About Finland
About Country Cheat Sheet
Finland is divided into 19 Regions, 70 Sub-regions, 311 Municipalities.
Total: 2,563 km, Land Borders: Norway (709 km), Sweden (545 km), Russia (1,309 km)
About Finland
Finland is a beautiful European country. The greenest
country on the planet, Finland has plenty of untouched and pristine
natural beauty worth exploring. And adding to this, as per latest
reports Finland is also the happiest and safest country on the planet.
Finland’s capital is Helsinki. Helsinki is also the
largest and most populous city of Finland. Helsinki happens to be the
most important and active center of politics, education, finance,
culture, research and tourism in the country.
Finland Geography
Finland is located in Northern Europe. Finland shares
borders with Russia to its east, Sweden to its northwest and Baltic Sea,
Gulf of Bothnia and Gulf of Finland to its Northern side. Finland is a
small Nordic country in the region of Fennoscandia. Finland is a country
that respects nature and ecology the most and that is why Finland is the greenest country in the world.
Finland Climate and Weather
Winter is the longest season in Finland because of its
northern location. It has short and moderately rainy summers as well.
Capital city experiences winter season from Mid-November to Late March
and during this period temperature is around or below freezing point.
June to August is summer time here when temperature is around 20° C and
30° C at the peak.
Finland History
Finland history is interesting. From early 14th
century to 1809 it was under Swedish rule and from 1809 onwards till
1917 it remained under Russia and from 1917 till now is independent
Finland. During the Swedish regime, Finland remained group of provinces
but when Russia took over in 1809, Finland became a national entity as
an autonomous Grand Duchy. Finally, after lot of struggles, Finland was
declared independent on 6th December, 1917.
Finland Culture and Traditions
Finland culture had influences from its adjacent area
because of its geographical position and foreign rules of Sweden and
Russia. Most of the people still recognize nature as emotionally
connecting point and urbanization in the country is only a recent time
phenomenon. Several native customs comprise Finland’s culture
represented in their national languages Finnish and Swedish. Minors in
the country practice their traditions freely.
Finland Food & Cuisine
Finnish people are passionate about their food and they feel quite
attached to their culinary roots. Although, in modern times you can find
anything you want on your plate in Finland, but if you want to taste
local food then you must try Leipajuusto (squeaky cheese), Vispiuur -
dessert, Lohikeitto - a soup, Mustikkapiirakka - a dessert and
Kaalilaatikko - a cabbage casserole.
Facts about Finland
1. Finland is the happiest country in the world.
2. Finland is the safest country in the world.
3. Finnish language is one of the most difficult languages to learn and translate.
4. Finland has over 2 million Saunas.
5. Finland has midnight sun and sees white light in the months of June and July.
6. Finland has over 180,000 lakes making it the highest water to land ratio in the world.
7. Over 70% Finland’s land is forest which makes Finland an absolute green country.
8. Capital city Helsinki is considered one of the top 10 cities in the world which has cleanest air.
9. Finland has over 70,000 islands.
10. Finland’s press is among top 5 freest press in the world.
Tourism
Finland Tourism
Finland is a land of thousands of lakes and Islands
and over 70% of the land is forest. This is absolutely cool country, the
happiest and safest in the world. No matter which month of the year you
visit Finland, it offers something unique to visitors. And this is
evidenced by the fact that over 6 million foreign tourists visited the
country in 2017. Helsinki, the capital city is the first place to start your journey from.
Apart from Helsinki, other must see places are
Jyavaskyla, Finnish Lapland, Santa Claus Village, Alnad, Suomenlinna,
Levi, Savonlinna, Sibelius Monument, Turku and Nuuksio National Park.
One must not miss white night experience during June and July.
Helsinki Tourism
Helsinki is a fairytale land. Sitting on the north
coast of the Gulf of Island facing the Baltic Sea, Helsinki is a great
tourist destination. Walking on foot the entire city is quite a good
option if one wants to explore in detail. If not on foot, one can always
use public transport in which boat rides to islands is a great
experience.
Top popular places to see in Helsinki include
Suomenlinna, Market Square, Rock Church, Seurasaari, Sibelius Monument
and park, Uspensky Cathedral, Linnanmaki Amusement park and Museum of
Contemporary art.
