What places can you visit in Finland? What's interesting in Finland in winter? National Museum of Finland

Finland... A country of magnificent dense forests, national parks with pristine nature, tens of thousands of islands and hundreds of thousands of lakes with pure water. An area with a population density of only sixteen people per square kilometer.

A state that has recognized the right to access the Internet as an inalienable right of every person. The country where the Angry Birds series of computer games was developed and Nokia was founded. The birthplace of heavy metal rock bands and fairy-tale characters called the Moomins. World leader in coffee consumption per capita. Recognized as an expert in strange sporting events, such as the World Championship of Wife Carrying, Air Guitar, and Wellington Boot Throwing.

The official name of the state is the Republic of Finland, and residents call it Suomi. Every year Finland is included in the list of the most prosperous, developed and safe countries world, and its inhabitants are recognized as the happiest nation in the world. And this, by the way, is in a country where snow lies for 5 or even 7 months a year, and in the north of Suomi in winter the sun does not rise above the horizon! What is Finland's secret? What attracts tourists here from all over Europe, and even from all over the world, and also makes local residents the happiest? Our guide to Finland will answer all your questions.

And how can you not be happy, having the opportunity to observe the brightest and most beautiful natural phenomenon - the northern lights? Finnish Lapland is one of the best places in the world to observe Aurora Borealis.

Imagine how much pleasure children (and probably adults!) will get if the traditional sending of a letter to Santa Claus is replaced with a personal visit? Yes, yes, the real Santa lives in Finland, in a fabulous residence near the town of Rovaniemi. And in “Santa Park” you will definitely be taught how to make Christmas gingerbread and introduced to elves and reindeer.

In Lapland you can see the Snow Castle and also live in a glass igloo.

Stable snow cover makes Finland one of the worthy options for a ski holiday.

And in the summer you can enjoy the amazing beauty of nature, walk along the cozy streets of Finnish cities or go fishing.

And, of course, the world-famous Finnish saunas will raise your level of happiness at any time. Their number is simply amazing: with a population of just over 5 million people, Finland has 3 million saunas!

How to get to Finland

Tourists can get to Finland by choosing one of many travel methods. Residents of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region have the largest list of options: plane, train, bus, car, ferry. For travelers from Moscow, plane, train or car will be preferable. From Stockholm, Riga and Tallinn it is more convenient to get to the capital of Finland - Helsinki - by ferry. When planning a trip from other cities and countries, it is better to give preference to an airplane.

Airplane

The main and largest airport in Finland is Helsinki-Vantaa. It handles the lion's share of flights from Finland to countries around the world.
The airport is located 20 km from Helsinki, and there is excellent bus service between them.

Another Finnish airport is Tampere-Pirkkala. One of its terminals serves flights from Finnair, AirBaltic, etc., while the second serves exclusively Ryanair. Tampere Airport receives flights from Stockholm and Riga.

Lappeenranta Airport is located at a distance of just over two hundred kilometers from St. Petersburg. It is interesting for tourists primarily because flights are available from there at low prices. For example, low-cost airline Ryanair.

Direct flights from Russia to Finland are available all year round to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, and seasonal winter flights to Rovaniemi and Kajaani airports.

Train

There are direct trains from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Helsinki.

The Moscow train "Lev Tolstoy" departs from the Leningradsky station and travels for about 14 hours. From St. Petersburg you can take this train to the capital of Finland in 7.5 hours.

However, the Allegro high-speed train also runs from the northern capital several times a day, which will take you to Helsinki in just 3.5 hours.
By purchasing your tickets in advance, you can save a lot of money. The fare also depends significantly on the day of the week.

Ferry

When traveling from St. Petersburg, Riga, Tallinn and Stockholm to Helsinki or Turku, you can enjoy a comfortable and interesting sea journey by ferry.

Ferry services and cruises between these cities are offered by MOBY SPL (ST.PETER LINE), Tallink & Silja Line and Viking Line.

Bus

Bus trips to Finland are relevant, first of all, for residents of St. Petersburg. Several dozen buses leave for Helsinki, Lappeenranta and Imatra every day. Especially worth noting Shuttle Buses, which run according to a set schedule and pass the Russian-Finnish border out of turn. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the bus company website or booked by phone. This method of travel will be the most economical.

No less popular among residents of the northern capital are organized Bus tours to Finland. These can be either one-day shopping tours or multi-day tourist trips.

It should also be mentioned that there are many companies providing transfer services from St. Petersburg and Vyborg to the airports of Lappeenranta and Helsinki, from where flights operate throughout Europe.

Automobile

Probably the most convenient way to travel to Finland for residents of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, the Republic of Karelia and Murmansk region- Personal car.

Muscovites often choose this method of transportation, but such a trip will take much longer (about 15 hours).

Border checkpoints operate both around the clock (for example, Svetogorsk-Imatra, Torfyanovka-Vaalimaa, Brusnichnoe-Nuijamaa and Värtsilä-Niirala) and only during the daytime (Salla-Salla and Lyttä-Vartius are open from 7:00 to 21:00).

To travel by car, you must purchase a Green Card policy.

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Story

Before you go on a trip, get to know the history of the country. This will help you get to know and understand her better. We will talk about the main stages in the history of Finland below.

Early history of Finland

It is believed that the settlement of the territory of modern Finland began about 9 thousand years ago. However, in 1996 Wolf Cave, located in the west of the country, researchers have discovered unique artifacts that may be more than 40,000 years old!

The main settlements of the ancient Finns were located along rivers and on the shores of lakes, their inhabitants were fishermen, hunters and gatherers. The northern regions were settled much later.

There is no consensus regarding the language used by the ancient inhabitants. Historians put forward a theory according to which already 1000-1500 years BC, the aborigines used the ancient Finnish language. And later, as a result of contacts between them and tribes speaking the Finno-Ugric dialect, the modern Finnish language was formed. Soon given language The Sami also began to use it.

The first written sources in Finland date back to the 12th-13th centuries.

Swedish rule

Finland was under Swedish domination for a very long time - more than six hundred years!

Cities and regions

For a long period, the country of Suomi was divided into provinces. Given Administrative division was introduced back when Finland was part of the Russian Empire. At first there were 13 provinces, a little later - 12, and since 1997 - 6: Southern, Western and Eastern Finland, Oulu, Lapland and the Åland Islands.

As a result of administrative reform, from January 1, 2011, Finland is divided into 19 regions, each of which includes from 2 to 7 districts. Let's look at the most interesting areas from a tourist point of view.

Uusimaa

The region is located in the southern part of Finland. The main cities are: Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Porvoo.

Helsinki

South Karelia

The region is part of the historical province of Karelia and borders Russian Federation, thanks to which it is very popular among Russian tourists. For shopping tours and relaxation in spa hotels, tourists most often choose Lappeenranta and Imatra.

Imatra

Imatra has become tourist destination three centuries ago, when the Russian Empress Catherine II visited the town and was captivated by the beauty of the Imatrankoski waterfall.

In 1892, a railway line was opened that connected St. Petersburg and Imatra, after which travelers from Russia flocked to the town.

Unfortunately, these days you can only see the beauty of the waterfall in Matveev’s painting in the Russian Museum, since a hydroelectric power station was built on the site of the waterfall. Now the water discharge can only be seen on holidays. For example, on New Year, when tourists are treated to a real show with illumination and fireworks.

Another attraction of Imatra is the castle. It was built in 1903 on the site of two of its predecessors that burned down. At first it was called Grand Hotel Cascade (Grand Hotel Waterfall), but changed its name several times. Now it is Scandic Imatran Valtionhotelli. The building has been repeatedly recognized as the most beautiful in all of Finland.

There are also three churches in Imatra that attract tourists to this city. These are the Church of the Three Crosses, the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and the oldest church in Imatra - Tainionkoskenkirko.

