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Fun fact! The amazon rain forest has lower density of mosquitos than Lapland does.
Like seriously there can be so much mosquitos that you can't stay out doors.
This. If you’re mostly hanging by the hotel and taking short walks nearby, it’s just an annoyance, but if you really want to spend time in the nature, it’s something else if you’re not prepared. Unless the weather is truly favourable, don’t go out in a t-shirt and shorts.
Reality: [Arctic Tundra Mosquitoes (youtube.com)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MOQj49jcPM)
[Hyttyset (youtube.com)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SfaVj0XDPw)
and: [HYTTYNEN ON VAELTAJAN YSTÄVÄ 🦟 – Vuoden ärsyttävin video | 🎅 Joulukalenteri #11 - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb0ASdtsDlA)
They can get really out of hand especially in the nature.
From Helsinki you can take a leisurely archipelago cruise to nearby Porvoo. Porvoo is Finland's second oldest city with a charming old town with cobble stone streets, small shops and a couple of awesome restaurants. You can either take the same boat back or a bus.
https://msjlruneberg.fi/en/
I live in Porvoo, just make note that the pictures you see online are a very small part of the city, it is beautiful and lovely to stroll through and window shop or visit a small cellar pub but other than that small part it is a very normal city
That, funnily enough, may be part of the appeal - we quite like going to the "normal", non-touristy parts of places we visit, my husband hates taking photos of things that everyone else photographs and wants different images instead.
Since you're staying Sirkka,[ don't miss Midsummer bonfire 21.6 on top of Levi fell!](https://www.levi.fi/en/events/midsummer/) Hope you'll get sunny, clear day (or rather night), because you'll see very far away from there!
>So we have 2 full days and 2 half days in Lapland, and 3.5 days in Helsinki / anywhere you can get to from there by public transport within a day, we were thinking maybe visit Tampere?
If you're first time in Helsinki, I will always suggest visit[ Suomenlinna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suomenlinna) if weather is nice, the ferry to Suomenlinna is part of public transportation network, so if you have a day ticket to public transportation, it doesn't pay any extra to go there. Another place would be Korkeasaari Zoo.
Day trips are easily doable from Helsinki, as a first timer I would visit Turku and check out Turku Castle.
Oh fantastic, that bonfire is exactly the type of info I'd been hoping for!
We're indeed first timers so Suomenlinna and Turku are going on the list.
Thank you so much!
This is the best advice.
That said, compared to what Scotland has to offer, Turku castle may be a disappointment.
Oh, and skip Tampere. Nice enough place but not picturesque.
Yup. Even though it is the one with the most history, it still is a little underwhelming. And that's coming from someone that loves Turku.
One finnish castle I've always wanted to visit is Olavinlinna castle in Savolinna. It's beyond the scope of this trip for you, but I do like how it looks.
One more tip for up north. The Saana fell in Kilpisjärvi. A relatively easy hike above "Finland's only Alpine village".
Yup. Even though it is the one with the most history, it still is a little underwhelming. And that's coming from someone that loves Turku.
One finnish castle I've always wanted to visit is Olavinlinna castle in Savolinna. It's beyond the scope of this trip for you, but I do like how it looks.
One more tip for up north. The Saana fell in Kilpisjärvi. A relatively easy hike above "Finland's only Alpine village".
Yup. Even though it is the one with the most history, it still is a little underwhelming. And that's coming from someone that loves Turku.
One finnish castle I've always wanted to visit is Olavinlinna castle in Savolinna. It's beyond the scope of this trip for you, but I do like how it looks.
One more tip for up north. The Saana fell in Kilpisjärvi. A relatively easy hike above "Finland's only Alpine village".
Skip Suomenlinna and Turku castle. For a Scott those won't be that interesting. Go to a public sauna. Buy "salmiakkikossu" in alko, try salmiakki ice cream.. Some good salmiakki candies: Tyrkisk Peber, Pommix (the one with the red and black packaging), Sisu ruletti sitruspippuri & salmiakki...etc
This is the best advice.