Different Types of Tourism in Finland
1. Historical Tourism in Finland
Finland history has mainly 3 chapters. One is of
Swedish rule, 2nd is of Russian rule and 3rd is independent Finland.
Museums are best places to explore any place’s history and so when in
Finland one can visit museums such as National Museum of Finland, Museum
of Finnish Architecture, Finnish Museum of Natural history and Military
museum of Finland.
2. Culture Tourism in Finland
Each corner of Finland tells you that Finland has a rich and diverse culture. 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
in the country are example of that. No matter which city you are in,
there are museums and galleries galore to go to. Some places you must
explore to dig deep the culture of the land are Sea Fortress
Suomenlinna, Temppeliaukion Church, Helsinki Cathedral and more.
3. Sea & Nature Tourism in Finland
Finland is a land of lakes and Iceland. You will get tired visiting
them but lakes and Iceland will not finish. Also over 70% of Finland is
forest which is the result of the fact that Finnish people respect the
nature big time. Some spectacular landscapes you must explore in Finland are Aland, UTO Island, Pallas-Yllastunturi national park, Koli and Oulanka national park.
4. Sport & Adventure in Finland
Finland has everything in the category of sports and adventure one can
imagine. There are ski resorts and skiing, fishing, hiking and trekking,
nature adventures, hunting, horse riding, water sports and boating,
summer sports along the beaches and more. You just need to decide what
you want to explore and when.
5. Honeymoon Tourism in Finland
Slightly unknown land of Finland is a perfect destination for romance.
Beautiful lakes, amazing Iceland, splendid white light, beautiful green
cover, charming coastal towns, and cozy Igloos to ice hotels, you get
everything you want in Finland which makes your honeymoon trip more than
a memorable one. Don’t forget to visit places such as Hameenlinna - a
stunning lakeside city, Kemi - home of the famous snow castle, Jyvaskyla
- a gem of architecture, Kittila - a beautiful resort town and more on
your honeymoon trip to Finland.
6. MICE Tourism in Finland
Finland is a new and emerging MICE destination in Europe.
The country offers truly beautiful experience of nature, northern
lights, Lapland, safaris, resort towns and much more. Helsinki has seen
growth in number of visitors coming for business meetings and
conferences in recent years. Helsinki and several other cities in
Finland are served by direct international flights. And for comfortable
stay you also have world class hotels to budget hotels, Ice hotels and
cozy Igloos.
7. Health & Wellness Tourism in Finland
Finland has the cleanest air in the world. Nature is
the basic value in Finland and word Sauna originated from Finnish
language only. So, visitors definitely feel an enhanced health in the
environment of Finland. Restaurants offer clean food, and you can relax
your body and mind in the Saunas of Finland which has been used for
thousands of years.
8. Culinary Tourism in Finland
Culinary is moving towards organic and local food in Finland.
One can visit a classy restaurant or an eating place in the middle of
wild, to enjoy a Finnish meal. Finland now combines traditional and
locally available ingredients with contemporary styles. You can taste
the best at popular restaurants such as Georgian House - Helsinki,
Kievari Kahdet Kasvot - Tampere, Santa Fe Restaurant - Helsinki and
O’Learys Helsinki Bakers.
9. Nightlife Tourism in Finland
Finns love partying and they love to go out. It is true not just in
capital city Helsinki but also in small towns. Weekend is the time to enjoy big time in clubs and casinos.
You can enjoy floorshows and live bands performances there. If you love
Vodka, then don’t forget to hit popular vodka bars. Some super cool
clubs in Helsinki you must go to are Apollo Live club, Club Capital,
Kaarle XII and Kaivohuone.
10. Winter Tourism in Finland
Finland is a super cool place in winters. You have every activity possible in winters in Finland.
Skiing or snowboarding, Snowmobiling, Kick sledding, Dog Sledding,
Sailing on Ice Breaker Boats, Ice Fishing, snowshoeing and experiencing a
relaxing time at Saunas here are just some of the experiences you
cannot miss during winters in Finland.
