FinnTouch presents: 10 Finland insider tips
On my trips to Finland, I always come across places that either literally blow me away or simply touch me deeply. Many of these places can’t be found in classic travel guides, or only as a side note. Today I’m going to tell you 10 of my personal top tips for Finland, which I first presented in the livestream “Kalsarikännit Special – 10 years of FinnTouch” and which you should definitely remember:
1st Aavasaksa (Ylitornio)
The 242-metre-high Aavasaksa hill towers above the Tornionjoki river, which forms the border with Sweden here, on the tributary of the Tengeliönjoki. At the top, Kruununkierros is a wonderful circular trail with great viewpoints. Depending on how many detours you take, the total length is around 3 km. Particularly charming: a small “place to kiss” with a view of the river valley – for romantic, intimate moments surrounded by the beautiful nature of Lapland.
2. lumous (Hankasalmi)
A fantastic hideaway tucked away in the forests of central Finland that I was instantly drawn to. A place to take a deep breath, I felt that on my first visit and the feeling intensified the second time, together with my family. The special accommodation “Lumous” is run by Marjo – an incredibly warm and nature-loving hostess. It’s not about luxury in the traditional sense, but about tranquillity, nature and an authentic Finnish lifestyle. I’m already planning my next stay.
3rd Julma-Ölkky (Hossa National Park)
To the north of Suomussalmi lies the unique Hossa National Park. Crystal-clear water, sparse forests, rich fishing grounds. And then there is this place, which provides an exciting contrast: Julma-Ölkky is the largest canyon lake in Finland – with steep rock faces and an almost mystical atmosphere. Whether on foot during a circular hike, including a suspension bridge, or during a boat trip from the water: this rugged piece of Finland is simply spectacular.
4. fishing village Öja & Café Bryggan (Kokkola)
Between the west coast towns of Pietarsaari and Kokkola runs the magnificent 7-bridge archipelago road – one of the most beautiful panoramic roads I know of in Finland. If you drive along it, you shouldn’t miss this little gem. In the fishing village of Öja, Café Bryggan invites you to take a little pampering break right by the sea.
5. archipelago of Paalasmaa (North Karelia)
Among Finland fans at least, most people know the peaks of Koli. But just around the corner, in the middle of the huge Lake Pielinen, lies a pristine island world that hardly anyone has ever heard of. You can reach the Paalasmaa archipelago by a small car ferry, which is part of the regular Finnish road network and is therefore free of charge. One of the highlights is the observation tower with sweeping views over the lake landscape. Simply Finland straight out of a picture book!
6th Lauttasaari (Helsinki)
Helsinki has many faces – urban, close to nature, simply multi-faceted. And the island of Lauttasaari near the city center shows a particularly relaxed side of the city. Simply take the metro to the Koivusaari stop, get off and walk the 10-kilometer Lauttasaaren rantareitti around the island. You will pass small beaches, cute huts, pretty rocks and picturesque footbridges. And your constant companion is the sea. You’ll soon realize that nature is just a stone’s throw away in Finland, even in the capital.
7. the largest Finnish flag in the world (Hamina)
Yes, it really is a thing! In the historically significant small town of Hamina on the south-east coast, there is a flagpole around 100 meters high – and the largest Finnish flag in the country and probably in the world is flying from it. Why 100 meters? The flagpole was erected to mark Finland’s 100 years of independence from Russia. I got goosebumps when I stood under it. And if you’re already in Hamina, be sure to visit the bastion.
8th Villa Ainola & Tuusulanjärvi (Järvenpää)
The villa where the legendary composer Jean Sibelius once lived with his wife Aino can now be visited by anyone interested. Inside, it feels as if Sibelius has just stepped out for a moment. However, he and Aino have been buried together for many years in the same grave, which can also be found on the extensive garden grounds. Tip: Take the train from Helsinki (stop “Ainola”), walk to Villa Ainola and then along Lake Tuusulanjärvi to the town of Järvenpää. Incidentally, there is an entire artists’ colony by the lake with other estates, e.g. by painter Pekka Halonen.
9th Pyhitystunturi (Taivalkoski)
At 422 meters, Pyhitystunturi – or Pyhitys for short – is the highest peak in Taivalkoski in the hilly landscape of Koillismaa and is considered a sacred Sami site. The hike to the summit is short (approx. 2 km), but all the more rewarding as you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding forests and lakes. I can’t believe that I had never heard of this place until recently.
10th Pirunkirkko (Heinola)
A mysterious place is hidden in the forests of Heinola north of Lahti. The rock formation “Pirunkirkko“, which means “church of the devil”, can be reached from the Niinilampi parking lot. For me personally, this place is also associated with a special memory:
I spent 24 hours in nature here with outdoor guide Markus Jokinen (“Mr. Lahti”) – including a livestream with Finnish whisky by the campfire. And my colleague Tanja spontaneously joined us too. Such an unforgettable experience!
I hope you enjoyed my 10 “Finnsider tips”. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite spot or two for yourself!
Special offer for you, dear readers and Finland fans: 10% discount on all products in the Little Finland online store with the code FINNTOUCH10 until Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Text & Photos: René Schwarz
About the Author:
René Schwarz is half Finnish and grew up bilingual. The self-employed copywriter and author travels regularly in his second home country and loves to share his passion for Suomi with others. Since the beginning of 2016, he has also been doing this on his blog FinnTouch, where you can expect, among other things, numerous Finland travel tips, interviews with Finnish artists and also very personal stories. Check us out at www.finntouch.de!
