Travel Destination: Finland
About Finland
Finland is the second most stable country in the world based on economic, political, social and military indicators while Helsinki, its largest city and capital, is the 2nd safest city in the world. International travellers marvel at its thousand lakes and islands, serene lifestyle and quiet charm. A cottage life by the lake is typical and traditional activities are barbecuing, swimming and going to sauna. If you’re a typical city denizen who wants a perfect getaway, this country welcomes you with open arms.
Natural attraction is the centrepiece of this country. Anybody who is longing for the warm wonders of it can simply whiz through its scenic landscape and get instant relaxation. Cool activities to indulge are fishing, bird- and animal-watching, boating, golf, yachting, kayaking, biking, hiking or just spending quality time in silence.
Finland is a sparsely populated country with a vast natural landscape that inspires varied opportunities. The Finnish lifestyle is perfect for off-the-beaten track adventures. Tourists are drawn to Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, Kuopio, Porvoo and Oulo.
Explore its enormous forests with all the birch, spruce and pines, its refreshing lakes and interesting wilderness. It has a thousand brown bear inhabitants. Elks and lynx are common too. Spotting reindeers is easy, just drive to the Arctic Circle, particularly Lapland. If you prefer to stay in Helsinki, expect to see large hares, red squirrels and pheasants. Foray to the nearby forest and you may get lucky to see flying squirrels.
Aside from its rich wilderness, Finland is also known for the scenic Aurora Borealis seen every winter in the northern Lapland region. The midnight sun, on the other hand, happens around Midsummer (between May and July) and you can experience this in Utsjoki, Ivalo, Sodankyla, Rovaniemi, Kuusamo and Kemi.
Just like a typical European country, Finland has impressive churches, cathedrals, castles and museums. Helsinki has great Grand Duchy era architecture which is very much like that of Saint Petersburg’s imperial style.
For some R&R, look forward to a nice sauna. You’ll not only feel rejuvenated but also learn about the Finnish bathing habits and rituals. Most hotels include this as part of the room price. A sauna tour can be an exciting activity if you want to experience more. Visit the Rajaportin sauna, the oldest public sauna in the country located in Tampere. It has been in business since 1906. There is a massotherapist on standby and a coffee room to complement that authentic Finnish sauna. Another oasis is the Lappeenranta Spa which soothes every visitor with one-of-a-kind pampering treatments complemented with magnificent view of the blue Lake Saimaa. Aside from sauna, it also offers spa, beauty and fitness treatments.
A country’s cuisine is always a joy to explore. Finnish cuisine is simple, healthy and fresh. It reflects Fennoscandian, Western Russian and European influences. Traditional dishes are cabbage rolls, game food, cold smoked fish, peasoup or Hernekeitto, Viili (yogurt like product), Lihapullat or their version or meatballs and pickled herring thrown in with small potatoes.
The Finnish vodka called Koskenkorva or the “Bitch Slammer” which is a concoction of vodka and sparkling wine is a national favourite. Other choices are mulled wine called Glogi, cloudberry liquor, cut brandy Jaloviina, Kilju home-brew, Sima which is a form of sweet mead, Pontikka is the Finnish moonshine and traditional beer Sahti.
Finland may appear to be less flamboyant than its western European counterpart but the mix of its traditional flavours, laidback lifestyle and natural attractions are enough to make it sparkle on its own.