Finland travel is usually associated with Lapland and Santa Claus. And there are plenty of things to do in Finland in winter. But it’s also a great summer destination for families. If you love nature and outdoor activities, there are many things to do in Finland during the summer, such as:
- Hiking: Finland is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, and hiking is a popular activity in the summer. You can explore the many national parks and forests and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Fishing: Fishing is popular in Finland, with many lakes and rivers offering great fishing opportunities. You can try your hand at catching salmon, trout, and pike.
- Camping: Finland has many camping sites where you can pitch a tent and enjoy the great outdoors.
- Biking: Finland is a great place for biking, with many trails and paths to explore. You can rent a bike and explore the countryside.
- Canoeing and kayaking: With thousands of lakes, rivers, and coastlines, Finland is ideal for canoeing and kayaking. Visitors can explore the waterways and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Sauna: The sauna is an important part of Finnish culture. You can and should experience the traditional Finnish sauna even during summer.
- Festivals and events: Finland has many festivals and events during the summer, such as music festivals, food festivals, and cultural events.
- Visit the archipelago: Finland has a large archipelago with many islands to explore, so you can take a boat trip to explore the islands and enjoy the beautiful sea views.
- Visit the island of Åland: The island of Åland is an autonomous region of Finland, and it’s a great place to explore in the summer, with many outdoor activities, museums, and events.
- Visit the cities: Summer is also a great time to visit cities like Helsinki, Turku, and Tampere, where you can enjoy outdoor activities, festivals, and events, as well as the city’s architecture and culture.
Summer in Finland is from June to August. If the sun barely shows up during winter, it stays so much longer during summer. In Lapland’s far north, it doesn’t set at all from mid-May to late July. So, it’s constantly bright into the night, with Finns celebrating the Midnight Sun. This makes summer the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors and outdoor events.
This video captures the summer vibe in Finland:
What are the things to do in Finland in summer? Here’s our month-to-month comparison:
Things to Do in Finland in June
Finns make the most of summer in June with its festivals and cultural events. They celebrate Juhannus (Midsummer) with lots of cooking and drinking around lakeside bonfires. They also celebrate Lapland’s folklore during Jutajaiset, and hold the Midnight Sun Film Festival. This is only when the locals take long summer vacations on the coast or in Lakeland. So, while June is the perfect time to go to Finnish Lakeland, it’s also peak season, with pricier accommodations and more crowds in that region. On the other hand, it’s the best time to visit cities like Helsinki, for the opposite reasons.
Best for: celebrating events and visiting Helsinki and other cities
Things to Do in Finland in July
This is summer’s peak when it’s warmest, and the days longest, making it the perfect time for summer outdoor activities. Finland has the world’s largest archipelago, with over 80,000 islands for you to explore. But then, the locals have the same idea, making accommodations expensive and difficult to book. Expect lots of mosquitoes also.
Best for: exploring the coast and national parks to enjoy outdoor summer activities
Things to Do in Finland in August
This is just the month to enjoy summer with the crowds. It’s back to school, with Finns back from their summer vacation. The weather remains great, in fact, cooler. So this is the best time for hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and fishing. Lakeland won’t be as busy, so you can book a vacation home by a lake and enjoy outdoor activities. Accommodations are also cheaper this shoulder month.
Best for: visiting Finnish Lakeland for more outdoor activities
Summer in Finland is short, just three months, compared to five months during winter. But the days are much longer and the temperatures are warmer, with more outdoor events and activities. Spending summer in the country is another way to experience the beauty of Finland.
