10 Things to do in Finland for Internationals

A fun, frosty, coffee-powered guide to the happiest country on Earth.

Finland has a certain magical pull, maybe it is the Northern Lights, maybe it is the reindeer, maybe it is the fact that Finns drink more coffee per capita than anyone else on the planet. Yes, really. If you ever feel awkward in Finland, just hold a coffee mug. It is basically a social shield.

Whether you are visiting, studying, or living here, Finland offers a mix of calm nature, quirky traditions, and quietly hilarious culture. Here are 10 fun, must-try Finnish experiences for internationals.

1. Chase the Northern Lights 

There is nothing quite like standing under a sky dancing in neon green. Head north to Lapland, where the aurora appears around 200 nights a year. This is the most popular activity foreigners do while in Finland.

Pro tip: If you do not see the lights, do not worry, Finland is also known for unpredictable weather. A Finn might say: “If you do not like the weather, just wait 5 minutes… it might get worse.”

2. Experience the Finnish Sauna (Yes, Naked. No, It is Not Weird.)

Sauna is to Finland what tea is to Britain and small talk is to everywhere except Finland.

There are over 3 million saunas for 5.6 million people. It is culturally expected, totally normal, and deeply relaxing.

Fun fact: Some Finns even do business meetings in the sauna. Imagine signing a contract while sweating at 90°C.

3. Go Reindeer Spotting in Lapland

Reindeer are not just Christmas decorations, they are traffic obstacles, farm animals, and sometimes dinner. In Lapland, you will see more reindeer than people.

Finnish wisdom: “If a reindeer looks like it is about to cross the road, it already has.”

4. Visit Santa Claus in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is the “official” hometown of Santa or the Santa Village as most Finns like to call it, complete with reindeer, elves, and year-round Christmas cheer. You can even write a letter to and get a letter back from Santa Claus’ himself through the Santa Claus' Main Post Office at Rovaniemi. 

5. Drink Coffee Like a Finn (It is a Sport Here)

Finns drink 4-5 cups of coffee a day, minimum. They even have mandatory coffee breaks at work.

Quote you will hear: Would you like some coffee? Correct answer in Finland: “Yes.” (There is no No.)

Try korvapuusti, the cinnamon bun whose name literally means “slapped ears.”

6. Try Ice Swimming (Avantouinti) and Question Your Life Choices

Jumping into a frozen lake is a Finnish wellness ritual. You will feel:

1. Shock

2. Regret

3. Enlightenment

4. The urgent need for a sauna

A Finn might tell you: “It is good for circulation,” while looking disturbingly calm in sub-zero water.

7. Explore Helsinki’s Cool, Artsy, Slightly Weird Corners

Helsinki blends Nordic calm with creative flair:

• Visit Oodi Library, a futuristic social space.

• Wander through Temppeliaukio, the church built into solid rock.

• Grab a craft beer in Kallio, the hipster district.

Helsinki tip: When crossing the street, follow the locals, they know the traffic lights better than Google Maps.

8. Try Finnish Foods (Some Delightful… Some Experimental)

Must-tries include:

• Salmon soup (lohikeitto) - a warm hug in a bowl

• Karjalanpiirakka - rye pastries with egg butter

• Fazer chocolate - dangerously addictive

• Salmiakki - the salty licorice Finns love and everyone else fears.

Warning: Salmiakki may cause confusion, shock, and sudden respect for Finnish taste buds.

9. Enjoy the Cleanest Nature You will Ever See

One of the best things to do in Finland is just to enjoy the nature. Finland’s national parks, lakes, and forests are insanely clean thanks to Everyman’s Right (jokamiehenoikeus), which lets you roam freely as long as you respect nature.

Perfect for:

• Hiking

• Foraging berries

• Swimming in lakes

• Pretending you are in a moody Nordic movie

Finnish vibe: Peace, quiet, and the occasional mosquito the size of a helicopter.

10. Celebrate Finnish Holidays Like a Local

• Juhannus (Midsummer): bonfires, lakeside cabins, and light all night long

• Vappu: balloons, picnics, and students doing… questionable things

• Christmas: calm, snowy, and surprisingly low-key (except for Santa’s hometown)

A Finn’s idea of a party is four people, two chairs, and silent appreciation of the moment.

Final Thoughts

Finland is a place of contrasts: quiet people with loud traditions, icy winters and warm saunas, cold lakes and hot coffee. It is quirky, beautiful, and full of surprises.

As the Finnish proverb goes: “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.”

So grab your wool socks, your coffee mug, and your sense of adventure. Finland is waiting. Worried about the paperwork and immigration, just book a call with us and we will help you out with our Finland immigration and relocation services.