Norway and Sweden have had their own Saami parliaments since 1989 and 1993 respectively. A council with the 3 parliaments has been in operation since 2000. There's a nice cafeteria on site for a gourmet break, as well as a pretty craft store and regularly organized photo exhibitions and concerts.

A modern, interactive site where you can learn all about sustainable forestry. The exhibits are well designed for children, who will quickly understand the process of photosynthesis and the principle of eco-responsibility. You can also get lost in a reconstituted birch forest, to feel the life of the forest at night. National park information desk for hiking and fishing sites (maps available). Extended opening hours in high season; see website.

Would you like to discover Helsinki through the eyes of the birds, for three hours and with a photographer as your guide? That's what Samuel Bloch, a French traveler and expatriate in the Finnish capital, is offering you. With him, you'll discover the species that inhabit the city's natural spaces, in Vanhakaupunki, Laajalahti and Suomenoja, in all seasons. A passionate and enthusiastic guide, Samuel will adapt to your every need. Recommended!

On the ^8th floor of the Arabia factory and stores, you'll find this museum. It provides information on the history of the Arabia and Iittala brands, and showcases the work of influential designers such as Kaj Franck, Timo Sarpaneva, Rut Bryk and Tapio Wirkkala. Occasional thematic exhibitions are also organized. On the same site, one floor down, you can visit "The Design Lab Gallery", a space open to artists who can work, experiment..

This huge wooden church, whose construction was completed in 1848, can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers (3,000 of whom are seated). It is the largest in the world, and the measurements of the building speak for themselves: 45 m long by 42 m wide and 27 m high under the dome. Why such a big church in such a small village? Legend has it that the architect got confused between feet and meters as a unit of measurement! Its construction required the collaboration of all the men of the village aged between 15 and 60 years old during 3 years.

The museum houses Martti Airio's private collection, which he bequeathed on his death. It features works by Finnish painters from 1870 to 1990, including artists from the Septem Group and the November Group. Upstairs, you'll find sculptures by Johannes Haapasalo (1880-1965), a pupil of Rodin. Some of these are scattered around downtown Mikkeli. There are also temporary exhibitions showcasing young local artists.

Built in a former postal depot dating from 1933, the space offers a large number of cultural events, mainly musical, but it also has a solid collection of contemporary art. It is also the home of the Lapland Chamber Orchestra. Temporary exhibitions change four times a year. It is an important cultural venue for the city, but it is also a place where you can meet to admire the beauty of the premises, in perfect harmony with the spirit of the place, and enjoy a coffee or a quiet moment in the complex's library.

To know everything about the Winter War in 1939-1940. A crucial episode in the country's history, as the Finns' fierce fight against the Soviets enabled them to retain their independence. In the museum, we learn about this episode with the help of photographic exhibitions, models, objects and also sound effects. One can get acquainted with the daily life of the evacuated civilians as well as the Finnish and Soviet soldiers.

This is the house where the Finnish poet was born. Eino Leino was born on July 6, 1878. He will be considered one of the greatest Finnish poets, and became one of the most famous authors in the country. If you have wandered around Helsinki in the Esplanade Park, you have surely come across his statue. This museum is an opportunity to learn more about his life and works. The site is great for walks, with a café by the lake and bicycles for rent

This beautiful wooden church was built in 1726. Its special feature is that its walls and ceiling were painted by Emanuel Grandberg, a local painter. One can especially admire his remarkable interpretation of hell, which can be seen above the entrance of the church. Also admire the Kalevala monument on the gate. A little further on, on Kirkkokatu 19, you will see another Lutheran church, in neo-gothic style, completed in 1897 according to the plans of the architect Jacob Ahrenberg. See in particular the altarpiece by the artist Tuhkanen.

A visit to this former craftsmen's quarter is a must. You can enjoy good coffee, shop in design and contemporary art shops and jewellery stores, and see weavers at work in the craft centre... Then you can push on to the Orthodox Church of St. Nicplas (Kirkkokatu). This small wooden church dates from 1887. Some of the icons were painted in St. Petersburg at the end of the 19th century. Shop selling icons.

In Petkeljärvi National Park, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of moraine hills, lake systems, pine moors, swamps and meadows. There are two easy marked trails, and a Taitajan Taival hiking trail that leads to the village of Putkela (22 km). Camping is also possible at Petraniemi. Another beautiful hiking trail is called the Wolf Trail (90 km from Mökhö to Patvinsuo National Park).

Petteri, a reindeer breeder for 5 generations, will give you a warm welcome at his farm and explain all the characteristics of this animal. In winter, he offers reindeer sled safaris and in summer, one or more day trips with reindeer carrying your bag. If you are lucky, you will be able to attend the traditional reindeer count: all the reindeer herders in the region gather in autumn and mid-March to count and mark their herds.

