Finland

The Republic of Finland is located in northern Europe between Sweden and Russia.  It shares borders with Sweden to the west, Norway to the north, Russia to the east, and the Baltic Sea coast to the south.  The country is mostly low-lying and very scenic with many rivers, lakes, marshes and forested areas.  There are some higher areas in the NW of the country in Lapland.

The capital and largest city is Helsinki, and other major cities include Tampere, Vantaa, Turku and Espoo.  Currency is the Euro.  Finnish and Swedish are the official languages with some Russian and (Lapp) Sami-speaking communities.  Finland joined the EU in 1995 and a few years late adopted the Euro.

Finland is not a major tourist destination but that makes for its charm.  There are plenty of winter sports resorts, and during summer you will find plenty of natural beauty which is devoid of crowds.  The Baltic Sea coast offers opportunities for water sports such as sailing and fishing, or you could travel to see reindeer in the north of the country.  How about a new experience… sleeping in a room that is made of snow – like a modern-day igloo?   Or you could visit at the right times to see the Northern Lights or experience days when the sun doesn’t set.

With a third of the country lying above the Artic Circle, in winter Finland receives plenty of snowfall and there are locations throughout the country for skiing, dog sledding, skating, snowmobiling, cross country, and just about any type of fun in the snow you can imagine.   How about trying a reindeer safari in Finish Lapland?  That would make a holiday to remember. 

www.visitfinland.com

Helsinki

Helsinki is the capital of Finland.  Located in the south of the country on the Gulf of Finland, it sits on a peninsula surrounded by islands.  It is a port city and the main commercial centre for the country. 

Landmarks and attractions include the National Opera House, art museum, folk museum.  Helsinki has grown from its small fishing town roots to be a lively city with plenty of good shopping, restaurants and nightlife.  The ancient fortress of Suomenlinna on the coast is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site - spanning four islands connected by bridges.  Ferries are available to visit this site.

European Guide

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Rebublic
• Denmark
• England
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Holland
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Malta
• The Netherlands
• Northern Ireland
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Russia
• Scotland
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Turkey
• Wales