Cheap Flights to Finland

Discover Finland

For your next trip to Scandinavia, consider flying to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL). If you plan to explore above the Arctic Circle, it's best to catch one of the flights to Finland that land at Rovaniemi Airport (RVN). As you descend into Helsinki, you can catch sight of Suomenlinna Castle on the islands due south of the city in the Gulf of Finland. If you fly to Rovaniemi, keep a sharp eye out for flying reindeer; it’s the "official home of Santa Claus!"

Flights to Finland

In 2013, Helsinki-Vantaa airport served more than 15 million travelers, and the number has continued to rise ever since. Rovaniemi Airport serves about 30 percent of that annually. Using public transportation in Helsinki is easy; you simply buy a single ticket and use it for buses, the metro, taxis, and even the ferry out to Suomenlinna Castle. In Rovaniemi, you can take taxis or buses. If you’re taking on of the cheap flights to Finland that are available in winter, you can rent a snowmobile to get around. Because the Arctic wilderness is just outside the city limits, it's recommended to take a guide with you if you venture beyond Rovaniemi's borders. In both places, normal-length cab rides will cost between $5 and $8.

Attractions in Finland

Flights to Finland present travelers with many things to see and do. The centerpiece of Rovaniemi is the Santa Claus village. When not visiting with the home of Father Christmas, you can take snowmobile safaris, visit reindeer parks, and cavort with huskies. You can even try your luck gold panning after dinner at Santamus. The Helsinki Zoo is one of the oldest public zoos, dating back to the 1880s, and it houses both Arctic and tropical wildlife. If you want to relax, no place is better than the Kamppi Chapel of Silence. To see the "heart of Helsinki," you can check out Helsinki Cathedral, which was built in 1852.

Linnanmäki Amusement Park includes rides, arcades, and shows and has beguiled visitors since 1950. The most popular ride is the seemingly rickety roller coaster that's really quite sturdy, even if it creaks a little on the corners. The National Museum of Finland documents the history of Finland from prehistoric times up until the 21st century.

In the far north beyond Rovaniemi, you can explore the lands of the ancient Sami peoples, who are the northernmost indigenous tribe in Europe. They're famous for building storehouses on legs to avoid them getting buried in snow. The Russians borrowed the concept for their fairy tales about Baba Yaga's hut with chicken legs.

Travel Tips for Finland

Those who are interested in taking cheap flights to Finland should be aware that learning Finnish is a daunting task; the language contains 14 cases, whereas English only has two. Fear not, because Finns are required to learn English in school, so most everyone will be able to at least understand you even if they can’t answer. A three-course meal of average cost for two people will be about $70. Historically, Finnish fare was hearty but bland since the harsh climate didn’t allow the growing of herbs. Today, most restaurateurs incorporate continental cuisine with traditional Finnish favorites for a more flavorful dining experience.