Finland Wellness Travel: Hidden Gems for Mindful Travelers

Written by: Sini Hietaharju, Master of Tourism Research & Slow Traveller

wellness-travel-finland

My home country Finland might just be Europe’s best-kept wellness secret. 

We don’t just have some of the cleanest air in the world, but also green forests, thousands of lakes and a quirky culture that naturally focuses on wellness with sauna and nature-connectedness. From steam-filled saunas to quiet lakeside yoga, Finland invites you to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with yourself.

In this local’s guide to wellness in Finland I will share you the best locations for recharging yourself, wellness retreats in Finland, must-try experiences and practical tips before heading to this tranquil Nordic nation. 

So if you’ve been craving for a reset, this is your sign to travel to Finland. 

Content

Why Finland for Wellness?

Finland is all about authenticity. Sustainability isn’t an add-on; it’s a way of life.

 

Hotels and resorts focus on eco-friendly practices, locally sourced meals, and meaningful experiences that feel personal, not packaged.

The reason why I think my home country Finland is a wellness hidden gem, is for the following reasons:

finnish-summer-activity-flowers
  • Sauna culture: Finnish Sauna is an innovation second to none. Why not come and experience it the original way?

  • Nature-connectedness: In Finland it’s completely normal to go into the forest after a work day without people wondering what are you doing there. This is what I mean with the fact that Finns still have a special connection with nature, that has disappeared from many urbanized countries. 

  • Silence: The silence and tranquillity of Finland may make you crazy at first, if you are used to constant noise. Come and listen to the real silence and what it wants to tell you. 

  • Cultural history and stories: Finland is interesting for its history with concepts like Sisu, aka perseverance no matter what, and national stories like Kalevala, that also J.R.R. Tolkien was profoundly influenced by.

  • Pureness: Nature is pure and beautiful. Imagine snowshoeing in the powder snow in Lapland, even as a local I find it unreal. Also people are pure; we are not used to too many foreigners, so  we do our best to be hospitable, even if we might be a bit socially awkward. 

  • Unique activities: Finland’s travel activities are not about strolling arond the old town and queuing for big attractions like other European countries. We’re about quirky things like ice swimming in frozen lake, getting a reindeer driving license, staring at northern lights in -30°C and wife carrying competition. Come to Finland when you are done with the basic tourist activities.



3 Best Wellness Regions in Finland

Finnish Lakeland

finnish-lakeland-summer
  • Perfect for lakeside serenity and nature adventures.

  • Resorts like Hotel & Spa Resort Järvisydän blend family legacies with wellness activities.

  • Activities: kayaking, forest walks, lakeside yoga, and organic dining experiences.

Lapland

yoga-finland-lapland

  • A magical wonderland for winter wellness.

  • Watch the Northern Lights while in a hot tub or sauna—yes, that’s a thing here.

  • Unique experiences: snowshoeing, husky sled rides, and traditional Finnish sauna rituals.

Helsinki

helsinki-summer
  • Urban wellness without leaving the city.

  • Highlights include Löyly Sauna and Allas Sea Pool—sauna culture meets city vibes.

  • Combine city sightseeing with wellness breaks for a balanced itinerary.

My 3 favorite hotels in Helsinki

These hotels are luxurious wellness hotels in a central location

1. Hotel Kämp

  • Neighborhood: Kluuvi

  • Vibe & Style: Classic Grand Luxury, Historic

  • Spa & Wellness Highlights: Kämp Spa with Finnish, Turkish, and steam saunas; ESPA treatments; full spa menu

2. Hotel St. George

  • Neighborhood: City Centre

  • Vibe & Style: Grand & Artsy, Modern

  • Spa & Wellness Highlights: Holistic wellness area with a pool, sauna, and treatments from Omorovicza and Elemis

3. The Hotel Maria

  • Neighborhood: Near Presidential Palace and Senate Square

  • Vibe & Style: Timeless, Intimate Luxury

  • Spa & Wellness Highlights: Maria Spa with traditional sauna, steam room, plunge pools, and Biologique Recherche facials

3 Best Wellness Retreats in Finland

Here’s where your wellness dreams turn into reality. Each spot has something truly unique to offer.

