Best things to do in spring

Spring in Finland traditionally starts in March and extends well into mid-to-late May, bringing with it warmer weather and beautiful blooms as the snow melts and nature reawakens. People, too, come alive after the long winter, and events like Easter and Vappu (1st of May) celebrate the upcoming season.

Experience the magic of spring for yourself with this list of the top things to do in Finland from March through May.

Many ski resorts remain open and cross-country skiing tracks are typically in great condition. One of the more curious elements of the Finnish spring ski season is the sudden appearance of great parties. If you’re looking to dance your ski boots off, head to Tahko in the eastern part of Lakeland. And while the Ruka and Levi ski resorts are known for their spectacularly fun 1st of May Labour Day parties, even quieter locations such as Pyhä offer opportunities for festivities. Regardless of where you go, après ski in the spring sunshine is a can't-miss activity.

Signs of spring usually crop up in late March in southern Finland, and it's hard to overstate the pull of the warmer season. As the snow starts to melt, the country's forests come alive, offering many lovely locations for nature walks, hikes and the Finnish pastime of forest bathing. In Helsinki, don't miss the blossoming of the Roihuvuori cherry tree orchard, one of the area's most beloved signs of spring.

The sound of birds chirping is a blissful reminder that nature is reawakening. Every spring, nearly 250 species of birds return to Finland from their long winter spent down south. If you're interested in bird-watching, the town of Kuusamo – and it's expansive taiga forests – is regarded as one of the best in Finland, while the Coast and Archipelago region offers enthusiasts the opportunity to observe Charadriiformes, which can often be spotted in the coastal areas near the Baltic Sea. But even the greater Helsinki area offers ample birding in spots such as Old Town Bay, Viikki, Lauttasaari and Laajalahti in Espoo – all of which can be easily accessed by public transportation. Read more about bird-watching at Nationalparks.fi.

Did you know that spring is one of the best times to see the Northern Lights? The season for this magical phenomenon is particularly long in Lapland, where the Aurora is most visible from the end of August to April. According to research, the lights are visible every second night when the skies are clear, so you may be able to spot them about 200 nights per year. To boost your chances of seeing the show during your trip, hire an aurora guide or join an organised tour. You can even stay overnight in a specially designed glass hut! Read more about sleeping under the Northern Lights here.

As temperatures rise, the islands of the world’s largest archipelago come to life, with one exception: locals are few and visitors are even fewer! Springtime here is still an undiscovered gem, allowing the few people who venture out some serious peace and quiet. The good news? Year-round accommodations can still be found on the islands of Hailuoto near Oulu, on Utö in the Turku archipelago, on the Åland Islands and on Barösund, an island near Inkoo. For a unique stay in the centre of the rugged and beautiful coastal landscape, try The Barö, an ecologically-built, high-class hotel in the heart of the archipelago that's just an hour's drive from Helsinki.

Sunny skies are never guaranteed, especially during spring. But if unpleasant weather strikes, there's no need to fret. In Finland, you'll find plenty of things to do, from visiting internationally acclaimed museums to perusing unique local galleries. In Helsinki, don’t miss Ateneum Art Museum, Amos Rex, the Design Museum and the Didrichsen Art Museum. If you're staying in Lakeland, the Serlachius Museums near Mänttä are must-sees. And for architecture lovers, try a guided tour of one of Alvar Aalto’s many iconic buildings, like Säynätsalo Town Hall in Jyväskylä or Villa Mairea near Pori.

Suffering from travel fatigue? Helsinki offers a wide range of relaxing and rejuvenating saunas, from the charmingly local Sompasauna to the fancier Löyly, with its stylish, glass-walled restaurant and large deck offering incredible views of the archipelago. While you're there, why not have a delicious drink or some salmon soup in the spring sunshine, surrounded by the world’s happiest people? Read more about the Helsinki region's must-visit public saunas here.