If you are considering moving to Finland to study, you might also be thinking about what you can do here in your spare time. There are countless possibilities. Finland has something to offer to everyone. Vibrant, modern cities and stunning, quiet nature for those who long for stillness. Here we list a few ideas of what you could do:

• Ruska trip to Lapland

  Ruska is the Finnish word for autumn leaf colour. One of the most beautiful places to experience ruska is in Lapland. Ruska season in Lapland is usually quite short and takes typically place in late September although it varies from year to year.

• Get the Museum Card

  The Museum Card gives you access to over 300 museums in Finland. It costs 72 euros and is valid for one year. Examples of must-see museums in Turku are Turku Castle and Turku Art Museum. Get the museum card here: Experience Finland with the Museum Card.

• Island hopping in the archipelago

  Finland has a rich archipelago, which calls for a great cycling adventure. Hop on the ferries (they are free of charge) between islands in Turku Archipelago or explore Kvarken Archipelago near Vaasa. Kvarken Archipelago has earned UNESCO World Nature Heritage recognition. Read more: Island hopping in Finnish archipelago

  

• Northern lights
  

  Winter is the perfect time to go to Lapland if your dream is to see the aurora borealis, i.e. the northern lights. At the same time, visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. You do know that Santa Claus lives in Lapland?

• Go on a hike in one of Finland’s 41 national parks

  Experience the beauty of untouched Finnish nature by hiking. The national parks are extensive nature conservation areas with the aim of ensuring biodiversity. They are all free of charge, with marked routes and campfires. Read more: Nationalparks in Finland

• Celebrate holidays as locals do
  

  Valborgsmässoafton or Vappen (in Swedish), Midsummer and New Year’s Ever are examples of holidays that are widely celebrated in Finland. Vappen takes place on 30th April and is one of the biggest holidays. Typically, the celebrations include picnics and the consumption of mjöd (mead), sparkling wine, doughnuts, and many high school alumni their student caps. In Turku, Swedish-speaking Finns traditionally gather to celebrate the start of Vappen in Vartiovuori Park.

  

Want to spend your spare time in Finland? Apply to Åbo Akademi University

Read more about our programmes here: International Master’s Degree Programmes and how to apply here: Apply to an international master’s degree programme