Safest holiday destinations Finland

Finland is one of the safest countries in the world. Here are some of the safest holiday destinations in Finland:

1. Helsinki:

• Capital City: Helsinki is not only the capital but also one of the safest cities in the world-Abroad

2. Aland Islands:

• Archipelago: The Aland Islands are a group of islands with low crime rates and plenty of historical sites, unique shops, and beautiful nature – Travel Safe.

3. Lappeenranta:

• Lake District: This is the most popular tourist destination because of its lakeside beauty, low crime rates, and plenty of outdoor activities.

4. Oulu:

• Northern Charm: Oulu is a safe place that offers a peaceful environment for nature walks, outdoor activities, and has a low crime rate, making it perfect for a relaxing getaway.

5. Lapland:

• Arctic Beauty: Lapland is well known for its beautiful landscapes, reindeer safaris, and Northern Lights tours. It’s a safe destination with a welcoming.

General Safety Tips:

• Transportation: Public transportation in Finland is safe and reliable. However, watch out for pickpockets at crowded areas.
• Natural Disasters: It experiences heavy snowfall during the winter season, so one has to prepare for the winter conditions while traveling in that season.
• Local Customs: Finns respect manners and public decorum, so one has to be a respectful citizen.

Helsinki is the capital city of Finland, and it is a lively and dynamic destination with a mix of modern design, historical sites, and beautiful nature. Here are some highlights and tips for exploring Helsinki:

Top Attractions:

1. Suomenlinna Fortress:

• Highlights: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this sea fortress is spread across six islands and offers museums, walking paths, and historical sites.
• Activities: Do a guided tour, visit the museums, and have a picnic in the area with a sea view.

2. Helsinki Cathedral:

• Highlights: The famous building in the city located at Senate Square. This neoclassical architectural wonder must be seen.
• Activities: Explore the inside of the cathedral and walk around the Senate Square area.

3. Market Square (Kauppatori):

• Highlights: A busy harbor market where you can purchase fresh local produce, local handicrafts and Finnish street food.
• Activities: Attempt traditional Finnish salmon soup. Buy souvenirs.

4. Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church):

• Highlights: a unique church built into the solid rock with great acoustic properties as well as spiritual peace
• Activities: attend a concert or just gaze at the building.

5. Uspenski Cathedral:

• Highlights: An impressive Eastern Orthodox cathedral with stunning architecture and beautiful views of the city.
• Activities: Explore the interior and enjoy the surrounding area.

Cultural Experiences:

1. Design District:

• Highlights: An area filled with shops, galleries, and studios dedicated to Finnish design.
• Activities: Browse for unique design items and visit the Design Museum.

2. Helsinki City Museum:

• Highlights: An interactive museum on the history and culture of Helsinki.
• Activities: Visit all sections of this museum and join some workshop sessions.

 Nature and Outdoor Activities:

1. Esplanade Park:

• Highlights: A wonderful park in the heart of the city is perfect for a casual promenade.
• Activities: Enjoy a coffee from one of the nearby cafes while sipping it, listen to music played live in the parks during summer months.

2. Helsinki Archipelago:

• Highlights: More than 300 islands surrounding Helsinki can be visited by boat, fishing, or nature walks.
• Activities: Take a boat tour or ferry to visit the islands.

Tips for Visiting Helsinki:

1. Public Transportation:

• Efficient System: Trams, buses, and ferries are used to travel around the city. A Helsinki Card can be purchased for unlimited travel and discounts on attractions.

2. Weather:

• Dress Appropriately: Helsinki may turn cold in the winters, so layers are best carried along with a warm coat.

3. Local Cuisine:

• Try traditional Finnish dishes that often include reindeer, herring, and karelian pies. Look up good local markets and restaurants and visit them.

4. Language:

• Most Finns know some English and speaking English becomes easy. But carrying phrases of the Finnish language helps.

Aland Islands are a lovely archipelago located in the Baltic Sea, between Finland and Sweden. Here are some highlights and tips for visiting the Aland Islands:

1. Mariehamn:

• Capital City: The largest town in the archipelago, known for its charming harbor, maritime history, and vibrant cultural scene.
• Activities: Visit the Aland Maritime Museum, take a stroll along the waterfront, and enjoy local cafes and restaurants.

2. Kastelholm Castle:

• Golf Course: One of the most scenic golf courses in the region, offering breath-taking views of the sea and surrounding land.
• Activities: See the castle grounds, be educated on its history, and absorb the natural beauty around it.

3. Eckero Linjen Ferry:

• Ferry Ride: The ferry ride with beautiful archipelago landscapes from Eckero to Grisslehamn in Sweden.
• Activities: enjoy the ferry tour, take photos of the route’s coastal views, walk on both sides of the itinerary.

Activities:

1. Archipelago Trail:

• Scenic Route: A 250 km route around the archipelago, ideal for a road trip and discovering different islands.
• Activities: Drive or cycle along the trail, and stop at quaint villages, taking in the scenery.

