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What Makes Tourism in Finland So Special?

Finland isn’t the first European country most people think of, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a unique blend of pristine wilderness, modern cities, and a long, rich history. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just someone looking to experience something different, Finland offers a little bit of everything.

Quick Overview of Finland

Finland is located in Northern Europe, bordered by Sweden to the west, Russia to the east, and Norway to the north. It has a population of around 5.5 million people, making it one of the least crowded countries in Europe. The official language is Finnish, although Swedish is also widely spoken in some areas. Most Finns speak excellent English, so you won’t have trouble communicating.

The currency is the Euro (€), which makes it easy to travel to Finland if you’re coming from another Eurozone country. Finland is famous for being one of the happiest countries in the world, consistently near the top in global happiness surveys.

The Culture of Finland

Finnish culture is unique. Finns are known for their directness and honesty. They don’t mince words, and they don’t see the point in small talk. In social interactions, silence isn’t considered awkward. It’s more like a comfortable pause during which people reflect and think before speaking.

One big thing to know about the Finns? They love nature. Finland has over 180,000 lakes and nearly as many islands. Whether you’re into hiking, canoeing, or skiing, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities. Many Finns maintain summer cottages in the countryside, where they can relax and enjoy the beauty of the natural landscape.

The sauna is a staple of Finnish culture. Almost every household has one, and it plays a central role in social gatherings. Finns take their sauna time seriously. Just remember: most people prefer to hit the sauna naked, but if you’re uncomfortable, simply ask if it’s okay to wear a towel.

A Brief History of Finland

Finland has an intriguing history. For much of its past, Finland was under Swedish and Russian rule. It wasn’t until 1917 that Finland gained independence, and since then, it has worked hard to establish its own national identity. Despite its turbulent beginnings, Finland remained neutral during many conflicts, including World War II.

Major Cities

Helsinki: The Capital

Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland. It’s a modern, vibrant place that blends new with traditional. You can spend days wandering its streets, exploring art galleries, museums, and historical sites like the Helsinki Cathedral or the Suomenlinna fortress.

One interesting thing about Helsinki is its design district. Finland is renowned for its design, especially when it comes to furniture and architecture. In Helsinki, you’ll find streets full of local boutiques and galleries showcasing Finnish talent.

Don’t miss the seaside! Helsinki is right on the coast of the Baltic Sea, and it’s worth taking a ferry to one of the nearby islands for an afternoon of exploring or a simple walk by the water.

Espoo

Espoo is right next to Helsinki and makes up part of the capital region. If you’re looking for nature without straying too far from the capital, Espoo is the place to be. It’s known for its national parks, specifically Nuuksio, where you can go hiking and enjoy Finland’s famous forests.

Turku

Turku is the oldest city in Finland and once served as the country’s capital. Today, Turku is known for its historical landmarks like Turku Castle and its charming Riverside district. It’s also a great place to explore Finland’s Archipelago, a network of thousands of small islands in the Baltic Sea.

Tampere

Tampere is Finland’s third-largest city and is a hub for culture and technology. It’s known for its vibrant theater scene, and you’ll find plenty of festivals and live music events. The city itself sits between two lakes, and like most places in Finland, there’s plenty of nature to enjoy nearby.

Natural Highlights

Lapland

Lapland is in the northern part of Finland and is one of the most magical places in Europe, especially in winter. If you’re lucky, you can catch the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) during the colder months. Lapland is also home to the indigenous Sámi people, who have a long history of living off the land in this harsh but beautiful region.

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Another reason many travelers head to Lapland? Santa Claus. Yes, you can visit Santa’s official home in Rovaniemi, the capital of the Lapland region. While the touristy side of things can feel a bit cheesy, it’s something fun to do if you’re traveling with kids.

Besides Santa, Lapland is perfect if you want to experience the arctic wilderness. You can take part in snowshoeing, dog sledding, or even stay in an igloo hotel. And don’t forget to try reindeer meat, one of the local food traditions.

The Archipelago

Finland’s Archipelago is one of the largest in the world, with over 20,000 islands. Many of these islands are easily accessible from Turku, where you can island-hop by ferry. If you’re a fan of cycling, the Archipelago is one of the best places in Europe to bike during the summer months.

Things to Do in Finland

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy in Finland, whether you’re indoors or outdoors. For nature lovers, national parks like Koli, Oulanka, and Pyhä-Luosto are great spots for trekking all year round.

In the winter, Finland transforms into a snowy wonderland. Skiing and snowboarding are popular, especially in Lapland, and if you’ve never tried cross-country skiing, this is the place to do it. During the summer, you can enjoy peaceful activities like berry-picking or kayaking on one of Finland’s many lakes.

Sauna Culture

No trip to Finland would be complete without trying out the sauna. The sauna experience isn’t meant to be rushed; it’s a time to relax. Your best bet is to ask a Finn how to do it properly since sauna etiquette is serious business here.

Visit a Reindeer Farm

While you’re in Lapland, head to a traditional reindeer farm. You’ll get an up-close look at how Finns have lived alongside these animals for hundreds of years. Most of these farms offer sleigh rides, which can be fun in the winter.

Food and Drink

Finnish cuisine is a mix of traditional ingredients like fish, game, and wild berries, combined in simple yet hearty dishes. Rye bread is a common food here, and if you’re brave, try the Finnish specialty “salmiakki,” a strong salted licorice that can take some getting used to.

For something a little more filling, try “karjalanpiirakka,” a savory rice pie. You’ll find it served all over the country, often with a spread made from eggs and butter. If you’re an adventurous eater, sample some reindeer meat, which is most often served grilled or stewed.

Alcohol-wise, Finland is known for its beer and a spirit called “koskenkorva,” which is similar to vodka. Be aware that alcohol in Finland can be expensive due to high taxes, so it’s not always a cheap night out.

When to Visit

Winter in Finland is magical but cold. If you want to see the Northern Lights or experience dog-sledding, visit between December and March. Summer, on the other hand, is milder, and you’ll experience the “midnight sun” if you visit the far north during June and July.

If you’re a fan of festivals, there’s lots to check out, particularly in summer. The highlight is “Juhannus,” or the Midsummer Festival, where Finns head to their summer cottages to celebrate the long summer days with bonfires and outdoor activities.

Finland might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a trip, but it should be. It’s a country with a little bit of everything: history, nature, unique local culture, and more peace and quiet than you can imagine.

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