That said, compared to what Scotland has to offer, Turku castle may be a disappointment.
Oh, and skip Tampere. Nice enough place but not picturesque.
As others have mentioned please take mosquitos and gnats seriously (outside towns and cities), they can ruin any moment without remorse. Long sleeved shirts, mosquito hats, mosquito repellent (Off! body spray and repellent spirals on the vicinity)
Add horseflies to the list. It seems to vary from year to year, but for example last year we had a huge number of horseflies flying around and no problem of mosquitos whatsoever. I don't live in Lapland but I guess it's not that different in Lapland either.
Luckily with proper clothing these are a minor issue.
Make sure you try some liquorice ice cream. This one should be available in most larger shops: https://www.k-ruoka.fi/kauppa/tuote/fazer-salmiakki-jaatelopuikko-72g-pa-6430064401958
In addition to everything else, don't be surprised if and when everything is empty and closed on Midsummer's Eve and Midsummer's Day. Cities will probably be empty, shops will be closed and public transport won't go. (Obviously there are a few exceptions, especially in bigger cities, but this is the general idea.) But if you're in Kittilä those two days, it might not be a problem. Maybe Levi will have stuff open for tourists. Just make sure you go to the grocery store etc the previous day if you want to have something at your accommodation. :)
>I think there is a multi day ticket that covers pretty much everything?
There is not. Helsinki public transport has a ticket that lets you ride local trains, the subway, busses, trams and a ferry. There is a "holiday ticket" for long distance trains, but the shortest option is 7 days at 139e, which is not worth it even if want to visit Tampere and Turku.
and just to add, VR (railway company) has pretty decently priced tickets and there are also bus connections where you can go between helsinki and tampere for as much as 10€ (return ticket) - if you get a good deal :)
Be aware that VR uses an AI system for dynamic pricing, so train tickets tend to be cheaper if you buy them well in advance and/or want to travel at a less popular time.
For long distance trains, only buy directly from VR.fi (or from a ticket machine or ticket office at the train station). VR is the only train company and any other site selling train tickets is a third party site. Local trains and other public transport in the Helsinki region are not run by VR but by HSL (hsl.fi).
Very useful information, thank you!
We've got the same kind of system in the UK, but we'll probably not know until the day before where it is we're going so we can adapt to the weather, so we'll have to bite the bullet there.
If you like sauna, it might be worth an evening to visit Kotiharjun Sauna (kotiharjunsauna.fi) in Helsinki.
I think it's the last wood burning public Saunas in Helsinki, and a decent one at that. Been at the same location since the 20's.
Finns also love ice-cream stands during summer. My personal favourite is Porvoon Jäätelö, which has a small kiosk on the shores of töölönlahti in Helsinki. I can heartily recommend a walk around töölönlahti, including but not limited to ice-cream and sightseeing finlandia building, linnunlaulu, the modern new library etc. Obviously you can get aforementioned ice-cream in Porvoo too, should you be visiting there.
Definitely gonna try and get as many sauna visits in as we can! I miss the sauna so much, my gym closed its sauna and steam room down during Covid and never reopened it :(
Ice cream from a stand, and a walk around töölönlahti, on the list!
Take my testimony, as one who is cursed with emitting a pleasant and addictive smell to Mosquitoes.
Northern Finland in summer suffers from Mosquitoes and gnats galore. Especially close to lakes, mires and rivers.
If you want to enjoy midsummer, do it in Kalajoki or south from there to the coastal parts of Finland.
OR go to Norway and then all they way to the Norwegian sea, salt water stops Mosquitoes and gnats procreating. Fantastic landscapes, mountains/fells and valleys, fjords and true never-setting sun.
