Graham McKenzie

Set in the northern part of Europe, the country of Finland is bordered by Sweden, Norway, Russia, and the Gulf of Finland. It has an impressive 30,000 islands off its coast, and 188,000 island lakes, which makes this Nordic country renowned as one of Europe’s most striking. Still, regardless of such beauty, Finland’s past was tumultuous. At one time, it was caught in a tug-of-war between Sweden and Russia, and in fact, did not declare its independence until 1917.

Today, Finland’s residents enjoy a high standard of living, and Finland is a modern, progressive country. Its capital, Helsinki, was founded in 1550, and boasts cosmopolitan comforts and a vivacious nightlife. Whether you are into museums, a cruise through the archipelago, or just want a Finnish sauna, you will want to stop in Helsinki.

You will want to see Temppeliaukia Church, which brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, literally carved into solid rock. It is one of Helsinki’s most famous tourist attractions. Another big favorite with visitors is the 18th century Sea Fortress, Soumenlinna. This structure was constructed in the 1740’s, and is one of the largest in the world.

Finland is home to more museums than anywhere else in the world, and two of the finest are the Ateneum Art Museum, and the National Museum. If a castle with a moat strikes your fancy, be sure to visit Hame Castle. It was built in the 13th century. In the 1830’s it converted to a prison but it has been restored, and is now a museum.

Built in 1950, the Helsinki Zoo, Korkeasaari, is one of the oldest in the world, and a big attraction. Another place visitors love is the Olympic Stadium, built in 1940. Because of WWII, the games were cancelled, but Finland eventually hosted the 1952 Olympics

St. Olaf’s Castle, Olavinlinna, is one of Finland’s better known attractions. This 500-year-old castle is balanced on the edge of a tiny green island lake, and looks like it came right out of a fairytale. The King’s Road is worth seeing, as well. Winding along the southern coastline, this road once connected Sweden and Russia, and still has many intact taverns, castles, manor houses, cottages, and stone churches.

If you want to see a medieval town, Turku is the oldest in Finland. This 750-year-old town was once the capital, and it has a restored, 13th century castle that’s now a Viking museum. Of course, no trip to Finland is complete without seeing Lapland. The Land of the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights is a lightly populated wilderness, which offers open fells and hills, unpopulated forests, clear lakes, babbling brooks and frothing rapids. Make sure you try such delights as salmon and reindeer steak, cooked in a variety of ways, and sample some rare golden cloudberry wine. Lapland is the home of Santa Claus, so you definitely want to visit Santapark. It is St. Nick’s theme park!

Graham McKenzie is the content coordinator for the leading UK Flight Comparison website, which offers detailed information on Booking a Flight.