Finland [Best Bets 2026]

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Finland

W hat is it about Finland that keeps its citizens at the very top of the world’s happiest countries rankings year after year? Travel to this distinctive Nordic country and you may agree—it’s not one thing, but rather Finland’s unique amalgamation of qualities that make it a hotbed of ilo (that’s “joy” in Finnish). Roaming, foraging and exploring in the outdoors is considered a prized universal right—and nature is accessible even from the country’s largest cities. Wellness—including the routine use of saunas, with their proven mood-boosting and health-promoting benefits—is a deeply ingrained cultural staple. The culinary scene is focused on fresh, locally sourced dishes (reindeer stew and salmon soup, for example) created and enjoyed mindfully, without a shred of waste. A journey through Finland is a chance, too, to embrace silence and quietude; to experience the country’s mix of eastern and western influences; and to try on the mindful, sustainable way of life Finns proudly—and happily—maintain.

Europe's northernmost capital city, Helsinki melds modern creativity, striking Nordic design and uninhibited enjoyment. Go on foot or rent a readily available city bike to tour highlights like Helsinki's iconic cathedral (Tuomiokirkko to locals), outdoor food hub Market Square (Kauppatori) and the vibrant Design District. In colder months, Helsinki's reliable network of buses, trams, metros and local trains make it easy to get around. Meanwhile, ferries provide access to nearby islands, including UNESCO World Heritage Site Suomenlinna Island, where a mid-18th-century fortress built during the era of Swedish rule is the main attraction. You don't even have to leave the city limits to bask in the outdoors like a local. Take a swim in a harborside pool (yes, it's open in winter) or visit Helsinki's 6-square-mile Central Park, set just outside the city center, for hikes on lush forested trails.

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Helsinki's Oodi Library | credit: Jussi Hellsten

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Helsinki Cathedral

Suomenlinna Island

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Ice sauna in Lakeland | credit: Ruka Kuusamo

Suomenlinna | credit: Julia Kivela

Santa Claus Village

Aurora borealis in Nanguniemi | credit: Pertti Turunen

Villa Mairea

Frozen People Festival

Sauna

Kakola Spa

Karelian pie | credit: Julia Kivela

Tomato and raspberry dish from Nolla | credit: Nikola Tomevski

Coffee served in a traditional kuksa

credit: Elina Manninen

Home to eight of Finland's 41 national parks, Lapland is perhaps best known among Americans for its regional capital, Rovaniemi, home to Santa Claus Village. This year-round holiday wonderland is where the real-life Santa and 200,000 reindeer reside. (If you have any qualms with the idea that Santa lives in Finland's Arctic Circle, it's better not to bring them up on your trip, as this is a Finnish point of pride.) There is much more to Lapland, however—over 42,350 square miles of stunning wilderness, in fact— and it's an extraordinary destination to visit any time of year. Take extended hikes in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park in summer, under the light of the midnight sun; or explore the gorgeous wilds on cross-country skis November through April, when trails are groomed. August to early April is prime time for aurora borealis spotting here. Just east of the park, Levi is where you can experience Finland's best skiing (October to May). It's also an ideal place to learn about Finland's indigenous people, the Sámi, and their millenia of history, culture and mythology at the Sámiland Exhibition, open year-round.

Best Bet 2026

Finland was chosen as a Travelzoo Best Bet for 2026. Only ten worldwide destinations were selected for this honor, based on factors like increased interest among Travelzoo members, sustainability considerations or landmark events for the new year. See the full list here.

Best Bet 2026

Best Bet 2025

Best Bet 2026

Ice swimming in Imatra | credit: Mikko Nikkinen

The Night of Arts | credit: Julia Kivela

Lakeside sauna in Lapland

Greater Helsinki

Lapland

Vestiges of Finland's 600-year history as part of the Swedish kingdom are still palpable today—the coastal towns with wooden architecture and town squares that are more welcoming than showy, for example, plus the lingering status of the Swedish language as a national tongue. Its time as an autonomous part of the Russian empire (1809 to 1917) can be appreciated, too, in everything from the silhouettes of some of Finland's best-known churches to its pastry styles. An epic poem titled "Kalevala," written by Elias Lönnrot in 1835, is largely credited with reviving Finns' connection to ancient folklore, magic and the natural world—along with the national identity. The country's centuries-long journey to independence reinforced the concept of sisu, a deeply ingrained part of the Finnish mindset that roughly translates to "grit" or "determination."

Historical influences

These geo-political and indigenous influences swirl together in modern-day Finland, helping to shape a society that is efficient, quirky and quietly content. Finns are notoriously understated; small talk isn't part of the vernacular and silence is prized, not avoided, along with personal space. Finland's devotion to sustainability is present in daily life—its robust recycling and composting programs, for example—and in the national consciousness, with an aim to become carbon neutral by 2035. Like much in Finnish culture, its clothing puts an emphasis on practicality (staying warm in winter, for example), less on ostentation. Bring your notebook if you're looking for home design inspiration, however—Finland's modern architecture and interiors wow with clean lines, sustainable, natural materials and eye-pleasing minimalism.

