Finland
Finland, located in northern Europe, is often called "The Land of a Thousand Lakes." It is a synthesis of cutting-edge technology and pristine nature, centuries-old traditions and modern design. Finland ranks first in the world in the number of lakes relative to its area: there are not a thousand, but about 188,000 of them here, accounting for almost 10% of the country`s territory.
In summer, thanks to its northern location, the period of the midnight sun arrives in Lapland, when the sun does not set below the horizon, and in winter, these same latitudes become the best stage for one of the most impressive natural phenomena — the Northern Lights.
Historically, the country was influenced by both the West and the East: as part of the Swedish Kingdom for seven centuries (from the 12th to the early 19th century), it adopted Western law and Lutheranism, and later, as an autonomous Grand Duchy within the Russian Empire (1809-1917), it received an impulse for the development of its own culture.
After gaining independence in 1917, Finland made a rapid leap from an agrarian country to one of the world leaders in technology, design, and education, without losing its deep connection with nature — a true national value.
The Most Picturesque Cities in Finland
Helsinki: The capital, "Daughter of the Baltic." Here, the imperial classicism of Senate Square coexists with the avant-garde Kamppi Chapel of Silence, and the bustle of the Kauppatori market gives way to the peace of the island fortress Suomenlinna (UNESCO). This is a city of design districts, sea views, and the Scandinavian culinary boom.
Turku: The first capital, the oldest city. Turku Castle and the Gothic Turku Cathedral are silent witnesses to the Swedish era. The atmospheric banks of the Aura River with sailboats and restaurants are the summer heart of the city. In December, Turku transforms into the official "Christmas capital" of Finland.
Porvoo: An idyllic "town on the river," half an hour from Helsinki. Its hallmark is a row of bright red wooden riverside warehouses on the Porvoonjoki River. Cobblestone streets, old houses, and cozy cafes create a postcard image. The national poet J.L. Runeberg worked here.
Rauma (UNESCO): The third oldest city with one of the largest and best-preserved wooden historical centers in Northern Europe. Lace curtains, brightly colored houses in the neo-Renaissance style, and a living craft heritage (especially lace-making) make a stroll here a journey into the 19th century.
Savonlinna: The pearl of the Lake District region. Against a backdrop of picturesque lake scenery rises the formidable and beautiful Olavinlinna Castle (15th century) — the best-preserved medieval castle in Northern Europe, famous for its annual opera festival.
Rovaniemi: The official gateway to Lapland and the hometown of Santa Claus. The Arctic Circle runs through here, and SantaPark and Santa Claus Village are magnets for families from all over the world. Modern architecture, like the Arktikum building, tells the story of life in the North.
National Parks and Natural Wonders
The right of public access to nature ("jokamiehenoikeus") is the foundation of the Finnish worldview. There are 41 national parks, and they are free to visit.
Nuuksio National Park: Just 40 minutes from Helsinki. A benchmark of Finnish taiga: coniferous forests, rocky ridges, blue lakes, and marshes. Ideal for short hikes, berry and mushroom picking, and spotting flying squirrels.
The Lake District (Saimaa lake system): The heart of Finland. Endless expanses of water dotted with islands. Punkaharju is a unique seven-kilometre ridge of sandy eskers and pines dividing the lakes. Linnansaari is the realm of the rare Saimaa ringed seal. The best way to experience the region is a cruise on an old steamship or renting a lakeside cottage.
Lapland (Urho Kekkonen National Park, Lemmenjoki, Pallas-Yllästunturi): Vast fells, treeless tundra of Europe`s last wilderness. Multi-day hiking routes are laid out here (e.g., the Karasjok Trail), home to reindeer, moose, and brown bears. Lemmenjoki National Park ("River of Love") is the largest in the country.
The Arctic Archipelago: Bothnian Bay National Park (Sana and the Kvarken Archipelago) offers the stark beauty of rocky islands, lighthouses, and seabird colonies. Accessible by boat from the city of Kemi.
Natural Attractions:
Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis): Visible from September to March in Lapland. The best places are Kilpisjärvi, Ivalo, Utsjoki, where light pollution is minimal.
The "Orvankirkko" Ice Cave in Pyhä-Luosto National Park: A 35-meter ice cave formed inside a giant crack in the rock.
The Vallinkoski Waterfall in Kuusamo: Not the tallest, but one of the most powerful and picturesque free-flowing waterfalls.
Finland for Tourists: A Unique Experience at the Intersection of Nature and Culture
What makes Finland interesting? It is a country of extreme yet comfortable experiences. Here, you can disconnect from the world in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights and visit a high-tech museum the next day.
It is the birthplace of design (Marimekko, Iittala, Artek) and architecture (Alvar Aalto, Suomenlinna). It is a country of silence and personal space, where even popular spots are not crowded. And finally, it is a kingdom of culinary simplicity and purity: wild berries, Arctic fish, reindeer meat, and rye bread.
What to Do in Finland in Summer
• Lakeside Getaway: Renting a cottage with a sauna on the shore is a sacred ritual. Swimming, fishing, kayaking, evening sauna with a plunge into the lake.
• Hiking and "Forest Foraging": Thousands of kilometres of marked trails are laid out. From late July, the forests are full of blueberries, raspberries, cloudberries, and from August — mushrooms (chanterelles, porcini).
• Cycling Tours: From rides around Helsinki`s islands (Suomenlinna, Seurasaari) to multi-day routes through the Archipelago Sea (Turku-Naantali).
• Festivals: Juhannus (Midsummer celebration with bonfires and sauna), the Savonlinna Opera Festival, music festivals like Flow (Helsinki) and Ruisrock (Turku).
• Archipelago Cruises: From Turku or Naantali on vintage sailing ships or modern liners among thousands of skerry islands.
What to Do in Finland in Winter
• Northern Lights Hunting: Snowmobile safaris, overnight stays in glass igloos (e.g., in Levi or Kakslauttanen), guided tours.
• Winter Sports: Downhill ski resorts Levi, Ylläs, Ruka with long seasons. Dog sledding and reindeer sleigh rides are unforgettable adventures.
• Ice Adventures: Winter swimming in an ice hole after a sauna, a cruise on the icebreaker "Sampo" in Kemi with a dip in the icy sea in a dry suit, an overnight stay in an Ice Hotel (Kemi or at a ski resort).
• Meeting Santa Claus: The magic of Rovaniemi, where you can send a letter from the Arctic Circle, ride a reindeer sleigh, and feel the Christmas spirit.
• Snow Hikes and Snowshoeing: The quiet world of a snow-covered forest, where you can see animal tracks on the perfectly white snow.
Finland offers not a list of attractions, but a set of states of being: peace by the lake, excitement on a mountain slope, awe before a radiant sky, and coziness in a wooden cottage after a sauna. It is a country you want to return to at any time of year.
