For a solo female traveler, Finland is a welcoming destination with a unique blend of urban culture, nature, and, of course, saunas. Here are some of the best cities to visit, along with recommended hotels, restaurants, and saunas in each:

1. Helsinki

• Top Experiences: Explore Suomenlinna Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church), Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, and the trendy Kallio district.
• Hotels:
  • Hotel St. George: A boutique hotel in the Design District with a spa and pool.
  • Klaus K Hotel: Stylish, located in the heart of the Design District, offering a luxury stay with Finnish touches.
• Restaurants:
  • Grön: Michelin-starred, focusing on sustainable and seasonal ingredients.
  • Olo: A Nordic fine-dining experience.
• Saunas:
  • Löyly: A modern seaside sauna with beautiful views.
  • Kotiharjun Sauna: Helsinki’s last remaining public wood-heated sauna in Kallio.

2. Tampere

• Top Experiences: Visit Vapriikki Museum Center, Pyynikki Observation Tower for panoramic views, and Finlayson Art Area.
• Hotels:
  • Lapland Hotels Tampere: Offering a unique northern Finnish experience with rustic decor.
  • Scandic Tampere City: Conveniently located near the central railway.
• Restaurants:
  • Restaurant C: Known for its local and organic produce.
  • 4 Vuodenaikaa: Offers French cuisine with a Finnish twist at the Tampere Market Hall.
• Saunas:
  • Rauhaniemi Public Sauna: Situated by the lake, perfect for an authentic Finnish sauna experience with ice swimming in winter.
  • Kuuma Sauna & Restaurant: A popular lakeside sauna with a modern design.

3. Turku

• Top Experiences: Discover Turku Castle, Turku Cathedral, and Aboa Vetus Museum for medieval history, or cycle through the Turku Archipelago.
• Hotels:
  • Hotel Kakola: A former prison turned boutique hotel with a historical ambiance.
  • Scandic Julia: Central, comfortable, and eco-friendly.
• Restaurants:
  • Kaskis: Known for creative Nordic cuisine.
  • Tintå: Cozy bistro along the Aura River with great vegetarian options.
• Saunas:
  • Ruissalo Spa Hotel: Offers both indoor and outdoor saunas with beautiful seaside views.
  • Samuela: An authentic public sauna located on Ruissalo Island, ideal for combining with an ice swim.

4. Rovaniemi (Lapland)

• Top Experiences: Visit Santa Claus Village, experience reindeer sledding, and catch the Northern Lights.
• Hotels:
  • Arctic TreeHouse Hotel: Offers stylish, glass-fronted treehouse suites with views of the forest.
  • Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle: Experience the Northern Lights from your glass igloo.
• Restaurants:
  • Nili: Traditional Lappish cuisine in a rustic setting.
  • Sky Kitchen & View: Scenic restaurant offering Arctic flavors.
• Saunas:
  • Arktikum Sauna: Part of the Arktikum Museum, with a focus on traditional sauna culture.
  • Arctic Sauna World: Located near Rovaniemi with multiple saunas and hot springs overlooking the Arctic Circle.

You can find more travel inspiration and resources on Ventanatravel.com, and check out additional fitness travel tips here.