HELSINKI

Helsinki is Finland’s cultural, administrative, political and business center, home to many large companies and the largest employer in the country. The city was founded as a rival of Tallinn at the mouth of the Vantaanjoki River in 1550 and moved to its present location in 1640. Helsinki became the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland in 1812 and the capital of Finland in 1917.

 

 

The fortified islands of Suomenlinna are a part of Helsinki, which seems remote, but is in fact easy to reach by a 20-minute ferry ride, using the same ticket as for buses and trams. The fortress of Sveaborg (Swedish Castle) dominates the island. It was built in the mid 18th century to bar Russian access to the Baltic. 

LAPLAND

THE MAGICAL, MYTHICAL LAPLAND

Finnish Lapland is as close as reality gets to those who dream of a winter wonderland. Contrasts are a key factor in the allure of Lapland where 24-hour sunlight in the summer replaces the dark winter days. The hustle and bustle of towns and ski resorts is just minutes away from the peace and quiet of the wild wilderness.

The more traditional ways to go Aurora spotting are snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or snowmobile and sled dog touring. If gazing at the dark sky in crispy winter air is not your thing, you can simply add comfort. See the slideshow above for places that have made it very easy to keep cosy and sleep well under the Aurorae.

In the summer Finnish Lapland bathes in 24-hour sunlight for nearly three months. It is an incredible contrast to the darkest winter months when there is no sun at all. “Midnight sun”, as this phenomenon is called, calls for many activities such as hiking on the beautiful fells or visiting cultural events such as the Midnight Sun Film Festival in Sodankylä.

The Islands of Finland

Within Finland‘s borders there are 789 islands of over 1 km2 area. Most of these are inhabited, and with a road connection to the mainland. There are all together 75 818 islands over 0,5 km2 area in Finland and with all the smaller isles, the total number of islands in Finland is 178 947. Just the Archipelago sea alone has some 40000 islands!

The most famous islands are:

Åland, Vartiosaari, Replot, Seurasaari, Kaunisaari, Lonna, Uunisaari, Viikinsaari and Pihlajasaari.

 

Suomenlinna

You can go for a walking tour of the island or take a ferry ride for a conducted tour of Suomenlinna, Lonna, and Vallisaari from the island.

It is a must-visit site for all tourists whether you are going for an island tour or just want to explore the heritage sites of Finland.

 

 

Åland (Ahvenanmaa)

 

 

 Hameenlinna

 

 

 

Harbour of Helsinki

 

 

Lake Saimaa and Savonlinna

 

 

Archipelago National Park

Top Tourist Attractions in Finland

From the vibrant art-filled cities of Helsinki and Turku to the depths of the boreal forests and the thinly-inhabited outer archipelago, Finland remains one of the relatively unknown corners of Europe. While the cities and towns offer many unique cultural and historical attractions, the natural surroundings serve as a playground for both winter and summer activities.