Lappeenranta

It's lively tourist town on the shore of Lake Saimaa. Among the city's attractions are the Lappeenranta Fortress, the South Karelian Museum, the Art Museum, the Cavalry Museum and the Karelian Aeronautics Museum.

However, most tourists come not for museums, but for shopping: there are truly a huge number of shopping centers, hypermarkets and shops! They are also located next to each other, which makes the shopping process very easy.

Varsinais-Suomi

The region is located in the southwest of modern Finland. South coast washed by the Gulf of Finland, the western by the Gulf of Bothnia. The administrative center is Turku.

Turku

The first capital oldest city country, cultural and scientific center. Even the first university in Finland was opened in Turku.

The most important architectural monument in Turku is Cathedral, the main Lutheran church in the country. It was built back in the 13th century! Next to the cathedral is the Old Square - the center of the historical part of the city. The same age as the Cathedral is the Swedish medieval Abo Castle, which is worth a visit inside to learn more about the history of Turku.

If you have time, check out the Sibelius Museum. You will be able to see about two thousand instruments from all over the world, learn about the life and work of the Finnish composer Sibelius. The museum still hosts concerts.

If you come to Turku with children, visit Moominland. It is located near Turku, near the town of Naantali. The fairy-tale world is based on the funny stories of Tove Jansson. It includes a 5-story Moomin house, a free train, a forest labyrinth, a fabulous witch's swamp, a beach, a cafe, a pier with a ship, a theater and other entertainment. Everywhere children are accompanied by fairy-tale characters.

Lapland

This is the northernmost and large region Finland. In the south it borders with the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, in the west - with Sweden, in the north - with Norway, in the east - with Russia. Most of the region is located north of the Arctic Circle.

Rovaniemi

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and Recreation

Leisure

Transport

Wellness holiday

Private guides in Finland

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Finland in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

No matter what time of year you go to Finland, you are sure to find something to your liking.

Spring and autumn

Spring and autumn - best time for unity with Finnish nature, complete immersion in peace and quiet.

Contemplating the spring awakening of nature or enjoying the bright colors of the Finnish autumn will remain in your memory for a long time.

Rent one of the cozy cottages on the shore of the lake or pitch a tent, walk through the forest, pick berries and mushrooms, or go fishing.

Don't forget to explore the famous Finnish saunas or relax in one of the spa hotels.

In summer

Summer in Finland, although not hot, is quite warm and sunny, especially in the south of the country. This is a great time for both outdoor recreation and excursion programs. In summer, many interesting festivals are held throughout the country.

Camping

In summer, Finns prefer to relax on lakes: fishing, barbecuing, sunbathing and even swimming.

The beach season opens in June, but the water temperature at this time does not exceed +18 °C. In July it warms up to +19 °C…+21 °C.

As active rest Finnish people choose walking routes in national parks. These can be short walks or multi-day hiking routes. Join the locals and meet people natural resources Suomi!

Cruises

For Finns, cruises are as much a part of their culture as ecology, saunas and the Northern Lights.

The country has 52 of the most modern seaports, where you can meet even the largest cruise ships in the world.

Boat trips along the sea, rivers and lakes, as well as cafes and restaurants on board ships are also popular.

Festivals

Every summer, Finland hosts numerous festivals of various music genres. The largest of them have been held for decades.

The three main Finnish music festivals are Ruisrock in Turku, Ilosaarirock in Joensuu and Provinssirock in Seinäjoki.

Finland is known as the country of hard rock and heavy metal. This music is played at a variety of festivals and venues throughout the country. The most famous of these is a festival in Helsinki called Tuska, which means “pain” in Finnish.

in winter

Finland is exactly the country where there are even more exciting activities available in winter than in summer! We offer you a list of entertainment and active recreation that are popular in Suomi during the cold season. And it can last in some regions of the country for six months.

Skating

Finns love ice skating. You can share this hobby and choose open city skating rinks, mirror-like surfaces of lakes, and even special areas on frozen areas of the Baltic Sea for skating.

Helsinki and Tampere are famous for the best city skating rinks. To ride on a frozen lake, choose national park"Linnansaari", where the most beautiful skating track in Finland is located, the town of Lahti, whose residents and guests skate on the frozen surface of Lake Vesijärvi, as well as Mikkeli and Savonlinna, which serve as the gateway to many kilometers of tracks on Lake Saimaa.

If you skate professionally, then take part in the Finnish Ice Marathon, which is held annually in January or February on Lake Kallavesi.

Cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiing is also very popular in Finland. Best months for skiing - February and March. At this time, the days are often clear and the snow shines in the sun. Thousands of kilometers of ski slopes are built and maintained throughout the country. You can also easily find equipment rental shops in Finland.

Skiing and snowboarding

There are 75 ski resorts built in Finland. The trails are mostly simple, wide and not very long. The difference in elevation is small, because in Suomi there are rather hills rather than mountains. But snow cover is guaranteed for the entire season, which in some resorts begins in October and continues right up to May.

The best Finnish ski resorts are: Levi, Ylläs, Vuokatti, Ruka, Tahko, Himos, etc.

Biggest ski resort in Finland - Levi- is located in Western Lapland, almost 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. The resort can offer vacationers 43 slopes with a total length of 43.6 km, half of them are illuminated in the evening. The height difference is 325 meters. There are also opportunities for off-piste skiing. The area is famous for its entertainment and cuisine: restaurants, bars, clubs, rock cafes are at your service. Levi is the only resort in Finland with slopes suitable for World Cup alpine skiing competitions. International World Cup competitions are held in Levi annually in November. He was also chosen “Best” several times ski resort Year of Finland".

Vuokatti is one of the most popular ski resorts due to its location, excellent selection of hotels and cottages near the ski slopes and a wide range of tourist services. The resort has 13 ski slopes, the longest of which is about a kilometer. Vuokkatti also offers the only snowboarding tunnel in the world that can be used all year round. There is also an Olympic training center there.

The resort has three restaurants and the Katinkulta entertainment center with hydromassage pools, water attractions and a café on the water.

At the resort Hand you can find skiing for every taste. Ski season here it begins in October and lasts until May, and the presence of good snow cover during these months is almost guaranteed. The elevation difference at the resort is 201-492 m, there are 35 slopes in total. Every year at the end of November, the next series of the World Cup in ski jumping, skiing and Nordic combined starts in Ruka. In addition, Ruka has excellent conditions for training and world-class competitions in alpine skiing, freestyle skiing and snowboarding.

Ski lovers in Tahko 15 lifts and 24 slopes await, the longest of which is 1200 meters long, and the maximum height difference is up to 200 meters. This is the fourth largest ski center. Tahko's varied restaurants will pamper visitors with culinary delights: here you can try French cuisine, Spanish cuisine, and traditional Finnish dishes.

Closer to the south is the largest ski resort in central Finland Himos. The resort has 23 slopes, 15 lifts and flat ski slopes, stretching for many kilometers among picturesque snowy landscapes. For snowboarders, there are 2 half-pipes, a snowboard street track (a strip with sharp turns and tricky obstacles), a cross course and a mogul slope, equipped in accordance with international standards.

Snowmobile Safari

If you like speed, then this activity is for you! You can book a snowmobile tour in both the lakes region and Lapland. Experienced guides will guide you through snow-covered forests and make stops at the most photogenic places. The service is available to tourists over 18 years of age and with a driver's license.

Snowshoeing

Who said that walking on national natural parks Is it possible only in the warm season? Buy or rent snowshoes and go on an adventure!

Fatbiking

Ride a bike on a frozen lake? Why not if you have a fat bike? Fat bike tires are literally made for Finnish lakes! You can rent equipment and go skiing both in the town of Lahti and in Oulu.

Route through Christmas towns and fairs

Christmas is truly a magical time, especially in such a beautiful country as Finland. At this time, many cities hold holiday fairs with traditional treats, souvenirs and performances.

