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Voted the happiest country in the world in the 2021 World Happiness Report produced by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, there's plenty to experience in Finland on your staycation.
Helsinki is a fantastic spot for a staycation. It’s southern seaside location offers the perfect weather to explore in, with lots on offer to see and do. Despite Helsinki being the largest city in Finland, you wouldn’t know it from all the beautiful beaches, picturesque forests and 4 National Parks within a short drive. If you’d rather spend time inside, there are plenty of museums and galleries to visit as well such as the Uspenski Cathedral and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Helsinki is also home to one of the oldest zoos in the world, Korkessaari Zoo, home to over 150 different species of animal.
A beautiful town located on the Ivalo River, Ivalo would be a perfect base for a Northern Lapland staycation. A popular place to go and see the Northern Lights, we recommend visiting Ukonjärvi lake on a clear night – just make sure you wrap up warm! If you’re a husky fan, there are various tours and visits where you can meet and fuss the huskies and also have them lead you across the beautiful snow. If you’re looking for adventure, head on over to River Ivalojoki where you can go canoeing, fishing, skiing and snowmobiling (some of these are seasonal, so check before you travel).
There is so much to see and do in Kittila we recommend planning ahead and setting an itinerary. You have to visit the Snow Village, where you can view the constructions made of snow and ice and even spend a night in the snow suite! You can again take part in some fantastic husky adventures and tours and take in the scenes being driven by the beautiful dogs. You can also hitch a ride with a reindeer if you’d prefer on the Wolverine Fell Wilderness and Nature Tour.
The official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi is for life, not just for Christmas! We recommend visiting the Arktikum while you’re in town, home to the Arctic Centre and the Provincial Museum of Lapland. There are also some fantastic nature trails and hikes that you can take, just a half hour outside of Rovaniemi. The town is beautiful all year round, and in the summer you really get to appreciate the stunning nature right on your doorstep. If you’re feeling brave, you could also take a dip in the Ounasjoki River!
Oulu is a great place to visit if you want variety on your staycation. Located on the West Coast of Finland, Oulu benefits from great travel connections, fantastic cuisine and a large number of attractions. The Tietomaa Science Museum is great for all ages and we also recommend visiting the Oulun Tauidemuseo whilst you’re there. The University of Oulu also has a Botanical Garden which is home to over 4000 different species of plant. In the warmer months you can hop on over to Nallikari beach, where you can go swimming, take part in water sports or relax on the beach or in a nearby café.