12 days in Finland Itinerary

Combining vast Nordic wilderness with bustling hip cities, Finland offers something to delight and surprise all its visitors. Generally speaking, the northern region is populated by unspoiled pine forests, glistening blue lakes, and a plethora of interesting wildlife, while the south is home to the nation's thoroughly modern urban centers. Although Finland holds the title of most sparsely populated county in the European Union, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in cities like Helsinki, Espoo, and Tampere are often packed with fun-loving Finns. Do bring your dancing shoes, but don't forget your hiking boots either--you'll want to make use of the country's 37 national parks, spread throughout this "Land of a Thousand Lakes."

The wild expanses of Lapland promise spectacular scenery, adventure, and rich cultural experiences. As the country's northernmost region, it sits well above the Arctic Circle. Despite also being the largest region, in Lapland just 3.4 percent of the Finnish population calls this great stretch of land home, leaving plenty of room for pristine lakes, dense forest, and seven unspoiled national parks. An abundance of well-marked trails await hikers of all levels, while more remote and rugged adventures beckon experienced explorers. Music is of particular importance in these parts, so try to catch a concert or dance performance during your stay.