I’m planning to take the Santa Claus Express overnight train on 18-20 September and trying to decide between:
🛏️** Sleeping compartment/coupe — €200+
💺 **Regular seat — around €50
The sleeping option would obviously be much nicer, but it’s quite expensive for one person. So I’m wondering if anyone else is taking the same train and would be interested in sharing a sleeping coupe and splitting the cost.
I’ll be travelling in September and am pretty easy-going. Happy to meet beforehand, grab a coffee/beer and make the overnight train journey a bit more fun. 🙂
If you’re taking the Santa Claus Express around the same time and are interested, DM me!
Also happy to hear any tips from people who have done the overnight train — is the sleeping compartment worth the extra €150ish?

About me: 36M from India, will be in Helsinki for a week on work related visit.

Hi everyone!
I’ll be in Helsinki for about a week in mid-September for work, and I’ll have my evenings free to explore the city. I’ll be travelling solo and would love to make the most of my time there.
What would you recommend doing in the evenings? Any favourite neighbourhoods, cafés, restaurants, viewpoints, walks, cultural spots, or less touristy things that I shouldn’t miss?
And if anyone happens to be around and wants to meet up for a coffee, drink, food or an evening walk, I’d be happy to join! Always more fun to discover a city with stranger. 🙂
Would love to hear your Helsinki recommendations!

Hello, my family and I will be staying in Joensuu while attending the Biathlon in November. As the stadium does not open until late afternoon, are there any activities we can do in the morning/early afternoon? It will be 2 adults and 14 & 11 yr olds. Thank you in advance!

I'll be in Helsinki in October for a couple weeks and I am looking for alt/goth/metal subculture venues and shops if anyone has any recommendations of places to check out... and places I may want to avoid? I was also considering taking a trip to Tampere for a couple days but I haven't decided yet. Anything worth travelling for?

Hoping there is a bit of community on here I can tap into since there is a chance I'll be making a more long term visit next year.

​Hey everyone!

​My partner and I are planning 8 day winter trip to Finnish Lapland in middle of January. We'll be renting a car.

​Our main priority is seeing the Northern Lights (yes I know it might not happen) and enjoying winter wonderland in a relaxing way. Since i might be pregnant then we wont do any risky/bumpy stuff and in general I dont think either one of us fancies taking a sleigh ride with reindeers or huskies, we prefer rather to visit a farm and learn more about the culture instead. Also in general ice skating would be fun but again...maybe not possible for me.

So, we think it might be best to drive immediately to the north (Inari) since it will be new moon. We are unsure if it would be better to sleep our first night in Rovaniemi (we will land at 17:00 ) or to head north on the same day. What was your experience regarding this topic? Also is it true that you need to remove the car battery every night because of the cold weather?

Our plan so far:

​Night 1: Rovaniemi (arrive, pick up car, take a little walk in Rovariemi, sleep)

​Nights 2–5 (4 nights): Inari (New Moon Aurora hunting, Siida Museum, ethical reindeer farm, relaxation, sauna).

​Nights 6–7 (3 nights): Rovaniemi (Arktikum, Santa Claus Village, ethical husky farm, Ice Restaurant dinner) and maybe a daytrip to Kemi

​Day 8: Fly home from Rovaniemi

​Does this 1-night Rovaniemi - 4-night Inari - 3-night Rovaniemi split make sense, or would the extra packing/moving get annoying? Should we consider breaking up the drive with a night or two in Saariselkä, or is 4 nights directly in Inari the better move?

​Would love to hear your thoughts and any advice on the winter drive between the two. Thanks a lot!

Moi! Everyone.

I’m living in Tallinn, Estonia, and I’m planning a trip to Finland with my brother in late September. Our main goal is to see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi.

・How many nights would you recommend staying in Rovaniemi to have a reasonable chance of seeing the aurora?

・What are your best tips for keeping the trip as cheap as possible? (Accommodation, food, transportation, etc.)

