Finland Things to Do

  The Lenin Museum
by Airpunk
 
  • The Lenin Museum
      The Lenin Museum
    by Airpunk
  • Tammelantori market
      Tammelantori market
    by Airpunk
  • Finlayson church
      Finlayson church
    by Airpunk
  • Vanha Kirkko
      Vanha Kirkko
    by Airpunk
  • Tampere's theatre
      Tampere's theatre
    by Airpunk
 

Most Viewed Things to Do in Finland

1.

Kauppatori (Market Square & Market Hall)   Helsinki

Kauppatori (Market Square & Market Hall), Helsinki

 82 Reviews  There was a Market on, great, I couldn't wait to have a look! I liked lots here, plenty of different things for sale, so different to "home!' Lots of very warm looking Furs, beautiful Capes, lots of... 

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2.

Pyynikki park & tower   Tampere

Pyynikki park & tower, Tampere

 21 Reviews  This is the older observation tower, definately the better one. The park around Pyynikki is a place of relaxation to all of us, you can walk and roam there around the year and there are skiing paths... 

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3.

Tuomiokirkko (The Lutheran Cathedral)   Helsinki

Tuomiokirkko (The Lutheran Cathedral), Helsinki

 119 Reviews  Whilst walking around the city we came across the imposing white neo-classical style Cathedral in Senate Square. Work began on this Cathedral in 1818, by a person named "Engel," who died 12 years... 

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4.

Näsinneula (Observation Tower)   Tampere

Näsinneula (Observation Tower), Tampere

 12 Reviews  You must see the tower when in Tamprere. So, take a trip to tower and you understand where Tampere is located and why we Finns love our lakes. I love lake Näsijärvi (someone loves lake Pyhäjärvi too,... 

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5.

Suomenlinna Island & Fortress   Helsinki

Suomenlinna Island & Fortress, Helsinki

 104 Reviews  Suomenlinna is quite a big area to walk around and many of the surfaces are uneven. We walked and looked at Museums, as these were included in our Helsinki card. There were quite Museum's scattered... 

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6.

Moominvalley   Tampere

Moominvalley, Tampere

 9 Reviews  Some say that this is Tampere’s most popular attraction. Indeed, Moominvally has attracted a wide range of visitors from families with kids, to Asian girls who come because of Moomin’s cutenes and of... 

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7.

Temppeliaukio (Rock) Church   Helsinki

Temppeliaukio (Rock) Church, Helsinki

 62 Reviews  The Rock Church, is a Lutheran Church completed in 1969. It really is something different to see in Helsinki. The Finnish name is Temppeliaukio Church, named after Temppeliaukio Square, the location... 

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8.

Särkänniemi Amusement Park   Tampere

Särkänniemi Amusement Park, Tampere

 15 Reviews  This place is right beside the TV Tower. The setting is cool, with an assortment of rides beside Lake Näsijärvi. You can get great views over the lake & the cityscape from the high rides, like the... 

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9.

Uspenski Orthodox Church   Helsinki

Uspenski Orthodox Church, Helsinki

 87 Reviews  The Uspenski Cathedral is the largest orthodox church in Western Europe. In Helsinki, it really stands out, especially when you are coming into Helsinki harbour by boat. The Russian Orthodox... 

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10.

Pispala   Tampere

Pispala, Tampere

 6 Reviews  Pispala is a special district of Tampere. It has an undeniable charm, with its colourful wooden cottages built by late 19th-century workers and narrow lanes. The cottages, now worth a small fortune,... 

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11.

Esplanadi Boulevard   Helsinki

Esplanadi Boulevard, Helsinki

 33 Reviews  Esplanade Park was a really nice park, located between two main streets and surrounded by beautiful Neo-Renaissance buildings, which replaced the old wooden houses in the latter half of the 19th... 

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12.

The Lenin Museum   Tampere

The Lenin Museum, Tampere

 10 Reviews  This museum has mixed reviews and I really can understand why. The collection of the museum mostly consists mainly of publications by Lenin made during his time in Finland. As these are in Finnish or... 

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13.

Linnanmaki Amusement Park   Helsinki

Linnanmaki Amusement Park, Helsinki

 21 Reviews  Linnanmäki Amusement Park: fairground amusements, the big ferris wheel, the roller coaster, lots of other rides, the toy and play museum, restaurants, Peacock Variety Theatre etc. Special: The first... 

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14.

Tuomiokirkko   Tampere

Tuomiokirkko, Tampere

 12 Reviews  Tampere Cathedral, one of the city's best-known sites, aroused vehement debates when it was built at the beginning of the twentieth century. The daring paintings by famous Finnish artist Hugo Simberg... 

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15.

Korkeasaari (Helsinki Zoo)   Helsinki

Korkeasaari (Helsinki Zoo), Helsinki

 18 Reviews  Korkeasaari Zoo organizes every fall a so called "Night of the Cats" event. This year it will take place on the 2nd and 9th of September. During these nights the zoo will be open between 16:00-24:00.... 

