Finland Travel Guide E-Book

Captivating Travels

• Herausgeber: Captivating Travels
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 192

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Discover How to Go from Feeling Uncertain to Experiencing the Magic of Finland   Dreaming of exploring Finland's stunning beauty but worried about missing out on the best experiences? With helpful images, maps, and QR codes to guide you—and even useful  Finnish survival phrases to make your trip smoother—"Finland Travel Guide" makes it easy to navigate the country and uncover its hidden treasures. This guide ensures you experience the best of Finland, from iconic landmarks to secret spots, with all the practical tips you need. The Risk of Traveling Without a Plan  - Missing Iconic Landmarks  – You could easily overlook must-see places like the Northern Lights, Santa Claus Village, or historic castles.  - Skipping Over Hidden Gems  – Secret locations like quiet lakes, cozy cabins, and unique local attractions might remain undiscovered.  - Feeling Unprepared for Finland's Unique Nature  – Navigating the outdoors can be tricky without a guide to help you get the most out of your adventure.     Why This Book?  - Discover Famous Landmarks and Hidden Treasures  – Covers top sites while also leading you to local favorites.  - Explore Like a Local  – Go beyond typical tourist spots and find authentic cafes, peaceful natural retreats, and cultural sites.  - Itineraries to Enhance Your Journey  – Offers planned programs and schedules to help you make the most of your time.    Don't let your trip fall short.  Click "Add to Cart"  and start your unforgettable journey through Finland's breathtaking landscapes and cultural wonders!

Leseprobe

Finland Travel Guide

Captivating Adventures through Must-See Places, Local Culture, Finnish Landmarks, Hidden Gems, and More

Table of Contents

Title Page

Finland Travel Guide

Introduction

Chapter 1: Get to Know Finland

Chapter 2: To and From the Airport

Chapter 3: Helsinki and Its Regions

Chapter 4: Uusimaa and Southwest Finland

Chapter 5: Lapland (Lappi)

Chapter 6: Kainuu and Karelia

Chapter 7: Savo and Central Finland

Chapter 8: Ostrobothnia, Seinäjoki, Kokkola, Oulu, and Raahe

Chapter 9: Itineraries and Programs

Bonus Chapter: Useful Finnish Survival Phrases

Appendix

Conclusion

References

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Introduction

You've taken the first step toward going on an immersive exploration of Finland by choosing this guidebook as your travel companion. While you can find numerous travel guides providing travel-related information, this comprehensive handbook takes you deep into the diverse experiences that define Finland.

From exploring the dynamic urban hubs like Helsinki and Turku to the unspoiled expanses of Lapland, this book has it all. Far beyond a mere manual, this is your key to understanding the nuanced charm and authenticity that sets Finland apart. The country is a prime example of a region where the modern pulse of cities effortlessly blends with nature, each region telling its unique tale of history, tradition, and cultural richness.

Chapters in the book.

TUBS, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lappi_in_Finland.svg

Made for both first-timers and seasoned travelers, this guide takes you through Finland's landscapes, accommodations, dining, and attractions. It leaves no stone unturned. Explore each region and uncover the distinctive character of cities such as Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, and beyond. From iconic landmarks to offbeat discoveries, this guide provides you with the correct information to develop an in-depth understanding of Finland's multifaceted allure. You will find that its well-organized structure makes navigating a wealth of information very easy, allowing you to focus on the substance without feeling overwhelmed.

Throughout the book, you'll also find fascinating facts about the attractions, landmarks, and popular places of interest. Beyond the tourist spots, this guide uncovers opportunities for genuine cultural immersion. From participating in local festivals to experiencing traditional Finnish rituals, it provides avenues for travelers to engage deeply with Finland's cultural tapestry. Each chapter has an experiences section where you can learn more about the culture, traditions, and events that connect you with the roots of the land. Explore Finland's culinary landscape with information on local gastronomy. Discover hidden eateries favored by locals, savor regional specialties, and learn about the cultural significance of Finnish cuisine.

The book also contains a bonus chapter on common expressions and phrases you can practice for better communication and to improve your travel experience. Finland Travel Guide transcends its role as a book and becomes a companion for a rich, immersive exploration through Finland's captivating landscapes and vibrant culture.

