Every year, Lonely Planet, the world's famous travel guide, releases its Best in Travel list of must-visit spots. In the newly announced "25 Best Places to Visit in 2026", Finland made the cut. This Nordic country has been named the world's happiest for eight years running. Now it's firmly on every traveler's bucket list.
Finland's winter runs from December to February. Average temperatures hover between -7.4°C and -5.7°C. The land gets covered in thick snow. Lakes freeze solid. Days are frustratingly short. But this is exactly when Finland shows off its one-of-a-kind Arctic scenery. Let's get straight to the point. This is your no-fuss guide to the best of Finland's winter.

I. The Main Event: Chase the Amazing 2026 Northern Lights

This is the absolute highlight of any winter trip to Finland. Miss it, and you've missed the whole point.
Best Viewing Spots: Lapland sits north of the Arctic Circle. It's one of the world's top three places to see the Northern Lights. It's far from city lights. You can catch auroras on over 200 clear nights a year. The chance hits 90%. Simply put, pick a clear day, and you're almost sure to see this sky show.
2026 Bonus: Astronomers say 2026 will be a peak year for solar activity. That means the Northern Lights will appear more often. They'll shine brighter. They'll even glow in more colors – from the usual bright green to the rare, pretty pink and purple. It's a gift straight from the universe.

Top Ways to Enjoy & Pro Tips:
Cozy Aurora Watching: Stay in a glass igloo in Rovaniemi. It has a 360° clear roof. No need to freeze outside. You can wait for the auroras while snuggled in bed.
Lakeside Viewing: Head to Lake Inari. When it freezes, it turns into a giant mirror. It reflects the auroras above. The result? A stunning, all-around view of swirling lights. It looks so unreal, you won't even need a filter for your photos.
Key Tip: Join a local day tour! The best aurora spots are in remote, open wilderness or lakesides outside cities. There's almost no public transport after dark. Driving on icy roads alone is risky. Tours offer round-trip rides. They bring hot drinks and warm blankets. Local guides know all the secret spots. Trust me, it's worth every cent.

II. Can't-Miss Destinations: From Fairy-Tale Towns to Cool Cities

Rovaniemi

Finland's winter charm isn't just in its cities. Lapland is a real winter wonderland. Rovaniemi is known as Santa Claus' official hometown. Santa Claus Village sits right on the Arctic Circle. It's one of Lapland's most popular spots.
Step into Santa Claus Village, and you'll feel festive all year. You can meet Santa himself. He'll give you a warm, personal greeting. You can send postcards from the special Santa Claus Post Office. Santa is super dedicated. He'll take photos with everyone. He'll even help you get the perfect shot. Who says fairy tales are just for kids?
Crossing the Arctic Circle is a must for every visitor. Here, you'll get an official Arctic Circle Certificate. It proves you've stepped into the Arctic. It's a surefire way to impress your friends back home.

Helsinki

Finnish cities have a special vibe in winter. Helsinki, the capital, nails the mix of modern city life and natural beauty. This coastal city shows off the best of Nordic design, architecture and public spaces. It's the true spirit of Nordic living.
Walk through the city's design districts. Hunt for unique local items – from simple home decor to warm wool scarves. Visit the famous Helsinki Cathedral and Temppeliaukio Church. This one-of-a-kind church is carved straight into solid rock. It's the perfect example of how architecture and nature can blend seamlessly.
Don't forget to stop by the Old Market Hall at Market Square. Warm up with a bowl of creamy salmon soup. It's the ultimate comfort food. It warms you from your taste buds right down to your toes.
In December, Christmas markets pop up all over the city. Head to Senate Square in Helsinki or the Old Square in Turku. Wooden stalls light up with warm fairy lights. The air smells like sweet glühwein and roasted almonds. It's the best place to feel that cozy Nordic holiday mood.

Liesjärvi National Park

If you're tired of city noise, escape to Liesjärvi National Park. It's a quiet, snow-covered sanctuary.
Walk through tall pine forests. Listen to the crunch of snow under your boots. Sunlight filters through snow-heavy branches. It casts patchy shadows on the white ground. The silence is deep. You can only hear your own breath. Sometimes, a curious bird flutters by. It's a kind of peace you'll never find in the city. After a walk here, all your worries will feel like they've frozen solid and vanished.
Quick Tip: Bring some nuts or cookies. You might spot cute squirrels coming out to look for a snack.

III. Must-Try Winter Activities

Looking at the scenery is just the start. Finland's winter has tons of fun, thrilling activities.
Icebreaker Cruise: Sail through the frozen Baltic Sea on an icebreaker. Watch the ship crash through half-a-meter-thick ice. Chunks of ice fly everywhere with a loud crack. It's an amazing sight. If you're brave, put on a special survival suit and take a dip in the icy sea. Don't worry – the suit will keep you floating. That rush of cold water on your skin is an experience you'll talk about forever.
Book directly on the official website or use a travel agent for an easy booking. They can even arrange rides to and from the ship.

Snowmobile Aurora Chase: Ride a snowmobile across the Arctic wilderness. Feel the wind roar in your ears. Snow sprays your face. Look up, and the Northern Lights dance above the endless white snow. It's like being the hero of your own Arctic adventure movie. Guides will teach you how to use the snowmobile first. Even beginners can join in.
Sleigh Rides: Want excitement? Pick a husky sled ride. A team of energetic dogs will pull you through the snow at full speed. You'll even get to shout commands to them. It's a blast. Prefer to take it slow? Choose a reindeer sled ride. Glide through snow-covered forests to the jingle of reindeer bells. Let your mind relax and soak in the quiet. It's perfect for visitors of all ages.

IV. Special Experiences: Sauna

Sauna is the heart of Finland. The country has only 5.5 million people, but over 3 million saunas. That's almost one sauna for every two people. This old tradition is even a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Sit in a wood-fired sauna. Let the heat melt away your tiredness and stress. Then jump into an icy lake or roll around in the snow. That extreme hot-and-cold feeling will leave you feeling awake and alive. As Finns say, "If you haven't tried a Finnish sauna, you haven't really been to Finland."

After a sauna, it's the perfect time to soothe your body and mind with delicious food. Besides the must-try salmon soup, there's chewy rye bread. Eat it with smoked salmon and cheese – it's so good, you'll lick your fingers. Warm cinnamon rolls, fresh out of the oven, have a crispy outside and soft inside. The sweet cinnamon smell fills your mouth. Every bite is pure happiness. Don't miss reindeer sausage either. Its firm, smoky meat is perfect for grilling on a cold winter day. It warms you up from the inside out.

Add Finland to your 2026 travel list. Visit this Lonely Planet-recommended spot and go on a magical winter trip. You'll find out winter can be this much fun.