#1 Explore Olavinlinna

Olavinlinna is a castle that sits in Savonlinna, castle of St. Olaf, began in 1475. The Danish-born founder of the castle, Knight Erik Axelsson Tott, decided that a powerful fortification should be built to protect the strategically important Savo region. The castle was supposed to repel Russian attacks from the east and to guarantee the control of the Savo region for the Swedish Crown. The history of Olavinlinna is a mixture of medieval arms clashing, cannons roaring and every-day chores inside the security of the castle's thick walls.The castle was fame for its three dominating towers and constructed on a rock in the center of a glassy lake to afford it more protection from enemies. To get to the castle you will need to walk across a series of creaking bridges and the inside is a maze of ornate towers and serene chapels.

#2 Meet Santa

Everyone knows Santa – the one and only – comes from Finland. What some people don’t know, however, is that it is possible to meet him in person all year round. Santa’s official office, situated on the mysterious Arctic Circle, in the city of Rovaniemi is open each day of the year. There, children and adults can enjoy a private chat with him and revel in the enchanted atmosphere.

#3 Sleep In A Glass Igloo

Finland is a land of stark contrasts. In the summer months, the sun does not set at all in the northernmost parts of the country – hence Finland’s nickname “The Land of the Midnight Sun”. In the winter, the opposite happens: the sun disappears for months. This time is called “kaamos”. During kaamos it is not completely dark, however. The bright snow, the moon and the stars, and, if you are lucky, the Northern Lights, create magical surroundings. Perhaps the best way to experience these two extreme seasons is to sleep in a glass igloo or cottage, surrounded by nature.

#4 Try Reindeer Meat

Try the reindeer dish – Poronkaristys. Reindeer are found in Finland’s northern province of Lapland and their meat is one of the healthiest foods you can put on your plate according to recent studies. It is high in B-12, omega-3, omega-6 and lean. According to locals, it is delicious! Served with mashed potatoes, this dish is eaten throughout the country, in all seasons.

#5 Ride a Reindeer and Husky Sleigh

What better way to experience the white, cold wilderness than to be wrapped tightly under a reindeer hide in a sled pulled by a pack of huskies or Santa’s number one mode of transport – Rudolph the Reindeer? Lapland’s vast fells and guaranteed snow make it the best place to experience sledding. You can try riding with a pack of huskies from 15 minutes to excursions that last for days. Reindeer rides are usually shorter and more suitable for small children. Both husky and reindeer rides are usually available from late October till late spring, even early summer.

#6 Visit a Lighthouse Island

Finland’s coast has the largest archipelago in the world. And when there are islands, there are lighthouses. And what kind of lighthouses they are! Many are possible to visit during a day trip, some you can spend a night in Bengtskär on the west coast is majestic sight. It is the tallest lighthouse in the Nordic countries. It is situated on a beautiful island that is accessible by boat from beginning of June to end of August. If you wish to stay the night, the island has six lighthouse keeper’s rooms to stay in. Book early to avoid disappointment. For Helsinki daytrippers, Söderskär lighthouse is a must-see. It is possible to visit Söderskär by boat from Helsinki. The journey takes just over an hour and the visit itself is for two hours. Just enough to climb the lighthouse and have a cup of coffee in the little lighthouse keeper’s cottage next to it.

Interested to experience what Finland has to offer? Here are some affordable Finland travel packages for you!