Finland is a country of striking contrasts. In the south, the design-forward capital Helsinki offers museums, sea views and buzzing food halls. In the north, Lapland’s vast wilderness glows with the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter. Between them lie thousands of lakes, national parks, wooden towns and a coastline dotted with islands.
For travellers from Pakistan, Finland is a refreshing alternative to the usual European routes. It is peaceful, safe, environmentally clean and part of the Schengen Area, making it easy to combine with Sweden, Norway, Estonia and other nearby countries in a single trip.
In this Finland travel guide, Malik Express Travel & Tours highlights the top tourist attractions in Finland, gives practical travel tips, and explains how our team can help you plan a smooth journey from Pakistan.
In Finnish Lapland, you can witness the aurora borealis from roughly late August to early April, while in summer the sun barely sets, creating magical “white nights” and midnight sun experiences.
Finland is known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes”, though in reality it has over 180,000 lakes surrounded by forests and quiet cabins. Finnish Lakeland is ideal for canoeing, sauna by the water and family holidays close to nature.
Finland consistently ranks among the world’s safest and happiest countries, with clean air, drinkable tap water and well-organised public services, making it an excellent destination for families and first-time visitors to Northern Europe.
Ferries connect Helsinki with Tallinn and Stockholm, flights link it with major European hubs, and the country is in the Schengen Area for straightforward multi-country itineraries.
Helsinki, Finland’s capital, is a compact coastal city surrounded by islands and green spaces. It blends neoclassical architecture with modern design districts and a strong café culture.
Buy a Helsinki transport card that covers trams, buses, metro and some ferries; it is cost-effective and convenient for short stays.
Just a short ferry ride from Helsinki lies Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed sea fortress spread across several islands. Built in the 18th century, it once guarded approaches to the city and today is a popular place to walk along ramparts, visit museums and enjoy seaside views.
Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, is famous for being the “official hometown of Santa Claus” and a central base for Arctic adventures. Visitors can meet Santa at Santa Claus Village, cross the Arctic Circle line, and visit the post office that handles letters from children around the world.
Beyond Festive Attractions, Rovaniemi Offers:
Stay at least two or three nights in Lapland if you want a good chance to see the Northern Lights; clear dark skies and some luck are needed.
Lapland covers almost a third of Finland and is home to vast wilderness areas, including some of the country’s largest national parks such as Urho Kekkonen, Pyhä-Luosto and Pallas-Yllästunturi. These parks feature fells, forests, lakes and rivers ideal for hiking, skiing and wildlife watching.
Activities Include:
Check daylight hours carefully when planning winter trips; in mid-winter, days are very short, so plan outdoor excursions during available light.
Finnish Lakeland, stretching east of Tampere and north of Lahti, is one of Europe’s largest lake districts. It is characterised by countless lakes, islands, peninsulas and forests, with many families renting lakeside cottages to enjoy sauna, swimming, fishing and canoeing.
Popular bases include:
Consider staying in a traditional lakeside cabin with sauna for at least a couple of nights to experience a core part of Finnish culture.
Turku, on the southwest coast, is Finland’s former capital and one of its oldest cities. A medieval castle and cathedral anchor its history, while the Aura River waterfront is lined with cafes, restaurants and museum ships.
Offshore lies the Finnish Archipelago, a maze of thousands of islands and islets connected by ferries and bridges. The Archipelago Trail is a popular route for cyclists and road-trippers who want sea views, small villages and island life
Turku can be combined with ferry journeys to Sweden, making it ideal for travellers linking Finland with Stockholm.
Porvoo, east of Helsinki, is one of Finland’s oldest towns and a favourite day-trip destination. Its old town features cobbled streets and wooden houses painted in muted reds, yellows and pastels along the riverfront.
Wander up to the hilltop Porvoo Cathedral for views over the town, then browse small boutiques and cafes.
Visit on a weekday outside midsummer weekends if you prefer a quieter atmosphere; buses from Helsinki make the journey easy.
Across Finnish Lapland you will find unique accommodation options such as glass-roofed igloos and aurora cabins that allow you to watch the Northern Lights from bed. Many resorts combine these stays with husky safaris, reindeer visits and snow-based activities.
These special accommodations are popular and often sold out months in advance in peak winter. Book early, especially for December to February dates.
Finland’s four seasons offer very different travel experiences.
Ideal for snow activities, skiing, husky sledding and Northern Lights in Lapland. Expect short days, freezing temperatures and magical snowy landscapes.
Snow melts in the south, cities come back to life and nature starts turning green. Good for Helsinki and coastal areas, though Lapland may still have snow.
Warmest season with long days and white nights, especially in the north. Best time for lakes, archipelago trips, festivals and national parks.
Forests and fells turn shades of red and gold, and Northern Lights season begins again in the north. A good time for hiking and quieter travel with cooler temperatures.
Malik Express Travel & Tours in Islamabad has decades of experience arranging international holidays, including Schengen itineraries, Nordic destinations and tailored Europe tour packages from Pakistan.
We Can:
While only the embassy or visa centre can approve a visa, Malik Express can:
Using our global partnerships, we can:
Because Finland is part of the Schengen Area, it fits naturally into larger Europe tours. Malik Express can design routes such as:
We can adjust hotel category, travel pace and included excursions to match your budget and interests, whether you want a winter Northern Lights adventure, summer lakes and islands or a mixed city-and-nature itinerary.
From first enquiry until you return home, our team can:
Finland offers a rare combination of modern Nordic cities, serene forests and lakes, and Arctic experiences that most travellers only dream about. Whether you want to chase the Northern Lights in Lapland, explore Helsinki’s design streets, relax by a quiet lake or combine Finland with other European destinations, this country delivers unforgettable moments in every season.
If you are in Pakistan and planning your next Europe holiday, contact Malik Express Travel & Tours. Our specialists will help you choose the best tourist attractions in Finland, arrange flights and accommodation, guide you through the Schengen visa process and support you at every step so you can enjoy your Nordic journey with complete peace of mind.
Yes. Finland is a member of the Schengen Zone. Pakistani passport holders must apply for a Finland Schengen short-stay visa, which usually allows up to 90 days of travel within Finland and other Schengen countries (subject to visa conditions).
The best time depends on your interests:
Yes. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are visible primarily in Lapland from late August to early April. For the best chance, stay at least 2-3 nights in Rovaniemi, Levi, Saariselkä or Ivalo.
The top attractions include:
A typical Finland itinerary is:
Finland is more expensive than many European countries, especially for dining and winter experiences.
You can reduce costs by:
Yes. Finland consistently ranks among the world’s safest countries. Public spaces, transport and cities are clean, well-organised and secure. Normal travel precautions still apply, especially in crowded areas or winter weather.
Yes. Finland is ideal for multi-country Schengen itineraries. Popular combinations include:
Malik Express can:
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