5 Luxury Holiday Destinations in Finland You Must Visit

Finland’s luxury destinations offer unforgettable experiences across diverse settings. Witness the Northern Lights from glass-roofed suites in Lapland, explore Helsinki’s Old Town with its UNESCO sites and fine dining, unwind in Porvoo’s medieval riverside boutiques, enjoy private saunas in the serene Lake District, or hit the slopes at Levi’s premium winter sports center. Each destination combines Finland’s pristine nature with upscale accommodations and unique cultural experiences that you won’t find on typical European itineraries.

Good To Know

• Lapland offers luxury glass-roofed accommodations with perfect Northern Lights views and Arctic wellness experiences at carbon-negative Octola retreat.
• Helsinki’s Old Town blends historic UNESCO sites with elegant dining options and cultural attractions like Temppeliaukio Church carved into rock.
• Porvoo provides boutique luxury in medieval settings with 15th-century cathedral, riverside warehouses, and upscale dining featuring Finnish delicacies.
• The Finnish Lake District features exclusive eco-friendly villas with private saunas, lake access, and authentic Finnish experiences in pristine natural surroundings.
• Levi offers premium winter sports with 48 slopes, sustainable practices, high-end accommodations, and specialized terrain for freestyle enthusiasts.

Lapland: Northern Lights and Luxury Arctic Retreats

While travelers often associate Finland with wintry escapes, Lapland excels as the crown jewel for luxury seekers chasing the elusive Northern Lights. Thanks to minimal light pollution, your chances of witnessing this celestial show are exceptional.

You’ll find glass-roofed Kammi suites at Apukka Resort offering 360° sky views, while Octola Private Wilderness boasts illuminated ice-block saunas for aurora viewing. The Arctic SnowHotel even awards diplomas for braving their subzero rooms. After a day of adventures, visitors can indulge in Swedish culinary influences that have shaped Finland’s northern gastronomy.

For 2025, look forward to Wilderness Hotel Saariselkä’s private log villas with saunas.

Octola distinguishes itself as Finland’s first carbon-negative five-star property, featuring a wilderness spa and Arctic wellness programs. With Lapland accounting for 16% of Finland’s international tourism, book early—especially for the prime December-March aurora season. The Golden Crown – Levin Iglut offers travelers a mesmerizing stay in cozy glass igloos with exceptional potential for Northern Lights viewing.

Helsinki’s Old Town: Historic Elegance Meets Modern Luxury

When you mention “Helsinki” to luxury travelers, most first picture sleek Nordic minimalism, but the Old Town reveals a more nuanced side of Finland’s capital. You’ll discover centuries of history at UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna Sea Fortress while enjoying panoramic city views from Helsinki Cathedral‘s steps.

For refined tastes without breaking the bank, Old Market Hall offers local delicacies beside scenic Esplanade Park. Savotta serves traditional Finnish cuisine in an elegant setting that won’t require a second mortgage. Helsinki provides a distinctly different Scandinavian experience compared to neighboring Sweden or Denmark.

Balance your cultural exploration between historic Senate Square and cutting-edge Oodi Library or Amos Rex’s futuristic exhibits. The Senate Square is home to Helsinki Cathedral’s monumental design, which stands as an iconic landmark on the city skyline.

Stay at mid-range Clarion Hotel Helsinki for excellent views without Kämp’s premium price tag. Don’t miss Temppeliaukio Church – carved into solid rock, it’s a masterpiece of Finnish ingenuity and design.

Porvoo: Riverside Boutique Luxury in a Medieval Setting

Just an hour east of Helsinki, Porvoo offers a luxury experience that feels worlds away from the capital’s modern bustle. You’ll find exclusive boutique hotels nestled in renovated historic buildings along the picturesque Porvoo River, many featuring local materials that complement the medieval surroundings.

Wander through Old Town‘s cobblestone streets to admire the 15th-century cathedral and iconic red riverside warehouses. The town’s historical significance was cemented during the Porvoo Diet of 1809, which marked Finland’s transition to an autonomous Grand Duchy under Russian rule. For a taste of local culture, visit museums celebrating Finnish artists Runeberg and Edelfelt.

Don’t miss the traditional bakeries and fine dining establishments where seafood and game dishes showcase Finnish culinary traditions. Unlike the northern destinations in Lapland like Rovaniemi and Levi, Porvoo offers a more intimate cultural experience.

Consider booking a private boat trip along the river or a guided cultural tour. In winter, nearby trails transform for skiing—a perfect seasonal activity after exploring this charming medieval town.

The Finnish Lake District: Serene Nature and Upscale Accommodations

Nestled in the heart of Finland, the Finnish Lake District stretches across the country’s central region as Europe’s largest lake district, offering a unique blend of tranquility and luxury.

A serene paradise where Finland’s pristine waters meet modern elegance in Europe’s largest lake playground

You’ll find accommodation options ranging from rustic cottages to exclusive villas, many featuring private saunas and direct lake access.

The region’s expanding tourism infrastructure means you’ll have more choices than ever, with new hotels and amenities being developed to meet growing demand. Many properties emphasize sustainable tourism practices, aligning with Finland’s strong focus on eco-friendly accommodations.

When you’re not relaxing in your lakeside retreat, you can explore the vast network of waterways by boat, enjoy hiking trails, or participate in local cultural festivals.

For the perfect Finnish experience, book a stay in a traditional cottage with modern amenities – it’s the ideal way to experience authentic Finnish lake living without sacrificing comfort.

Unlike popular Mediterranean destinations like Greece and Croatia, Finland offers a distinctive northern European luxury experience with fewer crowds and more pristine natural surroundings.

Levi: Premium Winter Sports and Exclusive Villa Experiences

Moving from the serene lakes of central Finland, the northern region offers an entirely different luxury experience. Nestled within the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, Levi functions as Finland’s largest winter sports center with 48 slopes for all skill levels.

You’ll find 38.5 km of slopes serviced by 26 lifts, making this resort both accessible and thorough. What distinguishes Levi is its commitment to sustainability, utilizing geothermal energy and surplus heat from snow guns to warm indoor spaces.

After exhilarating days on the slopes, retreat to high-quality villas and hotels offering spa facilities and fine dining featuring local cuisine. The resort is particularly renowned among freestyle enthusiasts who appreciate its specialized terrain and facilities.

Beyond winter sports, explore Sami culture or visit during summer for hiking and mountain biking. The seven-day itinerary can be perfectly tailored to include Levi as a highlight of your Finnish adventure. The resort’s proximity to airports makes this Arctic luxury surprisingly accessible.

The Sum Up

Finland’s luxury destinations don’t have to break your bank. While these experiences might seem expensive at first glance, many accommodations offer off-season deals and package bundles that make indulgence surprisingly affordable. Plan a few months ahead, travel during shoulder seasons, and you’ll discover these five stunning locations can fit various budgets. Finland’s blend of pristine nature and sophisticated comfort awaits—you’ll wonder why you didn’t visit sooner.