In terms of population density, Finland ranks among the lowest in Europe, presenting itself as one of the most pristine and fascinating natural paradises.
A mosaic of tundras, forests, lakes, marine and freshwater archipelagos, coasts, and cultivated fields, it captivates tourists also because of its striking seasonal changes: the warm and dazzling colors of autumn; the rarefied light (kaa-mos) of winter days in Lapland or the return of migratory birds in spring. Plus fascinating phenomena such as the midnight sun and the northern lights. All this, in a highly industrialized country with high European standard services and a population concentrated in larger centers and along the coasts.
Finland: What to See
There are five tourist regions in which the country is usually divided: the Lakes Region; Southwest Finland; Ostrobothnia; Eastern Finland; and Lapland. Visiting them all is easier than one might think because the road and rail networks are quite good, and air connections are also available.
The Lakes Region, the heart of the country, is characterized by thousands of lakes and ponds that, through three outlets, channel their waters into the Baltic Sea. To enjoy this blue and azure puzzle, it is advisable to board one of the many steamboats sailing its waters, connecting coastal towns such as Tampere, Savonlinna, Mikkeli, Lahti.
Southwest Finland embodies the cultural, economic, and industrial soul of the country. Here you will find the capital Helsinki and the historic Turku. Along with stunning landscapes like the coast and archipelago, including the Aland Islands. Ostrobothnia occupies the western coastline with towns like Vaasa, Kalajoki, and Oulu. Vaasa and Oulu are also strategic ports towards Sweden.
Finland: What to Do
Tourists are also drawn to Finland by the cultural events that this land regularly hosts, from the Kaustinen Folk Music Festival to those of Korsholm and Umea Music. Eastern Finland, bordering Russia, is a vast and sparsely populated land, a transition zone between the Lakes district and Lapland. Its territory is marked by endless forests, rivers, and lakes with crystal-clear waters. To the south, between Joensuu and Ilomantsi, lies Karelia, a cultural and religious enclave of Orthodox tradition.
North of the Arctic Circle, Lapland represents the most exotic face of Finland. In summer, tourists are enchanted by the midnight sun, and in winter, by the kaa-mos phenomenon, the faint twilight light of the shortest days.
Rovaniemi is the gateway to this Arctic world, made of rolling hills called tunturit; wild landscapes that in autumn (ruska) become a celebration of colors; Lapland settlements where reindeer farming is practiced, and the customs and rituals of an ancestral culture are preserved. Winter Lapland also means a full range of winter sports, snowmobile excursions, sleddog rides, and ice fishing on frozen lakes.
Finland Fact Sheet
- Country: Finland
- Area: 337,030 km²
- Capital: Helsinki
- Population: 5.5 million inhabitants
- Languages: Finnish, Swedish, and Sami in Lapland
- Religion: Majority Protestant – Evangelical Lutheran
- Government Type: Semi-presidential parliamentary republic
- Major Cities: Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, Vantaa, Turku, Oulu, Lahti
Information about Finland
- Currency: Euro
- International dialing code: +358
- International vehicle registration: FIN
- Driving side: right
- Entry documents: ID Card or Passport
- Required vaccination: None
- Electric current: 220V
- Unit of measurement: metric decimal
- Time zone: +1 hour from Italy
- Fixed-date holidays: January 1: New Year; January 6: Epiphany; March-April: Good Friday and Easter; May 1: Labor Day; 40 days after Easter Thursday: Ascension; Pentecost; June 24: Midsummer Day; August 15: Assumption; November 1: All Saints’ Day; December 6: Independence Day; December 24: Christmas Eve; December 25: Christmas; December 26: St. Stephen’s Day
- Climate: Temperate with warm but not sultry summers and cold but dry winters. In summer, you can experience the famous “Midnight Sun” with entire weeks of daylight
- Average temperatures: Summer from 15°C to 30°C and winter from -3°C to -15°C
- Transportation: National airlines Finnair and Blue 1; and many others like SAS, Sterling, etc. The country is easily reachable year-round by sea from Sweden, Estonia, and Germany.
- Airports: Helsinki-Vantaa, Helsinki-Malmi, Enontekiö, Espoo, Tampere, Vantaa, Turku
