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Home to the happiest people in the world, Finland is the perfect place to visit if you are looking to spend your vacation filled with relaxation and exploration. Travelers find a lot of reasons to fall in love with the destination, especially with its friendly and relaxed approach to life. As a Muslim traveler, there are many things you’d be curious about before coming to Finland.
Being one of the most northern countries in the world, Finland has ever-changing climatic conditions, with almost two-thirds of it blanketed by thick woodlands. Since it is far from the mainstream tourist routes, Finland remains a relatively unknown corner of Europe. From majestic forests and beautiful natural landscapes to entertaining and art-filled cities like Helsinki and Turku, this European land is a dream come true for a travel enthusiast.
Read more to find out what’s in store for the Muslim traveler in Finland, the happiest place on Earth.
Sleep in a glass igloo
A land of stark contrasts, Finland offers mesmerizing sights during its two extreme seasons. In the summer months, the sun does not set at all in the northernmost parts of the country – hence Finland’s nickname “The Land of the Midnight Sun”.
In the winter, the opposite happens: the sun disappears for months. This time is called “kaamos”. During kaamos it is not completely dark, however. The bright snow, the moon and the stars, and, if you are lucky, the Northern Lights, create magical surroundings. Experience the best of these two seasons as you sleep in a glass igloo or cottage, surrounded by nature.
Ski under the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun
Imagine skiing in the middle of the night but with the sun shining over you? Or, in the middle of the darkest day of the year but with the Northern Lights guiding your way? Head over to Kilpisjärvi and go cross-country skiing under the enchanting view.
Visit a UNESCO Site
Finland holds seven UNESCO World Heritage sites of which six are cultural and one is natural. Suomenlinna is also one of Finland’s most popular tourist attractions. Built in the second half of the 18th century by Sweden on a group of islands located at the entrance of Helsinki’s harbour, this fortress is an especially interesting example of European military architecture of the time.
The Kvarken Archipelago and Struve Geodetic Arc are the newest additions to the list that includes for example Fortress of Suomenlinna and wooden town in Old Rauma.
Ride a reindeer or a husky sleigh
Go on a sled ride through the snowy wilderness and enjoy the ultimate winter experience in the Lapland! Choose between many husky or reindeer sled ride options for the whole family from Rovaniemi, Saariselka, Ylläs and Levi, visit reindeer farm and play with husky puppies at the husky.
Pick berries and mushrooms in a forest
Head over to one of the National parks and try berry or mushroom picking. This is a popular sport among Finns, and you can see in summer and fall, locals rush to their favorite swamps and forests with their baskets and buckets to pick some vitamin-rich berries and delicious mushrooms. Even though Finnish berries and fruits are smaller than average, they are packed with sweet flavors, healthy vitamins and flavonoids.
Stroll under an old wooden town
In a country of such abundant forests, Finland has been built mostly from wood all the way up to the last century. Still dotting the countryside today exist entire wooden towns that sit nearly as they did decades or even centuries ago.
The most easily accessible wooden districts of Helsinki are Wooden Käpylä, Wooden Vallila and Wooden Kumpula. They are all within walking distance from one another and quite near the city centre, reachable by tram or bus, and Käpylä also by train.
Halal Food and Mosques
There are a number of halal restaurants in Helsinki. Some of the well-known halal restaurants in Helsinki include Ravintola Habibi which offers a great selection of fresh and authentic vegetarian and non-vegetarian Middle Eastern cuisine. Other popular outlets include Ravintola Grecia, Singapore Restaurant, Fez, Maharaja Restaurant, New Bamboo Center and Turkkilainen Ravintola Halikarnas. The main mosque in the city is Helsinki Moskeija.
