HISTORIC CITIES. NORTHERN STORIES.
Finland
Discover Finland through medieval castles, centuries of Swedish and Russian rule, national independence and a distinctive northern culture. From Helsinki and Turku to historic Porvoo, lakeside Tampere and Arctic Rovaniemi, explore places where history meets forests, lakes and the Baltic Sea.
A COUNTRY SHAPED BY LAKES AND HISTORY
Discover Finland Through the Ages
From medieval Swedish rule and the founding of Turku to autonomy within the Russian Empire, independence in 1917 and the resilience of the twentieth century, Finland has a layered history. Discover historic towns, fortresses, Sámi heritage, forest landscapes and northern traditions.
EXPLORE BY DESTINATION
Discover Finland’s Destinations
Helsinki
Explore Finland’s Baltic capital through Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, Suomenlinna sea fortress and the city’s nineteenth-century imperial heritage.
Turku
Discover Finland’s oldest city, with medieval Turku Castle, its historic cathedral, the Aura River and centuries of trade and scholarship.
Tampere
Explore Tampere’s industrial heritage, historic red-brick factories, lakeside setting, museums and celebrated Finnish sauna culture.
Porvoo
Wander the cobbled streets of Old Porvoo, see its iconic red riverside warehouses and discover one of Finland’s oldest towns.
Rovaniemi
Explore the capital of Finnish Lapland, with Arctic history, Sámi cultural context, the Arktikum museum and northern wilderness.
FINLAND THROUGH THE AGES
A Brief History of Finland
From medieval settlement and centuries under Swedish rule to autonomy, independence and twentieth-century upheaval, Finland’s history remains visible in its castles, churches, cities and museums.
c. 1150–1300
Medieval Finland
Early communities and trade networks develop; the region increasingly becomes integrated into the Swedish kingdom.
1640
Royal Academy of Turku
The Royal Academy of Turku is founded, laying a foundation for Finnish higher education.
1809
Grand Duchy
After the Finnish War, Finland becomes an autonomous Grand Duchy within the Russian Empire.
1917
Independence
Finland declares independence on 6 December, following the collapse of imperial Russia.
1939–1944
Wartime Finland
The Winter War and Continuation War profoundly shape Finland’s society, borders and memory.
1995
European Union
Finland joins the European Union, marking a new chapter in its European integration.
Medieval Roots
Medieval churches and Turku Castle recall the centuries when present-day Finland belonged to the Swedish kingdom.
Autonomy & Independence
Finland’s nineteenth-century autonomy and declaration of independence in 1917 shaped its national institutions and identity.
Sámi & Northern Heritage
The Sámi are an Indigenous people of northern Europe; their culture and history are essential to understanding Finnish Lapland.
PLAN YOUR FINLAND TRIP
Everything You Need for Finland
Plan your Finland trip with historic city stays, lake-country road trips, northern experiences, flights and practical transport connections.
Hotels
Find historic hotels in Helsinki or Turku, lakeside accommodation, countryside cabins and northern stays in Lapland.
Tours & Activities
Explore walking tours, fortress visits, museums, archipelago cruises and Lapland experiences across Finland.
Car Hire
Explore Finland at your own pace, from the lake district and southern towns to coastal routes and Lapland.
Trains & Buses
Plan rail and bus connections between Finnish cities, historic towns and northern destinations.