Adventurous travelers and those who prefer fresh air to indoor activities will feel right at home in Finland.

One hour in a forest every day keeps us happy.

Consider giving yourself at least five to seven days to explore Finland.

People walking towards the capital in Helsinki

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Geographically, Finland is big, and distances are long.

Therefore, I would recommend reserving a week at the minimum, says Kiukas.

I think one of the biggest misconceptions about Finland is that people are very reserved and cold.

Kobba Klintar, an old pilot station in Aland archipelago with cafe and museum.

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Eero Vottonen is the award-winning Finnish chef at Palace, a Helsinki restaurant that has earned two Michelin stars.

Interested in learning more about what this Northern European country has to offer?

Read on to discover the 15 best places to visit in Finland, according to locals.

Reindeer in snowy Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi - Finland

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For a culturally rich experience, browse theKiasma Museum of Contemporary Art,Design Museum, andGalerie Forsblom.

Aland Islands

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Around 6,700 islands make up the archipelago of Aland.

Chef Vottonen notes its beautiful scenery with a lot to explore, particularly in the summertime.

industrial buildings in Tampere

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The autonomous region is ideal for island-hopping; the islands with permanent residents are connected by ferry.

Not sure where to begin?

Kiukas suggests Kokar, a small island with a unique archipelago nature.

Young woman looking over Nuuksio National Park, Finland.

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Our clients just love everything there, and many cycle through the Aland Islands, she says.

Rovaniemi

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Rovaniemiis the Official Hometown of Santa Claus and the capital of Lapland.

Chef Vottonen describes his former hometown as having the easiest and [most] chilled vibe.

Aerial view of Turku Cathedral in Finland

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Those interested in experiencing a traditional sauna should book a session atRajaportti, the countrys oldest still-operating public sauna.

Hiking or walking through one of [our] amazing national parks shows you the reason why.

Most notably, theres the 13th-century Turku Castle, Turku Cathedral, and the open-air Market Square.

A woman sitting on a dock in Posio

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Located in Lapland, Posio is great for individuals and small groups searching for authentic experiences, she says.

Those interested in the sea fortress history can learn more in the six differenton-site museums.

Given its access to the surrounding lakes and canals, its a popular destination for those traveling by water.

Scenic summer aerial view of Suomenlinna

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Aerial view of Finnish Lakelake

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A Snowy Owl at Ranua Wildlife Park

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Beautiful panoramic view of Porvoo Cathedral and old town of Porvoo

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Aurora Borealis on frozen dwarf shrubs lit by moon, Levi, Lapland, Finland

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People walking through Lemmenjoki National Park

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Fiskar

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