Discover Finland's wide open spaces, lakes and arctic mystery, as well as its
urban sophistication. Catch the midnight sun, the Northern Lights and the
icy northern wilderness. You'll appreciate the huge contrast with the busy
capital, Helsinki, and the stimulating cultural attractions of provincial cities
like Tampere. You might know Finland as the traditional home of Santa Claus and
Tove Janssen's classic children's characters, the Moomins. But learn
about its most famous composer, Sibelius, who is celebrated throughout the country.
Background
A prosperous and progressive, yet sparsely populated, nation on the northern fringe
of Europe, Finland won its independence from Russia in 1917. You'll notice
the influence of its eastern neighbour throughout its cities - distinctive Orthodox
churches vie for attention with contemporary architecture. But escape the few urban
centres and you'll soon find yourself in vast open spaces, natural forests,
and lakelands in the south. In the arctic north the ancient Sami
culture takes over, with herds of reindeer wandering the tundra.
Urban
Start with elegant Helsinki and take in its grand boulevards, Sibelius
Monument, dedicated to the composer, and the city's striking white
Neoclassical Cathedral. Head to the inland city of Tampere for a taste
of Finnish arts and culture, especially its annual theatre festival each August.
Visit the west coast of Finland to explore Rauma's UNESCO-listed Old
Town, but also go south to see the former capital of Turku with its medieval
castle and cathedral.
Rural
Finland is a land of almost 200,000 lakes, mainly in the south, and
nearly as many islands and coniferous forests. In the summer, you can cruise on
boats through the southern Saimaa Lake District or hire a lakeside cottage
for hiking through the Linnansaari and Kolovesi National Parks. Travel north
to Rovaniemi and Utsjoki in the semi-autonomous Arctic Sami region,
where life is based on reindeer herding, hunting and fishing. In the bitter north,
you can marvel at the spectacle of the Northern Lights, and in summer
experience 24-hour daylight. Or go skiing and snow-shoeing through the forested
wilderness of Lappland.
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