Chapter 1: Get to Know Finland

This chapter will cover everything you need to know about Finland. You'll learn about the country's terrain and geographic location. You'll also gain insight into Finland's historical background and its arts, literature, and architecture. You'll find interesting facts about the country and its people, learn about its most popular sports and leisurely activities, and get a taste of Finnish cuisine.

You'll even find a section that gives you just about everything you need to know before you embark on your trip. Finally, you'll learn about the country's transportation systems and the most efficient ways to get around. If you're still unsure about visiting Finland, you're guaranteed to find yourself booking your ticket before you reach the end of this chapter!

Finland's Geographic Location

Finland is located in Northern Europe, with Russia to its east, Norway to its north, and Sweden and the Gulf of Bothnia bordering it on the west. It is considered a geographically remote nation, one-third of which falls in the southern area of the Arctic Circle, which explains its harsh weather conditions. Finland is also mostly covered in woodlands, earning it the title "the continent's most heavily forested nation."

Finland’s geographic location.

JRC, EC, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Finland_Base_map.png

​The country is also home to several rivers, vast marshlands, and a whopping 188,000 lakes, ten of which are over 100 square miles in area. Needless to say, the scenery is like nothing you've seen before. The breathtaking experience starts as soon as your plane crosses the Finnish borders.

The land from above looks surreal! Water and greenery meet wherever your eyes fall. Finland is also characterized by its beautiful mountainous terrain in the northwest, almost serving as a natural physical border with Sweden and Norway. If you're a hiking enthusiast, you'll be happy to learn that the country's highest mountain, Mount Halti, stands at 4,344 feet and can be found in this mountain range.

Natural Attractions

If you're more of a beach person, Finland is also a swimmer's paradise. The country's coastline extends over 2,760 miles. If you go southwest, you'll find numerous islands, 178,947 to be exact!

If you like skiing, you guessed it: Finland also happens to be the place for you. Whether you're interested in wildlife or not, you'll have a great time exploring Finland's natural wonders. You can go birdwatching and spot pied wagtails, eagles, and Siberian jays. You'll also find waterfowl, arctic tern, and black-backed gulls. When exploring the woodland, you'll come across Finnish elk, wolves, bears, lynx, and much more. If you're planning to immerse yourself in nature, brushing up on your wildlife knowledge before your trip will make your adventure even more exciting. On top of all of that, you may even catch the Northern Lights. It truly is a dream destination.

Finland’s winter.

Simo Räsänen, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Winter_at_J%C3%A4niskoski_in_Inari,_Lapland,_Finland,_2018_March.jpg

If you're not used to the cold, you may want to avoid Finland during the winter. The country, especially the north, experiences extremely harsh and long winters. It can get as cold as −22 °F. On the bright side, if you want to get the full Finnish experience without freezing, the snow never melts on the northern mountain slopes. The temperature also reaches as high as 80 °F in Finland's short summer. The temperature in the southern part of Finland is often around 10 degrees higher than in the north. If you wish to enjoy your stay and cross all those “want-to-do” activities off your Finnish bucket list, you should consider which type of weather best aligns with your preferences.

​Languages

​There are two national languages in Finland – Finnish and Swedish – making the country officially bilingual. Around 87% of the nation are Finnish speakers, and they mainly occupy the coastal areas and the nation's islands. The government has implemented laws that ensure the fair treatment and provision of rights to both Finnish and Swedish-speaking individuals. A minority of Finnish people also speak Russian and Estonian, and an even smaller population (located in the north) speaks three of the 11 Sami languages.

Historical Background

Starting in the 12th century, Finland was under Swedish rule until it became ruled by a Russian Grand Duke in 1809. The country finally earned its independence in 1917 on account of the Russian Revolution. In the 1940s, however, the nation lost around 11% of its area when a large part of southeast Karelia and the Petsamo area were ceded to the Soviet Union. These areas now belong to Russia.