We recommend starting your trip with the main fair of the country, which is held on Senate Square in Helsinki. More than a hundred elegantly decorated tents at the Christmas Market offer all guests a wonderful selection of gifts, Christmas decorations and traditional delicacies - fish, meat and sweets.

An old carousel adds to the atmosphere of the fair. Santa Claus comes to the fair every day.

From the capital, in just half an hour you can reach Porvoo, which becomes even more charming during the Christmas holidays. At the Christmas market on the Old Town Hall Square, traders dressed in period costumes offer local crafts and delicacies. A cozy streets old town and neat houses are beautifully decorated with garlands.

And in Turku there are two fairs at once: on the Old Square and on the Market Square. Near Turku Cathedral, the lights on a huge fir tree are lit every year, and festive illumination of numerous garlands adorns Turku's official Christmas street, Yliopistonkatu.

You can also get into a Christmas fairy tale at the fairs in Tampere and Oulu.

Lapland route

A traditional itinerary in Lapland necessarily includes hunting for the northern lights, visiting Santa Claus Village and Santa Park in Rovaniemi, and dog and reindeer sledding.

Do you want to make your trip original? Add a trip on the huge Arctic icebreaker Sampo, which sets off from the city of Kemi.

Typically the cruise lasts 4 hours. On board, tourists will be treated to delicious food, an icebreaker tour and unforgettable views. And, the most interesting thing, if you wish, you can dive into the icy sea waters! Special equipment that guarantees complete safety, is provided.

Getting around the country

When going to Finland, every tourist thinks about how it is more convenient, faster, more comfortable and cheaper to travel around the country. We hasten to please you. Despite the fact that Finland is not a very densely populated country, there are plenty of options for traveling between different regions and cities.

This is a well-developed network water transport, and internal flights between major cities, and well-established bus services, and a wide railway map. You can rent a car, motorhome or bicycle, and also try traditional methods of transportation in the north - reindeer and dog sleds.

In any city you can call a taxi, and in Helsinki you can also use the metro.

Train

Trains in Finland are modern, comfortable and clean. Conveniently, some of them can also carry a personal car. An interesting feature of Finnish trains is the presence of special “children's carriages”.

Airplane

There are 27 airports in Suomi serving domestic flights. Major airlines on domestic flights: Finnair, Norwegian, Flybe, SAS.

In addition to regular flights, major airports There are also seasonal flights that are introduced due to the influx of passengers.

Water transport

An interesting, and sometimes irreplaceable, way to travel around Finland is by water.

In almost all cities of Finland, located on the sea coast or on the shores of lakes, river and sea trams are one of the types of urban transport. Moreover, these can be both retro steamboats and modern high-speed boats. Choose according to your taste!

Along the sea coast, as well as along inland waters, there are many tourist routes. One of them is a cruise to the Åland Islands.

You can also reach other countries by ferry: Sweden, Estonia, Germany, Russia.

Bus

By bus in Finland you can even get to places where there is no railways. Express buses are especially popular. It is worth noting that transport moves strictly according to schedule.

This method of transportation is fast and comfortable, and a pleasant bonus will be the opportunity to admire the picturesque Finnish landscapes along the way.

Main bus companies: Matkahuolto, Onnibus, ExpressBus.

Automobile

Traveling by car is a very convenient way to see even remote corners of the country.

Car rental in Finland is provided by the following companies: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Scandia Rent, Sixt. However, it is worth noting that the cost of renting a car in Finland is quite high. If possible, come to own car. Often, even transporting it by ferry will cost less than renting a car.

Finland is a right-hand drive country; overtaking is done in the left lane.

IN summer time Motorists will not have any problems on the highways: the quality of the roads is high, congestion is usually low. The only thing you need to pay attention to is the numerous speed limits. Fines for violations are high, so it’s worth following the rules.

In winter, driving is more difficult. Firstly, complex weather, poor visibility, drifts. Secondly, in winter, the length of daylight hours is minimal; most of the time you will have to move in the dark. Please keep in mind that in Finland moose and reindeer often come onto the road.

Also, while driving at any time of the day, headlights must be turned on.

Bike

Cycling is very popular in Finland. These can range from bicycle excursions around the city to long tours. There are many kilometers of paths throughout the country, and walking along them is a real pleasure. And along the way you will be able to visit all the planned attractions.

Renting a bicycle in Finland is also easy.

Extreme types of transportation

This includes travel on snowmobiles, as well as reindeer and dog sleds. Such services are available in almost every ski resort in Finland, as well as in the northernmost region - Lapland. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to ride like a breeze!

Communication

Before going to a particular country, it doesn’t hurt to find out a little more about its inhabitants.

Most Finns are practical, reserved in their interactions and not too talkative. Loud laughter, excessive gesticulation and talkativeness can be perceived negatively by Suomi residents.

There are two official languages in Finland: Finnish and Swedish. However, for communication it will be enough for you to know English.

The national minority living in Lapland speaks its own language, which, according to the 1992 law “On the Sami Language,” has become completely official in the places where the Sami live.

In the eastern part of the country you can also meet Russian-speaking residents.

For Finns, the topic of equality is very important: between men and women (do you remember that it was Finland that was the first to adopt universal and equal suffrage for both men and women?), between leaders and subordinates.

The concepts of “personal life” and “work” are clearly separated. This means that during working hours, personal phone calls are not allowed, and during your free time you will not be disturbed about work matters. An interesting “work” aspect in Finland is conducting some negotiations and transactions... in a sauna!

When it comes to topics of conversation, there is little talk in Finland about politics, wages or matters of faith. But sports, weather, shopping, plans for weekends and vacations are usually discussed freely.

Do you want the seemingly cold Finns to treat you warmly and friendly? Don't be late for meetings, always keep your word and don't violate personal boundaries. Then you can make friends with local residents and count on their help and support at any time.

During dinner parties, holidays and parties, it is also worth following some rules. First, warn your neighbors in advance. Secondly, do not break the silence after 23:00 unless your plans include communicating with the Finnish police. And thirdly, invite guests in advance. The Finns do not allow sudden visits even to relatives.

And one more national trait that should be taken into account when communicating with the residents of Finland is the love of sports and active pastime. Finns are health conscious and prefer to spend a lot of time outdoors, regardless of the time of year. Favorite sport is skiing.

Culture

The culture of Finland was influenced for a long time by Sweden, and a little later, and to a much lesser extent, by the Russian Empire. It was only after gaining independence that the Finns realized how important the role played for them. cultural heritage, national values and traditions.

Finnish culture gave birth to “Kalevala” - one of the largest epic works in world history, the basis of which was Karelian folk songs - runes. A huge amount of material was obtained and processed only thanks to the outstanding researcher of the Karelian-Finnish epic Elias Lönnrot. With this invaluable work, he wrote his name into the history and culture of Finland. The themes of the epic Kalevala runes influenced the work of many Finnish artists, writers, and musicians.

Every year on February 28, Finns celebrate “Kalevala Day” - the official day of Finnish and Karelian culture. It is also the day of the official raising of the national flag.

Finnish literature develops in two languages, Finnish and Swedish. For example, the national poet Johan Runeberg wrote in Swedish. One of his patriotic poems was set to music. This song eventually became the anthem of Finland.

Among the representatives of the fair sex, the famous writer Tove Jansson, who, by the way, also wrote in Swedish. First of all, she is known as the creator of fairy-tale characters - the charming Moomins, about whose adventures she wrote a series of books. By the way, Tove Jansson personally did the illustrations for these books.

The fine arts of Finland developed under the influence of advanced European schools in Paris, Dusseldorf, and St. Petersburg.

The country's most famous art museum, the Ateneum, is located in Helsinki. It houses the largest art collection in Finland. Next to paintings by Finnish painters hang canvases by Van Gogh, Cezanne, Goya, Modigliani and other great artists. In the museum you can see works by Russian masters: Repin, Shishkin and Levitan.

