A Metalhead’s Travel Guide to Finland

Header Image: Suotana/Toni Pallari

Are you a fan of metal music and traveling in Finland? Perfect, this article is for you! We’ve put together a list of travel and hiking destinations in Finland related to metal music. These include locations from music videos, hometowns of bands, and places mentioned in lyrics. We’re constantly updating the list based on tips from our readers, and you can help us make it even better!

If you know of any Finnish travel or hiking destinations tied to metal music, such as:

• locations from music videos
• bands’ hometowns, monuments, or other notable places
• destinations mentioned in lyrics
• any other connections, even trivial ones, between metal music and Finnish destinations

…leave your tips in the comments below or send me a message at [email protected], and I’ll add them to the list.

In the meantime, enjoy exploring the list and diving into the world of metal music! The bands are listed alphabetically—are all your favorites included?

TIP! You can find all these locations on our map by using the filter to display the “A Metalhead’s Travel Guide To Finland” destinations.

Amorphis

• Tytyri Mine, Lohja: The filming location for the Wrong Direction music video. This experience mine is located in a limestone mine over 100 years old. You can visit it nearly 100 meters underground during its opening hours with an entrance ticket.
  • Lohja is also the hometown of Amorphis’s vocalist, Tomi Joutsen, making it a popular destination for fans. Beautiful hiking spots in Lohja include Karnaistenkorpi and Liessaari, both with marked trails. Don’t miss the medieval grey stone Church of St. Lawrence in Lohja.
• Paikkari Croft, Lohja: Amorphis’s lyrics are inspired by Finland’s national epic, Kalevala, compiled by Elias Lönnrot. Paikkari Croft, located in Sammatti village in Lohja, is his birthplace and now a museum. You can visit the courtyard at any time, but entry to the croft requires a ticket during museum opening hours.
• Aulanko, Hämeenlinna: The filming location for the Sacrifice music video. The view seen behind Tomi at the beginning of the video is from Aulanko Tower and its nearby viewing platform. Aulanko Park and its trails are worth exploring, as the area is exceptionally beautiful and offers numerous walking routes.
• Vantaankoski, Vantaa: The promotional photos for Amorphis’ debut album, The Karelian Isthmus, were taken at Vantaankoski.
• Tammisaari, Raasepori: The music video for On the Dark Waters was filmed in Tammisaari, but the exact location remains unknown—could it be Ramsholmen? Do you know?
• Other:
  • The video for the song Magenta (feat. Mariska) from Amorphis guitarist Tomi Koivusaari’s solo album Bjørkø was filmed at Porkkalanniemi hiking area in Kirkkonummi.
  • The music video for Sinun tyyneytesi vie voiton kaikesta by the band Verenpisara (Koivusaari, Santeri Kallio) was filmed at lake Mommilanjärvi in Hausjärvi.

Apea

• Kettukallio hill and Rottajärvi lake, Pori: Filming locations for the Drown with Me music video.

Battlelore

• Aulanko Granite Castle, Hämeenlinna: The filming location for the Elvenking music video. Read the story of Aulanko’s impressive park and see photos of the granite castle as well.

Beast in Black

• Raseborg Castle, Raseborg: The filming location for the band’s debut single and music video Blind and Frozen. Note, however, that aerial shots in the video feature Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. The ruins of Raseborg Castle can be visited during opening hours with an entrance ticket.
  • Other music videos filmed here include:
    • Teräsbetoni: Orjatar
    • Babylon Whores: In Arcadia Ego

Behexen

• Pirunlinna’s Pirunpesä Cave, Lempäälä: The photoshoot location for the album cover of The Poisonous Path.

Bloodred Hourglass

• Söderskär Lighthouse, Porvoo: The filming location for the Valkyrie music video. Cruises to Söderskär are organized, among others, from Helsinki.
  • Söderskär has also served as the backdrop for Havana Black’s Freedom Child music video.