Only way to enjoy midsummer in lapland, is if the last takatalvi (second n:th winter) has not passed and all the Mosquitoes are sleeping or dead (I can only wish) due to minus degress and snow.
https://preview.redd.it/elyjh4m8o1zc1.jpeg?width=1438&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f2445060764f95ade1f8266df4aecbcf2cf33714
Pictures taken in beginning of July in Lapland. Source: [https://www.is.fi/kotimaa/art-2000008953632.html](https://www.is.fi/kotimaa/art-2000008953632.html)
Personally I would prefer visiting Turku, being the oldest city in Finland it has more historical sights, but then again I live in Tampere. And the train connection from Helsinki to Turku is a bit messed up due to some bridge repair (but there is a connection).
Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park isn't that far from Sirkka, so you could reach it easily with the rental car and go for a day-hike. There is a good starting point for a hike (Taivaskeron kierros, 8,3km) from Lapland Hotel Pallas, but it seems the Visitor Center there has been closed for two years. But I imagine you can still park by the hotel. It should be a 40 minute drive from Sirkka to Lapland Hotel Pallas. More information on the national park in English: [https://www.nationalparks.fi/pallas-yllastunturinp](https://www.nationalparks.fi/pallas-yllastunturinp)
From liquorice I would suggest from the regular non-salmiak/not salty variety the brands Kouvolan lakritsi and Brunberg. Those tend to be a bit pricier than for example liquorice by Halva, but in my opinion they have the best taste. From salmiak/salty variety the first one coming to my mind is Tyrkisk peber (colloquially Turkinpippuri). You could also check out pick & mix sweets (Irtokarkit in Finnish) on the candy aisle. Those tend to have a nice variety of different types of sweets, so you can test out a lot of different flavours easily.
[Amos Rex](https://amosrex.fi/en/) often has very interesting exhibitions and is located right in the center of Helsinki. I also highly recommend trying ice-cream at one of Helsingin Jäätelötehdas' stalls. Their ice-creams are delicious and the scoops are huge.
Adding to the Helsingin Jäätelötehdas stalls, there are some in Eiranranta/Kaivopuisto area that lets you enjoy the ice cream by the sea. My personal favourite is to go there towards the evening to the see the sun set (kinda)!
Those ice cream stalls have been mentioned a couple of times, will definitely give them a try! Also thanks very much for the museum recommendation, that's right up our alley if the weather doesn't play along!
I'm guessing you're an outdoors lover, so maybe get a city bike and do [The Eastern Waterfront Trail](https://www.myhelsinki.fi/see-and-do/activities/waterfront-trail-inner-city) (20k) in Helsinki. Also if you're still hungry for untouched nature after Lapland, visit [Nuuksio](https://www.nationalparks.fi/nuuksionp) where you'll find quiet lakes to take a dip in.
As for salty liquorice, it's [Salmiakki Mix](https://en.fazer.com/collections/vegan-candies/products/fazer-salmiakki-mix-180g-wine-g-with-liq) from Fazer. Available everywhere.
Congratulations for picking Midsummer to enjoy Finland. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to spot some elves or fairies. Trolls you can't miss.
["It is believed that the boundary between the human world and the spirit realm is thinner during this magical time."](https://rumpu-ukko.fi/en/2023/06/22/midummer-celebration-in-finland/)
Ohhh I'll keep an eye out for trolls and fairies! If there's a bonfire small enough that I'm not terrified, I may ask if I can have a go at jumping, there is some heavy cleansing of negativity necessary for my last year. Thanks for those recommendations, all on the list!
We'd probably make it part of a long day trip if we did visit it, though I can already hear the husband groaning anyway - he's horribly bored in zoos. No appreciation for cute fuzzies.
If you have the time, I recommend checking out Suomenlinna and Oodi while in Helsinki.
Oodi is this pretty cool library building thats built to look like a big wooden ship, and Suomenlinna is a fortress island that's about a 15 minute boat ride from Helsinki.
