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FAST FACTS
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Area:
130,119 square miles (three times the size of Ohio). Population:
5,109,000 (Helsinki 525,000; Espoo 191,000) Stable and secure Finl and, nestled between Sweden and Norway to the west and Russia to the east, has all the attributes of a hot vacation spot.
Along your journey you can explore the culturally and historically rich King's Road. This scenic southern region of Finland stretches west of Helsinki to the 770-year-old former capital of Turku and east to the spectacular Lakeland region. You'll fall in love with the vibrant capital of Helsinki, whose stunning architecture, picturesque harbor, cosmopolitan cafes, and world-class museums earned it a coveted place on the European Union's list of European Cities of Culture 2000. With hundreds of internationally acclaimed festivals each year, Finland is one of Europe's liveliest centers for the performing arts. You'll also discover a countryside rich in natural wonders, including 29 national parks, 170,000 archipelago islands, 187,888 lakes, and exotic Lapland in the north. And, with daily flights from North America, Finland is as convenient to reach as it is multifaceted. |
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So, tervetuloa-welcome-to friendly Finland!
Finland offers such variety throughout its vast
landscape that it’s best to learn a bit about the cities and regions before you
go. That way you can plan to experience a taste of all the many facets of
Finland!
From the Baltic Sea to the Arctic
Circle
The seventh-largest Western European country, Finland is nestled between Sweden,
Norway and Russia, with the Baltic countries to the south, separated by the Gulf
of Finland. Its borders stretch from its capital city of Helsinki on the
southern coast, up to the expansive and sparsely inhabited landscape of Lapland
above the Arctic Circle. Finland is home to untouched forests, 187,888
crystal-clear lakes, 179,584 islands and 5,100 rapids.
Surrounding Helsinki is the culturally and historically rich King’s Road. This
scenic southern region stretches west of Helsinki to the 770-year-old former
capital of Turku and east to the spectacular Lake District. Finland’s southern
coastline is also cradled by a thousand islands, forming a breathtaking
archipelago--the largest in Europe.
Land of the Midnight Sun
Warmed by the Gulf Stream, this Scandinavian country enjoys a climate similar to
that of New England and the Great Lakes region of the United States—with four
very distinct seasons. In the summertime, the lush countryside basks in the
warm, nurturing rays of the sun that shines for 15 hours a day! In the northern
regions, the sun remains high in the sky for two months, shining 24 hours a day.
Between the months of October and April, Finland becomes a vibrant and glowing
festival of lights. Fondly referred to as the “Lively Season,” visitors have a
wealth of cultural and historical attractions from which to choose.
No matter where you visit in Finland, from the spectacular archipelago in the
south to exotic Lapland in the north, you will find a vibrant, friendly country
of sophistication, fascinating history and unspoiled natural beauty—where
English is widely spoken.