I have listed here places which feel like an awesome wellness retreat in Finland as a place, as well as organised retreats in stunning locations.

7-Day All-Inclusive Wellness Retreat in Finland

Retreat Name: 7-Day All-Inclusive Weeklong Wellness Retreat in Finland
Location: A secluded lakeside setting in Finland
Best For: Travelers seeking a stress-free, all-inclusive wellness escape where every detail is taken care of.

What's Included:
This retreat is all-inclusive.

  • Accommodation for the entire 7-day stay.

  • All meals throughout the retreat.

  • A schedule of wellness activities (which includes yoga, meditation, nature walks, wooden sauna etc.).

  • The peace of mind that comes with having all logistics handled.

7-Day Midsummer Retreat

Retreat Name: 7-Day Midsummer Retreat - A Breath, Yoga, and Cultural Journey
Location: Mikkeli, South Savo, Finland
Best For: Purpose-driven individuals, cultural enthusiasts, those seeking a meaningful connection with nature and Finnish traditions.

What's Included:

  • Accommodation: A modern, cozy villa in pure nature, directly at a lake.

  • Meals: Three delicious, nutritious, and organic plant-based meals per day.

  • Activities: A rich schedule including Hatha and Yin Yoga, Deep Transformational Breathwork, Sound Healing with Tibetan singing bowls, an Aroma Workshop, a Fermentation Workshop, and the art of foraging.

  • Extras: All yoga equipment, all workshops, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks throughout the day, and use of facilities like the wood-fired sauna.

7-Day Winter Bliss Journey

Retreat Name: 7-Day Winter Bliss - Yoga, Breath & Cultural Journey


Location: Mikkeli, South Savo, Finland


Best For: Winter lovers, intentional souls, cultural enthusiasts, those seeking a digital detox

What's Included:

  • Accommodation: A stay in a cozy villa in pure nature.

  • Meals: 3 delicious, nutritious plant-based meals are provided each day .

  • Activities: A rich schedule including Hatha and Yin Yoga, Deep Transformational Breathwork, Sound Healing with Tibetan singing bowls, an Aroma Workshop, and a Fermentation Workshop .

  • Extras: All yoga equipment and workshops are included. The retreat also focuses on teaching "The Science of Breath" .

3 Must-try Finnish Wellness Experiences

finnish-sauna

Sauna Rituals

No trip to Finland is complete without it. Traditional Finnish saunas are about detox, calm, and social bonding. Don’t forget the vihta, a birch whisk used to gently massage and stimulate your skin.

Ice Swimming

A polar plunge might sound extreme—but it’s invigorating. It’s all about contrast therapy: sauna heat, icy water, and deep breathing. Your body (and mind!) will thank you.

Forest Bathing

Slow down, walk barefoot, breathe deeply, and let the quiet of the forest sink in. Nobody thinks you are weird if you hug a tree, I do it all the time in Finland as well. :D



Headling to Lapland in winter?

Check out all the 35 best Lapland Winter Activities

winter things to do finland lapland

Plan Your Wellness Trip to Finland

These practical tips should help you plan your trip to Finland while staying warm and dry regardless of the season.

In this section you will learn:

Weather in Finland


What to pack for Finland based on the season


What is the best way to travel around in Finland


Where to book Flights and Hotels in Finland

Weather in Finland

Finland Seasonal Weather Guide

Finland Seasonal Weather Guide

Comprehensive weather guide for Finland with regional comparisons

Finland's Climate Regions

Finland's climate varies significantly from south to north due to its long latitudinal span. The southern coastal areas like Helsinki experience milder winters, while northern Lapland has much colder temperatures and longer winters.