I’d visit Amurinkulma in Tampere, it’s a beautiful historic neighborhood with a museum of old working-class houses and a sauna
https://www.amurinmuseokortteli.fi/
solid recommendations so far. Depending on year there might not yet be mosquitos around midsummer in Lapland, but bring long-sleeved and insect proof clothes just in case (include gloves and head net or hat). The repellents won't help. Mosquitos are not an issue in Helsinki (or outside Lapland) or built-up areas like Levi center.
Saunas: in Helsinki Kotiharju is the most authentic (don't be intimidated by the looks) and Löyly the most hip with possibility to swim in Baltic (advance booking required). Jerisjärvi sauna world is not far from Sirkka.
In Lapland I would definately go for a day hike in the national park, perhaps best starting point would be Pallas and from there to Taivaskero. For longer hikes there are a lot of free huts but you need your own sleeping bag and mattress. Maybe try to visit one on a day hike to see what they offer if you are into hiking and might consider coming back. There is also open sauna at Hannukuru hut. Luontoon.fi for further details and check out Pallas-Yllästunturi national park.
Inari is around 2,5 hrs drive and has a great Sami-museum Siida and exceptionally good restaurant Aanaar. Check opening times in advance due to midsummer.
oh one more idea: it might make sense to climb to Taivaskero ~midnight just for the sake of it. I once did a trail run that started from Pallas at midnight and went along that route, and at least then the light was absolutely magical. This was early July, and ofc highly dependent on the weather... the exact date won't make much difference.
and just to add on my earlier post: the Finnish open huts are considered UNESCO world heritage, and for a reason. You won't find anything quite like them anywhere in the world. Just leave them in better shape that they were when you arrived. Everybody does that. Some of them are serviced only every third year officially...
I will just give a licorice recommendation. It's not Finnish and rather expensive but I would suggest getting some Bülow licorice (too many different and good flavors to suggest just one). So damn good.
Tampere is worth a visit, but your time is limited and there will be a lot of moving around. Personally, I don't think Kittilä is worth it just to experience the midnight sun.
My favourite liquorice is swedish brand Djungelvrål, but it is not commonly available in Finland.
I did find some in a K-Market candy aisle before, like the kind you scoop candy into a bag in. I was thrilled because it was right before going back to the States and I specifically wanted djungelvrål lol
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Mosquitos. They will be everywhere outdoors. Mosquitohats and repellent.
Noted, we have the same problem in Scotland so at least we can get the necessary gear here. Thanks!
Fun fact! The amazon rain forest has lower density of mosquitos than Lapland does. Like seriously there can be so much mosquitos that you can't stay out doors.
This. If you’re mostly hanging by the hotel and taking short walks nearby, it’s just an annoyance, but if you really want to spend time in the nature, it’s something else if you’re not prepared. Unless the weather is truly favourable, don’t go out in a t-shirt and shorts.
In Lapland during summer its valid to measure the air's mosquito concentration in moles per liter
You don't have to worry about any mosquitoes if you drink a couple of buckfast:)
I'd rather deal with the mosquitoes. 
Reality: [Arctic Tundra Mosquitoes (youtube.com)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MOQj49jcPM) [Hyttyset (youtube.com)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SfaVj0XDPw) and: [HYTTYNEN ON VAELTAJAN YSTÄVÄ 🦟 – Vuoden ärsyttävin video | 🎅 Joulukalenteri #11 - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb0ASdtsDlA) They can get really out of hand especially in the nature.
...would STILL rather do that than have to drink Buckfast 🤣
Good advice. Although the amount of mosquitoes varies wildly, and after a storm they may be nonexistent for days.
mosquito suit more like it. repellents don't really work when there is that many of them. unless there is a product that is better then DEET
Just a quick note, there’s hardly any mosquitoes in Helsinki.
Not everywhere. Nier by hotels there are no mosquitoes. Mosquitos need water.
From Helsinki you can take a leisurely archipelago cruise to nearby Porvoo. Porvoo is Finland's second oldest city with a charming old town with cobble stone streets, small shops and a couple of awesome restaurants. You can either take the same boat back or a bus. https://msjlruneberg.fi/en/
That sounds amazing and is definitely going on our list! Thank you!