Callisto

• Ohtakari/Vattajanniemi, Kokkola: The album cover photos for True Nature Unfolds were taken in the stunning landscapes of Ohtakari and Vattajanniemi.

Children of Bodom

• Bodom Sauna & Bar, Espoo: A bar founded by the band’s members, serving as an impressive Children of Bodom exhibit. It’s a must-visit spot for fans of COB and Finnish metal in general, located just a short metro ride from Helsinki’s city center. Read more about this place.
• Tapiola, Espoo: The band’s home neighborhood in Espoo city and one of Finland’s 27 official national landscapes. A fascinating destination for travelers in Finland.
• Lake Bodom, Espoo: The site of the infamous 1960 triple murder, which remains unsolved. Three of the four campers were killed, and the fourth was found injured. The campsite is located at the popular Oittaa Outdoor Area at the southern end of the lake. The area is part of Nuuksio’s Lake Uplands, and some locals still avoid camping there due to the murders. Many Children of Bodom fans visiting Finland make a pilgrimage to Lake Bodom. According to YLE’s six-part podcast The World’s Best Alexi Laiho, Alexi Laiho had already decided on the band name starting with “Children of,” and “Bodom” paired perfectly.
  • The murder tent, Finnish National Bureau of Investigation Museum, Vantaa: The restored tent from the Lake Bodom murders is displayed at the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation Museum in Vantaa (Source).
  • The song Niemi by Korpiklaani tells the story of the Bodom murders.
  • The Bodom murders are likely the inspiration behind the lyrics of Children of Bodom’s song Silent Night, Bodom Night.
• The Riff, Helsinki: At the back of The Riff bar, there is a private room called the Hate Lounge. A sign decorates the private area: “This table is reserved for Children of Bodom from present day to year 2666. Please FUCK OFF when boys are back in town.” One of the walls in the Hate Lounge is adorned with a unique guitar gifted by Laiho.
• Malmi Cemetery, Helsinki: Alexi Laiho’s grave.

Ensiferum

• Rankki Island, Kotka: Filming location for the Andromeda music video (see below). The former military island of Rankki is located in the Eastern Gulf of Finland, in the Kotka Archipelago, and is now a popular visitor destination. The island features nature trails and a guest marina with saunas. You can reach the island with your own boat or via local ferry services, including those operated by Finferries.
• The Pukkisaari Iron Age Trading Village, Helsinki: Filming location for the From Afar music video. Pukkisaari has also been used as a filming location by Turisas and Valkeat. This site is open to visitors on specific public and event days. Guided tours and workshops can also be arranged for groups. Learn more.

Excalion

• Haapakoski Ironworks, Pieksämäki: The filming location for the Soulbound music video. The roots of the Haapakoski lake ore ironworks date back to the 19th century. While the machine shop ceased operations in 2011, everything has been preserved, and the current owners are gradually opening the site to the public. Located amidst beautiful nature, the site can be explored by booking a guided tour.

Hiidenhauta

• Jalomäki Enclosed Yard, Ulvila: The filming location for the music video of Nälkäkevät is the Jalomäki enclosed yard in Kullaa, Ulvila. The site can be visited by appointment.
• Taattola Open-Air Museum Area, Ulvila: The filming location for the song Riidenlieko. The Taattola area also features a smoke sauna available for private use.
• Liikistö, Ulvila: The album cover for Noitia on minun sukuni was shot at this centuries-old church and trading site, which today includes a cemetery and ancient court stones.

HIM

• Putte’s Bar & Pizza, Helsinki: managed by Antto Melasniemi, a former keyboardist for HIM.

Impaled Rektum / Heavy Trip movie

• Taivalkoski: Filming location for the movie and the fictional hometown of the band Impaled Rektum.
• Ranua Wildlife Park: A scene location in the movie where Turo wrestles with a wolverine.