Southern Finland
  • Includes Helsinki, Turku, Tampere
  • Milder coastal climate
  • Shorter winters (3-4 months)
  • Warmer summers
  • More variable weather patterns
Northern Finland (Lapland)
  • Includes Rovaniemi, Levi, Saariselkä
  • Subarctic climate
  • Longer winters (about 200 days)
  • Colder temperatures
  • Polar night & midnight sun phenomena

Summer (June-August)

  • Temperature: 15-25°C (59-77°F) in South, 13-20°C (55-68°F) in North
  • Sunlight: Midnight sun in Lapland, long days in South
  • Rain: Moderate rainfall, occasional thundershowers
  • Nature: Lush green landscapes, lakes at their warmest

Autumn (September-November)

  • Temperature: 5-12°C (41-54°F) in South, -5 to 8°C (23-46°F) in North
  • Nature: Stunning autumn foliage (ruska)
  • Snow: First snow in Lapland in September
  • Light: Decreasing daylight, Northern Lights season begins

Winter (December-February)

  • Temperature: -15 to -5°C (5-23°F) in South, -35 to -10°C (-31-14°F) in North
  • Darkness: Polar night in far North, short days in South
  • Snow: Reliable snow cover, especially in North
  • Activities: Winter sports, Northern Lights viewing

Spring (March-May)

  • Temperature: 0-10°C (32-50°F) in South, -10 to 5°C (14-41°F) in North
  • Light: Increasing daylight rapidly
  • Snowmelt: Begins in April in South, May in North
  • Nature: Migratory birds return, nature awakens

Regional Weather Comparison

Winter (December-February)
Helsinki (South)
Day: -4°C to -1°C (25-30°F)
Night: -9°C to -4°C (16-25°F)
  • Shorter winter (3-4 months)
  • Variable snow cover
  • Coastal influence moderates temperatures
  • About 6 hours of daylight in December
Rovaniemi (Lapland)
Day: -14°C to -8°C (7-18°F)
Night: -21°C to -13°C (-6-9°F)
  • Long winter (about 200 days)
  • Reliable snow cover
  • Polar night in December
  • Ideal for winter activities
Summer (June-August)
Helsinki (South)
Day: 19°C to 22°C (66-72°F)
Night: 11°C to 13°C (52-55°F)
  • Warmest summer temperatures
  • Long days but no midnight sun
  • Occasional heat waves possible
  • Popular for city tourism
Rovaniemi (Lapland)
Day: 15°C to 20°C (59-68°F)
Night: 8°C to 11°C (46-52°F)
  • Midnight sun phenomenon
  • Cooler but pleasant temperatures
  • Mosquito season in early summer
  • Wilderness and hiking opportunities

Packing Tips for Finland

Winter Essentials

Thermal layers, insulated waterproof boots, warm parka, wool socks, hat, scarf, gloves, and lip balm for protection against cold winds.

Spring/Autumn Gear

Layered clothing, waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, umbrella, and both warm and lighter clothing for variable conditions.

Summer Clothing

Lightweight clothing, but include warmer layers for cool evenings, rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and sunglasses.

Year-Round Essentials

Power bank (cold drains batteries), reusable water bottle, swimsuit for saunas, and any special medications you might need.

What to pack for Finland

Generally speaking, you want to dress warm in Finland.

As the seasons vary so much, I have made you different packing list for winter in Finland.

Winter packing list for Finland

Planning to travel light? Check this super easy 5-step packing list to travel with only hand luggage

How to book a trip to Finland

WRITTEN BY

Hey there, I'm the Author

I'm Sini, an enthusiast in slow traveling, yoga retreats, travel as self growth journey and rubbing dogs.

This is your go-to slow travel corner of the internet.

I'm here to share my best travel tips, digital nomad thoughts and photographs from the journeys.

I happen to be kind of a professional in this as well, as I have my Master's degree within Tourism Research and both my master's and bachelor's thesis are about yoga travel.

I want to share the best knowledge of hidden gem retreat and mindful destinations, as well as some deeper, honest thoughts what digital nomad lifestyle actually is.

You can read more about me here.

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