Visit Finland in Winter
Winter in Finland
Winter in Finland is magical with snowy landscapes, northern lights and cold temperatures. Finns spend their winter holidays enjoying the season when the schools are out for one week between weeks 8 and 10. This page will give you tips to plan a memorable winter holiday in Finland.
Winter holiday weeks by location
Where would you like to travel?
Things to do in Finland in winter
The winter in Finland is arctic, exotic and magical. There are plenty of things to do in Finland in winter that you can conveniently get to by train or train and bus! We have gathered some of them for you here.
Winter swimming
Winter swimming is a popular bucket list activity for tourists but also a local pastime. Enjoy a dip in the ice and bathe in a sauna for example in the modern Löyly, Opens in a new tab in central Helsinki, Rauhaniemen kansankylpylä, Opens in a new tab in Tampere and Kiilopää, Opens in a new tab in Saariselkä or try the smoke saunas in Kuusijärvi, Opens in a new tab in Vantaa.
Ice skating
Ice skating on lakes is one of the all time favorites for spending a day outdoors. Some municipalities make excursion skating tracks for this purpose. Check out for example Tuusulanjärvi, Opens in a new tab in Järvenpää or Jyväsjärvi in Jyväskylä. You can reach both cities by train.
Family activities
Why not take the whole family out sledding in the park? Any small hill for this will do as long as kids are supervised by their parents. Another fun way to spend the day with kids is dog sledding, available for example in Vuokatti, Opens in a new tab (Bus from Kajaani train station) or Jämsä with McAhon Safarit, Opens in a new tab.
Practical tips for visiting Finland
Winter season in Finland
Lapland: Mid-October to early May
South of Finland: November- early December to early April
Daylight hours
The period in which the sun does not rise is called the polar night. The polar night lasts for as long as 51 days in the northernmost part of Finland. In the south, the shortest day of the year is 5-6 hours long.
Climate
Average temperature in Finland in winter:
Helsinki: -6c
Rovaniemi: -13c
Oulu: -10c
Temperatures get below -30c too. Pack some merino wooled clothes with you and wear layers!
Ski holiday in Finland
Whether you are into cross-country or downhill skiing, Finland has plenty of options for you to choose from for your best ski holiday in Finland.
Downhill skiing in Finland
Have a look at our tips for an active winter holiday and head to Lapland for the best ski hills to do downhill or snowboarding. Many ski-resorts also have an extensive cross-country skiing network. The ski resorts are generally easy to get to by train or train and bus.
Some of the best ski resorts in Finland:
- Levi, Opens in a new tab (Train to Kolari)
- Ylläs, Opens in a new tab (Train to Kolari)
- Ruka, Opens in a new tab (Train to Kemijärvi)
If you are short on time and can’t make it to Lapland and have to stay south, check out:
By train to ski resorts
Travelling to Lapland is comfortable by train and smooth connections! Search for a journey to your destination and enjoy a night train journey to Rovaniemi, Kolari or Kemijärvi. From the train station, you can continue your journey.
Best places to visit in Finland
Among the great winter destinations in Finland, the train takes you to several other places worth seeing.
Tampere
Tampere, Opens in a new tab, just a one and a half hours train ride from Helsinki, is a hip place to be with a cool restaurant and café scene. It’s the sauna capital of the world and hosts some very good museums:
- The only Moomin museum, Opens in a new tab in the world
- Ice- hockey museum, Opens in a new tab
- The Finnish Labour Museum Werstas, Opens in a new tab in the old Finlayson cotton mill area
Turku
Turku was the capital of Finland until 1812. Some interesting places to visit include:
- The Turku castle, Opens in a new tab takes you 700 years back in history.
- The funicular, Opens in a new tab in the city isn’t something to be missed.
- Jean Sibelius museum, Opens in a new tab introduces you to the best internationally known Finnish composer.
You can get to Kupittaa, the sation currently serving Turku, from Helsinki in just under 2 hours.
List of tips for the night train
We have compiled a list of practical tips for a night train journey, containing the best tips for an easy journey.
Travelling by train with your family for winter holiday
Services for familiesA train trip is an exciting adventure for the family and the most comfortable way of travelling with children. Children can play and there is no need for toilet or meal breaks.
Continue your journey with a rental car
Why not hire a car through us in case the train does not take you directly to your destination? Make use of your time on the train yet still enjoy the freedom of having your own wheels at your destination.
Meteorologist's tips to see the Northern Lights
Many go to Lapland for the Northern Lights specifically. Meteorologist Markus Mäntykannas gave us a few tips for spotting the Northern Lights.
Read the article
Enjoy audio books and e-books
Entertainment for the journeyWe are offering our customers a 60-day trial period to the Nextory audio book and e-book service with a catalogue of thousands of stories. You can read and listen books with your phone or tablet.
Santa Claus Express
Take your crew up north on Santa's own train! The Santa Claus Express is the fun and comfortable way to get to northern parts of Finland.
Winter holiday weeks 2025
In the table you can find the 2025 winter holiday weeks of basic education in the region capitals of mainland Finland.
| City | Winter holiday week |
|---|---|
Helsinki | week 8, Feb 17–21 2025 |
Espoo | week 8, Feb 17–21 2025 |
Vantaa | week 8, Feb 17–21 2025 |
Hämeenlinna | week 9, Feb 24–28 2025 |
Joensuu | week 10, Mar 3–7 2025 |
Jyväskylä | week 9, Feb 24–28 2025 |
Kajaani | week 10, Mar 3–7 2025 |
Kokkola | week 9, Feb 24–28 2025 |
Kotka | week 9, Feb 24–28 2025 |
Kuopio | week 10, Mar 3–7 2025 |
Lahti | week 9, Feb 24–28 2025 |
Lappeenranta | week 9, Feb 24–28 2025 |
Mikkeli | week 9, Feb 24–28 2025 |
Oulu | week 10, Mar 3–7 2025 |
Pori | week 8, Feb 17–21 2025 |
Rovaniemi | week 10, Mar 3–7 2025 |
Seinäjoki | week 9, Feb 24–28 2025 |
Tampere | week 9, Feb 24–28 2025 |
Turku | week 8, Feb 17–21 2025 |
Vaasa | week 9, Feb 24–28 2025 |