・Are there any interesting places near Rovaniemi that you would recommend visiting, especially places that are reasonably affordable?

We won’t have a car, so recommendations that are accessible by public transportation would be especially helpful.

Kiitos in advance!

I’m looking for some advice on getting from Rovaniemi to Saariselkä on a budget.
I’m planning to spend 2 days in Saariselkä first, followed by 3 days in Rovaniemi. I’ll be arriving in Rovaniemi by night train from Helsinki on January 12, around 10:58 AM, so I’m trying to figure out the best way to get to Saariselkä immediately after arriving.
The bus seems like one of the more affordable options, but I see a bus around 11:45 AM, which gives me less than an hour after the train arrives. What would be the right time to book? If the night train is delayed, would the bus wait for passengers arriving on the train, or should I leave a much bigger buffer?
I’m also not used to driving in snowy/icy conditions, so renting a car isn’t really something I’m comfortable with. I mainly want to make sure I can reach my Saariselkä accommodation on time without spending a fortune.
For anyone who has done Rovaniemi → Saariselkä in January, what would you recommend as the best budget and reliable option? Is there a better way to plan this connection?

Hi,

I'm travelling to Levi (Kittila) in late December this year with my girlfriend (22 year-olds from Australia), and we are currently planning how best to spend it/what to do. We are aware that things are generally costly and expensive here (and in particularly in December), but are really keen to hear about activities/specific companies that people recommend. Particularly, this means

- Not necessarily the ultra-touristy santa-village-esque stuff or snowmobile tours

- perhaps authentic or local activities (e.g. snowshoeing)

- activities which lean towards better value for money

- Maybe a husky ride if ethics are great:) and cost is reasonable (although we fully recognise this is a more touristy thing)

- anything nature or animal-based which will get us the most out of Levi!!!

- specific companies you guys/Levi locals recommend

- Transport options!! The taxis seem SO expensive, as do hiring cars. Are there any good taxi/rideshare companies? Or snowmobiles?

- Is hiring a vehicle to find the aurora borealis risky (over later December period)? The booked tours seem a little pricey for what they are

Thank you so so much for any local intel or advice from previous Levi travellers!

Giant red giraffes taking over Senaatintori for Night of the Arts in Helsinki! 🦒🔴

Hi, I am planning a trip with my husband and mum for 10 - 19 March (trying to avoid Finland's school holidays and Easter holidays). We are not driving.

Do you recommend staying in Levi? We're thinking of spending 5 days there for snowmobile, reindeer farm, husky ride, Elves village and spending some time in the town. We don't ski.

We're also considering if we should go to Rovaniemi for the remaining days to visit Santa Claus Village, Ranua park and Amethyst mine.

Alternative is to fly to Helsinki and explore the town and maybe day trips to Tallinn or Porvoo.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

Hi! I’m a Tourism student in Finland and I’m conducting a short survey for my thesis about sustainable nature experiences for international tourists in Helsinki.

Here is the link: Survey

I’d really appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to answer my survey! It takes around 3–5 minutes.

Thank you so much!!

Hi

I arrive at ROVANIEM on 24 th Dec at 10:58 am by VR train 273

I have the booked Eskelinen bus to SAARISELKÄ at 11:15 am

How risky is this with December weather. What are the alternatives I could consider to reduce my risk.

Thanks

Hi there,

I am planning a road trip from 22 to 29 December, hiring a car in Rovaniemi.

Here is my planned itinerary:

22 Dec: Rovaniemi ➔ Haparanda (1 night) – Icebreaker cruise

23 Dec: Haparanda ➔ Kiruna ➔ Abisko (1 night)

24–25 Dec: Abisko ➔ Tromsø (2 nights)

26–27 Dec: Tromsø ➔ Rovaniemi (2 nights)

28–29 Dec: Rovaniemi (Return car & depart)

I have couple questions

I have been driving for 10 years in normal roads in Australia. Only driven once in snow.

