Finland is a fantastic destination for photography lovers. Its pristine nature, unique wildlife, and charming cities offer countless photo opportunities. Whether it’s the magical Northern Lights or the peaceful lakes, you’ll find the perfect shot around every corner.
In this guide, I’ll share the best tips and locations for capturing stunning photos and videos in Finland. We’ll talk about the best times of day, some cultural etiquette for taking pictures, and suggested gear to make your experience as smooth as possible.
Best Locations for Photography in Finland
1. Northern Lights (The Aurora Borealis)
The Northern Lights are one of Finland’s most famous attractions. This light show is common in the northern parts of the country, especially in Lapland. The best months to catch the auroras are from September to March. The darker, colder nights offer the best viewing conditions.
Be patient. The lights can be unpredictable, but when they appear, it’s magical. Visit places like Rovaniemi, Ivalo, or Kilpisjärvi for great chances of seeing and photographing them.
2. Helsinki’s Architecture
Finland’s capital city, Helsinki, blends modern style with traditional architecture. Places like the Helsinki Cathedral, Suomenlinna (a sea fortress that’s a UNESCO World Heritage site), and Uspenski Cathedral are amazing for capturing shots of both historical and urban beauty. Don’t miss the stunning Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church), which is built directly into natural bedrock.
3. Lapland’s Wilderness
Lapland offers a raw, untouched beauty. During both summer and winter, this part of Finland is perfect for landscape photography. In summer, you’ll find endless green fields and forests. In winter, it’s covered in a magical blanket of snow. Consider Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park for scenic mountain views and wilderness that feels completely untouched.
4. Finnish Lakes
Finland is known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” and you won’t have to travel far to find a peaceful lake surrounded by nature. The Lakeland region in particular is a paradise for water landscape photography, and the reflections of forests and skies on the water can look stunning in your shots. Visit the Saimaa Lake area to capture some of the most iconic shots with islands and clear skies.
5. Koli National Park
If you want breathtaking views of Finland’s lakes and forests, Koli National Park in eastern Finland is a must-visit. From the top of Ukko-Koli hill, you’ll get stunning panoramic views of Lake Pielinen and the surrounding forest, making it a perfect spot for wide-angle landscape photography. The park looks beautiful in all seasons, but autumn (September-October) offers picturesque views with the colorful leaves reflected on the water.
6. Finnish Saunas in Nature
Nothing says Finland like a sauna by the lake. These traditional wooden saunas make for wonderful lifestyle shots. And if you’re lucky, you might capture locals jumping into the cold lakes afterward. This is a very Finnish thing to do, especially in winter when they dive straight into icy waters. Just remember to respect someone’s privacy if the sauna is being used.
Best Times of Day to Shoot in Finland
Golden Hour
Like most places, Finland looks best during the golden hour—the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset. The light is soft, warm, and it casts long shadows that make photos look more dynamic. In summer, especially during the Midnight Sun, the golden hour can last much longer due to Finland’s high latitude.
Blue Hour
The blue hour refers to the time right before sunrise or shortly after sunset, when the sky has a vivid blue tone. This time offers a calm, serene quality to photos, especially when you’re capturing landscapes with water or snow. You’ll need a tripod if the light levels are too low, but the photos will be worth the extra effort.
Midnight Sun
In summer, particularly in Lapland, Finland experiences the Midnight Sun due to its northern location. This means you’ll have light nearly all day. The soft lighting at night is perfect for landscape shots, and the long window of natural light means you don’t have to rush to find the ideal moment to take photos.
Cultural Considerations When Taking Photos in Finland
Be Respectful in Saunas and Homes
The sauna is a big part of Finnish culture, and privacy is important. If you’re near a sauna, make sure the people using it are comfortable with you taking photos. Always ask permission before photographing anyone inside or around personal saunas.
Wildlife
Finland’s wildlife is fascinating, but it’s important to keep a good distance when photographing animals. Respect their space, and make sure you’re not disturbing the environment to get a shot. Using a zoom lens can help you take great wildlife photos from a distance.
Churches and Religious Sites
While many churches and religious sites in Finland are open to the public, be respectful when inside. Some churches may request that you don’t use flash photography, so always check for signs or ask staff if you’re unsure.
Respecting Nature
In Finland, nature is held in high regard. When photographing in nature areas, stay on marked trails and don’t disturb the environment. Pack out everything you bring in to avoid leaving litter behind. This will ensure that Finland’s wilderness stays beautiful for future travelers.
Recommended Photography Equipment in Finland
DSLR or Mirrorless Cameras
While smartphones are capable of taking good photos, having a DSLR or mirrorless camera can make a big difference—especially for things like the Northern Lights or wildlife. Look for a camera with good low-light capabilities if you’re planning to photograph the auroras or shoot late into the day during the blue hour.
Wide-Angle Lenses
For landscape shots, especially in national parks and by lakes, a wide-angle lens will help you capture the full view. A 16-35mm lens is a good choice for these types of photos.
Telephoto Lenses
If you’re hoping to photograph wildlife or want to pick out details in distant landscapes, a zoom or telephoto lens (70-200mm or higher) will be incredibly useful. This will help you take pictures of elusive animals like reindeer or even the occasional bear in the forests.
Tripod
A good, sturdy tripod is essential if you’re trying to shoot in low light, especially at night while capturing the Northern Lights. It will keep your camera steady for long exposure shots, resulting in sharper and clearer images.
Extra Memory Cards and Batteries
In Finland’s cold weather, batteries tend to drain quicker. Carry extra batteries and large memory cards so you don’t run out in the middle of a photo session. Keep your batteries in a warm place (like a jacket pocket) if it’s extremely cold.
Smartphone Photography Tips
Use HDR Mode
Most smartphones now have an HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode, and it’s great for capturing Finland’s dynamic landscapes. This mode helps balance light levels in both bright skies and dark forests during the same shot.
Third-Party Apps
If you’re serious about photography but don’t want to carry a big camera, use apps like Lightroom Mobile or ProCamera on your phone. These apps give you more control over settings for exposure, ISO, and focus.
Stabilize Your Shot
When shooting in low light, such as during the blue hour or for night shots, make sure to stabilize your phone by resting it on a flat surface or using a small, portable phone tripod. This will prevent blurry images.
Editing on the Go
Don’t be afraid to do some editing on your smartphone. Apps like Lightroom or Snapseed can really help bring out the colors in landscape photos and adjust brightness or contrast to make your images pop.
Conclusion
Finland is filled with photo-worthy locations that will inspire both experienced photographers and beginners. From the stunning winter wonderlands of Lapland to the vibrant colors of Finnish cities, there’s no shortage of subjects. With the right equipment or a few smartphone tricks, you’ll leave Finland with an incredible collection of photos and videos to remember your trip.
So, grab your camera, explore Finland’s beauty, and capture those lasting memories.
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