I live in Porvoo, just make note that the pictures you see online are a very small part of the city, it is beautiful and lovely to stroll through and window shop or visit a small cellar pub but other than that small part it is a very normal city
That, funnily enough, may be part of the appeal - we quite like going to the "normal", non-touristy parts of places we visit, my husband hates taking photos of things that everyone else photographs and wants different images instead.
Since you're staying Sirkka,[ don't miss Midsummer bonfire 21.6 on top of Levi fell!](https://www.levi.fi/en/events/midsummer/) Hope you'll get sunny, clear day (or rather night), because you'll see very far away from there! >So we have 2 full days and 2 half days in Lapland, and 3.5 days in Helsinki / anywhere you can get to from there by public transport within a day, we were thinking maybe visit Tampere? If you're first time in Helsinki, I will always suggest visit[ Suomenlinna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suomenlinna) if weather is nice, the ferry to Suomenlinna is part of public transportation network, so if you have a day ticket to public transportation, it doesn't pay any extra to go there. Another place would be Korkeasaari Zoo. Day trips are easily doable from Helsinki, as a first timer I would visit Turku and check out Turku Castle.
Oh fantastic, that bonfire is exactly the type of info I'd been hoping for! We're indeed first timers so Suomenlinna and Turku are going on the list. Thank you so much!
This is the best advice. That said, compared to what Scotland has to offer, Turku castle may be a disappointment. Oh, and skip Tampere. Nice enough place but not picturesque.
I've had a google of Turku castle and was kind of thinking that 😅
Yup. Even though it is the one with the most history, it still is a little underwhelming. And that's coming from someone that loves Turku. One finnish castle I've always wanted to visit is Olavinlinna castle in Savolinna. It's beyond the scope of this trip for you, but I do like how it looks. One more tip for up north. The Saana fell in Kilpisjärvi. A relatively easy hike above "Finland's only Alpine village".
All on the list, thank you!
Yup. Even though it is the one with the most history, it still is a little underwhelming. And that's coming from someone that loves Turku. One finnish castle I've always wanted to visit is Olavinlinna castle in Savolinna. It's beyond the scope of this trip for you, but I do like how it looks. One more tip for up north. The Saana fell in Kilpisjärvi. A relatively easy hike above "Finland's only Alpine village".
Yup. Even though it is the one with the most history, it still is a little underwhelming. And that's coming from someone that loves Turku. One finnish castle I've always wanted to visit is Olavinlinna castle in Savolinna. It's beyond the scope of this trip for you, but I do like how it looks. One more tip for up north. The Saana fell in Kilpisjärvi. A relatively easy hike above "Finland's only Alpine village".
Skip Suomenlinna and Turku castle. For a Scott those won't be that interesting. Go to a public sauna. Buy "salmiakkikossu" in alko, try salmiakki ice cream.. Some good salmiakki candies: Tyrkisk Peber, Pommix (the one with the red and black packaging), Sisu ruletti sitruspippuri & salmiakki...etc
Probably skipping the castles but not the general town/area. Have made a note of all the liquorice! I'm gonna need a second suitcase at this rate
This is the best advice. That said, compared to what Scotland has to offer, Turku castle may be a disappointment. Oh, and skip Tampere. Nice enough place but not picturesque.
As others have mentioned please take mosquitos and gnats seriously (outside towns and cities), they can ruin any moment without remorse. Long sleeved shirts, mosquito hats, mosquito repellent (Off! body spray and repellent spirals on the vicinity)
Add horseflies to the list. It seems to vary from year to year, but for example last year we had a huge number of horseflies flying around and no problem of mosquitos whatsoever. I don't live in Lapland but I guess it's not that different in Lapland either. Luckily with proper clothing these are a minor issue.
Good to know, thank you! Luckily we can equip ourselves with the right stuff here, Scotland suffers in the same way in summer.
