Top Winter Sports Activities in Finland

1. Skiing:

Finland is renowned for its excellent ski resorts and natural winter landscapes, making it an ideal destination for skiing enthusiasts. Cross-country skiing is especially popular, with a vast network of maintained trails throughout the country. Some of the top skiing destinations include Levi, Ylläs, Ruka, and Pyhä.

2. Snowboarding:

Similar to skiing, snowboarding is a beloved winter sport in Finland. Many ski resorts offer dedicated snowboarding parks and halfpipes for enthusiasts to practice their skills. Sappee, Iso-Syöte, and Snow Park Laajis are some of the popular snowboarding spots in the country.

3. Ice Hockey:

Ice hockey is considered the national sport of Finland, and it is deeply ingrained in their culture. You can immerse yourself in the passion for this sport by attending live ice hockey matches or even trying your hand at playing it in local rinks. Helsinki's Hartwall Arena is a world-class venue for experiencing top-level ice hockey competitions.

4. Ice fishing:

Ice fishing is a traditional and serene winter activity that allows you to experience the tranquility of frozen lakes and the thrill of catching fish from beneath the ice. You can find numerous frozen lakes all over Finland where you can try your luck in ice fishing. Some popular locations include Lake Inari, Lake Pielinen, and Lake Saimaa.

5. Snowshoeing:

Snowshoeing is an excellent way to explore Finland's winter landscapes and enjoy the peacefulness of the snow-covered forests. With the help of snowshoes, you can easily trek through deep snow without sinking. Popular snowshoeing routes can be found in the Lapland region, Oulanka National Park, and Urho Kekkonen National Park.

6. Cross-Country Skating:

For those seeking a more challenging and exhilarating experience, cross-country skating might be the perfect choice. This sport combines ice skating with traditional cross-country skiing techniques, allowing you to glide smoothly over frozen lakes and rivers. Rovaniemi, Kuopio, and Lappeenranta are popular locations for cross-country skating.

7. Dog Sledding:

Experience the thrill of being pulled through snowy landscapes by a team of energetic huskies while dog sledding in Finland. This popular activity allows you to connect with nature and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Some well-known dog sledding destinations include Rovaniemi, Saariselkä, and Levi.

8. Ice Climbing:

For the adventurous souls, ice climbing offers an adrenaline-pumping experience. Climb up frozen waterfalls or ice walls using special equipment and techniques. Lapland, in particular, is a popular region for ice climbing due to its frozen waterfalls and challenging ice formations.