Best places for winter photography in Finland – tips from a professional photographer

The pure, snow-filled landscapes and breathtaking natural phenomena make Finland a dream location also for photographers. We asked a celebrated nature photographer Julia Kivelä to share some of her favourite spots where the Finnish winter scenery looks pretty as a postcard. Take a look at some of the most jaw-dropping captures she's taken on her journey around the country!

Got inspired and want to explore the locations yourself? Check the map below, where we've pinned all of Julia Kivelä's photogenic locations.

One of Julia's favourite places in Helsinki for winter photography is Lauttasaari. This residential island, located 20 minutes away from the city centre, is easily accessible by public transport, like the metro. The southern tip of Lauttasaari with its view of the Baltic Sea is an excellent place for nature photography year-round.

Julia's tip: Have you ever seen a sea freezing? In winter when the temperatures quickly drop to about -15 degrees, the sea starts to freeze and it’s incredibly beautiful. In general, the open sea in winter is quite fascinating.

Winter weather in Helsinki varies from year to year but the best time to see the frozen sea is typically in January.

In northern Lakeland, one of the places Julia heads to for unique winter photos is Iso-Syöte, located in between the cities of Oulu and Kuusamo.

Julia's tip: Take a walk with your camera on this scenic trail called Huippupolku on Finland’s southernmost fell, or "tunturi" in Finnish. Here you will find plenty of different photogenic sceneries, such as incredibly beautiful snowy trees, cute cottages, and vast landscapes.

Myllykoski mill in Oulanka National Park, located in eastern Lapland, is a magical location that will take your breath away. It is also one of the most popular photography locations in this area – you might have even seen it on social media.

Julia's tip: Apart from the old mill, here you can find many different spots to photograph, such as hanging bridges, rapids, and snowy trees. Take a thermos with you and get cosy with a warm drink at the Mill which now serves as a day trip hut. Please note that flying drones are prohibited in the Myllykoski area.

You'll find Vaattunkiköngäs in the Artic Circle hiking area in Lapland, just outside Rovaniemi city. Rovaniemi is the biggest city in Lapland with plenty of year-round activities in addition to nature photography.

Julia's tip: Vaattunkiköngäs is a great place to visit especially in winter when you can admire the scenery of snow-covered trees and streams. The famous rapids at Vaattunkiköngäs won't freeze even during the coldest months! If you want to try a more artistic take on your photography, try capturing the streams using long exposure.

Riisitunturi National Park, in the eastern Lapland region, is truly a photographer's heaven. It is, undoubtedly, one of the most famous places in Finland for winter photography. In the middle of the winter the trees at Riisitunturi are covered with tons of snow, "tykkylumi" as we say in Finnish.

Julia's tip: Riisitunturi and its snow-covered trees look magical in the winter, making trekking in this area an absolute pleasure. Make sure to dress in layers to stay warm, as it often gets windy near the top of the fell.

Ukko-Koli hill, in the Lakeland region, is a favourite among photographers and nature lovers. The view from Koli is said to be the national view of Finland.

Julia's tip: Here you can capture the iconic view over frozen lake Pielinen, including small islands and snowy treetops.  The scenic view of Koli is a relatively short walk from the Koli Nature Centre Ukko, which is particularly good news if you are carrying lots of camera equipment with you.

The village of Fiskars is located close to Helsinki in the Coast and Archipelago region. It is known for its long tradition of craftsmanship that still continues to this day. This unique location is a great backdrop for winter photos with an industrial twist.

Julia's tip: The charming Fiskars village is just an hour and a 20-minute drive from Helsinki, making it the perfect destination for a day trip adventure. The place has cute boutiques selling local artists and artisans' works, a few restaurants (although some may be closed during the winter), and a picturesque mill by the river.

Here you can find all of Julia's favourite winter photography locations in Finland on a map. Click on the pin for more information.