Modern Finnish culture

Northern Finland's festival scene will be especially robust in 2026, thanks to Oulu's designation as the European Capital of Culture. Highlights include an energetic New Year's celebration followed by an Opening Festival (Jan. 16-18) that will transform Oulu's city center into a vibrant art- and music-fueled village. Exhibitions and events highlighting the resilience, creativity and sustainabilty of indigenous Sámi culture will be on view at the Oulu Art Museum from mid-January through May. Fans of electronic music can time their trips to coincide with the Frozen People Festival (Feb. 28), taking place on the ice of Nallikari Beach just outside the city. This icy dance festival is not the only event that gives a peek at the fun-loving quirkiness that brews just under Finns' stoic surface. Finland is home to world championship events ranging from air guitar playing to tree hugging to wife carrying. Beyond the eccentric, discover events celebrating opera, summer solstice, sports, Indigenous culture and much more.

Festivals & events

Sauna culture

Though "unwind time" is less a rarity in Finland and more a foundation of daily existence, the country excels at crafting resort experiences that bring travelers even further from the fray of the rat race and screen time overdose. Järvisydän Nature Hotel & Spa Resort in Rantasalmi is a nature-rich Lake Saimaa retreat where accommodation options include a houseboat with a private sauna. Treatments incorporate traditional Finnish techniques and natural elements like peat and hot stones. Kakola Spa in Finland's oldest city, Turku, offers innovative wellness features like a fir tree-scented conifer sauna, a halotherapy salt pool aimed at soothing respiratory woes and a shower that simulates a snow storm for a novel approach to cold therapy. There are serene spa hotels right in Helsinki, too, including Hotel St. George, where spa access is complimentary for guests; and Kämp Hotel, whose third-floor spa is set to reopen in 2026 after sweeping renovations.

Spa Resorts

Of course, even without carving out extended time for a wellness retreat, a Finland getaway, done properly, will have inherent health-promoting benefits. Spend ample time on forest trails for hiking and foraging in the Finnish tradition. (Note: While Finns are avid mushroom hunters, novices should take caution, as some are poisonous.) Channel the spirit of sisu with a plunge into an icy lake. Eat like the locals do, with a focus on locally grown and organic foods. And of course, cap each day with a purifying sauna sweat. Your circulation, mental health and perhaps even your happiness levels are apt to surge as a side effect of your vacation.

Wellness as a way of life

Finland's cuisine harmonizes with the country's deep reverence for nature and sustainability. It's swayed also by Nordic and eastern European influences, plus its rare position overlapping the Arctic Circle. Reindeer appears as everything from meatballs to a unique pizza topping. Most often, though, the meat is prepared in a hearty stew, and served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries, abundant in Finland's forests. Salmon soup is another traditional staple, combining local wild-caught fish, potatoes, leeks and dill in a satisfying creamy base. Pair it with a thick slice of Finnish rye, a dark and earthy bread that's incomparable to any other variation. Finns' favorite pastries include savory Karelian pies, in which a distinctly shaped rye-flour crust surrounds a center of creamy rice; and sweet korvapuusti, roughly translated as "slapped ears"—Finland's fluffy, buttery and quickly devoured version of the cinnamon roll.

Regional delicacies

Finnish chefs have gained international recognition for an approach to cuisine that is at once innovative, sustainable and heritage-driven. The country is home to seven Michelin Star restaurants and many others that are recognized for food that's exceptional and experiential. In Helsinki, Nolla prioritizes sustainability—proffering seasonal, local and organic ingredients as well as sustainable wines on its short yet compelling menu. In the Lakeland town of Rantasalmi, Restaurant Solitary stands out for its farm-to-table cuisine—try the five-course "surprise" tasting menu and let the revered resident chef take you on a culinary journey that's at once creative and anchored in the local soil and waters. Michelin-Starred Kaskis in the southwestern town of Turku offers 4- or 6-course tasting menus, showcasing colorful, freshly foraged flowers and herbs alongside local fish and meat. Restaurant Aanaar in Inari has a menu that rotates seasonally, reflecting the flavors of Lapland—reindeer, caviar, forest mushrooms and juniper all feature prominently.

Restaurant scene

The Finnish are wild about coffee, drinking more of it per capita than any other nation in the world. Coffee is served with breakfast, with birthday cake and even toted into the forest for a mid-hike sip. Get a sense of Finland's coffee culture in its numerous cafes. You can even take a java-fueled walking tour to experience Helsinki's history through a coffee-laced lense. That's not to say that Finns don't know how to take things down a notch with their beverage choices. Finland's vodka-producing prowess may be famous, but in fact beer—from Finnish brewers like Hartwall and Olvi—is the most popular adult drink. Nordic berry wines are a treat to try while you're in the country. These sweet vintages are often produced on small family farms, though Ainoa Winery in southern Finland has transformed the craft into an international award-winning art form. Don't leave the country without trying a lonkero, a low-alcohol mix of gin and grapefruit juice. Created for the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, the cocktail took hold and is now available at every bar, corner store and grocery shop.

