Finland things to see and do

Every winter, thousands of Finns drill holes in the ice and try their luck at the masochistic sport of ice fishing, with a bottle of Kossu (Finnish vodka) on hand to keep the chills at bay. Of course, if you want to avoid hypothermic conditions, you could always go fishing during the summer by a lake or the shore.

The capital of Sámi culture in Lapland, the tiny village of Inari is home to the wonderful Siida museum and the Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church, a meeting place for reindeer herders since at least 1646. Nearby Lemmonjoki National Park is the largest in Finland, and a popular destination for trekkers and gold-panners.

During the icy Finnish winters, cross-country skiing is not just the most efficient but often the only way to get around. There are marked tracks all over the country, including in many national parks. Fans of downhill skiing and snowboarding should head to the hills of Lapland for an exhilarating time.

The oldest town in Finland, Turku gazes across the archipelago towards Stockholm in Sweden. The main attractions include the town’s magnificent medieval castle, stately cathedral and intriguing museums, while the lively nightlife, centred on the floating 'boat bars' moored along the Aura River, provides ample light relief after dark.

In the far northwest corner of Finland, a tiny spit of land juts out between Sweden and Norway. Climb from the village of Kilpisjärvi to picturesque Saana Fell or Halti Fell, the highest peak in Finland, and look out over three countries from one spot.

‘Land of a thousand lakes’ may be Finland’s nickname, but also an understatement; there are in fact 187,888 of them. They provide a natural adventure playground for swimmers, canoeists, fishermen and boating enthusiasts, as well as people who just appreciate the soothing calm of still waters. With one lake per 26 Finns, there is more than enough space for everyone. The heart of the lake country is Lakeland in eastern Finland.

Some of Finland's festivals are just plain bizarre. Attendees engage in rock mimes for Oulu’s Air Guitar World Festival, husbands haul their wives like sacks of potatoes for the Wife-Carrying World Championships in Sonkajärvi, Naantali's laziest resident is tossed into the sea on Sleepyhead Day, and thousands of people go down the Vantaa river and drink beer in rubber boats during the annual Kaljakellunta, or Beer Float festival. It’s safe to say festivals and parties in Finland are very unique.

Famous for its medieval castle and its summer opera festival, Savonlinna is an enchanting jumping-off point for exploring Lakeland. The surrounding lakes and forests are full of camping grounds that provide a perfect base for watery activities and birdwatching.

Sweating your troubles away in a steamy sauna is one of the quintessential Finnish experiences. Most hotels and holiday cottages have saunas, but there is a special magic to the Jätkänkämppä smoke sauna just outside Kuopio, and the super-modern architecture of Löyly in Helsinki’s Hernesaari district is sure to impress.