The tourist spots in Finland are varied and contrasting. Displaying both the country’s natural beauty and culture, these sites encapsulate all that is unique and captivating about the Finns.
Suomenlinna
Suomenlinna is a sea fortress encompassing half a dozen islands. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a popular destination for tourists. It is a favored picnic site, and there are also several museums there as well.
Saimaa
Saimaa is the 4th biggest lake in Europe at 4,400 square kilometers (1,700 sq mi). With the sun shining golden on the waters, it remains one of the most popular destinations for canoeing and fishing in the country.
Lake Inari
One of the most beautiful tourist spots in Finland, Lake Inari is to the north of Lapland. It is home to various types of fish including trout, perch and salmon. The area is also well known for Hautuumaasaari Island, the burial ground of the Sami people.
Lake Paijanne
At 1,080 sq km, it is the second biggest lake in the country. There are several islands, among the most notable being Judinsalo and Salonsaari. Lake Paijanne drains into the Finland Gulf by way of the Kymi River.
National Museum of Finland
Known as Suomen Kansallismuseo in Finnish, the museum is an exhibit of Finnish life from the Stone Age to current times. Among the artifacts there are jewelry, precious metals and ornaments from various time periods. There is also an exhibit on Finnish folk life.
The Helsinki Market Square
One of the most visited tourist spots in Finland, the market square is in Helsinki. It is filled with vendors peddling souvenirs and cafes selling various pastries. Other features there are the Helsinki herring market in October and displaying old US cars in the first Friday of May.
Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral
This Eastern Orthodox Church was built in the late 1800s and draws thousands of tourists yearly. Set atop a hill, the cathedral is the home of several priceless religious icons, many centuries old.
Esplanadi Park
The Esplanadi Park in Helsinki is where most Finns go for picnics during the summer. The site is between the streets of Pohjoisesplanadi and Etelaesplanadi. The place is also the site for numerous live musical shows.
Hietaniemi Beach
Known informally as Hietsu, Hietaniemi Beach ranks as one of the major tourist spots in Finland. Found in the Toolo district in Helsinki, it is frequented by both locals and tourists. The beach is also a popular setting for holding beach volleyball games.
The Helsinki Cathedral 
Lying at the heart of Helsinki, the Helsinki Cathedral (Evangelical Lutheran) was built in honor of Tsar Nicholas I. With the green dome and the smaller ones around it, the cathedral has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in Finland.
The church was built from 1830–1852. The neoclassical style has made it a major tourist draw. Over 350,000 people visit every year.
The tourist spots in Finland are without doubt a reflection of the beauty of the land and its inhabitants. Traditionally, most of its tourists come from Sweden but now a growing number from other countries are visiting too.
