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.

Historical Coastal King's Road
Finland's southern coast is rich in history and natural beauty. Walk along the cobblestone streets of the coastline's welcoming wooden villages, and you will be following the footsteps of ancient kings. Finland's "King's Road" dates back to the 13th century and was the main thoroughfare between the courts of the Swedish Kings and the Russian Czars, running between the capital cities of Scandinavia and Russia.

The centerpoint of this popular coastal region is Uusimaa, the "Capital County," which stretches both east and west of Helsinki. Uusimaa is a magical place dotted with quaint settlements, medieval villages and historic manors. It overlooks more than 6,500 islands, which form part of Finland's remarkable archipelago and extend all the way to the Åland Islands (a group of islands belonging to Finland and located in the Gulf of Bothnia between Finland and Sweden).

West of Helsinki
Traveling westward, just on the outskirts of Helsinki, explore Espoo, with a history dating back 8,000 years. Visit the Gallen-Kallela Museum which exhibits the work of Finland's national painter. Then head farther west to the pleasant and welcoming town of Tammisaari (Ekenäs). It features 17th- and 18th-century wooden architecture, tours of the archipelago and a festive summer market. The capetown of Hanko is Finland's southernmost town. It has picturesque guest-houses and a yearly regatta in July.

Turku is Finland's oldest city. Established 770 years ago on the western coast of Finland, Turku is the country's former capital. This historic city boasts a 13th-century castle, medieval cathedral and enchanting buildings, as well as a Handicrafts Museum. It is also home to the Aboa Vetus (old Turku) and Ars Nova (contemporary art) museums and the new Forum Marinum. During the Yuletide season, Turku's beautiful lights, decorations, special events and Finnish traditions definitely prove that its nickname, "the Christmas City," is well deserved.

Ten miles from Turku, the town of Naantali is home to a luxurious spa, which is now one of Finland's finest conference and resort hotels. Naantali is a virtual living museum dating back to 1443. Every June, Naantali opens the tourist season with a first-class event, the Naantali Chamber Music Festival. Plus, Moominworld is close by, a family favorite where Finland's cartoons come to life!

A little farther north, Franciscan monks built a monastery in Finland's third-oldest town of Rauma. Established back in the 14th century, Rauma is a thriving maritime town also known for its extraordinary lacemaking industry. Old Rauma has the best-preserved wooden houses in all of Scandinavia.

East of Helsinki
Along the King’s Road, you’ll discover Finland’s second oldest town, Porvoo, which dates back to 1346. Porvoo served as an important trading center as early as the Middle Ages. Its attractive scarlet-colored houses overlook the Porvoo River and were built around 1760. The medieval cathedral and countless boutiques and galleries are great examples of how this small historic town has held on to its unique beauty. Nearby is the Haikko Manor and Spa.

Eastward from Porvoo, the narrow streets of Loviisa twist and curve around charming houses, numerous cafés and quaint restaurants. Loviisa was founded as a frontier and fortress town back in 1745. In his youth, Finland’s famous composer, Jean Sibelius, spent his summers here. Farther east, the archipelago of Kotka offers many coves and open seas for sailing to its pristine islands. St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, constructed in 1799, is the oldest building in Kotka. The adjacent former garrison town of Hamina was designed in a unique circular plan and enclosed by a star-shaped fortress that is still standing after nearly 350 years.

Lakeland
An amazing panorama of 187,888 glistening lakes, tiny islands, and winding waterways lie in the fascinating Lakeland region of Finland.

In the Western Lake district, Hämeenlinna is home of the medieval Häme Castle. During the summer, there are daily cruises on the Finnish Silverline, from Hämeenlinna to Tampere, including a stop at the Emil Wikström's Museum in Visavuori. Finland's third-largest city, Tampere, is a well-known textile industry center and lies on the banks of the Tammerkoski Rapids. Spend the day at the Särkänniemi Amusement Park, Finlayson's Old Cotton Mill or stop by the Sara Hildén Art Museum. Tampere Hall, inaugurated in 1990, is the largest congress and concert center in Scandinavia.

At the northern tip of Lake Päijänne in the Central Lakeland region, Jyväskylä is renowned for the Alvar Aalto museum, an architectural tribute honoring Finland's famous architect, as well as a Regional Museum of Central Finland.

Lappeenranta, in Eastern Finland, is considered Finland's gateway to the East. It is home to Finland's oldest Orthodox church, the Virgin Mary Church, built in 1785. The town of Savonlinna was built on a chain of islands and has been a tourist resort since the 19th century. Today, Savonlinna attracts thousands of people to its world-renowned Savonlinna Opera Festival, held each July, at the majestic 15th-century Olavinlinna Castle. Take a trip back in time to prehistoric days and learn about the livelihoods of Finnish ancestors at the Kuopio Museum of Cultural History, then visit the impressive Orthodox Valamo Monastery which was moved to Heinävesi after 800 years on Lake Ladoga, Russia.

Lapland
The vast and beautiful landscape of Finnish Lapland offers a peaceful and quiet retreat. And even though it stretches above the Arctic Circle, the warmth of the Gulf Stream keeps the temperature around 72 degrees at the height of the summer season, when the sun shines 24 hours a day! Visit this area during the winter (November-April), and you might be lucky enough to catch one of nature's most extraordinary events, the colorful Northern Lights.

Lapland's capital city, Rovaniemi, located on the Arctic Circle, offers countless cultural experiences and adventures for visitors. The award-winning Arktikum Science Center features exhibits that chronicle the lives of people dwelling above the Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi is also home to Santa! Both children and adults alike will delight in a visit to Santa's Workshop, Santa's Village, or Santa Park, where there are exciting rides for kids, a theater and many places to eat. And be sure to stop by Murr-Murr Castle, where you can watch Santa's elves make toys.

Living quietly among the high rolling fells (hills) of Lapland are more than 6,500 indigenous Sami (Lapps), who inhabit the pristine countryside tending to their reindeer herds and preserving their ancient traditions. For a true look at the Sami people and their lifestyle, visit Inari, the administrative center of Finland's Sami population. Browse in the Sami Museum--chosen as second-best museum exhibit in Europe in 2000--tour a reindeer farm or shop for unique Sami crafts in the village. Lake Inari has 3500 islands within her shores and offers daily cruises to many interesting sightseeing areas, including an ancient Lapp ceremonial site.