Discover Finland’s Nature Treasures by Train

With growing interest in train travel across Europe, Visit Finland is introducing ten curated travel routes designed for responsible exploration of the country. Nature lovers can enjoy peaceful national parks, Finland’s largest lakes, and even spend the night in a lighthouse on a protected nature conservation island – all accessible by train from the capital, Helsinki. At the end of the year, travellers will also be able to admire the Northern Lights from the comfort of new hotel-style sleeping cars – a true bucket-list experience.

Visit Finland’s new curated travel routes offer a more sustainable way to explore the entire country. From cultural gems and vibrant cities to breathtaking nature and outdoor adventures, these itineraries emphasise responsible choices in food, accommodation, attractions, activities, and transportation. Many of Finland’s national parks and beautiful outdoor destinations – ideal for hiking, biking, swimming, or simply immersing in nature – are easily accessible by train or by a smooth train-and-bus combination starting from Helsinki.

“Rail travel is not only an environmentally friendly mode of transportation but also a way to slow down and truly experience Finland. Travellers are encouraged to embrace the rhythm of the rails, allowing time for reflection and connection with nature and local people,” says Liisa Kokkarinen, Head of Sustainable Development at Visit Finland.

Train travel will soon become even more comfortable, as Finland’s national railway company, VR, will launch new hotel-style sleeping cars at the end of the year.

“Overnight train travel will become even more comfortable for Northern Lights seekers travelling north,” says Antti Karjalainen, Director of Revenue & Growth at VR.

Visit Finland has compiled a list of three natural gems in Finland that are easy to reach by train from Helsinki – the capital of the world’s happiest country – and which are part of its new curated routes.

Tankar, located off Finland’s west coast, is a postcard-perfect island with nature trails and a historic lighthouse. A cosy family-run café welcomes visitors in a 19th-century log building at the harbor. For centuries, this remote island served as a base for seal hunters and fishermen. Today, it’s a protected nature conservation area, just 15 km from the city of Kokkola. Tankar is home to over 180 plant species, nearly 26 bird species, and mammals such as rabbits, moles, and seals. A 1.5 km nature trail circles the island, and guests can stay overnight at the lighthouse keeper’s house or in traditional cottages.

How to get there: Take a train to Kokkola (about 4 hours from Helsinki), walk 3 km to the harbor, and take a ferry to the island. For more tips explore Finland on rails route.

Cycling through the stunning Saimaa Lake Archipelago is a delight. The approximately 210-kilometer route offers a wide variety of experiences: historic sights in Lappeenranta and Imatra, and the charm of traditional Finnish villages. The route passes through peaceful countryside, offering breathtaking lake views and public saunas. Along the way, you’ll also encounter several Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark sites and Huuhanranta Beach – recently featured in TIME magazine as one of the “coolcation” destinations to visit. The journey is an adventure, with bike ferries and free cable ferries (operating 24/7) transporting travellers across waterways. Bike ferries run according to a set schedule during summer. Wild bilberries and mushrooms can also be foraged along the route.

How to get there: Take a train to Imatra or Lappeenranta (2.5–3 hours from Helsinki). For more tips explore Summer highlights of Finnish Lakeland route.

An autumn foliage hike in Salla National Park, Lapland, is a true bucket-list experience. The Northern Lights adventure begins aboard the night train – and what many don’t know is that the aurora can already be seen from late August, as nights grow darker after the midnight sun period ends.

The landscapes in Salla offer a diverse mix of fells, lush river valleys, and expansive forests. The area has over 300 kilometers of hiking trails, each with its own story. One of the easier routes, Ämmin polku (“Grandma’s Trail”), is gentle enough to bring your grandmother along.

How to get there: Take a night train from Helsinki to Kemijärvi, then a 1.5-hour bus ride to Salla. For more tips explore Wonders of Wilderness route.

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Visit Finland, a unit of Business Finland, is a national authority on tourism and an active force in promoting international travel to Finland. Its main goal is to develop Finland’s international image as a destination. Visit Finland supports the travel industry through research and helps businesses and groups develop products and services for the international market. For more information, please visit www.visitfinland.com.