Music plays a big role in Finnish culture. Folk music is based on the melodies of ancient chants, and traditional folk musical instruments are: kantele (Finnish harp), horn and violin.

Finnish classical music was glorified by the name of Jean Sibelius. The emergence of a national classical musical tradition is associated with the creativity and activities of this composer. It was then that the first symphony orchestra, professional composers and performers appeared in the country.

And yet, most of all, the Finns have succeeded in rock. Perhaps, the whole world knows such groups as HIM, Apocalyptica, The Rasmus and Lordi, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2016.

Finland is famous for its many summer music festivals world-class concerts that feature rock and jazz, folk, opera and chamber music.

And in winter, you can get acquainted with Finnish music by visiting the Finnish National Opera, the Helsinki House of Music, the Alexander Theater, the Swedish Theater in Helsinki and the Swedish Theater Turku.

Kitchen

Now in Finland you can find cafes and restaurants with cuisine for every taste, but it will be much more interesting to try local dishes.

The proximity of the sea and a huge number of lakes influenced the Finnish diet: it contains a lot of different fish. This includes red fish, which is eaten raw or lightly salted, and eel, and Baltic herring, smoked and pickled.

As for the first courses, you should definitely try the Finnish fish soup with red fish and cream.

In northern Finland, game dishes are prepared. One of the most delicious is venison stew. In Lapland you can try the local soft cheese with a sweetish taste - “leipäjuusto”. It is usually served with cloudberries.

At Christmas in Finland they bake ham, prepare a dish of dried cod with potatoes, rutabaga casserole, and bake various cookies.

Finns love sweet pastries and confectionery. Pies with various fillings are very common. For example, in the city of Kuopio they bake the most delicious Kalakukko - rye pies filled with fish. This dish is also a must on the Easter table.

Karelian wicket is also considered a traditional dish - an open pie made from unleavened rye dough filled with millet, rice, potatoes, carrots, salmon or cottage cheese.

One of the most delicious types of baked goods is blueberry pie. Most often it is prepared in the summer, during the ripening period of the berries. Usually washed down with milk. But lingonberries are often used to make jam and juice.

The most famous cake in Finland can be considered a pastry named after the national poet, Johan Ludwig Runeberg. This confectionery product is a cylinder weighing about 100 grams, for the preparation of which almond crumbs, arrack or rum are used. As a decoration - a ring of powdered sugar with a drop of raspberry jam in the center. Runeberg cakes are widely sold in Finland around the Finnish national holiday, Runeberg Day, which is celebrated on February 5th every year. But in Porvoo, where Runeberg spent a significant part of his life, you can taste the cake any day.

Do you want something exotic? Look for licorice candies. These are black sweets made from licorice root. The taste is very specific and obviously not everyone will like it. The so-called “meter-long licorice” is especially popular: the candy looks like a cord cut into pieces.

While in Finland, be sure to visit the Fazer cafes, which offer a wide range of bakery and confectionery products from this world-famous company.

Another world-famous chain is the Finnish burger joint Hesburger. So if you want fast food, come here.

When it comes to drinks, the people of Finland are ranked number one in the world for the amount of coffee they drink! This is the most popular drink in the country. Each resident drinks approximately 4 cups of coffee per day. Basically, they prefer a black strong drink, although cappuccino is also popular. In second place among non-alcoholic drinks is milk.

But the most popular alcoholic drink is beer, mainly Finnish beer: Lapin Kulta, Karjala, Olvi, Koff and Karhu.

Purchases

Finnish fish is one of the main export destinations. The range of fish in Finnish stores is simply amazing! In addition to cold and hot smoked fish delicacies, delicious trout fillet or Norwegian salmon, you can buy a jar of Finnish red caviar.

Many tourists buy home various types of cheese, as well as Finnish butter.

Few people can resist the real temptation - delicious chocolate. The most famous manufacturer is the Fazer company, which produces candies with all kinds of fillings and baked goods.

Would you like to purchase something more unusual? Go shopping in Porvoo, where the Brunberg candy factory and its own shop of original sweets have been operating since 1871. Here you can not only see the factory’s products, but also try them. Choose chocolate bars with a unique taste, a variety of candies, including licorice, chocolate-covered nuts and other sweets. This souvenir from Finland will not leave anyone indifferent.

Another food product that can and should be brought is Finnish coffee.

Locals They know a lot about a strong and aromatic drink, so they prefer coffee beans. The Paulig company is considered to be a monopolist of the coffee market. The Kulta Katriina brand is also in demand.

Among alcoholic drinks, it is worth paying attention to Finnish liqueurs, which are produced exclusively from natural ingredients. Beer fans can grab a few bottles of Finnish production, and those who like stronger drinks can grab Finlandia vodka.

Among the standard souvenirs, northern themes are common: deer, elk, husky, Finnish Santa Claus - Joulupukki. You can find their images on magnets, cups, plates, and in the form of soft toys. Products made from deer skin are also sold, but the cost of such a gift will be very high.

When choosing gifts, pay attention to handmade goods made of wood, glass and ceramics. Men will definitely love traditional Finnish knives.

During the sales season in Finland, you can buy clothes from famous brands at fairly low prices. First of all, this applies to things for sports and active recreation. For example, the children's clothing manufacturer Reima and the Luhta company sew items of excellent quality in a wide range. The best Finnish outlets are in Helsinki and Lappeenranta.

For all purchases, be sure to keep your receipts to ensure you receive a tax refund.

Connection

Let's start with the most interesting and unusual way of communication in Finland - Joulupukki mail, the Finnish Santa Claus.

Santa's official post office is located in Lapland, near Rovaniemi. Every year, letters from kids from all over the world come here to Santa Claus Village. Just imagine: the number of letters per year has long exceeded a million!

For tourists, the post office is interesting primarily because from here you can send postcards, letters, gifts to anyone: friends, family, acquaintances, or even yourself! The sending process is a fascinating thing: first, you slowly choose cards and gifts, and then, by candlelight, you begin to beautifully display the recipient’s address...

After filling out the details, go to the cashier and pay for postcards and stamps. Next, select a mailbox to send letters to. There are two of them: one for those letters that need to be delivered at Christmas, and from the second, cards, letters and gifts will be sent in the near future.

Sending letters from Santa Claus's post office is a warm and soulful activity, however, it will not be cheap.

Traditional means of communication in Finland are mobile connection and the Internet.

When traveling to Finland, check the offers of your mobile operator. Perhaps a temporary switch to some tariff with affordable roaming prices will suit you.

If you often visit Finland or plan to come for a long time, consider purchasing a prepaid card from one of the local operators. These are prepaid SIM cards, when purchasing which you do not need to present documents, register or fill out an agreement. Unfortunately, the validity period of such cards may be limited. If you top up your account with a few euros at least once a year, their validity will be automatically extended. SIM cards are sold at R-Kioski, in shopping centers or in specialized communication stores. The cost is quite affordable.

In Finland, the main mobile operators are: Sonera (TeliaSonera), Elisa (has an additional brand Saunalahti) and DNA. For Sonera with DNA, the price starts at 9.9 euros, the cheapest prepaid package is for Elisa: it costs only 5.9 euros. When purchasing, a significant portion of the amount is immediately credited to the balance.

Mobile Internet in Finland will not be cheap, so carefully study the available offers. For example, Sonera has a tariff with a cost of 0.01 euros per megabyte. You can also purchase an unlimited package for a day from DNA - the price is 1.9 euros per day.

There are also many points in Finland where you can use Wi-Fi for free. For example, in the capital, the wireless network covers almost the entire center. Wi-Fi is also available in almost all cafes and restaurants, hotels, and libraries.

