Spring

nature comes alive

May in the southern parts of Finland is when everything is growing so fast you can almost see the grass growing and the leaves bursting forth.

Spring is the time when nature (and Finns!) come alive after the long winter. Ice melting and birds singing – these are the sounds of Finnish spring.

Read more about seasons in the Coast and Archipelago

festive season

When the temperature starts to rise and the days get longer and longer (even it might have seemed they never would) Finns want to celebrate the new season and the promise of those long-awaited summer days.

Spring is time of rebirth and celebration. It is the time of Easter, and May the 1st – Vappu – a time of frenzied celebrations across the country. Be forewarned: this is not a day when Finns are their usual sober and hardworking selves. This is the time to celebrate!

Read more about Festivals

hiding place

If you prefer peace and quiet, this is a good time to rent a cottage. The forests are carpeted with anemones and other wildflowers. Spring rain and sunshine pass quickly over the lakes. The water is still cold, but if you are brave, hot and steaming from the sauna, then you might fancy taking a quick dip.

Spending those bright spring days in a cottage near water can be just as lovely as doing it in the summer-time. Coastal Finland has many cabins and cottages for rent throughout the year.

Read More about cottage life

season of contrasts

In Lapland, spring means skiing in the sun well into the evening – whilst in Helsinki people are already preparing for summer, taking strolls in the parks filled with fresh grass and flowers.

Depending where in Finland you are located, spring can offer totally different experiences. In the South you can already loose the thick winter clothes and buy fresh flowers from the market  – while in the North it is still possible to ski and snowboard under the bright spring sun.

Read More about cross-country skiing

bird watching

Winter slowly yields its grip and the sea is once more open. Soon the air will be full of the migrating birds returning north. Finland is a bird-watchers’ paradise.

Bird observation towers – found all around Finland – are perfect for spotting rare species and appreciating the beautiful landscape.

Read More about Nature

Shopping

Whether you are shopping or just exploring, design gems and unique fashion can be found throughout the country.

If you crave cool, the best place to start the perfect day in Helsinki is the Design District around Diana Park. Follow the black-and-white stickers and discover a hip neighbourhood of 200 trendy boutiques, galleries and eateries. It is a shopping heaven for design aficionados.