We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy. Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.
The Nordic country of Finland, also known as the Land of the Thousand Lakes, is located in the north of Europe. This hidden gem offers a host of vibrant experiences for all types of travellers and should be at the top of everyone’s travel bucket list. While Finland is the eighth largest country in Europe, it is one of the most sparsely populated nations as well, with a local population of only 5.5 million people who are largely concentrated in the south. The capital of Finland is Helsinki, a beautiful city by the sea that is comprised of over three hundred islands and a key hotspot for Finland tourism. Other major cities that are must-see when it comes to Finland tourism are Tampere, Turku, Oulu and Jyvaskyla. If you’re curious to learn more about this Nordic gem and the many secrets that it holds, look no further – we’ve got the round up of Finland tourism for you.
Finland is nestled in the north of Europe, bordered by Norway to the north, Sweden to the northwest and Russia to the east. Geographically, the most unique feature of the country is that it is made up of over seven hundred major islands and several thousand smaller ones. In addition, the country gets its nickname, Land of the Thousand Lakes, from the fact that almost a quarter of the land is covered with lakes – some of the largest lakes include Saimaa, Päijänne and Lake Inari.
The climate of Finland varies drastically with seasons, but is considered to be milder than other parts of the world that lie as far north. Winters in Finland run during December, January and February, with the latter being the coldest month of the season. While the weather is often in the negative during this time, January is a great time to visit Finland to experience the Lapland and the stunning Northern Lights. Summer in Finland runs through June, July and August. While July is generally the warmest month of the season, temperatures are moderate, with the southeast of the country experiencing slightly higher summer temperatures than the rest of the nation. Summer is the peak season for tourists from around the world to visit Finland for the warm weather and beautiful natural sights.
The culture of Finland is an amalgamation of the country’s rich heritage and modern influences. Historically, the country has been influenced by many cultures, namely Nordic culture and broader European culture. The part of the population that speaks Finnish as their primary language are known as the Finns, with minor sub-groups and dialects within them. When in Finland, it is easy to notice that a key pillar of the country’s culture is the respect of traditional livelihood – many locals today still hold a strong emotional connect to the land and the nature. The locals are also fiercely proud of their nation and their roots. Another defining characteristic of the culture in Finland is the pillar of equality which runs through every aspect of the country and the society – gender, religion et all. These characteristics of Finland’s culture, amongst others, have contributed to Finland offering some of the highest quality of life in the world.
Language Spoken
Swedish
Currency used:
Euro
Finland tourism is growing every year, with many tourists visiting to experience the country’s unique natural beauty, including the many lakes, the Lapland and the Northern Lights.
The country is well set-up to accommodate tourists and make it easy for them to get around, with a vast transport network that allows you to explore the country by train, air or boat. In fact, boats and cruises are an extremely popular and unique way to see the country and the many sightseeing spots that run around the coastlines, the water bodies and the islands. If you prefer to take the train, the Finland railway system is world-class. It is vast, covering a majority of the country. The trains are very spacious and comfortable and the best part is, they run reliably and right on time. Helsinki, the capital city of Finland, is very well equipped with public transport as well. The city has an extensive network of buses, trams, trains, metros and ferries that can take you to wherever you need to go on your Finland tour. The trams are a must-do experience in Finland and you can’t miss them – they are vibrantly green and yellow and run all through the capital.
It is important to bear in mind that Finland is one of the more expensive countries in Europe. You will have to build this into your travel budget for hotels, food, sightseeing, air travel and more. But trust us when we tell you that it is well worth it, and the quality of experiences in Finland – from food to transport to sightseeing and everything in between – more than makes up for the additional budget.
At SOTC, we have been helping our customers plan and experience some of the very best that Europe. We offer many Finland holiday packages that allow you to experience a Finland tour in combination with other cities in Scandinavia, Russia, Eastern Europe or Iceland – to learn more about these packages, visit our website. If you’d like to learn more about the country of Finland and the many unique experiences that it offers, drop into your nearest SOTC branch and we can tell you everything you need to know. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to stop dreaming and start planning the Finland trip of a lifetime!
