Europe
Finland
Finland, a Northern European nation, is a land of midnight sun, where the Northern Lights illuminate the winter skies. It's home to the capital Helsinki, with its diverse architecture and the 18th-century sea fortress Suomenlinna. The Northern Lapland region is renowned for its Arctic landscapes and for being the homeland of the semi-nomadic Sami people.
Frequently asked questions
Åland Islands
The Åland Islands or Åland is an archipelago province at the entrance to the Gulf of Bothnia. The islands are a predominantly Swedish-speaking autonomous region of Finland. Nature is everywhere in Åland with its 6,700 named islands and additional 20,000 smaller rocky islands and islets. Perfect for family trips. Beginners and experienced fishermen will also appreciate Åland, which is one of the best places for fishing in the Baltic Sea.
Vaasa
Vaasa is a city on the west coast of Finland, offering a mix of old and new attractions for visitors. It is the sunniest city in Finland with a plethora of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. Vaasa is also a city with a rich cultural history, as it was once the capital of Finland.
Savonlinna
Savonlinna is a city situated in the southeast of Finland, in the heart of the Saimaa lake region. The city is best known for its annual Opera Festival held at the medieval Olavinlinna Castle. The picturesque beauty of the lakes and wooden architecture offers a charming environment.
Helsinki
The capital of Finland, Helsinki, is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. It's home to many museums, including the National Museum of Finland and the Helsinki Art Museum. The city is also famous for its historic architecture, such as the Helsinki Cathedral and the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. Additionally, Helsinki offers beautiful parks, a bustling market square, and a lively nightlife scene.
Rauma
Rauma is a city located on the west coast of Finland. It is known for its unique and well-preserved wooden architecture in the old town, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city offers a distinctive charm with its cobbled streets, historic wooden buildings, and a beautiful waterfront.
Oulu
Oulu – Northern Finland’s largest city. Located about 400 kilometers north of Helsinki, Oulu attracts visitors with its modern vibe and various tech events. The city’s architecture features a fascinating variety of old wooden houses and contemporary animate structures. It's a unique destination for both tech-heads and nature enthusiasts.
Hanko
Hanko is a charming seaside town located on the southern coast of Finland. Known for its beautiful archipelago, breathtaking beaches, and historical sites, it's a popular destination for nature and history enthusiasts. The town is also famous for housing the southernmost point in Finland.
Turku
Turku is the oldest city in Finland, rich with history and culture. Located at the mouth of the Aura river, it's a lively university town with a vibrant night scene. Famous sights include the medieval Turku Castle, Turku Cathedral, and the Archipelago Sea with thousands of islands.
Kuusamo
Kuusamo is a town located in the north-east of Finland. Popular among nature enthusiasts, its proximity to Oulanka National Park makes it an ideal spot for hiking and enjoying the beautiful Finnish wilderness. It is also known for its magnificent waterfalls and vast ski resorts. Winter activities like snowmobiling and dog sledding also become accessible here during the colder months.
Inari
Inari is a municipality in Lapland, Finland. It's known for the Northern Lights, outdoor activities and the indigenous Sami culture. The village is a gateway to the vast wilderness of Finland's Northern Lapland with pristine pine forests, rivers, and a chain of 300 islands.
Kuopio
Kuopio is a vibrant city in the heart of Finland's beautiful Lakeland region. It is known for its picturesqueness, distinctive traditions and the Puijo Tower. It also offers various outdoor activities like boating, fishing, skiing and ice skating. The city's music and dance festivals are well-renowned across Finland.
Porvoo
Porvoo, also known as Borgå in Swedish, is one of the oldest towns in Finland. Dates back to the 13th century, the city is famous for its well-preserved, wooden structures in the Old Town. The red warehouses along the Porvoo River are a distinctive landmark and highly photographed in Finland. The town's cathedral, boutiques, art exhibitions and museums also contribute to Porvoo's allure.
Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park
Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park, located in Finnish Lapland, is the third largest national park in Finland and offers stunning natural scenery. The park, known for its vibrant wildlife, rich flora, and clear lakes, is a favorite destination for hikers and nature lovers. It is also famous for having some of the cleanest air in the world.
Kemi
Kemi is a town and municipality of Finland in the province of Lapland. It's best known for its SnowCastle, the world's largest snow fort, rebuilt every winter. Kemi also has a bustling port and is a gateway to the raw beauty of the far north.
Koli
A small village in Finland, Koli is best known for its National Park. The place features several nature trails, caves, and panoramic lake views that are sure to captivate any nature lover's heart. The Koli Hills, highest point in Southern Finland, offers breathtaking views of Lake Pielinen. It's also home to some of Finland's oldest and tallest trees.
Tampere
Tampere, situated between two lakes, Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi, offers scenic natural surroundings. The city is known for its industrial history resulting in a unique, charming cityscape with red brick walls. The city is enhanced by its vibrant cultural life with numerous theatres and attractions like the Särkänniemi amusement park.
Oulanka
Oulanka National Park is a unique and versatile combination of northern, southern and eastern nature. The park is part of the European-wide Natura 2000 network due to its valuable natural features. In the valleys of the park, there are lush herb-rich forests and on the hill slopes, pine heathlands. Wild rivers have been carving the landscape, and the longest free-flowing rivers in Finland, the Oulanka and Kitka Rivers, flow in the park.
Rovaniemi
Despite being the rightful home of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi is so much more than just Christmas. It's the modern capital of Lapland with bustling nightlife and well-oiled tourism machinery. It's a place where you can explore the Baltic wilderness in the day and bask in the euphoria of the Northern Lights, at the same time appreciate contemporary Finnish architecture by Alvar Aalto.
Urho Kekkonen National Park
The Urho Kekkonen National Park is one of Finland's largest protected areas, known for its unique and diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes. It provides endless opportunities for hiking and winter sports. It's named after Urho Kekkonen, former President of Finland and a keen outdoorsman.
Lahti
Lahti, situated on the shores of Lake Vesijärvi, is Finland’s ninth largest city and a hub for winter sports. It’s home to an impressive ski jump tower, a medieval stone church and several fascinating museums related to Finnish culture and history. The city also offers excellent shopping and dining opportunities, with a particular emphasis on local Finnish produce.