Written by: Sini Hietaharju, Master of Tourism Research & Slow Traveller
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
These hotels are luxurious wellness hotels in a central location
Neighborhood: Kluuvi
Vibe & Style: Classic Grand Luxury, Historic
Spa & Wellness Highlights: Kämp Spa with Finnish, Turkish, and steam saunas; ESPA treatments; full spa menu
Neighborhood: City Centre
Vibe & Style: Grand & Artsy, Modern
Spa & Wellness Highlights: Holistic wellness area with a pool, sauna, and treatments from Omorovicza and Elemis
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
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.
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.
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.
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" .
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
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
Comprehensive weather guide for Finland with regional comparisons
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.
Thermal layers, insulated waterproof boots, warm parka, wool socks, hat, scarf, gloves, and lip balm for protection against cold winds.
Layered clothing, waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, umbrella, and both warm and lighter clothing for variable conditions.
Lightweight clothing, but include warmer layers for cool evenings, rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and sunglasses.
Power bank (cold drains batteries), reusable water bottle, swimsuit for saunas, and any special medications you might need.
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
FLIGHTS: Regardless of where you fly from, I always recommend finding the best flight deals from Skyscanner.
HOTELS: Almost always best to use Booking and Trip.com, but for cabins, cottages and villas it is good to check also Finnish site Lomarengas and Airbnb.
RETREATS: I recommend starting from Bookyogaretreats.com, as they list a vast array of retreats in every country, while securing your booking and keeping your money safe.
ACTIVITIES: Getyourguide - best for guided tours, bucketlist activities and northern lights spotting. Almost all Finnish activities and tours can be booked via Getyourguide. You don't either need to queue to places when you have an online ticket ready.
TRANSPORTATION: Car rental: Discover cars
Train: VR
Buses: Onnibus ad Matkahuolto
Going to Lapland? Check out: How to Get to Finnish Lapland: Tips from a Finn for smoothest travels
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.
LATEST BLOG POSTS
SERVICES
The site contains affiliate links.
This does not bring any costs for you, but I may get a tiny comission to cover the site costs to provide free content if you utilize them. Affiliate disclaimer
© Copyright Slowtravelrepeat 2025