Heading up to Finland is a dream for many travellers, where the outdoor winter pursuits are second to none. It's around one-and-a-half times the size of Great Britain, but has a population of less than 5.5 million people (similar to Scotland!), so there's plenty of space in the great outdoors.
Heading up to Finland is a dream for many travellers, where the outdoor winter pursuits are second to none. It's around one-and-a-half times the size of Grea... more
UNRANKED
CURRENT SCORE
less stats more stats2.75
Rank (best ever) 25
Score (all time) 443.00
Created 11/01/12
Views 393
Votes [disabled]
view list history
1
Husky Tour
One of the most exciting activities is to take a dog powered sled across the snow. People
might feel a bit intimidated at first, but it couldn't be easier - steer, break, and let the dogs do the rest. There are few better ways to see Finland's amazing wilderness - it's also about as environmentally friendly as it gets!
2
Snowshoe Hike
If you want to take it a bit more slowly, a snowshoe hike is perfect. An ancient technique for crossing the wilderness, you practically float over the deep snow, and if you're lucky you'll see the Aurora Borealis as you explore magical snow shrouded forests.
3
Helsinki Countryside
With so much space per head of population, in Finland you are never far away from the countryside. Just 15 minutes from the city centre is the Viikki Arboretum, nearly 50 acres of tree-filled parkland.
4
Ferries around Helsinki Islands
In the summer Pihlajasaari island - one of 330 that make up the Helsinki archipelago - is the most popular spot for locals to get away from the busy city life on a summers day. With sandy beaches and great swimming spots it's no surprise that this is a favourite for local people, young and old.
5
Wildlife
Almost 80% of Finland is covered with forest where you will will come across elk, martens, foxes and a wide variety of birds. A common sight around campsites is the Siberian Jay.
6
Grazing in the Forest
There are 37 national parks in Finland with mile after mile of hiking trails. The bright green colours of a summer stroll, or the crisp fresh air of a winter wander, you won't be disappointed by the peace and quiet. Autumn is a spectacularly beautiful tie of year for a forest hike, and you'll find many Finns foraging for mushrooms and berries in the rich natural larder.
7
Skiing
No matter where you are in Finland you are no more than a couple of hours away from a ski resort, from the more densely populated south to the more remote cities of the north. You can ski for six months of the year from late October to early May, and the most popular ski area is Lapland in the far north.
8
Sweat it Out in a Sauna
Finland is famous for its saunas, and they take it very seriously. It's considered an honour to be invited to a sauna, and inside it's almost pitch black with smell of birch and tar filling your nostrils.
9
Kayaking
Lake Saimaa is Finland's largest, and is the fourth largest freshwater lake in Europe. It's perfect place for a leisurely paddle in a kayak for a couple of days, ideal for experts, beginners, and families alike to explore some of the 130 islands.
10
Icebreaker Sampo
For 25 years Sampo played a vital role in keeping shipping lanes open in the frozen north until it became a tourist attraction in 1987. Even for the most experienced seafarers it's an amazing experience seeing this vessel in action. You can even don a survival suit and take a dip in the frozen sea.
Not watching this list (get updates on this list).
(all people watching this list)
).
MORE LISTS
Top Ten America's Baddest Rapids
RECOMMENDED LISTS
COMMENTS