How difficult is drive?

I'm considering weather to travel via road or fly?

Will I be able to see much landscape during drive, as its only gonna be 4-5 hours of twilight?

Is there any changes you guys suggest?

Thanks

I was offered a job in Finland in a role that would be considered a specialist. The employer said as long as I worked there for fewer than 90 days, I wouldn't need anything but a passport. Is this true? I've been researching all day and can't seem to find any information about the 90 day part.

Hi! I'll be in Finland in September from a Saturday to the following Monday. I'm trying to stay near Helsinki on the weekends so I can spend time with my sister working there, but during the week I was planning on traveling north. I'm planning this trip as if this will be my only time visiting the country ever.

Here's the itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Helsinki @ 3pm

• Where I'm staying: Helsinki
• Activities/Sites:
  • Senate Square
  • Esplanadi promenade
  • Market Square
  • Design District (Punavuori/Ullanlinna)

Day 2: Helsinki

• Where I'm staying: Helsinki
• Activities/Sites:
  • Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
  • Temppeliaukio (Rock Church)
  • Kamppi Chapel of Silence
  • Löyly sauna

Day 3: Nuuksio National Park

• Where I'm staying: Helsinki
• Transportation: Rental car Public transit
• Activities/Sites:
  • Hiking Nuuksio National Park (Klassarinkierros or Haukkalampi loop)

Day 4: Day Trip to Tallinn, Estonia

• Where I'm staying: Helsinki
• Transportation: Ferry
• Activities/Sites:
  • Viru Gate
  • Town Hall Square
  • Toompea Hill (Patkuli & Kohtuotsa viewpoints)
  • St. Olaf's Church tower
  • Toompea Castle exterior
  • Telliskivi Creative City

Day 5: Porvoo → Night Train North

• Where I'm staying: Overnight train (Helsinki to Rovaniemi)
• Transportation: Bus to Porvoo/night train
• Activities/Sites:
  • Porvoo Old Town (Vanha Porvoo, Porvoo Cathedral, red wooden riverfront warehouses)

Day 6: Rovaniemi → Drive to Oulanka / Ruka

• Where I'm staying: Ruka village (near Kuusamo) Rovaniemi
• Transportation: Rental car
• Activities/Sites:
  • Arctic Circle crossing
  • Reindeer farm visit in Rovaniemi
    • Looking for recs. Every farm seems to require 2 guests minimum or their reindeer are not around
  • Drive to Juuma
  • Hike Pieni Karhunkierros (Myllykoski rapids, suspension bridges)
  • Northern Lights tour?

Day 7: Kiutaköngäs → Fly to Helsinki Rovaniemi

• Where I'm staying: Helsinki Rovaniemi
• Transportation: Rental car / flight
• Activities/Sites:
  • Kiutaköngäs rapid
  • Staying an extra day to wait for my sister to get into Rovaniemi the next day. I am open to day trips or staying in towns nearby
  • Flight from Kuusamo to Helsinki

Day 8: Travel to Koli National Park Ruka

• Where I'm staying: Koli Ruka village
• Transportation: Rental car
• Activities/Sites:
  • Drive to Koli village
  • Ukko-Koli viewpoint for sunset overlooking Lake Pielinen ⁠
  • Drive to Ruka once my sister arrives at Rovaniemi in the morning
    • Hike Pieni Karhunkierros (Myllykoski rapids, suspension bridges)

Day 9: Koli National Park Ruka

• Where I'm staying: Koli Night train from Rovaniemi back to Helsinki
• Transportation: Rental car
• Activities/Sites:
  • Summit ridge walk (Ukko-Koli, Paha-Koli, Akka-Koli)
  • Morning/early afternoon hiking in Ruka (open to trail recs)
  • Herajärvi forest trail Drive back to Rovaniemi for night train back to Helsinki
  • Lake Pielinen shore

Day 10: Return to Helsinki & Depart

• Where I'm staying: N/A (Flight home)
• Transportation: Public transit
• Activities/Sites:
  • Drive back to Helsinki
  • Fly out

How does this look? Any things to skip or add?