Safety

Finland is a country for a calm, measured holiday. Local residents are law-abiding citizens.

The crime rate in the country is extremely low, so tourists should not worry about their own safety, as well as the safety of things and valuables.

The Finnish police closely monitor the safety of citizens, however, they also demand full compliance with the law on the part of vacationers. We advise you to carefully read the prohibitions and laws in Suomi so as not to get into an unpleasant situation.

The Finns are fighting against tobacco smoking and aim to completely eradicate the bad habit. Smoking is permitted only in designated areas. They must be equipped with bins, special hoods and signs. There is a fine for smoking in the wrong place.

You can also receive a fine for drinking alcohol in public places and transport. Spirits can only be purchased at Alko retail outlets, and the sale of beer and wine in regular stores closes after 21:00. Advertising of strong alcoholic beverages on television, in newspapers, magazines, and on street signs is prohibited.

There are also quite strict requirements for maintaining silence in places of residence. The general rule is to maintain complete silence after 23:00. But some houses may have their own rules, for example, you can’t make noise after 21:00 or 22:00.

When relaxing in nature, follow these rules:

do not leave trash behind, clean up after your pets;
do not leave designated routes in nature reserves;
pick berries, mushrooms, and flowers only in the forest: it is prohibited to do this on private property;
set up a tent only in a permitted place: camping, recreation areas, special sites;
light a fire only in a specially designated place;
Do not fish where there are signs reading Kalastus kielletty (“fishing prohibited”) or Rauhoitusalue (“reserve”).

Following these simple rules will allow you to have the most pleasant and comfortable time in Finland.

Where to stay

Finding accommodation in Finland can take a long time. And this is not because there are few accommodation options in Suomi. Not at all! On the contrary, the Finns can offer tourists such interesting, unusual and truly unique hotels, cottages, igloos that it will be difficult to choose just one.

When traveling to Lapland, you can stay on the territory of Santa Claus Village, in a cozy cottage with a sauna at Santa Claus Holiday Village.

From the house, in just a couple of minutes on foot, you will reach Santa’s residence, where you can meet him in person, and also send a card from the main Christmas post office in the world.

Do you want to live in a house with panoramic windows overlooking a snowy forest? Choose a complex with luxury rooms in traditional Scandinavian style Arctic TreeHouse Hotel located on the territory of Santa Park.

By the way, there are also glass igloos with heated floors and a thermal glass roof overlooking the sky. Just imagine what a pleasure it is to watch the northern lights while in the Arctic Circle in a warm house!

Another resort complex surrounded by nature located in the ski area of Saariselkä. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort - Igloos and Chalets features glass igloo houses, traditional wooden chalets and the world's largest Finnish sauna.

If you come to relax on the lake, choose a typical Finnish cottage on the shore, or a campsite where you can rent a house or set up your own tent.

And if the purpose of your visit is to relax at the spa, then one of the many stunning spa hotels awaits you. For example, Holiday Club Saimaa or Finlandia Hotel Imatran Kylpylä Spa in Imatra.

Finland is beautiful in its own way at any time of the year and is always different. Every year it attracts more and more tourists who want to see the uniqueness of this country and visit the most interesting places. Tourists are especially attracted to the natural and historical attractions of this country.

The capital of Finland is a beautiful city with picturesque places - Helsinki. This is a wonderful place for those who love to enjoy the beauty of ancient and ancient architecture.

Various historical monuments are located here next to each other and you can walk to each one or get there in a comfortable car. public transport, which has the status of the best in all of Europe.

Sights of Helsinki

When you arrive in Helsinki, it feels like you have traveled back in time. This is all thanks to the unique houses of the capital, which combine several architectural styles.

The predominant style is called “jugend”, and it is thanks to it that this Finnish city stands out among other beautiful European cities. Let's look at each attraction separately to get to know them better.

Perhaps the most recognizable and favorite place all tourists coming to Finland. This is where the administrative center of the city of Helsinki is located. Buildings in the neoclassical style are at first glance very simple, and at the same time unusually laconic and solemn.

On the territory of the square there are all the most famous places - the National Finnish Library, the University, and the Cathedral is located nearby. All these buildings make up the main composition of the attractions of Senate Square.

Here, nearby, there is a Shopping Gallery, and nearby there is also an amazing amusement park, called "Esplanade". Usually all tourists and guests of the capital “stock up” with souvenirs and gifts here.

Many attractions in Helsinki are designed in the new and unusual Art Nouveau style. Thanks to this, the city became the architectural center of this style throughout Europe.

This is the most modern and unusual art museum in Europe. Among its exhibits you can find a lot of modern paintings, modern photographs, sculptures, as well as various presentations in media form: photo and video materials. Shows the museum and the theatrical and cinematic life of the state.

The lighting here is hidden inside the walls in special lighting structures that provide soft and diffuse lighting in the room. Each room used for exhibition or demonstration is decorated in its own special style.

There is also a cafe here, which allows you to relax after long and exciting walks through the halls.

Finnish Parliament Building

This is a real symbol of freedom and democracy of the state, designed by the architect Johan Siegfried Siren. The interior decoration is made in art deco style.

Mostly Finnish building materials were used in construction. This was done specifically to once again emphasize the independence of the state.

Finlandia Congress Palace

This place is a must-see for tourists. Architect Alavar Alto designed not only the unique roof, but also created the interiors of the interior rooms. The Finlandia Palace, according to the designers' idea, was made quite functional and practical.

Temppeliaukio: church in the rock in Helsinki

Another equally valuable attraction is the Temppeliaukio Church. It is carved into the rock, and light enters here through the upper part - that is, the roof. From afar, it looks like an alien ship that landed briefly on a rock.

Due to the fact that the building is built in a special way and from stone, it has excellent acoustics, which gives it an unusual identity.

This temple is considered the most beautiful and stunning; here the most unique interior and exterior decoration as a whole makes not only guests and casual tourists admire its beauty, but also the local population, who tirelessly honors religious traditions.

Seurasaari Island

Those who are especially interested in the history of Finland should definitely go to the island called “Seurasaari”. There is a museum right in the open space, representing the way of life of the Finns. It is here that you can get acquainted with old and modern Finland, learn the traditions of this amazing country.

The museum complex consists of 85 buildings and individual structures and conveys in great detail the environment and life of the Finns during the eighteenth and twentieth centuries.

Guides here will greet tourists in Finnish attire - national costumes; special performances and shows are held for their guests. And state holidays are celebrated here magnificently and always noisily and for a long time. Concerts, festivals and traditional events make this region not only interesting, but also very hospitable and welcoming.

Suomenlinna Fortress is one of the most famous sights and is a true cultural heritage. The ancient military architecture of Finland, museums, tunnels, fortress walls, cannons, etc. are presented here.

All those who are lucky enough to visit Finland will remember these beautiful amazing places for a long time.

Despite the fact that Finland is not a mountainous country, there are still ski resorts here. There are more than a hundred resorts on its territory and each resort is unique in itself. They are equipped with the most modern equipment. Well-prepared mountain slopes for professionals and beginners in skiing will delight you with their quality and safety.

The most important factor in organizing ski resorts in Finland is their lighting at night. Also, each descent is equipped with special lifts, which are very comfortable for tourists and significantly help speed up the process of getting up after the descent, and of course, relax and enjoy the surrounding views.

In addition to well-equipped ski slopes, the Finns also took care of another part of the holiday - catering and entertainment venues. On the territory of such complexes you can find not only cozy restaurants, cafes and mini-hotels, but also entire coffee houses, sports gyms and centers, swimming pools and children's entertainment complexes.

Quite recently, a huge center for ski tourism and recreation called “Levi” opened for guests and tourists. There are excellently organized descents and ascents, impeccable and very high-quality service, and, of course, the most important thing, international status, which makes the complex comfortable for tourists from all over the world to stay and have a good rest.

