What to experience in Finland: saunas, lakes, forests and active outdoor adventures

Cottage and Sauna by a lake

If there is one experience that best captures the Finnish way of life, it is a cabin by the lake and a Finnish sauna. After the rush of the city, the bustle of the airport and the noise of everyday life, few things feel better than arriving at a quiet place by the water. Around you are forest, lake, birdsong and leaves rustling in the wind. The plan for the day becomes simple: unpack your bags, make coffee, heat the sauna and let time slow down.

A Finnish sauna is not just a place to warm up. It is part of Finnish culture and the rhythm of everyday life. If you have the chance to choose a cabin with a wood-fired sauna, take it: the scent of wood, the crackling fire and the slowly warming air create a completely different mood from a modern spa. After the sauna, go for a swim in the lake or, in winter, simply step outside into the fresh air and pause for a moment in the silence.

You will find cabins across every region of Finland – by lakes, in forests, on the coast and far in the north. In summer, South Savo and the area around Lake Saimaa are especially beautiful choices. Saimaa is the largest lake in Finland, and its surroundings are perfect for peaceful holidays by the water, boating, swimming, fishing and unhurried walks. In June and July, the days are long, the evenings are light, and Finland reveals its most summery side.

In winter, a completely different experience awaits in Lapland and northern Finland. In January and February, snow covers the trees, lakes are frozen and the silence feels even deeper than in summer. A cabin with a sauna becomes a warm retreat after a day in the snow. If you are lucky, you may even see the northern lights in the evening sky.

This kind of holiday does not require a complicated itinerary. Choose a cabin by the lake, pack comfortable clothes, plan simple meals and leave room for spontaneous moments – swims, walks, sauna evenings and quiet coffee on the terrace.

Nature and national parks

Finland is one of the best places in Europe to reconnect with nature. Countless trails wind through forests, along lakes, across bogs, cliffs and hills, offering routes for both short walks and longer hikes. The landscape was shaped by glaciers, which left behind cliffs, rocky shores, lakes and massive boulders that now feel like an essential part of Finland’s natural scenery.

Finland’s national parks are well maintained and easy to explore. They have marked trails, viewpoints, information signs and well-equipped rest areas. In many places, you will find shelters, campfire sites and firewood, so you can prepare a simple lunch or dinner outdoors. This makes hiking enjoyable even for travellers with little outdoor experience.

Finland has dozens of national parks, and each has its own atmosphere. In one, you can follow wooden boardwalks across a bog; in another, climb rocky viewpoints and look out over lakes from above. Repovesi National Park is a good choice for a first introduction. It is relatively easy to reach from southern Finland and offers forests, lakes, rocky scenery and a long suspension bridge that has become one of the park’s most recognisable sights.

In Finland, the principle often known as everyone’s right to nature is very important. It means that everyone is free to walk in the forest, pick berries and mushrooms and enjoy nature even outside national parks. This freedom comes with responsibility: do not leave litter, damage plants, disturb wildlife or enter private property in a way that causes harm.

In national parks and protected areas, the rules can be stricter. Campfires are only allowed in designated places, some areas may have restrictions during nesting season, and overnight stays may only be allowed in specific zones. Before setting off, always check the information for your chosen park.

In summer, bring comfortable shoes, water, snacks, a light jacket and mosquito repellent for your hike. In autumn, Finnish forests become especially beautiful, with leaves turning shades of yellow and red, and berries and mushrooms appearing in the woods. In winter, many trails become cross-country skiing or snowshoeing routes, offering a completely different way to experience Finnish nature.

Fishing

Finland has around 188,000 lakes, so there is almost always a good place to fish nearby. Water is an essential part of the landscape here – lakes, rivers, coastal areas and small forest ponds create an environment where fishing is not only a hobby but also a peaceful way to spend a day outdoors.

