With its vast pine forests, reindeers and elks, thousands of lakes, islands and igloos, Finland is one of the great arctic countries of northern Europe.
Bordering Sweden, Russia and Norway, this sparsely populated country has a rapidly growing tourist industry with visitors drawn to its national parks, to Lapland, the home of Father Christmas and the northern lights, Aurora Borealis, during the winter months.
With outdoor activities in the summer including fishing, kayaking, hiking and lake cruises it's really a country for those who love nature and majestic sweeping landscapes. And if all that fresh airs sounds a little too cool and breezy, there's always the Finnish sauna experience to revitalise you and shelter you from the snow.
Bordering Sweden, Russia and Norway, this sparsely populated country has a rapidly growing tourist industry with visitors drawn to its national parks, to Lapland, the home of Father Christmas and the northern lights, Aurora Borealis, during the winter months.
With outdoor activities in the summer including fishing, kayaking, hiking and lake cruises it's really a country for those who love nature and majestic sweeping landscapes. And if all that fresh airs sounds a little too cool and breezy, there's always the Finnish sauna experience to revitalise you and shelter you from the snow.
Sightseeing in Finland
Helsinki, the biggest city and capital is spread across various islands and connected by bridges. Head to the Senate Square and see the green dome of the Tuomiokirkko Cathedral, a hallmark of Helsinki architecture. In the city's cultural district make time to visit the National Museum of Finland, the Ateneum (the national gallery) and the Kiasma, a colourful contemporary art musuem.
Suomenlinna is an inhabited sea fortress and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site built across six islands in Helsinki. Its architecture, artists' studios and theatre make it a popular draw for tourists particulary during the summer when it is easily accessible by ferry.
Back in the wilderness, take a hike among the big forests and huge hills of the north of the country. The Arctic Circle hiking area includes Vaattunkivaara nature trail and Konkaanvaara ancient forest trail. With both under 10km in distance these trails are an ideal way to reconnect with nature amid vast panoramic landscapes.
Whilst still in the north visit the Mammut Snow Hotel in Kemi. Its huge snow castle and giant igloo doubling up as a hotel make it a fascinating place to stay, compounded by the aurora borealis, the captivating Northern Lights, which are visible during the winter months.
Lapland, the home of Santa Claus is also in the country's north and SantaPark is a great amusement park in Rovaniemi which the children will love.
If you visit Sonkajarvi at the right time of year expect to see something very bizarre. This is the home of Finland's annual wife carrying contest. It's a world championship event where competing countries and husbands have to carry their wives over a 253 metre obstacle course.
For something a little more sane, visit Turku, Finland's former capital and one of the oldest cities in the country located in the west . This is a University town, which houses 50 museums, as well as a Medieval Castle.
Helsinki, the biggest city and capital is spread across various islands and connected by bridges. Head to the Senate Square and see the green dome of the Tuomiokirkko Cathedral, a hallmark of Helsinki architecture. In the city's cultural district make time to visit the National Museum of Finland, the Ateneum (the national gallery) and the Kiasma, a colourful contemporary art musuem.
Suomenlinna is an inhabited sea fortress and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site built across six islands in Helsinki. Its architecture, artists' studios and theatre make it a popular draw for tourists particulary during the summer when it is easily accessible by ferry.
Back in the wilderness, take a hike among the big forests and huge hills of the north of the country. The Arctic Circle hiking area includes Vaattunkivaara nature trail and Konkaanvaara ancient forest trail. With both under 10km in distance these trails are an ideal way to reconnect with nature amid vast panoramic landscapes.
Whilst still in the north visit the Mammut Snow Hotel in Kemi. Its huge snow castle and giant igloo doubling up as a hotel make it a fascinating place to stay, compounded by the aurora borealis, the captivating Northern Lights, which are visible during the winter months.
Lapland, the home of Santa Claus is also in the country's north and SantaPark is a great amusement park in Rovaniemi which the children will love.