Insomnium

• Suomenlinna, Helsinki: Filming location for The Wanderer music video.
  • Suomenlinna was also used by Finntroll for their Trollhammaren music video.
  • Seawolf Studios, located in Suomenlinna, has been a recording site for artists such as Hanoi Rocks, The Rasmus, and Amorphis.
• Koli, Lieksa: Filming location for *Heart Like a Grave* (see below). The video showcases the majestic views of Koli, one of Finland’s official national landscapes. The filming site is just a short walk from the Koli Nature Centre Ukko. Discover Koli’s secrets with Finland, Naturally team!
• Ala-Murhi, Lieksa: The abandoned house featured in the *Valediction* music video. Less than 500 meters away is the Ylä-Murhi rental hut, which is available for overnight stays through Metsähallitus. Parts of the video were also shot in the Kolvananuuro Nature Reserve, known for its stunning gorge and a 6 km hiking trail.
• The ruins of St. Michael’s Church, Pälkäne: Filming location for the “White Christ” music video. An impressive medieval ruined church whose roof was lost to time long ago.
  • Apocalyptica streamed a concert from the ruins of Pälkäne Church in 2020.
  • Teemu Mäntysaari, guitarist for Wintersun and Megadeth, hails from Pälkäne.

Korpiklaani

• Kammikylä, Kauhajoki: Filming location for Leväluhta music video(see below). This extraordinary spot in Kauhajoki, feels perfectly suited for folk metal videos. The area is open for visits, but if you’d like to use the sauna, make sure to book it in advance. Learn more.
• Huovila Park, Kärkölä: Filming location for Sanaton maa music video. This over 100-year-old English-style park features rare plants, a historic setting, and a summer café. Visitors can freely explore the nature trail, but some parts of the park require an entry ticket.
• Vanhalinna Forge, Lieto: Another filming location for Sanaton maa. Vanhalinna is an important historical site with a panoramic view of the Aura River, one of Finland’s official national landscapes. The forge hosts blacksmith demonstrations and events.
• Kuninkaanhauta, Panelia (Eura): The song Synkkä includes the lyrics: “Kiukaisissa hiidenkiuas, Joukahaisen löylykiuas,” referring to the Kuninkaanhauta burial cairn in Panelia. It is Finland’s largest burial structure, spanning up to 45 meters in width. The area also contains numerous smaller burial sites. During the Bronze Age, when these structures were built, they stood along the seashore, but land uplift has since left them surrounded by dry land. When visiting these ancient graves, always show respect. The structures are legally protected, and any interference is strictly prohibited.
• Hiittenkari, Pyhäjärvi (Eura): The song Sillanrakentaja tells the story of a giant who attempted to build a stone bridge across Lake Pyhäjärvi. The work was interrupted when an old woman mocked the giant’s shabby clothing. Enraged, the giant threw a stone at her but missed. According to reports, the stone still serves as a boundary marker on the border between Eura and Säkylä. The long Hiittenkari ridge, where the giant’s bridge is said to have begun, also features a nature trail.
• Ämmänhauta, Vesilahti: The song Ämmänhauta tells the story of a witch and her burial site, which is now located in a forest corner surrounded by settlement (map). According to the story, a passerby must place a twig on the grave to avoid incurring the witch’s wrath.
• Tulilahti, Heinävesi: The song Kiuru recounts the story of the Tulilahti double murder of 1959. Tulilahti is located on the shores of Lake Kermajärvi in Heinävesi.
• Kyllikki Saari’s swamp grave, Isojoki: The song Juuret tells the story of the murdered Kyllikki Saari. Her swamp grave is located in Isojoki, along with her burial site in the Isojoki cemetery.
• Anola, Nakkila: The song Anolan aukeat takes its inspiration from the open fields of Anola in Nakkila.

TIP! You can find all these locations on our map by using the filter to display the “A Metalhead’s Travel Guide To Finland” destinations.

