Unique Cultural Experiences to Have in Finland

Finland is a country of jaw dropping landscapes, vibrant traditions and peculiar cultural experiences and it is a must visit country for all the travelers who want something different. There are an incredible number of centuries old customs to modern Nordic lifes in Finland, their history, nature and local traditions all contribute to help you better understand Finland's rich culture.

First on your list if you’re planning a trip to this Nordic wonderland is to get a Finland Visa. Applying for a Finland Visa from India is a simple process for travelers from India, and you are able to explore the country’s cultural heritage. The Northern Lights and a sauna culture that is relaxing makes one not want to leave Finland.

Here are some unique cultural experiences you can have in Finland.

 

1. Experience the Traditional Finnish Sauna

There are over 3 million saunas in Finland. Finnish tradition of this age old wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Finland. Sauna will be both relaxing and social whether you visit a lakeside sauna heated by wood and take your socks off in a crowd or check out the latest urban spa. Even in winter the brave can take an ice cold plunge into a frozen lake after a hot sauna.

2. Witness the Northern Lights in Lapland

Seeing the Northern Lights in the Arctic region of Lapland is one of the most magical cultural experiences in Finland. For centuries, the auroras have danced across the night sky in Finnish folklore and locals have believed that they are caused by a fox running across the snow. To get the best of it, stay in a glass igloo, or a cosy wilderness lodge, and watch as nature’s most spectacular light show.

3. Stay in a Traditional Finnish Cottage (Mökki)

To stay in a mökki is a quintessential Finnish experience, and because mökkit tend to be located down by a lake or in a forest, getting garbed doesn't take long. In summer, a lot of Finns withdraw into cabins to enjoy the simplicity of nature, fishing and berry picking. Finland’s peaceful countryside is available to rent a mökki and soak in the traditional Finnish hospitality.

4. Celebrate Midsummer Like a Local

Juhannus, or Midsummer, is one of the most important festivals in Finland. In summer cottages, locals gather, bonfires are lit by the lakes, and the night is danced through under the midnight sun. Feasting, singing and embracing the magical atmosphere of the endless summer daylight it’s a time. Midsummer celebrations in Finland are a must if you’re in Finland in June.

5. Explore Sami Culture in Finnish Lapland

For thousands of years the indigenous Sami people have lived in Lapland and their culture is part of Finland’s heritage. Visiting Sami villages gives visitors the chance to learn about their traditions, music (joik singing) and reindeer herding. Reindeer sleigh ride and experiencing stories about Sami life, rooted in nature, are also available with you.

6. Try Authentic Finnish Cuisine

Finnish cuisine is a mixture of fresh, local ingredients and hearty taste. The traditional dishes include karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasties), lohikeitto (salmon soup), mustikkapiirakka (blueberry pie). In general, Finland is famous for its coffee culture, and the Finns consume the most coffee in the world per capita! And do not forget to try delicious salty licorice (salmiakki), it is a special, perfectly Finnish treat.

7. Attend the Helsinki Baltic Herring Market

The Baltic Herring Market in Helsinki is one of Finland’s oldest cultural traditions and is held in the autumn. This centuries old event draws fishermen from all over the country to sell their fresh and pickled herring. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the Finnish maritime culture, taste the traditional seafood delicacies and to stroll around the historic harbor atmosphere.

8. Visit the Fortress of Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna is a sea fortress built in the 18th century, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of the most important cultural hubs and museums located in a magnificent environment where one can take a touristy and peaceful walk around its shoreline. Suomenlinna is a short ferry ride from Helsinki and gives a glimpse into Finland’s past as well as breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea.

9. Experience the Magic of the Midnight Sun

Finland has the “Midnight Sun” in summer, when the sun never sets for weeks in the northern regions. Locals take part in outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking and midnight barbecues which they all embrace as a subject of such natural phenomenon. One of the surreal and unforgettable parts of Finnish culture is experiencing the endless daylight.

10. Discover Finnish Design and Architecture

Finland is known for its design heritage and ingenious designer works by Alvar Aalto and then by stylish designs by Marimekko. Helsinki is a UNESCO City of Design and hosts many design museums, art galleries and unique architectural wonders. The Design District in Helsinki is definitely a place to go to see Finland’s creative and modern artistic culture.

Conclusion

The cultural experiences of Finland give you a deep dive into a land of traditions, nature and modern Nordic charm. The magic of Finland comes as easily as spending the night in this land, whether it’s enjoyed in a sauna, Midsummer, or even the Northern Lights because it may well be all of it at once. This country’s unique way of life is revealed to the traveler on the local street, on the way of life, and on the personal soul.

A Finland Visa is necessary for those who plan to visit. Finland Visa from India is easily applicable for the travelers from India and take a memorable journey. No matter what you seek, a holiday in Finland is an excellent prospect as the country has so much heritage and scenic landscapes to offer to people from across the world.