Part of our Finland guide.
2 places and guides from our Finland coverage, gathered into one page.
You Won't Believe Exist
Finland’s hidden gems include glacial kettles and serene lakes like Lake Saimaa, along with the charming streets of Porvoo, one of the country’s oldest towns. These spots offer a quieter side of the Nordic country beyond the Northern Lights and national parks. Imagine exploring the serene beauty of Lake Saimaa, or wandering through the charming streets of Porvoo, one of the country’s oldest towns. Don't miss the chance to visit the Oulanka National Park, where you can hike through breathtaking scenery and spot rare wildlife. For those with a short stopover, there are specific things to do on a layover in Helsinki that can include a quick ferry to Suomenlinna or a walk through the Design District. General travel tips in Finland include packing layers even in summer, as weather shifts quickly, and using the reliable public transport network. Our Helsinki travel guide covers the city’s markets, saunas, and archipelago ferries in detail. Further north, breathtaking Finland: why you must see äkäslompolo highlights the fells and ski trails of this remote village, while the Lapland travel guide explains how to reach Santa Claus Village and the best spots for aurora viewing. The events and seasons in Finland page breaks down the Midnight Sun period from May to July and the Northern Lights season from September to March, plus key festivals like the Helsinki Design Week in September.
Finland
Have you ever heard of glacial kettles? These natural wonders are hidden gems in Finland's vast wilderness. Formed thousands of years ago during the Ice Age, glacial kettles are deep, water-filled depressions left behind by melting glaciers. They offer a unique glimpse into the Earth's geological past. Imagine hiking through lush forests and stumbling upon a serene, crystal-clear pool surrounded by towering trees. These kettles are not just beautiful; they are also home to diverse plant and animal life. Many of these kettles are found in the region around Lake Saimaa, which is the largest lake in Finland by surface area, though the article’s phrasing could mislead about its size. Porvoo, one of Finland’s oldest towns, features cobblestone streets and red-ochre warehouses along the Porvoonjoki River, a short bus ride from Helsinki. Oulanka National Park, located in the northeast near the Russian border, offers marked trails like the 80-kilometer Karhunkierros (Bear’s Ring) that passes through gorges, rapids, and old-growth forests. The park is open year-round, with the best hiking conditions from June to September. For a shorter walk, the 12-kilometer Pieni Karhunkierros (Little Bear’s Ring) takes about four to five hours and crosses suspension bridges over the Kitkajoki River. Wildlife sightings in Oulanka include brown bears, wolverines, and golden eagles, though spotting them requires patience and often a guided tour. The glacial kettles themselves are most accessible in the summer months, when the water is clear and the surrounding trails are dry. Some kettles, such as those in the Riisitunturi National Park, are reachable via boardwalk trails that protect the fragile moss and lichen. No entry fee applies to most Finnish national parks, though parking fees may apply at popular trailheads. Camping is allowed in designated areas with a free camping permit, but fires are only permitted at official fire pits. The best time to visit these hidden gems is late spring through early autumn, when daylight extends past 10 p.m. in the north. Winter visits require snowshoes or skis, and many kettle lakes freeze over, offering a different kind of serene beauty under the snow.