Here you can go on a reindeer safari, go on a snowshoe excursion, and even go fishing for real on the Finnish legendary fishing grounds. For those who take small children with them on vacation, do not worry, they will not be bored.

On the territory of Levi you can find special children's ski slopes with professional instructors, as well as children's snowboarding and other modern entertainment for children.

Another large-scale ski complex is called Himos. It is located very close to the border with the Russian Federation. Extreme sports enthusiasts really like this complex because of the elevation changes. And some ski slopes here they are more than a kilometer long.

The Finnish land is famous for its resorts. It’s impossible to list them all, there are so many of them, they are all different, with super modern tracks and steep descents. There is one more famous resort"Hand". Here is the longest route, which is almost one and a half kilometers. There are also height differences of up to 200m, steep slopes, and excellent ski lifts.

Another popular resort for skiers - “Laavuori”. This is an older and very famous resort in Finland, rich in its traditions and customs. Every year, it is on its territory that international competitions in high jumping, ski jumping, and cross-country skiing are held.

Despite the fact that “Laavuori” is an old complex, the ski slopes and slopes here are equipped as efficiently, efficiently and modernly as in the new, recently opened complexes. For those involved in cross-country skiing, routes of 60 kilometers or more are laid out. There is also a slope for freestyle skiing.

Finland is Russia's northern neighbor. A long snow season, a developed tourism industry, and a lot of attractions contribute to an increase in the flow of vacationers to Suomi during the winter months. Covered with ice for 5-7 months, tens of thousands of lakes offer exceptional conditions for winter fishing. The abundance of hills and mountain ranges create ample opportunities for skiing. But to travel to Finland you need.

There are dozens of ski resorts in Finland with well-equipped trails for skiing, snowboarding, and cheesecake. You can take a snow safari on dog and reindeer sleds, ATVs, and snowmobiles; go on a ski trip or go ice fishing. Any town or resort has plenty of entertainment: spa centers, museums, parks with winter attractions.

Suomi has a huge number of comfortable hotels, camp sites, and cottages with excellent conditions for relaxing with a group, a family, or with children. Finnish hospitality, quality service, developed transport network, an abundance of first-class entertainment - these are the features of the Finnish tourism industry.

Travel lovers will learn a lot of new things on a trip to Finnish cities: Helsinki, Tampere. With children, it’s better to go to Lapland for New Year’s experiences, not forgetting to visit the water parks in Helsinki.

Winter weather in Finland

Finland is the most northern country Europe, a third of which is beyond the Arctic Circle. Winter here is dark, the day lasts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cold is moderate: the influence of the heat of the Gulf Stream is felt. Average temperatures of the coldest month - February - range from -3 -6 in the southwest (in Turku, Helsinki), -9 -10 in the central lake district, to -12 -14 in the north of the country. When the air is dry, frost is easily tolerated, so a winter holiday in Finland with children will undoubtedly be successful. Snow cover forms in December and lasts until April, in the north until May. Due to frequent westerly winds, tourists should prefer not only warm, but also windproof clothing.

How to get there

The fastest way to get to Finland is by plane from Moscow or St. Petersburg. The average price of a flight on the Moscow – Helsinki route is 3,600 rubles. The most cheap tickets– for a flight in the middle of the week when booked a month in advance, it will cost 2,700 rubles. You can get to Helsinki from St. Petersburg by ferry or train; from Moscow - on the Leo Tolstoy express. Buses go to Finland from St. Petersburg, Murmansk and Kandalaksha; a ticket from the city on the Neva to the center of Helsinki costs 500 rubles.

Transport Suomi

Finland is dotted with a dense network of bus routes; they reach any village or ski resort. The fare ranges from 4 to 50 euros; there is a 10% discount on a return ticket if the distance is more than 80 km. Tickets for children under 11 years old are half the price. The main cities of Finland are connected by railways. The carriages are comfortable and spacious; the letters P and S indicate fast trains. Ski racks are available in the vestibules of trains IC (Inter-Sity), IC2 (Inter-Sity 2).

Finland has excellent conditions for practicing various winter sports and outdoor activities: half-pipe, snowboarding; dog sledding, alpine and cross-country skiing, skating, cheesecake, sledding, snowmobiling.

Motor sleigh safari

Many Finnish travel agencies offer snowmobile safaris lasting from several hours to several days. The routes pass through central and northern Finland. On a short hike, two people can travel together; on a long hike, each participant is provided with a snowmobile. The transport is easy to operate; instruction and training for beginners is required.

The route runs along marked roads at speeds up to 60 km/h. During the hike under the guidance of an instructor, participants receive full equipment: warm overalls, shoes, gloves, helmet. The routes are laid through national parks, lakes; include outdoor dining, ice fishing, visiting a sauna, a Karelian village, and a water health center.

It is possible to spend the night in equipped forest huts and cottages. The organizers provide food, accommodation, and safety for tourists. The cost depends on the duration of the safari and the range of services; a 4-hour ride on a motorized sleigh will cost approximately 100 euros per person.

Dog sled rides

In eastern and northern Finland, tourists can go dog sledding. The dogs are trained, strong, they are able to pull a sled through deep snow at high speed. Tourists are provided with special clothing and shoes, taught how to drive a sled and how to handle dogs. The trip is led by an experienced guide. Parking for rest and food is provided.

Hiking ski routes cross the country in all directions. In the north - in Lapland - people start skiing in October and put them away in the closet in mid-May. The favorite time of skiers is the end of winter with long sunny days; in the south of the country it is February, in the center – March, in Lapland – April. Multi-kilometer ski tracks run through a varied landscape; along the routes there are resting places and campfires. Ski tourists stay in cottages, hotels, recreation centers, and ski resorts.

What to visit in Finland: Sights of Helsinki

The capital is full interesting places. In the city center is the Design Museum. It presents interiors, furniture, and dishes.

Museum address: Korkeavuorenkatu, 23.
Ticket – 8 euros.

A corner of the tropical jungle can be found in the Winter Garden, near the Olympic Stadium, admission is free.

On the island of Korkeasaari there is a huge Zoo, which will not leave anyone indifferent. You need to get to it from the railway station by bus number 11.

An adult ticket costs up to 10 euros, a child ticket costs half as much.

Connoisseurs of antiquity can visit Sveaborg sea fortress XVIII century, located on an island 2 km from Helsinki. There are several architectural monuments, museums, hotels and cafes. The fortress museum presents household items, tools, and weapons. The fortress is somewhat reminiscent of the mysterious Chateau d'If in...

In Sveaborg you can stay in a hotel for 22 euros, treat yourself to beer at a local brewery, and amazing smoked fish in a restaurant.

A visit to the fortress costs 5 euros, children under 18 are free.

There are 2 water parks in Helsinki, of which "Serena"- the largest in Scandinavia. It is located 20 km from the center of the capital in the suburbs of Northern Espoo. The water park is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Ticket – 22 euros, family ticket for four – 75 euros. The advantage of the water park is the opportunity to combine summer and winter entertainment, because there are slopes nearby "Serena Ski"– ski center

Aquapark "Flamingo"– 19 km from the capital, in the city’s shopping and entertainment complex Vantaa. Its advantage is more low price: from Monday to Thursday - 12 euros per adult, 2 times less - per child. On other days the ticket costs 20 euros.

Cheap and high-quality goods are sold in Helsinki in popular shopping centers: "Campi", "Stockmann", "Sokos". Shops in Suomi are open from 9:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and until 15:00 on Saturdays, supermarkets and department stores - until 20:00–21:00. The winter sale starts on December 27 and lasts for a month.

If you want to rent a car to travel around Helsinki, then you will need.

Other colorful towns in Finland

Tampere– a city where you can go on a family trip New Year's tour. Moomin Valley, the Spy Museum, attractions at the Sarkanniemi amusement park, the dolphinarium, the Koiramäki farm - both children and adults will enjoy all this. The rotating 120-meter Nyasinnula tower offers a marvelous view of the city and two nearby lakes.