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16.

Vapriikki Museums   Tampere

Vapriikki Museums, Tampere

 6 Reviews  This place is probably considered as Tampere’s main museum, even if the Lenin Museum and the Moomin Valley are better known. Vapriikki is located on the former ground of the Tampella factory, once one... 

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17.

Olympic stadium   Helsinki

Olympic stadium, Helsinki

 26 Reviews  In 1952 the Olympic Summer Games were held in Helsinki. The Stadium is still in great condition and is still used. Right next to the stadium is the Olympic Tower, from where you can see all of... 

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18.

Arboretum   Tampere

Arboretum, Tampere

 7 Reviews  If you are tired of the hussle in the city you can visit Hatanpää Arboretum (abt 2 km from teh centre). In its beautiful parks and view towards to Lake Pyhäjärvi and Pyynikki your soul definitely... 

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19.

National Museum   Helsinki

National Museum, Helsinki

 16 Reviews  The National Museum of Finland is a building with a with a tall spire which looks more like a church than a museum. It contains a permanent exhibition of Finnish life from prehistoric times to the... 

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20.

Sauna in Tampere   Tampere

Sauna in Tampere, Tampere

 3 Reviews  One of most famous saunas in Finland. many celebritys have been here also, and it´s very popular for tourists. I don´t like public saunas, but I thought I MUST save this here, when no-one else has... 

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21.

Ateneum Art Museum   Helsinki

Ateneum Art Museum, Helsinki

 16 Reviews  Ateneum is Finland's National Gallery housing the oldest, most significant and extensive works of art and dates range from 1750-1960. There are approximately 17,500 works of art including some... 

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22.

Tampere Orthodox Church   Tampere

Tampere Orthodox Church, Tampere

 4 Reviews  I am an orthodox, so this church is close to me. My roots are from very east, so I have lived in close relationship with Cristian doctrine and orthodoxy. There is an icon in the corner of my living... 

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23.

Finlandia Talo (Finlandia Hall)   Helsinki

Finlandia Talo (Finlandia Hall), Helsinki

 10 Reviews  There are many other tips concerning this hall already. But did you know this? You can blame Mr. Alvar Aalto, the architect, for the deteriorating marble wall tiles. He absolutely insisted on having... 

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24.

Tampere City Library   Tampere

Tampere City Library, Tampere

 3 Reviews  This is one of the best places of Tampere. The main library is called Metso. There is a free Internet for everyone to use and Tampere has even their own Netti-Nysse which is a mobile Internet bus. It... 

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25.

Tallipiha - The Stable Yards   Tampere

Tallipiha - The Stable Yards, Tampere

 3 Reviews  A collection of stables from the 19th century was refurbished and has becaome a popular market for sweets, handicrafts and other souvenirs. The atmosphere at this places depends a lot on the season... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Number One - Let's go to Sauna

by akkipaa

There's no Finn without sauna. No one can count how many saunas there are, my guess is about 1,5 million. I have two, both heated with tree (there are electric ones also), and I regularly some others. Sauna has probably been the institution we survived here in cold circumstances on those old days. It has been source of hot water, health and sanitation. We have long distances, some 50 years ago it was quite common to be born in sauna.Nowadays is the source of relaxation, mostly, one or two times a week, but it is not a rule, you can warm it when you think you need it. Most common sauna day is Saturday. And a note, Finnish sauna has nothing to do with those in red light area, there has to be a sauna stove, you have to be able to throw water to it (it's ridiculous to visit some hotel saunas with label: "it's forbidden to use water. Throw it, in all places, a give you the permission). Saunas...

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Walk trough HelsinkiCity

by crazydingo

Walking trough the city Helsinki is a wonderfull experience. Its beautifull! Lots of big buildings, old and modern. There's a lot of art on the way. Everywhere you go, there's a special statue. From big to small. The smallest one, I couldnt find, is a little mouse. To bad I havent found it, but its something you really have to search for... Nice challenge. The park is huge and very nice to be at. During summer it's hot in Helsinki and a stay in the park is een must! Take a seat and bring a picknickbasket and look arround! In de middle of the city, there's a amusementpark aswell, Linnanmäki, with rollercoasters and stuff. Next to it, there's Seaworld. To see all of this, you'll need a few days, but its really worth it!

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Sport centers (golf, skiing, hiking, rafting)

by TarjaH

List of popular sport centers:All seasons:Vuokatti: http://www.vuokatti.fi/en/homeRuka: summer, winterMainly winter:Tahko: http://www.tahko.com/index.php?lId=2Levi: http://www.levi.fi/en/home.html

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Get a Helsinki Card

by Aidner

When visiting Helsinki get a Helsinki Card. Your card will include unlimited usage of public transportation, including free entry to the major sights and museums, unlimited travel on public transport within the city of Helsinki, ferry-boat to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and entry to the main sights and a free Audio City Tour daily (worth 27 €) for adult card holders.I have bought three adults and one child, one-day cards for 119 euros on June 12th, 2011. That day was Helsinki Day and the ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and entry were free. I have called customer service and they have returned 100 euros to my bank account, just by trusting my word that I had used the card for just a couple of tram tickets.Unless you are not planning to participate on the activities above or you are visiting Helsinki on June 12th, the Helsinki card can save you money and time.