If you visit Sonkajarvi at the right time of year expect to see something very bizarre. This is the home of Finland's annual wife carrying contest. It's a world championship event where competing countries and husbands have to carry their wives over a 253 metre obstacle course.
For something a little more sane, visit Turku, Finland's former capital and one of the oldest cities in the country located in the west . This is a University town, which houses 50 museums, as well as a Medieval Castle.
Family attractions in Finland
Head up to Rovaniemi and visit Santa Claus's village on the Arctic Circle where it seems it is Christmas every day of the year. With special trips to visit the Santa Claus post office and see the reindeer, this is one of the most fun attractions for kids in the whole northern hemisphere.
The SantaPark also has some great rides including the imaginatively named Rudolph's Run, Magic Sleigh Ride and Santa's helicopters.
Alternatively try Moominworld, a fairytale world based on the Moomin books by Tove Jansson. It's got strange creatures set over two islands, Kailo and Vaski, in the southern town of Naantali and is one to enjoy between June and and August.
Helsinki Zoo or the arctic forests of Ranua Wildlife Park in Rovaniementie are also ideal attractions for children to learn more about the wildlife of the region, particularly the huskies, reindeers and snowy owls.
Head up to Rovaniemi and visit Santa Claus's village on the Arctic Circle where it seems it is Christmas every day of the year. With special trips to visit the Santa Claus post office and see the reindeer, this is one of the most fun attractions for kids in the whole northern hemisphere.
The SantaPark also has some great rides including the imaginatively named Rudolph's Run, Magic Sleigh Ride and Santa's helicopters.
Alternatively try Moominworld, a fairytale world based on the Moomin books by Tove Jansson. It's got strange creatures set over two islands, Kailo and Vaski, in the southern town of Naantali and is one to enjoy between June and and August.
Helsinki Zoo or the arctic forests of Ranua Wildlife Park in Rovaniementie are also ideal attractions for children to learn more about the wildlife of the region, particularly the huskies, reindeers and snowy owls.
Day trips around Finland
Venture out to the historic old wooden town of Porvoo and discover a picturesque settlement planned as far back as the Middle Ages. Red houses and seafaring stories abound here; it's an architectural wonder and the second oldest town in Finland.
Alternatively discover Finlan's natural wonders on a trip to Nuuksio National Park - just a 45 minute drive away from Helsinki. There are 38 lakes and pools here and the wildlife includes elk, deer and flying squirrels.
If you are feeling particularly adventurous, an ice fishing excursion should not be missed. Head to Ivalo airport in northern Finland and then onto Saariselka. Various companies are based in this area specialising in snow mobile, reindeer and husky safaris as well as ice fishing tours. Overnight stays in cabins can be arranged with fishing on various wild lakes throughout the region.
Venture out to the historic old wooden town of Porvoo and discover a picturesque settlement planned as far back as the Middle Ages. Red houses and seafaring stories abound here; it's an architectural wonder and the second oldest town in Finland.
Alternatively discover Finlan's natural wonders on a trip to Nuuksio National Park - just a 45 minute drive away from Helsinki. There are 38 lakes and pools here and the wildlife includes elk, deer and flying squirrels.
If you are feeling particularly adventurous, an ice fishing excursion should not be missed. Head to Ivalo airport in northern Finland and then onto Saariselka. Various companies are based in this area specialising in snow mobile, reindeer and husky safaris as well as ice fishing tours. Overnight stays in cabins can be arranged with fishing on various wild lakes throughout the region.
Eating out in Finland
In a country full of lakes and islands, seafood and freshwater fish are favourites on the menu. Salmon, whitefish and Baltic herring are popular in the summer and winter - although they're usually fished for under thick ice sheets that cover the water in the winter.
Traditional dishes vary regionally and it is recommended that you order a la carte from the menu. In Lapland that may mean feasting on reindeer meat, Lapp puikula potatoes and various berries whereas Kareila food, found in the eastern regions, is more casserole based.