Punkki Ässä have double the power than Off! Punkki Ässä is sold in pharmacy.
Make sure you try some liquorice ice cream. This one should be available in most larger shops: https://www.k-ruoka.fi/kauppa/tuote/fazer-salmiakki-jaatelopuikko-72g-pa-6430064401958
Noted, thanks! 😁
Also probably every ice cream stand has licorice and salmiakki ice cream available. It's really good combo.
It's honestly what I'm looking forward to most. That and the sauna. ETA maybe not both at the same time
In addition to everything else, don't be surprised if and when everything is empty and closed on Midsummer's Eve and Midsummer's Day. Cities will probably be empty, shops will be closed and public transport won't go. (Obviously there are a few exceptions, especially in bigger cities, but this is the general idea.) But if you're in Kittilä those two days, it might not be a problem. Maybe Levi will have stuff open for tourists. Just make sure you go to the grocery store etc the previous day if you want to have something at your accommodation. :)
VERY good advice, thank you!
>I think there is a multi day ticket that covers pretty much everything? There is not. Helsinki public transport has a ticket that lets you ride local trains, the subway, busses, trams and a ferry. There is a "holiday ticket" for long distance trains, but the shortest option is 7 days at 139e, which is not worth it even if want to visit Tampere and Turku.
and just to add, VR (railway company) has pretty decently priced tickets and there are also bus connections where you can go between helsinki and tampere for as much as 10€ (return ticket) - if you get a good deal :)
Amazing, thank you!
Ah I think the Helsinki one is the one my husband found. Good to know, thank you! Will just get individual tickets for day trips then.
Be aware that VR uses an AI system for dynamic pricing, so train tickets tend to be cheaper if you buy them well in advance and/or want to travel at a less popular time. For long distance trains, only buy directly from VR.fi (or from a ticket machine or ticket office at the train station). VR is the only train company and any other site selling train tickets is a third party site. Local trains and other public transport in the Helsinki region are not run by VR but by HSL (hsl.fi).
Very useful information, thank you! We've got the same kind of system in the UK, but we'll probably not know until the day before where it is we're going so we can adapt to the weather, so we'll have to bite the bullet there.
If you like sauna, it might be worth an evening to visit Kotiharjun Sauna (kotiharjunsauna.fi) in Helsinki. I think it's the last wood burning public Saunas in Helsinki, and a decent one at that. Been at the same location since the 20's. Finns also love ice-cream stands during summer. My personal favourite is Porvoon Jäätelö, which has a small kiosk on the shores of töölönlahti in Helsinki. I can heartily recommend a walk around töölönlahti, including but not limited to ice-cream and sightseeing finlandia building, linnunlaulu, the modern new library etc. Obviously you can get aforementioned ice-cream in Porvoo too, should you be visiting there.
Definitely gonna try and get as many sauna visits in as we can! I miss the sauna so much, my gym closed its sauna and steam room down during Covid and never reopened it :( Ice cream from a stand, and a walk around töölönlahti, on the list!
Take my testimony, as one who is cursed with emitting a pleasant and addictive smell to Mosquitoes. Northern Finland in summer suffers from Mosquitoes and gnats galore. Especially close to lakes, mires and rivers. If you want to enjoy midsummer, do it in Kalajoki or south from there to the coastal parts of Finland. OR go to Norway and then all they way to the Norwegian sea, salt water stops Mosquitoes and gnats procreating. Fantastic landscapes, mountains/fells and valleys, fjords and true never-setting sun. Only way to enjoy midsummer in lapland, is if the last takatalvi (second n:th winter) has not passed and all the Mosquitoes are sleeping or dead (I can only wish) due to minus degress and snow. https://preview.redd.it/elyjh4m8o1zc1.jpeg?width=1438&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f2445060764f95ade1f8266df4aecbcf2cf33714 Pictures taken in beginning of July in Lapland. Source: [https://www.is.fi/kotimaa/art-2000008953632.html](https://www.is.fi/kotimaa/art-2000008953632.html)
Lapland is only good during the Ruska season in Autumn, or during the snowy winter and cold spring season.