Appreciate any feedback!

EDIT: Thank you everyone for the feedback!

I think I am going to skip Koli given the feedback and instead spend Day 6 & 7 in Rovaniemi until my sister gets in (open to day trip recs) and then drive with her to Ruka for two days to hike.

On Day 9, we'll come back to Rovaniemi after morning/early afternoon hiking to return the rental car and take the night train back to Helsinki. I think I’ll also just take public transit to Nuuksio on Day 3 based on feedback

Im Lucy, 19, I wanna meet someone cool to go explore the city with me. I dont look for a guide, Id like someone to just hang around with me because my dad and grandma who go with me prefer.... old people activities hah. I like the modern side of the city though Id love to see Suomenlinna because I think its beautiful. I dont want to fall onto expensive tourist traps I want places locals go to and experience real Helsinki. I also come to see Schwarz Stein in there.

I dont have requirements, but I wouldnt like to meet with older men so if youre a guy above 22 then maybe not. For women it doesnt matter Im comfortable with girls any age :).

Im all in for the local food and culture, my interests are: vkei, metal, techno, kpop, i play guitar, do pole dance, love to travel, watch anime, do cosplay and I like fashion (tho I have small luggage most space will be taken by my concert outfit :c) and Im a gymrat.

Id like to go to some fine club at saturday too.

Dm me or comment if u wanna meet :)

Hello! My fiancé and I are going to Finland for our honeymoon! We'll be staying in Levi December 19th-23rd and then taking a bus down to Rovaniemi for December 23rd-26th. Looking for advice on what to do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?? I'm afraid not much will be open due to the holiday. Was thinking we'd explore downtown on the 23rd, then go to Santa Claus Village on the 24th, and then Christmas Day would be fun to do the reindeer ride or even a spa, but I'm not sure what is available. Thoughts? We also plan to take taxis everywhere and worried that those could be not available those two days as well.

Also if you have any other suggestions or MUST GO TO restaurants, please let me know! (: We're from Minnesota, so we know how to prepare for the cold.

me and my friend, both 20 are thinking of travelling to Lapland during new years eves. How would the nightlife on that night be ? Any recommendations?

Me and my partner are going on a four day roadtrip in late august and the route we landed on is Helsinki-Jyväskylä-Savonlinna-Helsinki. We'd be intrested everything worth seeing around this route. Somethings that intrest us most are museums, churches and the beautiful landscape itself but we are open to pretty much anything.

So if you have any places or attractions in mind, it would be a big help:)

Moikka

Friends and i will be visiting Helsinki for 4 days from friday on. Weather forecast says probably 4 days rain. Any suggestions what we could visit/Do besides outside activities? Its our second time visiting the City.

Kiitos!

I'm going to be planning a trip to Finland for sometime in 2027 and I was looking for some advice on a few things. I've never traveled internationally and live in the United States, so a lot of this is unfamiliar.

One of my first ideas was to visit Iceland, Finland, and Estonia over the course of 12 days - fly from Boston to Keflavík, stay in Reykjavík for a few days, and then move on to Finland (Helsinki + Turku) for the rest of the trip (+ the Tallinn day trip).

However, the rough draft itinerary I planned out seemed quite rushed and filled with a lot of travel, so I figured there was definitely some room for improvement there. Extending the trip to 14-15 days probably would have just masked the underlying issue with my plan.

So I started thinking of some more ideas - on the way back, instead of flying direct Helsinki -> New York City and then driving/taking the train to Boston, I could go back to Iceland and then connect directly to Boston. This very well might be the move, but I also had a few other considerations- I could fly from Helsinki to London, and then London to Boston - although I probably don't need to tack on a fourth country to a not even two week trip.

