Finland offers the best of both worlds—or rather, the best of both major travel seasons. If you're in need of a warm summer vacation without the crowds, you'll revel in this country's opportunities for hiking, lake swimming, and exploration of Helsinki's metropolitan culture. Travelers planning a winter wonderland getaway won't be disappointed either: the outdoor activities are endless, its an ideal place to spot the Northern Lights, and its the only place where you can visit Santa Clause's hometown (complete with reindeer).

When is the best time to visit? 
Despite its sky-high spot on the map, Finland's climate is more temperate than you would think. Yes, its winters are dark and cold—but due to the forgiving Gulf Stream, temperatures don't dip too far below freezing. Take advantage of the snow with all manner of winter sports, and long nights mean better chances of spotting the Northern Lights. Summer is when you'll have the best weather and widest number of activities and attractions available—and even in these popular vacation months, you rarely need to worry about crowds. Spring is very short (and often still snowy), but fall is a particularly good time for photographers to book a trip: the hills become cloaked in the brilliant hues of autumn leaves. 

How many days do I need?
Finland is an easy flight from Stockholm and St. Petersburg, so a quick trip isn't out of the question. With three days, you can easily experience the culinary joys and architectural wonders of fabulous Helsinki. In five days, you're able to tour a larger region—check out this Lapland tour, which includes skiing, snowshoeing, guiding a team of huskies, and sleeping in glass igloos under the stars. With a week or more, you can take a substantial road trip through half of the country. Try the southern coast from Helsinki in the summer months, or this nine-day winter itinerary that takes you all the way to Norway.