10 Best Places to Visit in Finland
While not technically a part of Scandinavia, Finland boasts some of the same traits as its neighboring countries. Incredible scenery, unspoiled nature and a relatively liberal, modern political system are all positive attributes of Finland. In the winter the Northern Lights can be seen in the northernmost part of the...
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An absolutely beautiful country to explore, Finland is home to thousands of twinkling lakes, endless forests and lots of scenic coastline. Aside from its happening capital Helsinki, it has cute towns and secluded villages for visitors to stop by with stunning scenery and nature on show wherever you go.
Part of the Nordic group of countries, its large landmass borders Sweden, Norway and Russia and is only separated from the Baltics by the sparkling sea of the same name. Home to massive expanses of pristine nature and untouched wilderness, it boasts around 170,000 lakes and a similar number of islands with gorgeous forests and fens coating much of its glacier-scarred territory.
Most people’s first port of call is of course its capital Helsinki which is situated in a stupendous spot along the glittering Gulf of Finland. By far the country’s largest city, it is home to lots of impressive architecture and interesting historic sites with cool, trendy shops, galleries and restaurants lining its streets and beaches, forests and islands lying nearby.
The other main cities of note are Turku and Tampere which both lie within driving distance of the capital. While the former is known for its medieval castle and cathedral and vibrant arts and culture scene, the latter is an increasingly popular destination due to its scenic setting amidst two lakes and packed schedule of fun festivals and hip cultural events.
Asides from this, most visitors head straight up north to Rovaniemi which is home to not only Santa Claus Village but also acts as a gateway to Lapland, the Arctic Circle and the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Here you can go skiing, snowmobiling and sledding about romantic snow-clad landscapes or experience the rich cultural heritage of the Sami people.
In addition, there are also the idyllic islands of the Archipelago Sea and Baltic Sea to discover while national parks such as Urho Kekkonen, Koli and Oulanka all have fun outdoor activities for you to enjoy amidst their spectacular rivers and valleys, lakes and forests.