Travel guide to Finland
Finland is a country of natural beauty, history, and culture. It is a place where you can witness the Northern Lights, experience the midnight sun, explore the unspoiled wilderness, and enjoy the vibrant city life. Finland is a year-round destination with something for everyone. In this travel guide to Finland, we will explore some of the top destinations, activities, and tips for travelers.
Helsinki:
Helsinki is the capital city of Finland, located on the southern coast of the country. It is a modern city with a rich history and culture. The best way to explore the city is by foot or bicycle. Some of the top attractions in Helsinki include:
- Helsinki Cathedral: A neoclassical cathedral located in the heart of the city, it is a must-visit for all travelers.
- Suomenlinna Fortress: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this fortress was built in the 18th century and is located on an island off the coast of Helsinki.
- Market Square: A bustling market square located in the heart of the city, it is a great place to try local food and buy souvenirs.
- Temppeliaukio Church: A unique church built directly into solid rock, it is a popular attraction for tourists.
Lapland:
Lapland is a region located in the northern part of Finland, famous for its winter wonderland scenery, Northern Lights, and Santa Claus Village. Some of the top attractions in Lapland include:
- Rovaniemi: The capital city of Lapland, it is home to the Santa Claus Village, Arktikum museum, and the Ranua Wildlife Park.
- Levi: A popular ski resort town located in the heart of Lapland, it is a great place to enjoy winter sports and experience the Northern Lights.
- Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort: A unique resort located in the middle of Lapland’s wilderness, it is famous for its glass igloos, where you can witness the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own bed.
Summer Activities:
Finland is not just a winter destination, but it is also a perfect place to visit during the summer months. Some of the top summer activities include:
- Cruise the Archipelago: Finland has the largest archipelago in the world, with over 40,000 islands, making it a perfect place to take a cruise.
- Visit Lake Saimaa: The largest lake in Finland, Lake Saimaa is a great place to enjoy water sports, fishing, and swimming.
- Hiking in Lapland: Lapland is not just a winter wonderland, but it is also a great place to go hiking during the summer months. You can explore the unspoiled wilderness, witness the midnight sun, and enjoy the fresh air.
Tips for Travelers:
- Learn some Finnish phrases: Even though most Finns speak English, it is always appreciated if you make an effort to learn some basic Finnish phrases.
- Dress appropriately: The weather in Finland can be unpredictable, so it is always best to bring warm clothes, even during the summer months.
- Try the local cuisine: Finland is famous for its seafood, berries, and reindeer meat. Make sure to try some of the local delicacies during your trip.
In conclusion, Finland is a beautiful country with something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or adventure, Finland has it all. Make sure to include some of these destinations and activities in your travel itinerary to make your trip to Finland an unforgettable one.
What we don’t know about Finland
Despite being a well-known tourist destination, there are still many things that most people don’t know about Finland. Here are some interesting facts that you may not have known about Finland:
- Finland is the happiest country in the world: According to the World Happiness Report, Finland has been ranked as the happiest country in the world for several years in a row.
- Finland has the most saunas per capita in the world: Saunas are an essential part of Finnish culture, with over 5 million saunas for a population of just over 5 million people.
- Finland has a national day for failure: October 13th is celebrated as “Failure Day” in Finland, where people are encouraged to share their failures and learn from them.
- The Finnish education system is among the best in the world: Finland’s education system consistently ranks among the top in the world, with no private schools and a focus on equal opportunities for all students.
- Finland is the only country in the world where moms are given a “baby box”: The Finnish government provides all new mothers with a box filled with baby supplies, including clothes, toys, and even a mattress for the baby to sleep on.
- Finland has more heavy metal bands per capita than any other country in the world: Finnish heavy metal music is famous around the world, with bands like Nightwish, Children of Bodom, and Apocalyptica originating from Finland.
- The Finnish language is one of the hardest languages to learn: Finnish is a Uralic language and is considered one of the most difficult languages to learn for English speakers due to its complex grammar and pronunciation.
- Finland is the land of a thousand lakes: Finland has over 187,000 lakes, making it a perfect destination for water sports and fishing.
- The Northern Lights can be seen in Finland: Lapland, located in the northern part of Finland, is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights.
- Finland has its own version of Santa Claus: The Santa Claus Village, located in Rovaniemi, Lapland, is a popular tourist attraction and home to the “real” Santa Claus.
In conclusion, Finland is a country full of surprises, from its happy and educated population to its love of saunas and heavy metal music. The next time you visit Finland, be sure to keep these interesting facts in mind and learn even more about this fascinating country.
What is needed to visit Finland
If you are planning to visit Finland, there are certain requirements that you will need to fulfill before your trip. Here are some of the most important things you will need:
- Passport or ID card: If you are a citizen of a country within the EU or the Schengen area, you can enter Finland with just a valid ID card. If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you will need a passport.
- Visa: If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you may need a visa to enter Finland. Check the visa requirements on the website of the Finnish embassy or consulate in your country.
- Travel insurance: It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, accidents, and repatriation.
- COVID-19-related requirements: Depending on the situation, you may need to provide proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test, or undergo quarantine upon arrival. Check the current entry requirements on the website of the Finnish Border Guard or the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.
- Accommodation: It is important to have a booked accommodation in advance, as it may be required for entry purposes.
- Money: Finland uses the euro as its currency, so it is advisable to exchange some currency before your trip. Credit cards are widely accepted in Finland, so you can also use them for most purchases.
- Warm clothing: Finland has a cold climate, especially in the winter months, so make sure to pack warm clothing like jackets, gloves, and hats.
In summary, before visiting Finland, make sure to have your passport or ID card, travel insurance, and check the current entry requirements, including COVID-19 regulations. It is also important to have a booked accommodation, some currency, and warm clothing, especially during the winter months.