Then I had the idea to flip around the trip and fly from Boston to London and connect to Helsinki, then finish off the Finland part of the trip with Turku, before going to Reykjavík (this time at the end of the trip) for a few days and then home to Boston.

Anyways, sorry for talking about my trip-planning so extensively :), I also had some questions about what I planned on doing in Finland:

• Helsinki - Over the 3-4 days that I plan on spending there, I was thinking of checking out Sipoonkorpi, Torronsuo, Nuuksio, and Liesjärvi National Parks (day trips, no overnight stays and/or camping), however I wasn't sure if that was too much to pack into a short amount of time, or if some of those parks weren't worth it? We'd probably be able to fit in all four, but with transportation times and stuff taken into account we also don't want to miss out on other stuff while we're in Helsinki. Also I'm sure there are plenty other things that are worth doing in southern Finland other than national parks, what are some of those?
• Turku - Should I try to rent a house/cottage in the Turku archipelago? It looks like a pretty cool area, but I'm not sure if there are any dealbreakers I haven't heard about or if there are better places I could stay in instead. Also, what are some must-see sights and activities to do in this area? More national parks? Fishing, boating, kayaking, etc? Other stuff?
• Time of year - I was planning this whole trip around Summer 2027 (Likely Late June/Early July), but would it be a better idea to go in the winter, or is Finland great in the summer as well? It would be nice (but in a different way) to check out Lapland in the winter.
• Hotels and dining in Helsinki - what are the best hotels to stay at, and the best places to eat at? This probably depends on the area of Helsinki which I'm also looking for suggestions on, I'm aware that Helsinki is overall a very safe city but I've also heard there are some areas that aren't quite as safe/nice (Kallio? Kluuvi? Itäkeskus?) but not sure if people are just overreacting or if there are legitimate concerns lol.

Thank you all very much in advance for any help!

It’s on my bucket list to bring my parents to see the Northern Lights, and I’m currently deciding between Iceland and Finnish Lapland for 2027.

We have two possible travel windows, with about 14 days in total including flights:

1. Late January – early February 2027
2. Mid – late March 2027 (around the spring equinox)

Our main priority is maximising our chances of seeing the Northern Lights, but we’d also love to explore, enjoy the scenery and experience some winter activities.

For those who have visited Iceland and/or Finnish Lapland during these periods: • Which period would you choose for the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights? • Would you recommend Iceland or Finnish Lapland? • For either country, where are the must-visits and what route would you recommend for a ~14-day trip including flights?

I know the Northern Lights are never guaranteed and weather/cloud cover plays a huge part. Since this is something I really want my parents to experience, I’d love to hear from people who have travelled during these periods.

hi everyone! I've always been super interested in Finland and am prob booking a trip and embracing its winters next February 2027. I live in the United States and have never experienced more than a few inches of snow, or temps below 20°F before, but Finland looks absolutely stunning in the winter! ❄️ 🇫🇮

Anyways, I know the temps would be EXTREMELY cold but I'm eager to experience a climate I never have before instead of escaping to somewhere warm in the winter. Also, I'm needing to do some research about if renting a car is necessary to hit major Finland destinations; if so, that'd be a dealbreaker as I wouldn't trust myself to drive in snowy and ice conditions.

I'm wondering if there's any must-do's for February in Finland I haven't listed below:

- northern lights (if I'm lucky)

- snowmobiling

- reindeers / husky sledding (?)

- saunas (obvi :))

- ice fishing / trying ice activities

- snowshoeing (?)

My other option would be to save Finland for the middle of summer and add Estonia to the trip. 🇪🇪but I also plan on Georgia 🇬🇪 this summer... so many beautiful places to visit!

So, after all of that, my question is: if you've traveled to Finland in the winter and in the summer, do you have a preference on what season you liked more? would you still recommend a season even if it's not your preferred time to go? open to any thoughts! 😄