Backpacking Finland: A 2-Week Fun Guide to Nordic Wilderness and Culture

Backpacking Finland—land of a thousand lakes, endless forests, the mystical aurora, and the home of the happiest people on Earth. This Nordic gem is a paradise for backpackers who crave both solitude in nature and cozy cultural moments in vibrant cities.

In this 2-week backpacking Finland itinerary, I’ll guide you through Finland’s highlights, from the modern design capital of Helsinki to the serene wilds of Lapland. Whether you’re chasing northern lights, relaxing in a lakeside sauna, or hiking through boreal forests, Finland has a way of making every moment feel magical.

Week 1: Southern Finland – Cities, Culture & Lakes

Day 1-2: Helsinki – Gateway to the North

Highlights:

• Suomenlinna Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Design District & architecture walk
• Sauna experience at Löyly or Allas Sea Pool
• Local street food at Market Square

Stay: Budget hostels like The Yard or CheapSleep Hostel

Tips: Use the HSL app for public transport. Many attractions are free with the Helsinki Card.

Day 3: Day Trip to Porvoo

Just one hour by bus from Helsinki, Porvoo is Finland’s second-oldest town, famous for its pastel wooden houses and cobbled streets.

What to Do:

• Wander the Old Town
• Visit Porvoo Cathedral
• Eat Runeberg tortes at Café Fanny

Return to Helsinki for the night.

Day 4-5: Tampere – Saunas & Lakeside Vibes

Take a 2-hour train to Tampere, the sauna capital of the world.

Highlights:

• Traditional smoke sauna at Rajaportti
• Hike in Pyynikki Park & Tower (cheap donuts at the top!)
• Vapriikki Museum Centre

Stay: Dream Hostel or Camping Härmälä by the lake (in summer)

Optional: Canoe rental or bike along the lakeshore.

Day 6-7: Lake Region – Savonlinna or Kuopio

Head east to Finland’s Lake District (5-6 hours by train/bus). Pick one:

Option A – Savonlinna:

• Visit medieval Olavinlinna Castle
• Take a steamboat tour of Saimaa Lake
• Explore Linnansaari National Park

Option B – Kuopio:

• Hike up Puijo Tower for lake views
• Try Kalakukko (traditional fish bread)
• Sauna boat or harbor cruise

Stay: Hostels or lakeside camping spots

Tip: In summer, many locals rent cabins—look for short-term cottage rentals for a truly Finnish experience.

Week 2: Northern Finland – Lapland & Wilderness Adventures

Day 8-9: Overnight Train to Rovaniemi – Arctic Circle Begins

Take the VR overnight train (with sleeper cabins) from Kuopio or Helsinki to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus.

What to Do:

• Visit Santa Claus Village (yes, it’s fun even for adults)
• Arctic hiking at Ounasvaara Hill
• Arktikum Museum – learn about the Sámi and Arctic life

Stay: Hostel Café Koti or couchsurf with locals

Tip: Even in summer, northern nights can be chilly—pack layers!

Day 10-12: Pyhä-Luosto National Park

A couple hours northeast of Rovaniemi lies this beautiful national park, ideal for hiking, reindeer-spotting, and silence.

Things to Do:

• Multi-day hikes with wilderness huts (free or low-cost)
• Amethyst Mine visit – dig your own crystal
• Campfire cooking by a lake

Getting there: Bus or hitchhike

Stay: Huts, tent, or eco-lodges

Pro Tip: Download the Excursionmap.fi app for trails and campfire sites.

Day 13-14: Inari – Sámi Culture & Lapland’s Heart

Bus or hitch north to Inari, the cultural heartland of the Sámi people.

Don’t Miss:

• Siida Museum – excellent insight into indigenous culture
• Paddle Lake Inari by kayak
• Camp under the Midnight Sun (or Northern Lights in fall/winter)

Stay: Inari hostel, or wilderness camping

Farewell Tip: Reflect on your journey in a lakeside sauna, watching the sky shift in silence.

Backpacking Finland Tips

• Budgeting: Finland isn’t cheap. Expect €40–70/day on a budget. Save by cooking your own food, camping, and using regional transport passes.
• Transport: Trains and buses are efficient. Use VR.fi and Matkahuolto apps.
• Camping: Wild camping is legal under “Everyman’s Right” (just don’t damage nature or camp near homes).
• Saunas: A must-do! Most hostels have one, and every town has a public sauna.
• Language: Finnish is hard, but most locals speak great English.
• Best Time to Go:
  
  • Summer (June-August): Long days, festivals, great for hiking
  • Winter (Dec-March): Snow, auroras, skiing
  • Autumn (Sept-Oct): Ruska season—golden forests and fewer tourists

Final Thoughts: Backpacking Finland

Backpacking Finland is an immersion into nature, culture, and a slower, more mindful way of travel. It’s not just a destination—it’s a reset. With forests as your hostels and lakes as your morning baths, you’ll carry Finland with you long after you’ve gone home.