Opened in December 2011, this small Samiland museum is an opportunity to discover the traditional way of life of the Sami people, through indoor exhibitions (500^m2) and also outdoors with its 10,000^m2. An interesting visit to better understand the past of this people, so important in Finland and in the region. On the spot, we travel thanks to the old costumes presented, to the numerous photos and objects but also thanks to the diffused videos. It is possible to book a guided tour. There is a café and restaurant on site.

A small family museum well worth a visit. The display cases showcase toys from the late ^19th century to the 1960s: a fine collection of dolls, teddy bears, toy soldiers, wooden horses and baby carriages - not forgetting, of course, the Moumines house! On your way out of the museum, stop off at Café Samovarbar to try their tasty cakes and hot chocolates, to prolong your return to childhood in this dolls' house atmosphere!

Sipoonkorpi, which has recently become a national park, is an ode to nature, with 80 protected species living there. To the north of the park, a trail runs through the green forests of the Byabäcken River Valley. Many lakes dot the park and the area is beautiful every season. The many outdoor activities on offer still attract a large number of enthusiasts and you can also admire the traditional rural landscapes of southern Finland.

For architecture and interior design enthusiasts. Both home and office, the Villa Aalto already shows the beginnings of the "new" Aalto, the genius of Romantic Functionalist architecture. The museum is also home to the Alvar Aalto Foundation, founded in 1999 to organize conferences bringing together architects, researchers and enthusiasts. Just 500 m away is the studio of Finland's most famous architect, typical of his style. A must-see if you're passionate about the man!

Between 1944 and 1956 the Porkkala Peninsula is annexed by Russia. It has become the paradise of ornithologists and nature lovers, with its extraordinary landscapes and soothing silence.

Near Nuuksio National Park, this other green space, a stone's throw from the capital, is less well known to tourists but is very popular with locals. It is an ideal place for hiking, with marked trails for all levels and some beaches by the lake for sunny days. The old mansion is now a café, a pleasant place to rest after the walk, and where it is also possible to book the sauna. For amateurs, recreational fishing is allowed on the estate.

In a 100% ecological and all-wooden building inspired by the Kalevala, the new Haltia centre, a stone's throw from the Nuuksio National Park and with a view of the lake below, aims to awaken visitors to the surrounding nature through the presentation of landscapes, sounds and sensations felt in the heart of nature. Permanent and temporary exhibitions evoke Finnish fauna and flora, using all modern media to better sing this ode to the environment.

Housed in one of the beautiful red brick buildings of the former cable factory, this museum is dedicated to Finnish (and international) photography, with temporary exhibitions of consistently high quality. A second site, in the Kämp shopping center, presents temporary exhibitions that are renewed three times a year. Two visits that complement each other and offer a sharp look at the photographic work of Scandinavian artists.

Just a stone's throw from Suomenlinna, Lonna is a pretty little island just reopened to the public, a former Russian mine-reserve area, then a mine-clearing area. There is already a small café and a summer restaurant there, but the idea is to create a new urban space where events and other initiatives can take place. A nice getaway on the way to the fortress island. It is easy to get around on foot, the island is very small. It is also a nice place for a picnic break on a sunny summer day with friends or family.

At the top of a long street stands the Erottaja fire station, in operation since 1891. Designed by Theodor Höijer, it looks like a red-brick castle, with its main tower - a watchtower to keep an eye out for any sign of fire. One of the wings now houses the firefighters' museum, displaying trucks and equipment, as well as the history of the biggest fires to hit the city. An original museum to make children's eyes shine!

Less well known than Puu-Vallila, Puu-Käpylä is another fine example of a garden city, designed by Martti Välikangas and built in the 1920s-1925s to meet the housing needs of the working classes. Today, the complex has a charming old-fashioned character, with colorful wooden houses surrounded by small gardens. The Käpylä district was originally built as an Olympic village for the 1952 Olympic Games. Martti Välikangas was born in 1893 and died in 1973. In Helsinki, he also designed the building at 46 Albertinkatu Street.

It's raining or cold and you don't know how to keep your toddlers occupied? Welcome to children's paradise! On the programme: bouncy castles, trampolines, slides and rides galore, a ball pool, a haunted cellar, a climbing wall and even an area reserved for the little ones. The perfect plan to let your children have fun while they're exercising! They also organize events such as the Lego show. And if the children want to sit down for a couple of minutes or swallow a cake to leave full of energy, a cafeteria is available.

If you want to visit the surroundings of Helsinki and especially the national parks, BioGeo - Traveller is for you. You can choose between several excursions, for example towards Nuuksio to discover both the Finnish forest and a national park with many lakes. In winter, the atmosphere is enchanting with its mist, the water starting to freeze, the snow starting to cover the ground... Alternatively, why not visit the city of Porvoo, accompanied by your guide to learn about the history and secrets of the place. Great experience!