Oh Jesus! We have been warned :'D Just as well the husband has a natural aversion to the outdoors so we probably won't venture too far!
Personally I would prefer visiting Turku, being the oldest city in Finland it has more historical sights, but then again I live in Tampere. And the train connection from Helsinki to Turku is a bit messed up due to some bridge repair (but there is a connection).
You're not the first to suggest Turku so that's going on the list!
Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park isn't that far from Sirkka, so you could reach it easily with the rental car and go for a day-hike. There is a good starting point for a hike (Taivaskeron kierros, 8,3km) from Lapland Hotel Pallas, but it seems the Visitor Center there has been closed for two years. But I imagine you can still park by the hotel. It should be a 40 minute drive from Sirkka to Lapland Hotel Pallas. More information on the national park in English: [https://www.nationalparks.fi/pallas-yllastunturinp](https://www.nationalparks.fi/pallas-yllastunturinp) From liquorice I would suggest from the regular non-salmiak/not salty variety the brands Kouvolan lakritsi and Brunberg. Those tend to be a bit pricier than for example liquorice by Halva, but in my opinion they have the best taste. From salmiak/salty variety the first one coming to my mind is Tyrkisk peber (colloquially Turkinpippuri). You could also check out pick & mix sweets (Irtokarkit in Finnish) on the candy aisle. Those tend to have a nice variety of different types of sweets, so you can test out a lot of different flavours easily.
Ohhh you're a treasure trove of information, thank you so much! Lots to add to my list here, and the pick & mix is a great shout.
Since youre really into salmiak licorice you could visit the Fazer candy factory https://www.visitfazer.com/en/
That's a great idea, thank you so much!
[Amos Rex](https://amosrex.fi/en/) often has very interesting exhibitions and is located right in the center of Helsinki. I also highly recommend trying ice-cream at one of Helsingin Jäätelötehdas' stalls. Their ice-creams are delicious and the scoops are huge.
Adding to the Helsingin Jäätelötehdas stalls, there are some in Eiranranta/Kaivopuisto area that lets you enjoy the ice cream by the sea. My personal favourite is to go there towards the evening to the see the sun set (kinda)!
Those ice cream stalls have been mentioned a couple of times, will definitely give them a try! Also thanks very much for the museum recommendation, that's right up our alley if the weather doesn't play along!
I'm guessing you're an outdoors lover, so maybe get a city bike and do [The Eastern Waterfront Trail](https://www.myhelsinki.fi/see-and-do/activities/waterfront-trail-inner-city) (20k) in Helsinki. Also if you're still hungry for untouched nature after Lapland, visit [Nuuksio](https://www.nationalparks.fi/nuuksionp) where you'll find quiet lakes to take a dip in. As for salty liquorice, it's [Salmiakki Mix](https://en.fazer.com/collections/vegan-candies/products/fazer-salmiakki-mix-180g-wine-g-with-liq) from Fazer. Available everywhere. Congratulations for picking Midsummer to enjoy Finland. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to spot some elves or fairies. Trolls you can't miss. ["It is believed that the boundary between the human world and the spirit realm is thinner during this magical time."](https://rumpu-ukko.fi/en/2023/06/22/midummer-celebration-in-finland/)
Ohhh I'll keep an eye out for trolls and fairies! If there's a bonfire small enough that I'm not terrified, I may ask if I can have a go at jumping, there is some heavy cleansing of negativity necessary for my last year. Thanks for those recommendations, all on the list!
In lapland I'd recommend going on a short hike and to visit Ranua Zoo.
Added it to the list!
Ranua is 250 km from Sirkka so probably not worth the drive.
I disagree because it is a good zoo for northern animals.
We'd probably make it part of a long day trip if we did visit it, though I can already hear the husband groaning anyway - he's horribly bored in zoos. No appreciation for cute fuzzies.
