The land with the thousand lakes, where east meets west, the home of sauna and of course the home of Santa Claus. So why Finland? – the immense choice of activities both in summer and winter, as well as the unspoilt nature, the mix of eastern and western cultures…… and if that’s not enough then how about a visit to the refreshing and stylish capital – Helsinki? Also known as the ‘Daughter of the Baltic’ where shopping along the Esplanade for some of the famous designer labels from Finland – Marimekko, Iittala, Pentik and Aarikka is good value. Helsinki also offers a lively nightlife in all the bars, clubs and restaurants. For culture visit one of the many galleries, the opera house or perhaps ‘Kiasma’ the Museum of Contemporary Art or the Finnish National Gallery. Other sights well worth visiting are the Market Square, the ‘Church in the Rock’ – Temppeliaukio and of course the orthodox Uspenski Cathedral. A short journey along the coast you will find the picturesque and charming town of Porvoo with its clapboard houses, narrow lanes and waterside. Venture further inland to Hämeenlinna and visit the birthplace museum of Jean Sibelius and the castle. Finland is a land of festivals – Savonlinna Opera Festival, the Kuhmo chamber music festival, the wine festival in Kuopio are but just a few of the many festivals that take place mainly during the long summer days and nights. Travel further north to Lapland and you will come to the land of the Midnight Sun, the Northern Lights and of course its most famous inhabitant – Santa Claus. Finnish Lapland is mostly known to the UK travellers for short day trips or weekends to go and see Father Christmas but there is so much more to see and enjoy. Or how does a day of exciting activities such as snowmobiling, husky excursion and skiing sound? You can stay in comfortable hotels or cosy log cabins in the middle of nowhere very often with roaring log fires and your very own sauna to warm up in. We have put together a selection of holidays for the independent traveller wanting flexibility on duration, location and on what activities to choose. As well as a selection of escorted tours with experienced and knowledgeable guides who will be able to help enhance your travel experience. Text writer Lisbeth Wahl
