In summer, one of the most popular activities in Finland is bear watching. In particular, many tourists come to watch the elusive European brown bear, which is one of the largest land predators and also the national animal of Finland. Aside from watching bears, you can catch sight of wolves, lynxes and various bird species, too.

You can also take a leisurely stroll with your family through the streets of Rauma, especially Old Rauma, a World Heritage Site with over 30 hectares of wooden housing. Rauma is also where you’ll find the Sammallahdenmäki Bronze Age burial site, otherwise known as the Pyramids of Finland, which contains over 30 burial mounds and other archaeological wonders.

In winter, one of the top activities in Finland you should consider is dog sledding in Lapland. While dog sledding is no longer the sole means of transportation in the Arctic, it is a popular tourist activity, especially from December to April. After all, you won’t only be able to interact with a pack of friendly dogs. You’ll also be able to enjoy a truly unique experience.

You can also go on a reindeer safari during your winter family holidays in Finland. Visit one of the reindeer farms in Lapland to learn how reindeer are raised and cared for. Learn a few tips about herding and harnessing reindeer. Best of all, go on a charming sleigh ride through the pristine snowy landscape. It will surely be an experience you won’t forget.

What better way to end the day than to sleep in a real igloo? Igloos have been used as excellent accommodations for centuries, and you can experience spending the night in one, too, while you’re in Finland. Don’t worry about feeling cold. Although your bed is made of snow, you can still stay warm and comfortable under a blanket of reindeer skin.

Whether in summer or in winter, one of the things you should also do while you’re in Finland is to visit Santa Claus. That’s right! Santa Claus lives in the north of Finland near the Arctic Circle and his office is open all year long. This means you’ll get to meet the man himself and hear various stories about him – something your kids will surely enjoy.

Indeed, Finland has many summer and winter activities for every member of the family to enjoy and treasure. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a cultural enthusiast, a person who’s fond of wildlife, or just a tourist looking forward to unique and amazing experiences, Finland is the right destination for you.

There are 35 national parks in Lapland and each one demonstrates the beauty of Lapland expressively and is an example of the vast open lands Lapland has to provide. The Eastern Gulf of Finland national park is located in the province of Southern Finland and is known for its beauty and bird watching opportunities. The ideal way to explore the park is by boat and in the summer months, there is a regular passenger boat service. The park is scattered across a large open sea area with a width of 60km. The eastern Gulf of Finland is regarded to be one of the most important protected areas.

Koli park located in the Eastern province of Finland is the national park of forested hills. Koli has the most breathtaking cliffs which allow you the opportunity to look out over the wilderness and landscapes. Koli is also known for its excellent hiking and skiing trails. Koli is one of the better known natural landscapes and scenic area includes many animal and plant species.

Lemmonjoki park is situated in the Northern Lapland region and is known for being a place that is ideal for hiking and mountain climbing. Lemmonjoki is the largest National park in Finland and has the most uninhabited areas of all the national parks. There is also the opportunity to take a boat trip down the Lemmonjoki River where you can enjoy the wilderness of the valley and the breathtaking scenery.

Helvetinjarvi park is situated in the province of Western Finland and is populated with deep gorges and rugged scenery. The gorges were formed millions of years ago and the area is famous for its ponds, deep rifts, remote forests and deep sided lakes. The area has attracted visitors for years and is renowned for its beauty and rugged scenery.

Pallas-yllastunturi park is situated in western Lapland. The area is ideal for skiing, hiking and generally enjoying some unspoiled nature, the area also has some great lookout spots across the Finnish natural landscapes. Pallas-yllastunturi is Finland’s third largest National park.

Paijanne park is situated in the province of Southern Finland, Paijanne lake is the second largest lake in Finland and it is said that in the middle of the open waters you can find treasure. The lake consists of uninhabited islands and is suitable for canoeing and boating.

I have not mentioned all of Finland’s National parks as there are 35 of them in total but above are just a few of the wonderful areas that Lapland, Finland has to offer.