Finland is a winter wonderland where snow-covered landscapes meet magical northern lights. From husky-drawn sledges to charming cities and Santa’s Village, every moment is a photo opportunity.
Here’s your guide to capturing Finland’s beauty through your lens.
Iconic Landmarks & Experiences
Northern Lights Watch
The dancing aurora across Finland’s Arctic skies is a surreal spectacle.
Pro tip: Use a tripod and long exposure to capture the full brilliance of the colors. Include silhouettes of trees, snowy landscapes, or even people pointing at the sky for scale.
Reindeer & Husky Sledge Rides
Glide through pristine snowy forests with reindeer or huskies pulling your sleigh.
Pro tip: Capture motion with a slower shutter speed for a dynamic effect. Close-ups of the animals and snowy trails make for authentic, memorable shots. Golden hour light adds warmth to the icy landscape.
Santa Claus Village (Rovaniemi)
Meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, and experience festive magic year-round.
Pro tip: Include the signage and decorations in your frame for context. Capture candid moments with reindeer or elves to convey the holiday spirit. Nighttime shots with warm lights create a cozy, magical feel.
Porvoo City Tour
A charming town with colorful wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and riverside views.
Pro tip: Shoot from street level to show the quaint details of the buildings. Reflections in the river, doorways, and small alleys make for picturesque compositions. Soft morning or late afternoon light enhances the pastel colors.
Helsinki City Tour
The vibrant capital blends modern architecture, historic landmarks, and bustling markets.
Pro tip: Capture symmetry in the Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square. Include street life at the market or waterfront for a dynamic city vibe. Night shots with illuminated buildings and reflections in water look stunning.
Quick Tips for Great Photos
- Experiment with motion - Husky sledges, reindeer rides, and market activity make photos lively.
- Play with reflections - Frozen lakes, rivers, or wet streets enhance compositions.
- Capture textures - Snow, ice, wooden houses, and festive decorations bring richness to your shots.
- Try wide and close shots - Panoramic landscapes and intimate details complement each other.
- Golden hours matter - Sunrise and sunset cast soft light on snowy landscapes and city streets.
- Include people for scale - Figures in snowy forests or against the northern lights give depth.
- Stay patient - The northern lights and winter skies change rapidly; be ready to shoot quickly.