In Helsinki, as well as Finnish food there are Russian, Asian and Italian restaurants to cater to different tastes. Among the good Finnish resturants in the capital are Lappi, Elite and the Restaurant Palace (also offering good views of the harbour). Demo at Undenmaankatu 11 is also highly rated but booking in advance is essential. Kauppahalli is the Old Market Hall in Helsinki and is a good place to pick up snacks when out and about.
In a country full of lakes and islands, seafood and freshwater fish are favourites on the menu. Salmon, whitefish and Baltic herring are popular in the summer and winter - although they're usually fished for under thick ice sheets that cover the water in the winter.
Traditional dishes vary regionally and it is recommended that you order a la carte from the menu. In Lapland that may mean feasting on reindeer meat, Lapp puikula potatoes and various berries whereas Kareila food, found in the eastern regions, is more casserole based.
In Helsinki, as well as Finnish food there are Russian, Asian and Italian restaurants to cater to different tastes. Among the good Finnish resturants in the capital are Lappi, Elite and the Restaurant Palace (also offering good views of the harbour). Demo at Undenmaankatu 11 is also highly rated but booking in advance is essential. Kauppahalli is the Old Market Hall in Helsinki and is a good place to pick up snacks when out and about.
Nightlife in Finland
Bars in Finland don't usually get busy until 10pm or 11pm and then usually remain open until about 5am. In Helsinki the area of Kallio is good for a bar crawl with clubs including the Kola Bar and Liberte great for live gigs. There's even a Molly Malone's Irish pub in Helsinki and O'Connell's Irish bar in Tampere, should you fancy something a little more familiar.
Pick up a copy of the free Helsinki Guide when you arrive for listings of what events are on throughout the city.
In a land where the sun shines almost endlessly throughout summer, during the winter months there are few better ways to spend the evening than watching the Northern Lights. Ideally head to the Saariselka region of Lapland between September and April for this impressive arctic sideshow.
Bars in Finland don't usually get busy until 10pm or 11pm and then usually remain open until about 5am. In Helsinki the area of Kallio is good for a bar crawl with clubs including the Kola Bar and Liberte great for live gigs. There's even a Molly Malone's Irish pub in Helsinki and O'Connell's Irish bar in Tampere, should you fancy something a little more familiar.
Pick up a copy of the free Helsinki Guide when you arrive for listings of what events are on throughout the city.
In a land where the sun shines almost endlessly throughout summer, during the winter months there are few better ways to spend the evening than watching the Northern Lights. Ideally head to the Saariselka region of Lapland between September and April for this impressive arctic sideshow.
Shopping in Finland
Anttila, Sokos and Stockmann, are the department stores to watch out for. Stockmann has branches in Helsinki, Tampere, Turku and Oulu. Rugs and wall hangings are popular as are Marimekko textiles, Kalevala jewellery and vodka and berry-based liquors.
The Kauppatori is the main market square in Helsinki, a good place to buy fish and other local produce and is situated on the South Harbour Quay. Kamppi is the latest shopping centre to open in Helsinki, found directly above Kamppi station.
The Sami villages of Inari and Hetta offer a good selection of Sami or lappish gifts; mainly handicraft items and wollen clothing
Anttila, Sokos and Stockmann, are the department stores to watch out for. Stockmann has branches in Helsinki, Tampere, Turku and Oulu. Rugs and wall hangings are popular as are Marimekko textiles, Kalevala jewellery and vodka and berry-based liquors.
The Kauppatori is the main market square in Helsinki, a good place to buy fish and other local produce and is situated on the South Harbour Quay. Kamppi is the latest shopping centre to open in Helsinki, found directly above Kamppi station.
The Sami villages of Inari and Hetta offer a good selection of Sami or lappish gifts; mainly handicraft items and wollen clothing
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