Are you still wondering about the right place to escape to for your winter holidays? Then stop right here, because you have found yourself a perfect winter wonderland. Northern lights, snowy landscapes, frozen lakes, and serene atmosphere are some of the highlights of Finland in winter. With its beautiful places and a lot of things to do in winters, Finland is the ideal place to plan a trip with your loved ones. The warm saunas, cosy cabins, and the serene evenings make the cold feel comforting and nice. And you know what the best part is? The place just feels straight out of a fairytale.
Explore the Northern light tour package and discover the true beauty of Finland winters, the temperatures, the places that are popular, the simple travel tips, and the activities to make the trip memorable.
Important Facts About Finland in Winter
Knowing a bit about the winter season in Finland is useful before you take the steps. The winter here is gorgeous and powerful, and with the right preparation, you can spend the full day and night enjoying it, hunting the northern lights and even the frozen forests. Imagine this part as your little travel backpack before the great trip.
The temperature of Finland in winter is mostly between -5°C to -30°C, particularly in Lapland.
During winter, there is snow, wind, ice and fewer hours of daylight, yet nothing ever goes wrong.
Wear in layers: thermostat clothes, fleece jackets, and waterproof coats.
Warm your devices since in cold weather, the battery depletes very quickly.
Even when there is heavy snow, the transport continues to operate normally.
English is spoken widely here, making travel communication easy.
This is the minimum information to make you start your winter like a Nordic traveller, peaceful, inquisitive, and prepared for magic.
Weather of Finland in Winter
Winter in Finland makes nature a white dream. There is cold and silence accompanied by northern lights. The Finland weather in winter is cool and nearly musical. The period of winter is from December- March, and every month has its own rhythm and beauty.
Finland's temperature in winter varies depending on the region. It is not too cold, and the days in winter in the south (Helsinki, Turku) are typically about -3°C to -10°C, a cold that allows one to walk quietly on the snowy streets. In Lapland (north), the temperature drops to -15°C to -35°C (particularly in January). Nevertheless, the cold does not seem cruel since the air in Finland is dry, and the winds do not blow aggressively.
Daylight changes a lot. Far to the north, there is the polar night of winter, during which the sun is not seen for weeks. The darkness is magical. The sky is converted into a large screen, and the Aurora Borealis paints the sky, which is displayed as moving curtains of green and violet lights during the nights. Further to the south, the day can take a couple of hours, and the sunrise and sunsets are soft pastel and seem like a watercolour painting.
Most of Finland is snow-covered by the end of December, making it the best time to visit Finland in winter. Forests are as white as a cathedral, lakes become frozen as plain, and cities glow under warm, yellow streetlights in which the snow is reflected. Finland’s winter is not a season but an atmosphere, silent, peaceful, and alluring. It invites the travellers to slow down, feel the warmth, track the northern lights and hear the snow whispering beneath their feet.
How to Reach Finland In Winter
It is not difficult to get to Finland in winter, be it by car or by aeroplane. Finland is one of the best-connected countries, even during the coldest months, as they have a good transport system which runs during snow and frost.
By Air
The majority of air travellers land at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL), the largest international airport in Finland. In case you would like to go to Lapland, domestic airfare will land you in Rovaniemi, Kittila, Ivalo and Kuusamo, among other airports in the Arctic region.
By Train
In case you arrive in the Nordic or Baltic countries that are neighbours, trains provide a warm and cosy journey through forests in the wintertime. Russian trains used to make the links between St. Petersburg and Helsinki, but the services might vary due to politics.
By Ferry
Ferry connections are good in Finland. There are year-round ferries between Estonia (Tallinn to Helsinki), Sweden (Stockholm to Turku or Helsinki) and the Åland Islands and mainland Finland. Travelling in winter is not a problem since the ice-breakers are very strong and it is easy to sail through the ice-covered waters, thus making the journey a fairy tale.
By road
It is possible to drive to Finland from Norway or Sweden by highways that are well-maintained.
Places to Visit In Finland In Winter
Winter looks different in every Finnish place. One is glowing with Arctic magic, another is glowing with culture, history and welcoming natures. This is the time of Christmas and New Year vibes and hence you can find various places with christmas markets, celebrations and New Year parties. Here are the top 5 places that you must visit in Finland in winter.
1. Helsinki Christmas Market
This market transforms Helsinki into a glamorous holiday wonderland. The local crafts, baked goods and hot glogi cups are available in wooden stalls. You can listen to some Christmas music, you can smell cinnamon in the air, and you can see families riding the carousel. The cold does not stop the market, which is full of laughter and Finnish traditions. It is among the most suitable places to visit in Finland during winter.
Location: Senate Square, Helsinki.
Timings: Late November-December (10:00 AM- 8:00 PM)
Cost: Free entry
2. Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is a village where childhood and fairytales begin. The Santa Claus village is in the centre of the Arctic Circle, where you can meet Santa, send postcards with Arctic stamps, and cross the line that separates the north from the rest of the world. Everything is sparkling with snow. It is a family-friendly, couple-friendly and kid-friendly place, especially for those who want to relive their childhood.