Kotiteollisuus

• The Kilpisjärvi Region, Enontekiö: The song Haltin häät (The Wedding of Halti) tells a story about giants. Originally sung by Taiska in 1976, with lyrics by Hannu Seppänen, the song recounts how the giants Malla and Saana plan to marry, but the malevolent Pältsa from Sweden, who wanted Malla for himself, freezes them into fells on the shores of Lake Kilpisjärvi with the help of wizards. The song mentions the following locations that are perfect for hikers exploring Lapland:
  • Saana Fell: The lyrics state: “Kun kylmä pohjoistuuli soi, myös itkee Saana” (loosely translated: When the cold northern wind sings, Saana also weeps). This might reference a passage in the book Tarujen tunturit by Kaikusalo & Metsälä (1974), which describes, loosely translated from Finnish: “A freezing wind sweeps down from the north. It gathers its icy breath from the shores of Finnmark, gains strength on the Arctic tundra, and howls across the slopes of Saana. In the rugged cliffs, its sound turns into a lament, echoing down to the village. Once again, Saana weeps as it did back then.”
  • Malla Fell
  • Mallan kyyneleet (Malla’s Tears), also known as Kitsiputous Waterfall, located in Malla Strict Nature Reserve.
  • Lake Kilpisjärvi, where boat rides to Malla Strict Nature Reserve are available.
  • Pältsa Fell (on the Swedish side)

• Helvetinjärvi National Park, Ruovesi: The park features the Helvetistä itään (From Hell to the East) nature trail.
• Lappeenranta: The band’s hometown.

Lordi

• Lordi Square, Rovaniemi: After Rovaniemi’s own Lordi won the Eurovision Song Contest with Hard Rock Hallelujah, the central square formerly known as Sampo Square was renamed Lordi Square. The square features the band members’ autographs and handprints in cement from the time of their victory. Events are often held here during the summer, and it’s a great destination during the Christmas season as well.

Nicumo

• Kumpelinkallio Hill, Kokkola: The filming location for the Death, Let Go music video.

Nightwish

• Röskö Camp Center, Kitee: Röskö has been used for recording some of Nightwish’s latest albums, and parts of the Élan music video were also filmed at this lakeside location. You can enjoy the beauty of Röskö by renting it for yourself. While staying there, don’t miss out on the lakeside sauna, a refreshing dip in the lake, and grilling at the campfire hut.
• A Nightwish Story, Kitee: A fascinating exhibition about the band’s history, located in downtown Kitee. It’s a must-visit for Nightwish fans from near and far. Other Nightwish-related sites in Kitee, such as Monttu Studio, can be explored during the annual Nightwish Fans Meeting (NFM) gatherings.
• Kuninkaanportti (King’s Gate), Suomenlinna, Helsinki: Filming location for Over the Hills and Far Away music video.
• Vanhankaupunginkoski rapids, Helsinki: The booklet of the Oceanborn album features a wintery photo from Vanhankaupunginkoski.
• Vammavaara hill, Rovaniemi/Tervola: Filming location for The Islander music video. This spot is suitable for experienced Lapland hikers due to its challenging, rocky terrain. The area is remote, but there is a shelter at the top of the hill where you can rest and enjoy your packed lunch.
• Lake Inari, Inari: Filming location for Sleeping Sun (see below). Lake Inari, with its iconic Ukonsaari (a sacred Sámi island), can be seen in the background behind Tarja Turunen midway through the video. The tundra views in the video may have been shot from Otsamo fell and the rapids scenes at Juutuanjoki river—does anyone have more information? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
• Elves Village, Kittilä: The location for the prelistening event of the Human Nature album and a fantastic destination for visitors in the Levi ski resort area. Whether you’re looking for lunch or coffee in a picturesque setting, this is an excellent choice. Can you spot the We Were Here sticker while exploring?
• Karis, Raseborg: A fun curiosity from the band’s early years—Nightwish performed at Kattoparkkirock on the roof of a K-Market in 1999. Check out the setlist here.
  • While in Karjaa, take time to enjoy the beautiful Pumpviken Park and Billnäs Ironworks Village.

