Finland Set for Record-Breaking Winter Tourism Season in 2025, with 1.3 Million Visitors Expected

Published on October 22, 2025

Finland is gearing up for a record-breaking winter tourism season in 2025, with expectations of welcoming around 1.3 million tourists during the upcoming months. According to Business Finland, the country’s state agency focused on promoting travel and tourism, total spending by these visitors could reach an impressive €1.3 billion—setting a new benchmark for winter tourism in the country.

Finnish Lapland: The Top Destination for Winter Tourists

Finnish Lapland continues to be the primary draw for international visitors during the winter months, with the region typically attracting nearly two-thirds of all foreign tourists. Known for its stunning landscapes, the region offers world-class experiences such as Northern Lights viewing, husky sledding, and visits to the home of Santa Claus in Rovaniemi.

Helsinki, the capital city, is another key destination for tourists, receiving about a quarter of the foreign visitors during this period. The remaining 10% of tourists are spread across other regions of Finland, contributing to the overall growth of the country’s tourism sector.

Strong Growth in Foreign Tourism

The winter tourism season is already showing signs of a strong performance, with foreign tourist arrivals expected to increase by nearly 10% compared to the previous year. Business Finland estimates that approximately 500,000 foreign visitors will arrive in Finland between December 2025 and February 2026. This growth reflects Finland’s increasing appeal to tourists from a variety of international markets, including Europe, North America, and Asia.

The country’s focus on attracting visitors from the Asian market, particularly China, Japan, and India, has also contributed significantly to the growth in tourism numbers. Finland is performing exceptionally well in comparison to its Nordic neighbors in terms of international arrivals, with a noticeable surge in visitors from Germany, Sweden, and the United States.

Finland Recognized as a Top Destination for 2026

Finland’s winter tourism prospects have been further boosted by its inclusion in Lonely Planet’s “Best Destinations to Visit in 2026” list. The prestigious travel guide praises Finland for offering unique experiences, from paddling through Finnish Lakeland in the golden glow of midsummer to embracing the cold of Lapland on a dogsled ride under the Northern Lights.

Lonely Planet highlights Finland as “the best for finding happiness in wild places,” emphasizing the country’s deep connection to nature and the sense of well-being that visitors experience while exploring its serene landscapes. The guidebook also mentions the Finnish towns of Turku, Tampere, and Oulu, each offering distinct cultural and historical experiences, in addition to the renowned attractions of Lapland and Helsinki.

The Role of Eco-Tourism in Finland’s Growth

One of the key factors contributing to Finland’s growing appeal is the emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly tourism. Finland is known for its commitment to preserving its natural environment, and many of the country’s tourism offerings align with sustainable practices. From eco-friendly accommodations to nature-based activities such as hiking, skiing, and wildlife safaris, Finland offers travelers the chance to experience pristine landscapes while minimizing their ecological footprint.

The country’s emphasis on sustainable tourism has also attracted environmentally conscious travelers, who are increasingly seeking destinations that align with their values. This trend is expected to continue in 2025 and beyond, as more people prioritize eco-tourism in their travel plans.

Expanding Infrastructure and Accessibility

To accommodate the growing influx of visitors, Finland has been investing in improving its tourism infrastructure. Finland’s airports, including those in Helsinki and Rovaniemi, have seen expansions to handle increased flight capacity, particularly from international markets. The introduction of new flights, improved train connections, and better accommodation options in popular destinations are all expected to make travel to Finland more convenient for tourists.

The country’s transport networks, including rail and bus services, are also being enhanced to improve accessibility, especially to remote areas like Lapland, where many tourists seek unique winter experiences. With these improvements, Finland is positioning itself as a top destination for travelers looking for a seamless and enjoyable winter vacation.

A Bright Future for Finnish Tourism

As Finland prepares for its record-breaking winter tourism season in 2025, the country’s tourism sector is poised for continued growth. With a combination of rich cultural experiences, breathtaking natural beauty, and a focus on sustainability, Finland is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers from all over the world.

The inclusion of Finland in Lonely Planet’s prestigious list for 2026 solidifies its place as one of the world’s most desirable travel destinations. As the winter tourism season kicks off, Finland’s tourism sector looks set to achieve new heights, offering a range of unforgettable experiences to visitors in 2025 and beyond.