2. Kayaking and Sailing:

• Water Activities: The Aland Islands are great for kayaking and sailing, with various rental opportunities.
• Activities: Discover the coastline, reach secluded beaches, and enjoy fresh sea air.

3. Local Cuisine:

• Seafood and More: Try local specialties such as fresh seafood, smoked fish, and traditional Finnish dishes.
• Activities: Visit local markets, restaurants, and cafes to savor the flavors of the islands.

Lappeenranta is a charming city in the southeastern region of Finland, on the shores of Lake Saimaa. Here are some of the highlights and tips on visiting Lappeenranta:

1. Saimaa Canal:

• Highlights: It is an important water route that connects Lake Saimaa to the Baltic Sea, with scenic boat tours and cruises.
• Activities: Take a boat tour, relax on a cruise, or paddle through the canal on a kayak.

2. Olavinlinna Castle:

• Historic Site: A medieval castle situated on an island in Lake Saimaa, famous for its impressive architecture and historical importance.
• Activities: Visit the castle museum, explore the grounds, and enjoy the surrounding nature.

3. Lappeenranta Fortress:

• Historic Site: A well-preserved fortress with ramparts and historical exhibits.
• Activities: Take a guided tour, learn about the city’s history, and enjoy panoramic views of the lake.

4. City Bay:

• Scenic Beauty: A serene bay in the city. One can take leisurely strolls and enjoy waterfront walks.
• Activities: Stroll by the bay, visit nearby cafes, and relax at the waterfront.

Activities:

1. Nature Activities:

• Hiking and Biking: Enjoy exploring the beautiful trails surrounding Lake Saimaa, which includes the Rantaraitti lakeside route.
• Water Sports: Take in the serenity of kayaking, sailing, and fishing on the lake.

2. Cultural Events:

• Festivals and Concerts: Lappeenranta offers several cultural events annually, such as music festivals, theater performances, and art exhibitions.
• Local Markets: Experience the culture and cuisine of Finland at local markets.

Tips for Visiting:

1. Best Time to Visit:

• Summer: Great time to engage in outdoor activities due to mild weather and extended daylight hours.
• Winter: Ideal for Northern Lights sightings and winter sports.

2. Accommodation:

• Variety: There’s everything from hotels and guesthouses to camping sites, holiday homes, and plenty more.
• Booking: One should book these accommodations beforehand, especially at peak tourist seasons.

3. Transport:

• Public Transportation: Great for getting into the city and around when visiting places of interest locally.
• Car Renting: Renting cars is convenient for getting places around the region.

4. Local Cuisine:

• Seafood and More: Enjoy local cuisine such as fresh fish, smoked salmon, and some of the traditional Finnish foods.
• Cafes and Restaurants: The city’s cafes and restaurants located on the waterfront also make great places to enjoy your meal.

Oulu is a lively city in northern Finland, which combines urban culture with natural beauty. Some of the highlights include:

Top Attractions:

• Nallikari Beach: A beautiful sandy beach for summer relaxation and winter ice activities.
• Oulu Cathedral: A historic cathedral located in the city center, known for its beautiful architecture.
• Science Center Tietomaa: An interactive science museum with exhibits for all ages.

Activities:

• Cycling: Oulu is known as the cycling capital of Finland, with extensive bike paths.
• Events: Enjoy local festivals such as the Air Guitar World Championships and the Oulu Music Video Festival.

Lapland:

Lapland is a region in northern Finland, famous for its Arctic wilderness, Northern Lights, and unique cultural experiences.

Top Attractions:

• Rovaniemi: The official hometown of Santa Claus, with attractions like Santa Claus Village and Arktikum Museum.
• Saariselka: One of the most famous places for winter sports: skiing and snowboarding.
• Levi: The biggest ski resort in Finland, which offers all types of winter activities.

Activities:

• Northern Lights: Go there from September to April to be able to see the Northern Lights.
• Husky and Reindeer Safaris: A traditional means of transportation on guided tours.
• Snowmobiling: Drive through Arctic landscapes on an exciting snowmobile tour.

Travel Tips:

Weather:

• Winter: Layers, like thermals and sweaters; hats; gloves; waterproof boots;
• Summer: Wear layers in case it may get quite chilly; pack insect repellent for outside activities

Transport:

• Direct flights between Helsinki to both Oulu and Rovaniemi are possible. Buses and trains allow easy travels within the city and connecting cities, too. With a rented car, explore places around.

Accommodation:

• Oulu: Choose from modern hotels, guesthouses, and traditional cabins.
• Lapland: Experience novel accommodations in glass igloos, Finnish cabins, and luxury resorts.

Local Cuisine

• Oulu: Sample local fish dishes, such as salmon soup, reindeer meat, and Finnish pastries.
• Lapland: Sample local cuisine such as reindeer stews and berry desserts, all typical of the region.

Activities

• Oulu: Cycle round the city, visit the local markets, and see the cultural events.
• Lapland: You can go skiing/ice-skating, northern lights guided tours, experience the Sami culture of that region.

Combination of a visit to Oulu and an adventure into Lapland gives you diverseness in traveling