8 best things to do in Finland in July

July is when Finland truly comes alive. It is when this Nordic land transforms from winter wonderland to midnight sun playground. Picture yourself island-hopping through Finnish archipelago, enjoying quirky festivals, tasting some of the sweetest strawberries in the world, or hiking under a sun that refuses to set in the quiet landscapes of Lapland. With temperatures ranging around 20-25°C (70-80°F) in the south and slightly cooler in Lapland, July offers Finland's warmest and most comfortable weather of the year. 

Here's are eight ways to make your Finnish summer holiday unforgettable.

July takes the first place when it comes to outdoor events. Finnish summer festivals are a delightful mix of "wait, this is a real thing?" and "this is the best thing ever invented." Take Eukonkanto, the Wife Carrying World Championships, where grown adults race through obstacle courses while carrying their partners. It's exactly as absurd and wonderful as it sounds.

For music lovers, Pori Jazz transforms the coastal city into Finland's coolest hangout, while major rock festivals such as Ilosaarirock in Joensuu, Ruisrock in Turku, and Kuopiorock bring international headliners to stunning lakeside and seaside venues. Tangomarkkinat in Seinäjoki proves that Finns take their tango seriously, while the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival turns a tiny village into the world's folk music capital. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, Swamp Soccer World Cup offers the muddiest, most hilarious sports experience imaginable. Opera enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Savonlinna's old castle and the iconic Savonlinna Opera Festival.

Don't miss the Hangon Regatta, where maritime tradition meets summer party vibes (think Finland’s answer to the Hamptonss), or Bättre Folk in Oulu's Hailuoto for the ultimate indie music experience. Each festival captures a different slice of Finnish summer soul.

Summer in Helsinki is about mastering the art of local living. Start your morning with torikahvit (having coffee at a marketplace) at Kauppatori Market Square, where vendors sell everything from cloudberries to quirky design. If you're in the mood for a stroll after your morning coffee, head to nearby historical Esplanadi Park.

As the day warms up, it's time for one of Helsinki's most uniquely charming experiences: island restaurant dining. A short ferry ride can transport you to Suomenlinna's fortress restaurants, the seaside dining (and sauna!) at Lonna island, the seasonal delights of Restaurant Saari, the historic charm of Särkänlinna, or the waterfront elegance of HSS Paviljonki. There's something magical about enjoying fresh Nordic cuisine while surrounded by water, knowing you're just minutes from the city centre.

Round off your evening with a Finnish cocktail and a music show at Allas Pool. What's better than catching a live performance under the midnight sun with stunning Baltic Sea views stretching to the horizon? Maybe going to bed but then you'll miss the best thing: the nightless night.

Finnish strawberries are a summer obsession and for good reason. Ripened slowly under the midnight sun, they’re smaller, sweeter and more fragrant than most, with Polka being one of the most the beloved local favourites. 

July is peak season, when market squares from Helsinki to Oulu overflow with berry stalls. Finnish strawberries are best when eaten fresh or on top of Finnish pancakes, letut, with whipped cream. For a truly local experience, pick your own at a countryside farm, stop by a roadside stall (spot the word mansikka), or visit Suonenjoki, Finland’s unofficial strawberry capital.

Moominworld in Naantali isn't just a theme park. It's a portal to Finnish author Tove Jansson's beloved universe where philosophy meets whimsy. July is prime time to explore Moominhouse, meet the characters, and remember what it feels like to see the world through wonder-filled eyes.

Don't stop there: the Moomin Museum in Tampere houses the world's largest collection of Moomin art and memorabilia, while Helsinki's Ateneum Art Museum often features Jansson's original illustrations. Right in the heart of Helsinki, along the elegant Esplanadi boulevard, you'll find a treasure trove for every Moomin fan at the Moomin Arabia shop, packed with everything from iconic Moomin mugs and playful cuddly toys to cosy textiles.

Read more about the Moomins in our article Where to meet the Moomins in Finland – a complete guide.

The Åland Islands are a Swedish-speaking part of the Finnish archipelago where summer unfolds like a gentle dream. Rent a bike and island-hop, stopping at medieval castles, cosy fishing villages, and charming local restaurants and cafés. Golf enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise with seaside courses and Baltic Sea views.

Visit Mariehamn's Maritime Museum, explore the fortress of Bomarsund, stroll around Kastelholm Castle, or simply find a rocky outcrop and perfect your Nordic noir contemplation skills. The islands offer everything from luxury spa resorts to rustic camping, all connected by a ferry system that's half transportation, half scenic cruise.

For more info about the islands, go to Visitaland.com.

Nothing captures the romance of Finnish summer like a traditional steamboat chugging across mirror-like lakes. Finnish Lakeland offers several historic vessels that transport you back to a gentler era of travel.

Climb aboard the historic S/S Heinävesi for a journey through the Saimaa lake system, where the boat winds between islands like a floating time machine. You will find S/S Heinävesi sailing in the Heinävesi Canal as well as in Savonlinna and Kuopio. The S/S Suomi offers elegant dinner cruises where you can dine on local delicacies while watching endless forests drift by in Lake Päijänne. In Tampere, you can travel back in time and sail with S/S Tarjanne, built in the early 20th century.

Lapland in July is hiking and camping paradise with a supernatural twist from the never-setting sun. Conquer the iconic Karhunkierros trail in Oulanka National Park, where suspension bridges span wild rapids and every turn reveals new wonders. For fell hiking enthusiasts, the Hetta-Pallas trail offers Finland's most spectacular fell scenery across 55 kilometres of pristine wilderness. 

Adventure seekers can explore the vast wilderness of Urho Kekkonen National Park with its endless network of trails, while photographers will fall in love with the dramatic gorge landscapes of Kevo gorge. The rugged fell landscapes and routes in Pyhä-Luosto National Park provide perfect introduction to Lapland hiking, and gold history enthusiasts stroll in the historic landscapes of Lemmenjoki National Park, Europe's largest national park located near the Lemmenjoki River.

Mosquitoes are part of the package when hiking in Lapland in the summer, but smart hikers know the secret. Seek out open, windy areas like hilltops and exposed ridges where the summer breeze keeps these tiny locals at bay. The best views often come with the best bug relief.

Finland's coastline offers surprising sandy paradises that rival more famous destinations. Helsinki's Hietaniemi Beach brings urban beach culture to the Arctic Circle, complete with beach volleyball and surprisingly swimmable waters.

For the full beach resort experience, head to Kalajoki on the west coast, where massive sand dunes create a mini-Sahara experience (with considerably better saunas nearby). Yyteri Beach near Pori stretches for miles of pristine sand and dunes, perfect for long walks while contemplating why you never knew Finland had beaches this good.