Finland: Overview
The Nordic Republic of Finland, land of the midnight sun, is one of Europe’s best tourist destinations. Its inlands attract thousands of hikers with its virgin nature, while Aland islands, Turku archipelago and the coast line are a paradise for fishermen and sailors. Nordic winter offers incredible frozen lakes for skiing and relaxing saunas. Finland limits with Sweden to the west, with Norway to the north, with Russia to the east and its southern coasts are bathed by the Baltic Sea.
When to go
During summer temperature in Finland varies from 68º F in the northern lands to 86 ºF in the south. Winter can be raw in some parts of the country, with entire days of total darkness and temperatures below -4.0 ºF.
Although winters are very cold as summers are hot, Finland, the Thousand Lakes country, is an attractive destination throughout the whole year since most museums and art galleries remain opened. Clearly there are some better moments during the year to visit the country as the midnight sun season (in summer) or the northern lights and the ski season (in February).
Important information
Entry requirements to Finland are similar for most visitors (anyone who comes from Australia, South America, Canada, USA, Malaysia, New Zealand, the EU and Singapore). They only need an effective passport.
The official currency is the euro, to which foreign currencies can be easily converted in banks, official exchanging offices and ATMs (plentiful in cities and airports). Hotels, restaurants and the main stores also accept credit cards (Diner's Club, American Express, Eurocard, Visa and MasterCard). Traveller’s checks can be cashed in Helsinki and in the main cities. However, ATMs are the most economic and convenient way of getting cash.
Tipping is not necessary in Finland since an extra for service is added by hotels, bars and restaurants to their bills. Taxi drivers are used to receive some small change or to rounds up the fare as a tip.
Concerning health, there are not particular risks for those who travel to Finland. Anyone who visits Aland islands during summer should be careful with tick-borne encephalitis. Medical care level is very good. British citizens and anyone from the EU in hold of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will receive emergency cares under the same conditions as Finnish. It is advisable to hire a comprehensive medical insurance.
Crime rate level in Finland is low and tourists can be sure they will have a safe stay. Drugs and drunk driving is severely punished. The main danger in the country is driving during winter months, since highways are frozen and cars’ wheels must be prepared for snow.
Saunas are much extended in Finland, so be prepared to find more than one. It is important to keep in mind that in Finland people is hold to their word, so think twice before speaking.
Where to go
Helsinki, the Finnish capital of green parks and channels, is the financial and economic centre of the country. Due to its squares, markets and outdoor caffes is ideal for spending summer. Some of the most important museums of the country are there; you can visit the Ateneum that has a collection from the 19th century, the etnic National Museum; the Raitioliikennemuseo (Tram Museum) and the worker's house a museum dedicated to worker’s life conditions between 1909 and 1980. Other places worthwhile visiting are the Rock Church, where you can enjoy concerts besides attending religious services; Espoo’s room, the famous Finnish painter; and the theatres, pubs and night clubs. Another good option is making a short trip to Suomenlina island, where you can visit the fortress ruins, the bunkers and caves located side of Ehrensvard Museum.
In the area of Savonlinna lakes is the castle of Olavinnlinna, one of the country’s main attractions, built for the protection of the Swedish-oriental empire during the second half 1400s. You can only enter the castle through the floating drawbridge in one of programmed tours made every hour. Once inside you can visit the two museums dedicated to the history of the place and see the treasures of the orthodox church exhibit there.
Rauma, is the biggest wooden city conserved in the Nordic countries without being a museum; in 1991 was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In this city you can visit a Franciscan church of the 15th century, several museum houses, the market square, the lively commercial centre surrounded by pystcaffe (cafes where you eat and drink standing).
Aland is a county composed by more than 6 thousand islands, a perfect microcosms for those who are looking forward to spend some relaxing time camping, enjoy cycling, getting in touch with the culture and being wrapped in the charming atmosphere of the little towns. East of the Main Island is Sund, the most interesting municipality where you can visit the imposing Kastelhom castle which dates from before 1300s, Jean Kaerlsgarden Museum, ideal for celebrating the summer solstice and the ruins of Bomarsund fortress, remain of the times of Russian domain.
Turku, former capital and the oldest city in the country is another place you should visit. Luostarinmaki is the only original city area still standing. To the north you can go to Turku cathedral, Finnish evangelical-Lutheran centre, and its 13th century museum. Another option is a visit to Turku castle where you can see an interesting decoration museum.
Festivals
Some of the most important festivals are summer solstice (Juhannus), during which people move to their second residence to celebrate the longest day of the year by lighting blazes, drinking large amounts of alcohol and swimming or rowing in the lakes. In July you can enjoy the Jazz Festival of Pori and the famous Savonlinna Opera in the medieval castle Olavinnlinna. Other festivals world known are the folk festival in Kaustinen, chamber music festival in Kuhmo and Ruisrock in Turku. In Finland there are also two strange parties; one of them is the the sleepyhead's day, celebrated July 27, when the laziest person of Naantali and Hnako are thrown to the sea. The other one is the women's transport annual championship in a town of Sonkajari.