Travel Guide
Finland Tour and Travel Guide
Finland is home to mountains, lakes, waterfalls, bays and Lapland. Finland is one of the best places to experience white lights in Europe.
Your journey starts from Helsinki, the capital and the biggest city and
from there you can travel to the other parts of the country. Helsinki
International Airport is not far from the city and bus is quite a good
option to travel entire country. Of course, on your trip you cannot miss
boat rides, cycling and walking as well. Food is great here. With
plenty of sightseeing locations and superb natural beauty your trip to
Finland is definitely once in a lifetime thing.
Helsinki Tour and Travel Guide
You start your journey of Finland from Helsinki. The city offers
variety of places to see, plenty of activities to do and lots of great
experiences. You can walk up to any sightseeing place as they are
located within walking distance from the city center. You can choose
tram travel also. You can visit Helsinki in any month of the year. There
are world class hotels and moderate budget hotels, hostels and other
accommodations available. You can reach Helsinki as several
international flights fly to Helsinki International Airport.
1. Accommodation in Finland
There are all options of accommodation available in Finland.
There are luxury hotels, boutique and design hotels, five star luxury
villas, hostels, lakeside cabins, farm stays and snow hotels and glass
Igloos to experience white lights in Finland. Rates are quite
competitive and thus family and group stay is quite affordable. You can
also hire self-catering apartments, cottages and villas on rent. Some of
the popular hotels in Finland are Clarion Hotel, Radisson Blu Plaza
Hotel and more.
2. Travelling in Finland
Bus is the best transport option to travel within
Finland. You can board a regular bus or for faster travel you can ride
on express bus.
Train is also a good option to travel from one place
to another. You can get trains from Helsinki to and from other cities
such as Tampere, Oulu, Stockholm and others.
Within a city walking is a good choice. Every place in Helsinki is well within walking distance from the city center.
Don’t forget to ride on a sightseeing cruise in Helsinki and Lapland. Renting a bike is also quite popular here.
3. Shopping in Finland
Shopping may not be very cheap in Finland but you can
buy high quality and best products from Finland. You can buy best of
Glassware, Home ware, ceramics, electronics, furniture, textile,
handicrafts, gifts and souvenirs and more from Finland. Some of the best shopping centers in Finland
worth exploring are Ainoa - Tapiola, Arabia - Helsinki, Dixi, Columbus,
Heikintori - Tapiola, Itis - Helsinki, Kampin Kesku and Forum in
Helsinki.
4. Best Time to Visit Finland
Depending upon what you want to experience, you can choose that time to visit Finland. Be it summers or winters or other time of the year, you can go to Finland for unique experience during that time.
If you love snow activities, go to Finland from December to March. For
unique white light experience you can visit Finland in June and July.
Other months of spring from April to May and autumn from September to
October of the year are also best to visit Finland. 4-5 days are ideal for a Finland trip.
5. Finland Flights
Busiest airports in Finland are Helsinki Airport,
Enontekio Airport, Oulu Airport, Turku Airport, Rovaniemi Airport, Vaasa
Airport and Tampere Airport. Biggest Airlines flying to Finland are
Aeroflot, Etihad Airways, Finnair, All Nippon Airways and British
Airways.
6. Finland Travel Tips
• Getting visa for Finland is not that difficult.
• When in Finland, you should use a local SIM card for calling and internet.
• Helsinki is an extremely urban city.
• Temperatures vary big time here, so you must pack appropriately.
• Finland is a heaven for non-vegetarian.
• You also get readily available vegetarian food here.
• Be ready for Self-service in hotels and everywhere else because of high labor cost here.
• Bus, trains, trams, cruise and boats are the best transport options in Helsinki and elsewhere.
• Practice honesty in all activities in Finland.
• Never litter.
Visa Information
Finland Visa Information:
Finland is a part of Schengen Agreement and so you can apply for Finnish Schengen Visa. There are various types of visa
that you need to obtain depending upon purpose and duration of your
visit to the country. However, common documents that you need for all
types of visa are following:
• Completed visa application form.
• Two photos.
• Current passport.
• Copy of previous visas.
• Travel program.
• Travel health insurance.
• Round trip tickets.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Proof of sufficient financial means to support your expense.