Finland's favorite drinks

Lakeland

Zoom in on Finland's map, and you'll find the heart of the country is peppered with a dizzying amount of blue. This is Finland's lake district—the largest in Europe, earning the country its "land of a thousand lakes" reputation. Finnish Lakeland is the region for restorative getaways filled with forest hikes and foraging, days spent paddling serene waterways or, depending on the season, ice swimming or skating. For an authentic Finnish holiday, book a lakeside mökki—a cozy cottage intentionally devoid of electricity and running water, let alone Wi-Fi. If that level of unplugged seems a step too far, there are plentiful other accommodation options, ranging from modern to luxurious to quirky. Almost all of them come with a sauna. There are numerous destinations to explore across this vast region, including Lake Saimaa, Finland's largest lake. It's the sole habitat of the critically endangered Saimaa Ringed Seal. Medieval Olavinlinna Castle is found on its shores, in the town of Savonlinna. Two pristine national parks and Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark's ancient cave rock paintings await exploration in the region as well.

The coming year is an exceptional one for making a journey to Finland. Oulu, a city on Finland’s northwestern coast, has been chosen as the European Capital of Culture—an honor that will bring nearly 500 cultural events and initiatives to the region. Travel in expressly for these, or weave a celebration or two into an itinerary that takes you across many of Finland’s diverse regions. Either way, you’ll likely come away with more than photographs—potentially even some hacks for upping your everyday happiness quotient. Read on for more of what you can look forward to on your Finland adventure.

Oulu

In Finland, it's considered a universal right to explore, forage and camp in nature, so long as these activities are done in a way that's respectful to others and the planet. Whether you visit in summer to experience the midnight sun—when the sun is up 24 hours a day north of the Arctic Circle—or during the aurora-infused winter, bring the Finnish spirit of adventure to your travels.

Though shaped by ancient roots and historical ties to its western and eastern neighbors, Finland is a place unlike any other. From the quirky character of its people to its steadfast commitment to sustainability to its surprising events lineup, Finland is uncommonly comfortable in its own skin.

Heat. Cool. Repeat. Though seemingly simple, this cycle of exposing one's body to temperatures of polar extremes—steaming saunas followed by swims in icy waters, for example—may be a key ingredient to mental and physical wellness. Discover what Finns have known for thousands of years, along with other health-boosting practices that are everyday happenings in Finnish culture.

Clean, straightforward and innovative—yet deeply rooted in nature and tradition—Finland's culinary scene is a metaphor for the country as a whole. You cannot avoid eating well while journeying through Finland. Pair locavore cuisine with Nordic berry wine for a meal that is pure Finnish magic.

Kaunissaari | credit: Julia Kivela

Coast and archipelago

Finland's western shore is a mosaic of over 50,000 islands, earning Finland claim to yet another superlative: the world's largest archipelago. Explore culturally rich coastal towns like Vaasa, where you can visit museums and city orchestras between hikes from scenic bogs to meteorite craters. Or wander seaside Rauma's Old Town, stopping at boutiques to admire handcrafted lace, a local tradition dating back to the 17th century. Venture out via water taxi or ferry service to islands like Kuuskajaskari, once a military fortress; or nature-rich Nurmes, criss-crossed entirely by hiking trails. You can island hop by bike or car as well, for example to the Kvarken Archipelago, a group of islands that's been recognized by UNESCO for its curious and steady rise out of the sea, at a rate of about a centimeter a year. The islands' shallow pools make prime habitat for red-throated divers and black guillemots, as well as migratory bird species.

Sami Museum

Hiking in Lapland | credit: Julia Kivela

Reindeer in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park | credit: Julia Kivelä

Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, the captial of Lapland

Mushroom foraging | credit: Jussi Hellsten

No country in the world prizes saunas more highly than Finland, where 3 million of the toasty oases serve a population of 5.5 million. What began over 10,000 years ago as hot stone pits and primitive bath houses evolved into a staple of daily life—not an exclusive luxury, but an equal-opportunity ritual belonging to all Finns. The meditative practice, upheld by most Finns at least once per week, has been shown to have bodily benefits ranging from cardiovascular to metabolic to dermatologic. Experience the phenomenon on your trip by visiting some of Finland's best public saunas. Their locations may surprise you. Cultural center Serlachius in Mänttä, for example, is a hub for museums, art, nature trails—and a striking "art sauna" where guests sweat in an ultra-modern design marvel with lake vistas. In Lakeland's Jyväskylä, you'll find a new sauna-restaurant named Sataman Viilu where you can alternate between steam sessions, lake swims, hot tub soaks and plates of fine Finnish cuisine.

Porvoo | credit: Niko Laurila

Ice sauna | credit: Ruka Kuusamo

Ice swimming

Wild mushroom foraging | credit: Harri Tarvainen

Santa Claus