8 km from the Arctic Circle is located main city Lapland – Rovaniemi. The airport is 2 km from Santa Claus Village. From Rovaniemi to the Village there is a Santa’s Express bus, the ticket costs 3.8 euros. 80 km from the city is the Ranua Zoo, where you can see 200 species of animals, including brown and polar bears and moose. Adult ticket – 13 euros. There is a bus going there. The children's fairy-tale park with the Mur-mur castle is also interesting.

You know, the landscapes of Finland are somewhat reminiscent of landscapes in winter.

There are ski centers in every Finnish town. Sports equipment is available for rent everywhere, and there are many ski schools at the resorts. By tradition, lifts on the slopes are free for beginners. In winter tourist centers there are gyms, swimming pools, bars, nightclubs and restaurants.

Most hotels are near the ski lifts. The cost of a cottage for 6 people is approximately 600–800 euros per week, prices rise on the eve of holidays. The price includes free Wi-Fi, wood for the fireplace, and a charcoal grill.

In the southern part of Suomi, the length of the slopes is up to 800 meters, in the northern regions - up to 3 km with a height difference of up to 450 m. The ski season in Lapland lasts from October to May; in the absence of snow, machines are used to make snow on the slopes. Resorts are especially popular in early spring, when the frosts weaken and the days are sunny.

"Himos"

Himos Resort popular with Russians: there are Russian-speaking instructors, 4 free lifts for beginners. The local mountains are the longest and highest in the south of the country, the length of the slopes is up to 950 m, the height difference is 151 m. On the slopes there are 21 tracks of varying difficulty, including for snowboarding and cross-country; 2 half-pipes, superpipe, Fis-bumps, Ski park. There are 15 lifts on the slopes.

A day ski pass costs 39 euros for an adult, 23 euros for a child. The cost of a set for telemark for the day is 33 euros, for snowboarding - 39 euros, for children under 11 years old - 1.5 times cheaper. A 45-minute lesson with an instructor costs 55 euros per person.

The resort accommodates in cottages, apartments, and hotels. The cottages are located a kilometer from the slopes and are equipped with a sauna, running water, fireplace, and electrical appliances. From Himos to the town of Jämsä – 7 km, buses run hourly. There are railway and bus stations in Jämsä.

Tourists live in such cottages.

Additional services: motor sleigh rides, ice skating, dog sledding; swimming in wetsuits, fishing. The Himos Arena entertainment center has a nightclub.

"Riihivuori"

20 km from the city of Jyväskylä – slalom center "Riihivuori", which has 9 slopes, including difficult ones, up to 800 m long and with a height difference of 120 m; illuminated half-pipe, 5 lifts. Ski pass price: 30 euros for an adult, 22 for a child. Feature of the resort: there is a children's area with a separate slope, a free ski lift, and a playground.

At the top of the mountain - cottage village with a restaurant and well-equipped houses, with a magnificent panorama opening from the windows. Jyväskylä has an airport and a railway station; a flight from Helsinki takes 30 minutes, and a train from the capital takes 3.5 hours. From the Russian border to the resort – 300 km.

Jyväskylä has ample opportunities for entertainment and educational activities: a water park, Museums of art, architecture, even the Sauna Museum, as well as shops and cafes. Active recreation also includes safaris on motor sleighs or dog sleds, and ice fishing.

"Hand"

The Ruka ski center, in the south of Lapland, has 28 slopes and 18 lifts. The eastern slopes are flatter and longer, up to 1300 m, the western slopes are steep, with a large height difference - up to 200 m. There are tracks for snowboarding, moguls, border cross, 4 children's slopes, 3 half-pipes, jumps, and rails.

“Ruka” has everything for a full-fledged active recreation in nature: recreation areas with a fire, cafes, souvenir shops, equipment rental points. It is convenient to stay in the Ski-Inn apartments near the ski lifts and slopes.

25 km from Ruka Hill is the town of Kuusamo, from which buses run to the resort. They get to Kuusamo by plane from Helsinki or by train to Oulu, then 200 km by bus or car.

In addition to traditional safaris, the center offers all-terrain vehicle racing, winter golf and karting. There is a bowling alley in Kuusamo. The city leisure and sports center has an indoor skating rink, gyms, saunas, and a solarium. Not far from the resort, the Kuusamon Tropiikki water park with a sauna, Turkish bath, and swimming pool was built.

"Levi"

In the west of Lapland there is a compact ski center "Levi". There are 45 slopes, 27 lifts, including a gondola cable car. For beginners – 4 free lifts. For children: sports town, entertainment center.

Levi has hundreds of cottages, apartments, and 8 hotels. Runs to the slopes free bus. Kittilä airport is 15 km from the mountain. The flight from Helsinki lasts 1.5 hours.

Entertainment: mini-water park at the Levitunturi hotel, sports and fitness complex, entertainment center, restaurants, bistros. 40 km in the town of Lainio - Snow Village.

"Tahko"

Center winter species sports is located in the town of Nilsiä. There are 16 slopes with a height difference of more than 200 meters, the longest being 1.2 km. There are tracks for half-pipe and snowboarding. 9 lifts take tourists to the top. The cost of a single ski pass is 25 euros.

The resort has 300 bungalows and cottages, most of them on the lake. In addition to kitchen equipment, there are saunas, fireplaces, and TV. They get there by plane from Helsinki to Kuopio, and from there it takes 1 hour by bus. Another option: by train Helsinki - Siilinjärvi, by bus 40 km to Tahko.

Activities: regular snow safaris, ice fishing, snowshoeing, winter driving courses, horse riding lessons. It is interesting to visit the Lumilunna ice castle and the Fontanella water park in Siilinjärvi nearby.

Impressions from visiting Santa Claus Village

A trip to Santa Claus Village makes a huge impression on adults and children. Everything here sparkles with festive lights. In the center of the Village there is a large Christmas tree, figures made of ice. Nearby is a museum telling about the nature of the Arctic and the indigenous inhabitants of the north.

The main attraction of Finland is Santa's office. The children are greeted by elves and gnomes. Good Santa talks to children, takes pictures, and gives gifts. Visiting the village is free, but you need to pay for taking photos with Santa and souvenirs. The wonderful post office sends Christmas cards to family and friends with Santa's stamp. There is a reindeer farm next to the office, where you can ride in a reindeer sleigh.

The underground Santa Park is nearby. Children will enjoy master classes on making Christmas gifts, a New Year's show, an Ice Gallery with sculptures of fairy-tale characters and northern animals, and an excursion to a Lapland shaman. The park is open in winter until January 11, ticket prices are about 30 euros.

In winter, the Arctic Winter World amusement park is open, illuminated with colorful lights. For a single entrance fee of 16 euros, you can ride numerous slides, visit igloo hotels, and visit an ice cafe. The Village has many cottages, shops and restaurants.

What surprises travelers in Finland?

You are pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness, safety, and beauty of virgin nature. The Finns manage to have a kitchen rich in vitamins in the Arctic Circle. To maintain energy, they drink excellent coffee here. Every village and town has a marketing department dedicated to developing and promoting the brand of the area and its uniqueness.

Open, smiling people and the festive atmosphere in their homes and on the streets never cease to amaze tourists. Airports are decorated with Christmas trees and images of deer. There are flags and lanterns on the roads; Candles and lamps are lit on the windowsills of houses. They trust people here and don’t close the doors of their houses or cars. Everything that is lost will be found and preserved. Finland has a calm, amazing and fabulous life.

A winter holiday in Finland will fill you with energy and vivacity, and will allow you to get acquainted with a country where they believe in miracles and bring them to life. But if you rely on warmth in winter, bright sun, palm trees and walks along seashore, then go to .