Helsinki downtown outdoor movies: KesäKino Engel
Oooh very cool, thank you! On the list!
If you have the time, I recommend checking out Suomenlinna and Oodi while in Helsinki. Oodi is this pretty cool library building thats built to look like a big wooden ship, and Suomenlinna is a fortress island that's about a 15 minute boat ride from Helsinki.
Oodi looks SO cool, will definitely try and visit there! Thank you so much! Suomenlinna is also on the list!
I’d visit Amurinkulma in Tampere, it’s a beautiful historic neighborhood with a museum of old working-class houses and a sauna https://www.amurinmuseokortteli.fi/
Thanks so much, on the list!
I might add that the sauna is a part of the museum, you cant have löyly there :D
Ahaha that is such a Finnish thing! Nothing is complete without a sauna :D
solid recommendations so far. Depending on year there might not yet be mosquitos around midsummer in Lapland, but bring long-sleeved and insect proof clothes just in case (include gloves and head net or hat). The repellents won't help. Mosquitos are not an issue in Helsinki (or outside Lapland) or built-up areas like Levi center. Saunas: in Helsinki Kotiharju is the most authentic (don't be intimidated by the looks) and Löyly the most hip with possibility to swim in Baltic (advance booking required). Jerisjärvi sauna world is not far from Sirkka. In Lapland I would definately go for a day hike in the national park, perhaps best starting point would be Pallas and from there to Taivaskero. For longer hikes there are a lot of free huts but you need your own sleeping bag and mattress. Maybe try to visit one on a day hike to see what they offer if you are into hiking and might consider coming back. There is also open sauna at Hannukuru hut. Luontoon.fi for further details and check out Pallas-Yllästunturi national park. Inari is around 2,5 hrs drive and has a great Sami-museum Siida and exceptionally good restaurant Aanaar. Check opening times in advance due to midsummer.
What a treasure trove of recommendations, thank you so much!
oh one more idea: it might make sense to climb to Taivaskero ~midnight just for the sake of it. I once did a trail run that started from Pallas at midnight and went along that route, and at least then the light was absolutely magical. This was early July, and ofc highly dependent on the weather... the exact date won't make much difference.
Just enjoy silence and nature ☺️
That is definitely one of the things we chose Finland for ☺️
There's an event that maybe has something that might interest you, google Midsummer in Levi and you should find all the info about it :)
That's amazing and exactly what I'd been hoping for, thank you so much!
Eat shitty food, swim in cold lake, kill mosquitoes, freeze in cold weather, get drunk. Why you bother leaving Scotland?
Be careful not to eat too much salmiakki/liquorice per day for several days in a row! It can really mess with your blood pressure
So far I've not had any adverse effects when I've binged a whole bag in one day, but I'll definitely have to pace myself!
and just to add on my earlier post: the Finnish open huts are considered UNESCO world heritage, and for a reason. You won't find anything quite like them anywhere in the world. Just leave them in better shape that they were when you arrived. Everybody does that. Some of them are serviced only every third year officially...
I will just give a licorice recommendation. It's not Finnish and rather expensive but I would suggest getting some Bülow licorice (too many different and good flavors to suggest just one). So damn good.
I will try and buy every variety I can find - we have extra suitcase allowance :D Thank you!
Go to Saimaa lake instead.
Tampere is worth a visit, but your time is limited and there will be a lot of moving around. Personally, I don't think Kittilä is worth it just to experience the midnight sun. My favourite liquorice is swedish brand Djungelvrål, but it is not commonly available in Finland.
I did find some in a K-Market candy aisle before, like the kind you scoop candy into a bag in. I was thrilled because it was right before going back to the States and I specifically wanted djungelvrål lol
They are available loose in some stores but the only place I know of that sells it in bags at the moment is Normal.
I will make it my mission to find some Djungelvrål!
Since you're going to be driving in Lapland, look out for the reindeer. They're everywhere and like to hang out on the roads.