The greatest charm of fishing in Finland is not only the catch. It is the feeling of being outside, listening to the water, watching the sky and letting time pass without hurry. In the morning, you can walk down to the lake with a cup of coffee, try your luck from the pier in the afternoon or take a small boat out in the evening. Even if the fish are not biting, a day by the water is often exactly what you need.

The simplest forms of fishing in Finland are usually free of charge. Everyone is allowed to fish with a float and hook, as well as try ice fishing. If you want to use a spinning rod or other more active fishing methods, you will need a fishing permit. It can be purchased for one day, one week or a full year.

In summer, fishing is easy to combine with a stay at a lakeside cabin. Many places offer a boat, a pier or simple access to the water. You can cook the day’s catch on a grill or campfire – simple and very Finnish. It is also a great experience for families, as fishing teaches patience and gives children more time outdoors.

In winter, ice fishing offers a completely different mood. A frozen lake, snow and silence create a special atmosphere, and after several hours outside, a sauna or warm meal feels even better. If you are trying ice fishing for the first time, it is best to go with a local guide or an experienced angler, as safety on the ice always comes first.

Before fishing, check the rules for the specific location. Some waters may have special restrictions, seasonal limits or protected fish species. This helps keep Finland’s waters clean and fish stocks sustainable for future travellers too.

Disc Golf and other active leisure

Disc golf is one of those activities that can quickly become a pleasant surprise on a trip to Finland. The game works much like golf, but instead of a ball and hole, players throw a disc into a special metal basket. The goal is to complete the course in as few throws as possible.

The rules are simple, the equipment is easy to handle, and almost anyone can try the game. For beginners, one disc, comfortable clothes and a willingness to spend time outdoors are enough. That is why disc golf is so popular in Finland – it combines movement, nature and a light sense of competition without requiring much preparation.

Finland has more than 700 disc golf courses. Many of them are located in public places, are free to use and are open around the clock. Courses vary widely – from city parks and open fields to forests, hilly landscapes and areas around ski resorts. Some routes are suitable for beginners, while others require precision, power and good technique.

Some of the most scenic disc golf courses are often found near ski resorts. In summer, these places turn into active outdoor centres with disc golf, mountain biking, hiking trails and other activities. If you want to try good courses, look towards Tampere and Kuopio, where the surrounding areas offer several highly rated disc golf routes.

There are different types of discs for the game – for long throws, approach shots and accurate throws near the basket. Experienced players use several discs and different techniques, but there is no need to worry about that at the beginning. The most important thing is to get out on the course, try, laugh at the missed throws and enjoy the fresh air.

Disc golf is a good choice for families, groups of friends and travellers who want an active but not too intense day. It lets you discover the local surroundings in a different way – not just by walking along a trail, but by playing, moving and noticing the landscape from a new perspective.

Fly to Finland with airBaltic

Finland is a great choice for a trip when you want more nature, more peace and more authentic local experiences. With airBaltic, you can easily reach several destinations in Finland and choose a trip at your own pace, from city breaks to winter adventures in snowy landscapes.

Fly to Helsinki if you want to start with Finland’s capital, design districts, islands, museums and convenient connections across the country. Choose Turku to explore Finland’s west coast, the archipelago and a slower city rhythm. Head to Tampere if you are drawn to lakes, sauna culture, active outdoor experiences and disc golf courses.

Oulu is a great choice for a taste of northern Finland, a seaside city with nature beginning close to the city centre. Kuusamo brings you closer to snowy landscapes, national parks and active outdoor adventures, especially in winter, when Finland becomes a true snow adventure destination. For a deeper Lapland escape, choose Kittilä, a gateway to northern lights, snowy forests, ski resorts and unforgettable winter stays above the Arctic Circle.

Whether you dream of a lakeside cabin, a Finnish sauna, a hike in a national park, a day of fishing, a Lapland adventure or a winter holiday in the snow, Finland is a destination you can enjoy exactly your way.

Fly to Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, Oulu, Kuusamo or Kittilä with airBaltic!

Find your flight to Finland here