The Lapland Museum

by gnomomami

If you go to Inari, don't miss the beautiful Siida Museum. It worths a visit for its interesting documentation on the Sami culture, their territory and wonderful nature. The photographic and information panels are superbs and comprehensive.There is also an outdoor exhibit of Sami huts and animal traps right next to the Inari forest.Downstairs there is a space for temporary exhibitions of Sami crafts. I had been there in occasion of a beautiful exhibition of Sami drums by a local artist.Definitely worth a visit if you’re passing.

Oulu Area: Kalajoki

by SanguiniA

Kalajoki, not far from Oulu, is a major tourist draw in summer and it is not difficult to see why - a stretch of sandy beach and the northernmost dunes in Finland, overlooking the Gulf of Bothnia. Would be a wonderful beach treat were it not for the unpredictable weather. It was raining VERY hard when I was there in July.My bet is that it looks equally wonderful in the winter season, and is much more quiet - especially considering summer is very, very crowded. Barely space to pitch a tent.The area is very developed tourist-wise so there is a wide variety of accomodation to choose from, and also some restaurants including the mandatory Grilli Kiosks which the Finns seem to be just mad about.

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Tango Festival in Seinäjoki

by sinoda

Finnish Tangois something you may have never heard about. It's well different from the classic and traditional tango, the Argentinian, I should say.This festival has at least three parts, all contests - the singing, the dancing and the composing. Once a year this festival revives this sleepy town in middle-west Finland for almost a week and turns it into a real helter skelter. Mostly middle-aged will dance in the streets and arenas to live music. Ince 1985 this festival has been held during the 1st week of July (this year it was from July 6-10)

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Bengtskar Lighthouse

by finlandia

Bengtskar Lighthouse is the highest (52 meters) lighthouse in the Nordic countries. It was built in 1906 and it is the first lighthouse museum in Finland. You can stay overnight in the old home of the lighthouse keeper! All rooms have a sea view. Price 55-100 euros per night including breakfast and sauna. You don`t have to stay overnight there. You can also have a one-day trip.Bengtskar is the most southern inhabited place in Finland. The nearest village is Rosala, about 18 kilometers north of Bengtskar. There is Rosala Viking Centre there. Take a ferry from Kasnas to Bengtskar and on the way you can visit Rosala Viking Centre.

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Lappi Lapland

by Janni67

Lapland seems to have an exotic touch for many tourists. Lots of snow and the Aurora Borealis in winter, sun doesn't set at all in summer, beautiful "ruska" with colourful leaves in the trees in autumn... That's Lapland.Lapland has many faces. The south and the west are maritime, they have rivers and rich flora. Central and eastern Lapland are known for their tree-covered fells. Northern Lapland is more barren. Only the most stubborn trees and bushes grow above the tree limit and the tops of the fells are bare.Rovaniemi is the heart of Lapland. There's alot to see and do; how about a trekking trip in Ounasvaara, a riverboat cruise, visit to a reindeer farm or a toboggan run... Or take a safari, go fishing for salmon, or take a day trip to the Ranua Wildlife Park with its over 50 species of Arctic animals. At the Arctic Circle, the Santa Claus Village & SantaPark are places you will want...

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Petajavesi church

by aramat

The lovely old church is a UNESCO World Heritage as an outstanding example of northern european wooden church architecture. It was built in 1764 and is pretty from outside and very nice inside. It's been selected as the best bridal church in Finland and it is popular for weddings. The church is open in summer. In winter, it can only be visited by reservation.

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Top 3 Hotels in Finland

Hotel Kamp  Helsinki

 16 Reviews and 332 Opinions  Located on Pohjoisesplanadi, in the heart of Helsinki, Hotel Kämp is one of the city's most... 

 Hotels in Helsinki

Sokos Hotel Ilves  Tampere

 5 Reviews and 59 Opinions  I stayed at Sokos Hotel Ilves for one night in July 2011 and had a very pleasant stay in this 4 star... 

 Hotels in Tampere

Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel Turku  Turku

 4 Reviews and 125 Opinions  We had never stayed in Radison hotels before, because they are allways more expensive than any other... 

 Hotels in Turku

Questions and Answers

TomFoolery profile photo

Q:  Right - here's the brief. I've got a maximum of three days, and am going to pick up a car from either Helsinki or Tampere.... 

Fugu profile photo

A: go to the koli national park. thats not too far so you can get to see something in 3 days, and its one of the most beautiful landscapes in finland. 

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