Finland is a country in northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland. It is a Nordic country which is situated in the geographical region of Fennoscandia. The Capital of Finland is Helsinki. Other big cities are Tampere, Oulu, Turku, Espoo and Vantaa. It borders Sweden to the West, Russia to the East, Norway to the North and Estonia to the South. It has a population of about 5.5 million people with most of its inhabitants living in the big southern cities. 87% of the population speak Finish as first Langauge, while 5.2% speak Swedish. Finish and Swedish are the two official languages. Finland is the eight largest country in Europe but it is the most sparsely populated country in the European union. Most of the surface area of Finland is covered by lakes and natural forest, filled with varied species of mammals, birds and fish. If you are an adventurous person who loves traveling and enjoying the beauty of nature and also love to try new things, Finland is the place for you. Find below the 10 best places to visit in Finland.
1. The Santa Park in Rovaniemi
Here you will meet Mr. and Mrs. Santa who both live in Rovaniemi. News has it that Santa Claus was born on Finland. You can experience the original winter wonderland in the Santa Park. Also you can cross the Arctic Circle through an underground tunnel. You can also enroll in the Elf school and learn how to ride the elf and reindeer . Lastly Santa and wife will teach you how to make Finish traditional ginger bread treats.
2. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Located in Lapland, Kakslauttanen is a world renown Arctic Resort, It is one of the worlds best places to watch the northern lights. The best time to visit it, is during the autumn, but they are still visible through out the aurora season, autumn and winter seasons. From the comfort of your double glazed roof/room you can have a breath taking view of the northern lights and also view the stars and delve into the Lapish wilderness. You can also go on a wolves ride.
3. Visit Olavinlinna
Olavinlinna is a castle in Savonlinna which dates back to the 15th Century, it is famous for it’s 3 towers which were built on a rock in the center of a glassy lake, to make it more protective during long war years. The tour guides can take you through the Castle
4. Skiing in Levi
Location of the Alpine World Cup Skiing yearly race, it is the best skiing resort in Finland. It has 26 ski lifts, 43 different slopes, 124 miles of trails , cross country ski sections and black runs for downhill skiers. If you love snow boarding, there is a dedicated snowboarding park in the resort.
5. Lampivaara Amethysts Mine
If you don’t mind digging, be a miner for a day by digging for amethysts at the Lampivaara Amethysts mine. The Amethysts Fell dates back 200 millions years ago and it is the only surviving mine of its kind in Europe at the moment. A journey to the mine can be through a hike or a snowmobile through the Pyha-luosto National Park to the hill side where the mine is located. While at the mine, you can dig for your self and are free to keep the amethysts found so far as the size is about that of a fist.
6. Helsinki Zoo
Opened in 1889, it is one of the oldest Zoos in the world. It is located in Korkeasaari Island , it has about 150 different species of animals and about 1000 different kinds of plants. It has a surface area of about 52 acres and the Zoo is packed full of animals such as Camels, Bears, Wolverines, Monkeys and Lions. It is divide in to 3 main sections, Amazonia, Africasia and Borealia . Lastly it has Nordic animals such as wolves, bears, reindeer, elks and bison. If you are traveling with family, this will be a good place to visit.
7. Archipelago National Park
Inaugurated in 1983, the park is full of Finish, Swedish and Russian heritage. It is surrounded by a limpid sea. Boats rentals are available if you want to experience the fauna and flora, aquatic life, seals, sea geese and spot-fishing.
8. Seurasaari Open-air Museum
Keen to know about the traditional life of Finland in the olden days, it will be good to visit the Seurasaari Open Air Museum which is just a stone throw away from Helsinki. It has 87 different buildings which dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, it has manors, traditional folk houses and farm buildings. The local guide can get you into the mood by making it possible to dress up in period garp and learn/participate in the traditional craft of embroidery and spinning and also folk dancing and food.
9. Suomenlinna
Go for a picnic in Suomenlinna, on a day trip on a ferry from Helsinki. It is a designated UNESCO heritage site which was built in 1748, which was originally constructed by the Swedes before being captured by the Russians. It is packed full of old historic war time machines, underground bunkers, old submarines, old machine guns and a museum. It has green grass fields ideal for an outdoor picnic, be it for an individual, couple, group of friends and whole family. There are so many sea geese who will come for anything edible.
10. The Snow Castle of Kemi
Located in Kemi, on the seafront, by the Gulf of Bothnia in Finland, is an eccentric seasonal seafront hotel which is sculpted every winter from snow and ice. Its just a 15 minutes walk from Kemi gallery and a 2km walk from the Kemi train station. It has igloo rooms for overnight stays, a snow restaurant and spa. The rooms are well equipped with showers, beds and toilets as well.
By Anna Obayam