Location: Rovaniemi, Lapland
Timings: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM daily
Cost: Free entry; ₹2,000- ₹8,200 (€20-€80) depending on the activities.
3. Kemi SnowCastle
Each winter, a new Snow Castle is constructed in Kemi with the help of snow and ice. There are ice sculptures, frozen bedrooms, an ice restaurant and glowing corridors inside. It feels like entering another world when one is walking inside; it is quiet, sparkling and magical. This attraction varies every year, hence no two castles are ever identical.
Location: Kemi, Lapland
Timings: January-April
Cost: ₹1,500- ₹3,000(€15-€30)
4. Levi Ski Resort
If you love snowboarding or skiing, then Levi is a paradise. It has wide slopes that are well-lit and beginner-friendly. Even if you have never been skiing, teachers will guide you to experience this very new and thrilling activity. There are also comfortable cafes, a spa, and restaurants in the resort, which make it a complete winter holiday destination.
Location: Kittila, Lapland
Timings: November-May
Cost: Ski Pass ₹4,000- ₹6,200 (€40-€60 per day)
5. Turku Castle
Even though Finland is known as the land of adventures, it has a captivating history as well, apart from the Arctic adventures. Turku Castle stands strong even in winter, with the slightest snow cover, offering a beautiful and stunning look into the medieval heritage of Finland. As you wander through stone-built halls, ancient rooms and museums, they’ll tell you stories from centuries ago.
Location: Turku, Southwest Finland.
Timings: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Cost: ₹1,200- ₹1,500 (€12-€15)
Activities to do in Finland In Winter
Finland turns into a winter playground where nature, culture and adventure are combined. Everything feels like entering a snow globe, whether it is dancing Northern Lights or warm saunas.
1. Chase The Northern Lights
When you are in Finland in winter, you must witness the Northern Lights. They appear as green and purple rivers in the sky. The lights are best during clear nights between the months of December and March. Guided tours lead you through the Arctic, into the wilderness, away from all the city lights. You will be able to sit by a warm fire, drink the hot berry juice and wait until the sky lightens. It seems as though nature uses light to paint the whole sky as soon as the Aurora finally comes overhead.
Cost: No Cost
2. Ride a Magical Husky Safari
If you want to have some adventure, go on a ride on a husky sledge. The dogs begin howling, willing to run. As the sledge begins, there is not a sound in the world; it is just snow to the feet and the big pine-trees. It is a combination of nature, peace and excitement. You will also have the opportunity to play with the huskies during the break and learn how they are trained.
Cost: ₹8,200- ₹20,700 (€80-€200 depending on the route)
3. Rest in Finnish Sauna and Ice Dip.
A Finnish sauna is not merely about feeling some warmth; it is a ritual. Enter a room made of wood, warm up, and then get out and immerse oneself in icy water or snow. This sounds very bold and courageous, but it improves blood flow and leaves you feeling fresh. The cold and hot contrast becomes thrilling in winter.
Cost: ₹1,550-₹4,100 (€15- €40)
4. Stay in a Glass Igloo
Need a night you will remember even after your trip? Spend the night in a glass igloo and watch the snow fall and the Northern Lights dancing in the sky, while being in a warm bed. The sky is seen in its entirety through the igloo, thus giving a feeling of sleeping in a fairytale.
Cost: ₹36,200- ₹72,500 (€350-€700 per night)
5. Try Snowmobiling and Ice Fishing
Finland in winter has numerous opportunities to have fun. Snowmobiling will make you fly over frozen lakes and fresh snow, completely exhilarating. Ice fishing will allow you to experience the exact opposite, to sit calmly on an iced lake, chatting with the locals and watching the fishers. The activities both provide an opportunity to experience the culture and nature of Finland.
Snowmobile Cost: ₹9,300- ₹15,500 (€90-€150)
Ice Fishing Cost: ₹5,200- ₹9,300 (€50-€90)
Tips To Visit Finland in Winter
An international trip should be made with caution and especially when going for the 1st time. Follow the tips below to have a smooth trip with zero hassles.
Wear thermal clothing; cotton is not ideal for such temperatures.
Bring a power bank and keep your phone warm.
Book your trip in advance
Access to roads is easy; however, drive slowly when renting a vehicle.
Eat local dishes such as salmon soup, cinnamon buns and warm berry juice.
Daylight runs out fast; plan your activities accordingly.
Keeping some cash is good, although cards are accepted everywhere.
Conclusion
It is not only feeling the cold weather in Finland in winter, but it is a pure feeling of joy, adventure, and calm. One gets the impression of getting into a story written by nature. You will walk in the snow, see the green-purple sky at night and breathe the fresh and pure air. Whether you want peace, adventure, or a bit of magic, there is no doubt that Finland in winter welcomes you with open arms. Set everything aside and start planning to turn this dream into an actual trip.
View on Map
(+91) 8287636079