Rovaniemi and Lapland
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Claus Village | A village on the Arctic Circle line with wooden cabins and a wintry atmosphere that children love. | Near Rovaniemi airport |
| Husky and reindeer rides | Sleds pulled by dogs or reindeer through the snowy forests. | Lapland, in winter |
| Glass igloos | A night in a glass-roofed cabin, watching the northern lights from your bed. | Rovaniemi, Saariselkä and Levi |
| The Arktikum museum | A museum of Arctic life and the northern lights, in a long glass building. | Rovaniemi |
Helsinki
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Suomenlinna sea fortress | A fortress on linked islands off Helsinki, reached by ferry, on the World Heritage list. | About 15 minutes by ferry |
| Market Square and the Old Market Hall | A harbourside market for fish, berries and gifts. | Central Helsinki |
| Linnanmäki amusement park | Finland's best-known amusement park, with views over the city. | Helsinki, open in summer |
The lakes
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Lakeland and Saimaa | Thousands of lakes among the forests, and wooden cabins on the water in summer. | East Finland |
Tips before you go
- You need a Schengen visa, applied for at Finland's consulate if it is your main destination.
- Go from December to March for snow and the northern lights; December is Santa Village season and stays are booked months ahead.
- Wear several layers of winter clothing: temperatures in Lapland drop far below zero.
Hotels in Rovaniemi
Visa
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Finland?
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, husky and reindeer rides, glass igloos, the Suomenlinna fortress in Helsinki and the Lakeland.
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Finland?
From late September to March, best on clear nights in Lapland.
Do Saudis need a visa for Finland?
Yes, a Schengen visa.
Planning your trip to Finland? Read Travel to Finland from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.