For the most part, during the Cold War, Finland was able to maintain a neutral stance and emerge unharmed. Their treaty with the Soviet Union, however – which was signed in 1948 and terminated in 1991 – required them to repel any attacks attempted by Germany and its allies through their national territory on the Soviet Union's side. Finland became a part of the UN in 1955 and started working on boosting its trade and building cultural and political relations with other nations. It also started actively representing itself in the Nordic Council.

​The Conference on Security and Cooperation held in Europe in 1975 earned the country the recognition it deserved. More people grew aware of Finland's international activities, leading to the Helsinki Accords, which declared that participating nations must recognize the existing borders of European countries and refrain from altering them through military means. The Helsinki Accords also declared that participating nations must avoid intervening in the international affairs of sovereign nations. That said, Finland wasn't a full member of the European Union until 1995. The country has had excellent relations with the neighboring Scandinavian countries for years. They engage in free labor and partake in collaborative scientific, economic, and cultural projects.

Literature, Arts, and Architecture

Artists, architects, and writers naturally took inspiration from their magnificent surroundings. Finland's abundant water sources and its rich forests and woodlands are clear influences on the creative population's work. Elias Lönnrot's “The Kalevala,” which is regarded as Finland's national epic, was crucial to the development of a national identity following the independence in 1917. The epic tells the story of the creation of Earth, incorporating elements of Finnish scenery through the use of ballads and incantations that were a part of the Finnish oral tradition.

Albert Edelfelt.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Albert_Edelfelt-Sj%C3%A4lvportr%C3%A4tt.jpg

Alvar Aalto, a renowned Finnish architect, is celebrated for his designs that blended seamlessly with Finland's natural landscape. The Villa Mairea, an example of his modernist work, shows how he used organic shapes and materials to showcase harmony with nature. Albert Edelfelt, a prominent Finnish painter during the 19th and 20th centuries, also heavily features Finnish nature in his paintings. Akseli Gallen-Kallela's works were also inspired by themes from the Kalevala.

​Jean Sibelius, one of the most celebrated Finnish composers, created symphonies that were inspired by Finnish folklore and landscapes. Finlandia, a tone poem for orchestra, one of Sibelius' best-known works, is a prime example of this influence. Eino Leno and Edith Södergran frequently expressed their deep connection to nature in their poetry. These are only a few examples of how Finland has inspired influential figures from different artistic disciplines over the years.

Widespread Faiths

With the rise of Christianity and the ongoing crusades in Europe, the religion made its way into Finland in the 13th century. As of today, Finland is one of Europe's most homogeneously Christian nations. The percentage of those with church memberships is also the highest in Scandinavia. While only a relative minority regularly attend church, most live their lives (from baptism to marriage to burial) with the blessing of the church. Most Finns' beliefs relate to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.

The Orthodox Church of Finland.

Tiia Monto, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tampere_Orthodox_Church_2019.jpg

​The church initially started as an official state church and gradually transitioned into a national one. The Orthodox Church of Finland is the only other denomination with a national church, with a minority of Finns belonging to it. A small religious group relates to the Pentecostal church, and an even smaller group are members of the Roman Catholic Church and independent Protestant churches. There have also been Muslim and Jewish communities living in Finland since the 19th century. At the time, Finland was among the rare places within the Russian Empire where people could freely practice their religion. Finnish Jews were officially granted their rights in 1918, and a few years later, in 1925, the nation established its first Islamic congregation and was the first European country to do so. Around 34% of the Finnish population's religious beliefs are not clearly stated.

Interesting Facts about Finland and Finns

It's the World's Happiest Country

Did you know that as of the date of this book’s printing, Finland has been named "the happiest country in the world" for seven consecutive years? The World Happiness Report is released annually by the UN and takes into account factors such as GDP per capita, level of corruption, average life expectancy, generosity, freedom to make decisions, and much more. It's a holistic measure of a population's happiness.

The scenery and natural environment are likely major contributing factors to Finnish happiness levels. Being surrounded by nature is scientifically proven to lower stress and anxiety levels and promote positivity, joy, and relaxation. Being surrounded by nature also boosts creativity and concentration, enhancing productivity and, therefore, improving one's sense of self and sense of achievement. Additionally, Finland offers incredible education and free healthcare, providing one of the best healthcare systems in the world. The Finnish people are generally inclined toward leading healthy lifestyles. They eat healthy diets and have fun prioritizing their mental and physical health. As you read this book, you'll learn more about the variety of entertainment options that the country has to offer, prompting its residents to enjoy life to the fullest.