Norther

• Lauttasaari Island, Helsinki: The filming location of the Mirror of Madness music video. Could the video, more specifically, originate from the open-sea shores of Vattuniemi? Either way, it’s definitely worth a stroll there—the views from the southern shores of the island are stunning!

Noumena

• Nuuksio, Espoo: The filming location of the Kirouksen kantaja music video. At the end of the video, the band seems to be posing on the shore of the Haukanholma resting area, with the recognizable cliffs on the opposite shore in the background.

Psychework

• Hyyppäänvuori hill, Laukaa: The band photo featured in the liner notes of the Karelian Hills album was taken at the highly recognizable Hyyppäänvuori hill in Laukaa. The band hails from the same region, Jyväskylä.

Sabaton

• Winter War Memorials: Sabaton’s song Talvisota tells the story of the Winter War, fought when the Soviet Union invaded independent Finland in 1939. Against all odds, Finland held its ground and maintained its independence, using tactics like the “motti” (encirclement), which is mentioned in the song.
  • Winter War Museums: The Winter War Museum in Suomussalmi and the Winter War Museum in Kuhmo. Don’t miss the Museo Militaria and the Parola Armour Museum, both in Hämeenlinna area.
  • Winter War Monument, Suomussalmi: The monument at the Winter War Museum in Raatteenportti is a stunning memorial. The events at Raate Road had a significant impact on the course of the war, as Finnish forces successfully prevented the enemy from splitting Finland in half.
  • Kasarmitori, Helsinki: The National Winter War Memorial in Helsinki, named Valon Tuoja (He Who Brings the Light), features a base with 105 photos commemorating the Winter War.
  • The Salpa line: The Salpa Line was built after the Winter War to protect Finland from the Soviet Union. You can visit it at the Salpa Line-themed cycling route or explore the Salpa Line Museum in Miehikkälä.
• Kollaa and Simo Häyhä Museum, Rautjärvi: The song White Death is about legendary Finnish sniper Simo Häyhä, whose incredible feats are known worldwide. The song mentions, among other things, Häyhä’s practice of holding snow in his mouth to prevent his breath from forming visible vapor in the freezing cold air of the Winter War, helping him stay concealed from enemy soldiers. You can visit the Kollaa and Simo Häyhä Museum in his birthplace, Rautjärvi.

Sentenced

• Muhos: The band’s hometown, accessible by train from Oulu in about 30 minutes. If you have a car and want to explore nature, we recommend the Lemmenpolku Trail along the beautiful banks of the Oulujoki River, surrounded by stunning northern Finnish forests.
  • Muhos Square: The band has its own star on Muhos’s “Walk of Fame,” the Path of Stars, located in the town square.
  • Muhos Cemetery: The grave of Miika Tenkula.

Sonata Arctica

• Paavola Oak, Lohja: Filming location for Life (see below). The Paavola Oak, growing in the middle of a managed spruce forest in Lohjansaari Island, is admired by visitors from near and far. Often described as the most beautiful tree in Finland, it is reachable via a short nature trail through a lovely forest. Read more about the Paavola Oak.
• Espoo: Filming locations for Dark Empath, including the Urheilupuisto and Kivenlahti metro stations.
• Kemi: The band’s hometown in the Sea Lapland region. A unique destination combining the sea and the Baltic Archipelago with the charm of Lapland. Experienced sea kayakers will enjoy exploring Selkä-Sarvi Island, part of the Bothnian Bay National Park.

Stam1na

• Lemi: The band’s hometown, Lemi, is a noteworthy destination for metal fans as it won the title of Capital of Metal in 2018. The competition aimed to find the town with the most metal bands per capita. Lemi claimed victory, with Joensuu taking second place. This event, and the related Hellinna project, were covered by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • While in Lemi, don’t miss the chance to taste Särä, Finland’s oldest traditional dish—read more about it here.
  • Be sure to visit Lemi’s 18th-century wooden church, considered one of Europe’s most valuable wooden churches, and admire its stunning shingle roof.

