Finland’s 10 most beautiful landscapes

Often called one of Europe's most scenic drives, Route 62 between Mikkeli and Ruokolahti takes you through the heart of Finnish Lakeland. This isn't just a journey from point A to B; it's an experience that unfolds around every bend. The road weaves between glittering lakes and dense forests, with viewpoints that beg you to pull over and simply breathe it all in. Stop at Puumala Bridge for Instagram-worthy vistas, or catch the midnight sun at Lietvesi if you're visiting in summer. The Saimaa Geopark along the route tells the story of Finland's ancient geological past combining it with present day activities. 

For ridge road enthusiasts, don't miss the other must-see Lakeland scenic roads: Punkaharju in Savonlinna and Pukkilanharju near Lahti, where narrow land bridges between lakes create truly dramatic landscapes.

When winter arrives in Lapland, Riisitunturi National Park transforms into a photographer's paradise. The park's famous "tykky" trees (spruces laden with frozen snow and ice) create otherworldly sculptures that look like something from a fantasy film. Visit in January or February when temperatures plunge and the tykky formations reach their most spectacular. The crystalline air and snow-muffled silence make for an almost meditative experience. 

Whilst winter steals the spotlight here, don't overlook autumn's "ruska" season, when the fell landscape erupts in brilliant oranges and reds. A guided winter tour is highly recommended, as conditions can change rapidly and local knowledge ensures both safety and the best photo opportunities.

Welcome to Finland's most mountainous corner, where Scandinavian peaks create horizons unlike anywhere else in the country. Kilpisjärvi sits at the meeting point of Finland, Sweden, and Norway, offering vistas that feel more Alpine than Arctic. The iconic Saana fell dominates the landscape, its distinctive profile providing challenging yet rewarding hiking for those ready to tackle it. In summer, the midnight sun circles the sky in an endless dance of golden light, never dipping below the horizon. Winter brings its own magic: when conditions align, the aurora borealis paints the sky in ethereal greens and purples. If you're venturing into the wilderness, hiring a local guide is essential as weather and conditions can change rapidly in this extreme environment.

Sometimes the best way to appreciate Finland's lake-studded landscape is from above. Puijo Tower in Kuopio and Näsinneula in Tampere offer two of the country's most accessible yet breathtaking viewpoints. Both feature revolving restaurants where you can enjoy local Finnish cuisine whilst the landscape slowly rotates before you – a unique dining experience by anyone's standards. The towers provide perfect orientation to understand just how water-dominated the Finnish landscape truly is. Lakes, forests, and more lakes stretch to the horizon in every direction. Both cities are easily reached by train from Helsinki and elsewhere, making these towers ideal for visitors wanting spectacular views without venturing into the wilderness. Don't miss trying local Lakeland specialities whilst you're there.

The Baltic Sea has shaped Helsinki's identity for centuries, and nowhere is this more evident than in the archipelago dotting the waters around the capital. These islands offer an unexpected escape without leaving the city. Suomenlinna fortress island combines UNESCO-listed history with coastal walking paths and atmospheric restaurants. Smaller islands like Lonna and Vallisaari provide beaches, saunas, and that quintessentially Finnish summer feeling. Each island has its own character – some wild and natural, others cultivated and cultural. The sea's ever-changing moods, from mirror-calm summer evenings to dramatic winter ice, create an endlessly varied backdrop. Ferry connections run regularly throughout summer, making island-hopping an easy addition to any Helsinki visit. It's a side of the capital that surprises many international visitors.

Finland might not be the first place you think of for beach holidays, but the country's coastline holds delightful surprises. Hanko's elegant wooden villas and old spa culture create a refined seaside atmosphere that's distinctly Nordic. Yyteri near Pori stretches for kilometres – one of the longest sandy beaches in the Nordics, perfect for long walks and summer swimming. Kalajoki's endless dunes feel almost Mediterranean on sunny days. For something truly unique, visit Kaunissaari in Pyhtää or Degersand in the Åland Islands, where the archipelago landscape meets pristine sandy shores. These beaches offer a gentler, more accessible way to experience Finland's relationship with water. The summer season is short but glorious, with long daylight hours and surprisingly warm temperatures for swimming, especially in July.

In the heart of Sámi region in Lapland lies Lake Inari, a place of deep cultural significance and stunning natural beauty. This is Lapland's largest lake, and it holds a special place in indigenous Sámi culture that visitors should approach with respect. Fishermen prize these waters, whilst travellers are drawn by the landscape's raw, remote character. Visit in summer when the midnight sun illuminates the lake's countless islands and hidden bays. Autumn and winter offer something even more special: when the lake hasn't yet frozen and the sky is clear, the northern lights dance overhead and reflect perfectly in the dark waters below, creating a mirror image of ethereal beauty. The surrounding wilderness feels timeless and humbling, a reminder of nature's power and permanence in the far north.