There Are State-Funded Maternity Boxes and Gifts

Serving as a testament to Finland's exemplary welfare system, the state offers a fully-funded maternity box to each expecting mother. This gift includes everything that a soon-to-be-mother will need to care for her newborn baby. This box not only offers baby products, mattresses, blankets, snow suits, towels, mittens, personal care items, toys, a wide range of clothes, and nearly everything that might cross your mind, but it also doubles as a perfectly safe crib. This tradition has been going strong for over 8 decades, likely contributing to the country's lowest infant mortality rate ranking in the world.

Speeding Tickets Are Income-Based

The Finnish government prioritizes its people's welfare, and speeding fines are primarily determined based on the culprit’s income. The responsible entity estimates the offender's daily disposable income and how fast they were going above the speed limit. While this is a relief for lower- and middle-class individuals, it means that multimillionaires can be fined A LOT! In the summer of 2023, a driver was fined $194,694 for speeding!

Finland Hosts Some of the Weirdest Competitions

You'll never feel bored in Finland because it happens to be home to one of the world's weirdest competitions. Surprisingly, one of the nation's most popular competitions is the "Wife Carrying World Championship." Just as the name implies, men have to carry their wives, girlfriends, or even female friends through an obstacle course. The first one to complete the course wins. The prize is even more bizarre! Whoever wins gets as much beer in liters as the woman weighs in kilos.

The "Air Guitar World Championship" is equally fascinating. This competition gathers participants from all corners of the world who compete in air guitar playing. If you think that this doesn't require much talent, wait until you find out that they started organizing pre-qualifiers as the competition started growing extremely popular.

Finns Are Heavy Coffee Drinkers

If you think you're a heavy coffee drinker, you'll be relieved to learn about the amount of coffee that an average Finnish adult consumes a day. If there was a global ranking for most cups of coffee consumed, Finland would be first on that list. According to the International Coffee Organization, their annual statistics have revealed that an average Finn drinks around 26.45 lbs. of coffee a year, which is the equivalent of five to eight cups a day. The reason why they consume so much coffee can be explained, to some extent, by their culture. They enjoy this beverage to warm up, stay awake when the sun sets very early in the day when hanging out with friends, or even on their way to the sauna.

There Are Over Three Million Saunas in the Country

For a population of only 5.5 million, having over three million saunas is shocking. In Finnish culture, saunas are perceived as a place to cleanse and relax the mind and body. It boosts mental, emotional, physical, and social health, serving as a holistic healing experience. Finns go there to unwind from the stresses of everyday life, meet up with their friends, socialize, and get to know new people. Further emphasizing how important saunas are to the population, they're not uncommon to find in diplomatic establishments, workplaces, student accommodations, homes, and gyms.

Finland Is Known for Its Metal Bands

Heavy metal has always been stereotyped as carrying negative emotions and having themes associated with violence, aggression, and depression. Finns, however, are here to change this widespread stereotype. Finland carries records for both being the happiest country in the world and having a staggering ratio of 70.6 heavy metal bands per 100,000 national residents (the highest in the world), proving that joy and this music genre can coexist. Unsurprisingly, many world-renowned heavy metal bands like Nightwish, Lordi, and Apocalypta are Finnish. To further show how popular heavy metal is in Finland, some bands, like Hevisaurus, who dress up as dinosaurs, make metal music for kids.

They Invented the "Sisu" Culture

The word "Sisu" can't be accurately translated into the English language. It's a concept that Finns have lived by and incorporated into their lives for centuries. In essence, "Sisu" is the ability to stay determined and strong even when things get tough. They always aim to persevere and push themselves through challenges until they successfully complete their tasks and goals. They do whatever it takes to get things done and take accountability for their actions and decisions, even when they backfire. They own everything they do, decide, and say with courage and stick with it until the very end. That is why Finland always comes out on top. Their culture encourages them to try their hardest even when they doubt they'll succeed.