Stone

• Aurinkomäki Park, Kerava: In the band’s hometown of Kerava, a commemorative plaque has been placed on a natural rock face in honor of the band. The plaque is located in Aurinkomäki Park and was unveiled in 2018.

Suotana

• Santavaara, Rovaniemi: Filming location for the Foreverland music video. Rovaniemi, Suotana’s hometown, is an interesting destination for fans of the band. From the top of Santavaara, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the expansive Lapland landscape, which is also featured in the video. At the summit, there’s a lean-to shelter where you can relax by a fire while watching the sunset.
• Vähäojanköngäs, Rovaniemi: Another filming location for the Foreverland music video. This hourglass-shaped waterfall is a distinctive and unique spot by Finnish standards. The forested falls are just a short walk of under 500 meters from the nearest road.

TIP! You can find all these locations on our map by using the filter to display the “A Metalhead’s Travel Guide To Finland” destinations.

Swallow the Sun

• Salla: The coordinates in the song 66,50’N, 28,40’E point to a traffic circle in the town of Salla. While the exact significance is not entirely clear to us, the location holds personal meaning to Juha Raivio.
  • For those seeking northern mysticism and inspiring fell nature, Salla is an excellent destination. Its national park and hiking trails rank among Finland’s finest. Read our story from Salla.

The 69 Eyes

• The Riff, Helsinki: Run by Jussi69 from The 69 Eyes, this bar is a go-to spot for local metalheads and a must-visit destination for metal fan visitors in Helsinki.

Timo Rautiainen & Trio Niskalaukaus

• Pakasaivo lake, Kolari: The filming location for the Hannukainen music video. The video, which takes an environmental stance, showcases broader landscapes from the Ylläs area as well as the controversial Hannukainen mine. At around 1:05, the scene most likely features the nearby Kirkkopahta seita stone.

Turisas

• Pukkisaari Iron Age Trading Village, Helsinki: Filming location for the Ten More Miles music video. This site is open to visitors on specific public and event days. Guided tours and workshops can also be arranged for groups. Learn more.

Valkeat

• Pukkisaari Iron Age Trading Village, Helsinki: Filming location for the Tribe music video.

Wintersun

• The forests and forest streams of Meri-Rastila and Vuosaari, Helsinki: This maritime forest landscape served as the inspiration for The Forest Seasons album. Jari Mäenpää, the band’s creative driving force, has even said that the album wouldn’t exist without these seaside forests of East Helsinki. Aside from the cover, the album’s illustrations also originate from these areas.

Zero Nine

• The Pieni Karhunkierros hiking trail (12 km), Kuusamo: The music video for Intrigue was filmed in the landscapes of Pieni Karhunkierros loop trail. This incredibly stunning hiking route is among the finest in Finland, featuring large rapids, rugged cliffs, and suspension bridges. Along the way, you might also spot reindeer and Siberian jays.

More tips!

• In Helsinki you’ll definitely want to see the stunning Sibelius Monument as well—Jean Sibelius, Finland’s national composer, was the great-grandfather of Lauri Porra, who is known as the bassist of Stratovarius.
• Be sure to check out the Levykauppa Äx record stores, as well as the store called Keltainen Jäänsärkijä (Yellow Icebreaker) in Helsinki—you might discover some amazing finds. With their selection, atmosphere, and staff, these stores make metalheads feel right at home.
  • The Levykauppa Äx chain originates from Kuopio, the region of Marko Hietala and Tarot. The Levykauppa Äx store in Kuopio has even been a pilgrimage site for the founder of Finland, Naturally. Without it, you wouldn’t be reading this article! Our editorial team has deep roots in metal. Nightwish and other metal bands are constantly playing on our stereos, and a significant portion of this website’s articles has been created with the power of metal music.

What’s missing from the list? Does any entry need clarification or corrections? Leave a comment below or send an email to [email protected]!

Read also

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The Salpa Line trail

Finland has 27 official national landscapes—here they are!