Overview

Finland is a Nordic country located in the Fennoscandian region of northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden on the west, Russian Federation on the east, Estonia on the south, and Norway on the north. Finland is the most sparsely populated country in the European Union. It was settled around 8,500 BCE during the Stone Age, as the archeological digs depict. The area was inhabited by Swedish people and it became a part of Sweden back in the 1200s. Finland was occupied by Russia multiple times, and was actually under the Russian Empire until the end of 1917. Finland finally became a presidential republic in 1919 with Helsinki as its capital city. The country's landscapes are a glorious variation of forest and water, with the comforts of modern life. Finland is full of interesting contrasts, such as the four seasons, the midnight sun, the long winter nights, and the different cultural heritages of the eastern and western parts of the country.

Activities & Attractions

Helsinki is a modern European cultural city whose multi-ethnic life style ideally blends together. There are many things to do in this largest city of the country. You can visit the University of Helsinki, which includes the University Museum and the Natural History Museum. The other places of interest include the Senate Square and the Presidential Palace. Kids will love the magical line of Arctic Circle, where they can meet the Santa Claus. Enjoy a walk amidst the sounds of nature and the Finnish lake. The multiple theatres in the area draw many visitors, and there are also other museums of art and history, including classical art and modern art.

The 1952 Summer Olympics were held in Helsinki, which sparked and nurtured the growth of sport in the country in general and the city in particular. The Olympic stadium attracts a large crowd of visitors. You can enjoy skiing, canoeing, fishing, sailing, golf, and horse riding in Finland during different seasons of the year.

Lodging

There are many hotels in Finland that cater to all budget levels. For those looking for luxury hotels, there are plenty in Helsinki. However, if you are on a tight budget, then you can opt for the Espoo hotels, which are quite affordable than the others in Helsinki. The Hotel Sello, Sokos Hotel Tapiola Garden, and StayAt Espoo are some of the recommended hotels in Espoo.

Transportation

Finnish local public transport is efficient and prompt. Moving around by road is very easy. Helsinki features a metro rail transport system and a public bus system which interconnect the major Finnish cities. Helsinki has an international airport, making it easy to get into the country from other countries around the world. Those who like to use the water can take the ferries to get from one point to another. Local transportation in other cities is also very well organized.