Famous Sports and Leisurely Activities in Finland

Ice hockey is the most popular game in Finland. Not only is it watched and enjoyed on a large scale, the Finnish men's ice hockey team won first place at both the 2022 World Championship and Olympics. Some of the highest-ranked players in the North American NHL, like Jari Kurri and Teemu Selänne, along with rising stars like Aleksander Barkov and Mikko Rantanen, are Finnish.

Finland celebrating the 2022 World Championship.

Simo Räsänen, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crowds_gathered_around_Havis_Amanda_statue_after_the_championship_gold_in_ice_hockey_in_Kaartinkaupunki,_Helsinki,_Finland,_2022_May_-_2.jpg

Local large-scale competitions like Liiga, or more commonly known as the Finnish Elite League, are also held regularly, garnering an incredibly high viewership. Ice hockey brings the population together. People get together to watch the game and celebrate their favorite team's wins by gathering in market squares. They even take it as far as jumping in fountains (even when it's cold) to express their joy. Athletics and soccer come after ice hockey on the most popular sports list. Apart from watching hockey, most Finns spend their free time reading, walking, or cycling. In winter, you'll find many people skiing and skating outside.

Finnish Cuisine

Finnish cuisine is naturally inspired by the country's geographical situation. Seafood is very popular in Finland, overlooking the Baltic Sea. It is the star component in numerous traditional dishes. Finland's climate and terrain are also ideal for growing root vegetables, making them key ingredients as well. The nation's history also significantly influences its cuisine. Finnish food is a fusion of Swedish and Russian cuisine – and that of other countries in the region.

Finns also mostly smoke, pickle, and salt their food. Since produce is not always available during prolonged winters, Finnish people traditionally used these methods to preserve their food. During the summer, dishes are always enriched with seasonal vegetables and berries. There are also traditional dishes for every special occasion and holiday, like Christmas, incorporating casseroles and ham, and Midsummer, including sausages and fish.

​Finnish food is generally very light, healthy, and is made of locally sourced ingredients. If you're into fresh dishes, you'll enjoy the high quality and simple yet flavorful touches of Finnish cuisine. Upon your visit, make sure you try Karjalanpiirakka, which are delicious potato or rice-filled pastries, Graavilohi, an incredible fusion of sweet and savory cured salmon, and Lihapullat, which are special Finnish meatballs.

Things to Know Before Visiting Finland

The Seasons Will Either Make or Break Your Trip

This point is worth mentioning again! Each season in Finland comes with an entirely different yet equally charming experience. In summer, you’ll get to enjoy the pleasant climate, go for a dip, and experience the “Midnight sun” if you visit between mid-May and mid-August. During this time, the sun barely sets in northern Finland. Keep in mind that the temperature during summer can get as low as 64 and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure you pack a wide selection of clothes.

If you plan on visiting during the winter, you can go skiing and even ride a reindeer sleigh. Make sure to go to visit the Arctic Circle's Santa Claus Village, too. That said, it's not all magical. There are sometimes horrible blizzards in winter, especially in the north.

You Don't Need to Learn the Language

English is widespread in Finland and is spoken fluently by many locals, especially in urban areas. You can travel around and explore the country without worrying about the language barrier.

You Don't Need to Tip

There are many countries around the world where tipping is not only a common practice but highly expected of you. That isn't the case in Finland. Bills generally include a service fee, and staff are usually paid decent wages. Unlike the USA, for instance, their income doesn't heavily rely on tips.

You'll Have to Plan If You Want to See the Northern Lights

You likely won't catch the Northern Lights by coincidence. Catching this aurora requires some planning, but it's undeniably worth the effort. To see the Northern Lights, you'll have to visit the country any time between September and March. You'll also have to head out north to Lapland, as you won't be able to see the phenomenon from the city. Rovaniemi is the most popular place to go to see the lights. To avoid any disappointments, you must know that seeing the Northern Lights isn't guaranteed. Most people have to spend a few days in the area before they can catch a glimpse due to the aurora's elusive nature.

You Likely Wouldn't Have to Drive