Don't rush to leave! Here are some more interesting articles:

Finland is a beautiful and very quiet country, rich in forests and clean lakes. Here you can find moose, foxes, reindeer, bears, wolves, lynxes, and many birds. Hares and hedgehogs can easily be seen in the capital - Helsinki. In the country's numerous rivers and lakes you can catch salmon, trout, perch and, of course, pike. We will talk about Finnish fishing below.

The country of Suomi is not large; only about 5.5 million people live here. And about 3 million Russians visit Fmnland every year. People come here for shopping, relaxing cottage holidays, fishing, boating alpine skiing and not only. You can read more about all this and more later in this guide.

Train

Getting to Helsinki by train is easy and convenient. Border controls are completed as the train moves, that is, without affecting the overall travel time. High speed trains“Tolstoy” (from Moscow via St. Petersburg) and “Allegro” (from St. Petersburg) will be delivered to the capital of Finland as quickly and comfortably as possible.

We recommend buying train tickets online on the Finnish Railways website - www.vr.fi - it is usually cheaper there. Discounts are available for groups of 6 or more people. There are also discounts on morning trains and certain days of the week. Study the prices carefully. The cost of a ticket from St. Petersburg can start from 35 euros, but a regular 2nd class ticket will cost about 80 euros.

Ferry

You can get to Helsinki by ferry directly from the St. Petersburg Marine Station using
services of the Russian carrier St. Peter Line. If you plan to travel further by car, you can take your car with you for an additional fee. Current prices can be found on the official website http://www.stpeterline.com/.

Ski resorts in Finland

In Finland, for a population of 5 million, there are as many as 76 ski resorts! That is, almost wherever you go in Finland in winter, you can safely take alpine skis or snowboard with you - you will definitely go for a ride. Many resorts are located right in the cities or nearby within 2-3 km. Yes, many of these resorts can be called “small-town”, but any of them has 2-4 slopes and the steepness of the slopes is higher than in the same “Igor”, and the prices for ski lifts here are no more expensive than in Russia.

There are also big ones ski centers. The largest are in Lapland: Ruka, Levi, Yllas. You can get there by car. This is quite far - about 1000 km from St. Petersburg, but it is worth it. The harsh beauty of Lapland's nature, reindeer and moose walking along the roads, a trip to the village to see Joulupukki (Santa Claus) will leave a lot of impressions. If you wish, you can reduce travel time by car by taking special ticket on the Helsinki-Rovaniemi train, which gives the right to transport a personal car.

Among the popular smaller ski resorts in Finland, located closer to the border, we can mention Tahko ski resort (Tahkonkaari 1, Nilsiä).

Shopping in Finland

For many travelers, Finland is, first and foremost, a shopping country. Everything attracts here: the abundance and quality of goods, discounts, border duty-free shops, tax-free registration. Russian buyers have huge demand for almost everything: perfume, fish, children's goods, household goods, sporting goods, tires, gadgets, etc. Particularly popular are shopping centers Stockmann, Sokos, Kamppi, Antilla.

As a rule, shops and shopping centers in Finland are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 21:00, on Saturday - until 15:00 or 18:00, and Sunday - closed. Also, if you are planning to go to Finland for shopping, you should familiarize yourself with the list of Finnish holidays. On holidays, almost all stores are closed. More than once, completely unexpectedly, we came across empty streets and closed shops(for example, on Father's Day in November).

You can easily find out about sales in stores by looking at the “Ale”, “Alennus” or “Sale” signs. The most powerful sales here take place from December 25 (Christmas sale) and in the summer, on the 20th of June.

Don’t be fooled by the small size of the country: many discoveries await anyone who decides to visit this exceptional interesting country. Unique landscapes, cleanest air and thousands of lakes that you will definitely meet wherever you go - a signature feature of ancient Suomi. Maybe this is not enough for you? Then get to know the unique sights, visit Santa Claus, enjoy the Northern Lights and the amazing national parks of Finland.

All these beauties are very close and are just waiting for active and inquisitive tourists. Let's find out together where you can go and what to see in Finland in spring, winter, autumn and summer, regardless of whether you go there by train or by car.

Sights of Finland with photos and descriptions

According to archaeologists, the first settlements on the modern territory of Finland appeared around 8500 BC, that is, towards the end of the Ice Age. The inhabitants of Suomi were primarily fishermen and hunters, and agriculture appeared here only in the 32nd century BC.

Natural attractions

In northern Finland you can visit the famous Mount Aawasaksa, which is a huge granite rock. The attention of tourists is attracted not only by the stunning view of the Torni River, which opens from the slopes of the mountain, but also by the opportunity to see the never-setting sun - this natural phenomenon occurs on the day of the summer solstice, July 22. During sunset, the sun descends to the horizon and does not set further, and in the morning it rises back up. In summer, an interesting local history museum is constantly open on the mountain, and the emperor’s house, built for the expected visit of Alexander II, will surprise you with its magnificent interior.
Lake Saimaa– the largest source of drinking water in Finland. Here you can look at the crater left after the fall of a large meteorite, and also have good fishing, since the lake is famous for its abundance of freshwater fish, including salmon. Also here you can watch very rare species seals - the Saimaa seal.
attracts thousands of tourists Arctic Circle- a sparsely populated region that occupies approximately a third of the entire territory of modern Suomi. Even an experienced traveler will be amazed to the core by the sight of pristine natural beauty, towering mountains and the famous northern lights. The polar day lasts for two whole months of summer, and in winter you can experience the polar night. There is also a lot of entertainment here: skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding and a real reindeer safari. In a town called Rovaniemi you can visit Santa Claus, and in Tornio you can visit the road where way to the North Pole.
Finnish "Niagara" – Imatrankoski waterfall will delight not only lovers of natural beauty, but also lovers of water shows in which tourists can take part. Specially prepared events with local flavor, including the descent of a raft on the water with a blazing fire, will introduce you to the interesting traditions of old Suomi. IN New Year's Eve here you can watch a unique fire show.

National parks

Wonderful conservation Lemmenjoki Park It is famous for its hills, rocks, lakes and forests; a great variety of unique berries, mushrooms and other plants grow here. If you are going on a hike through the wild and unexplored areas of the park, you simply need excellent survival skills, since in these places you will not find signs, houses for the night and cafes - this is a real nature reserve. They say that lost tourists sometimes came out of the forest already in Norway!

Three big rivers flow through the park, they all flow into the Arctic Ocean. Fans of boat trips can join one of them, especially Beautiful places are waiting for you at "River of Love"- the largest in the reserve. In addition, one of the longest hiking trails in Finland stretches along the bank of this river, its total length is about 20 km. You can also rent canoes and kayaks here. independent travel through uncharted waters.
Don't forget about one more interesting feature region - in the forties, a real Golden fever, and some miners still work here. For curious tourists, several excursions are organized to gold-bearing places, where you can try your luck by trying to find shiny grains of gold or a real nugget in the river mud.
While wandering around the park, you are likely to meet moose, reindeer or even bear. When stopping for a picnic or overnight stay, remember that the ever-hungry jayfish can discover your campsite and ruin it. You can see buzzards or soaring eagles in the skies, so you definitely won't be bored.

Nuuksio Park very convenient because it is located just a few kilometers from the capital of Finland - Helsinki. Here you can rent a bicycle or even a horse and ride along the many trails that delve into the ancient forest. There are also picnic and overnight areas for those who would like to truly experience the sights, smells and sounds of the famous Finnish wilds.

The most picturesque views in Suomi open from the peaks surrounding Lake Haukkalampi. For an unforgettable experience, climb the eight-kilometer trail, listening to the shrill cries of the wild ravens that have lived here for centuries. If late in the evening you notice a shaggy gray creature wandering between the trees out of the corner of your eye, then you are very lucky - you have met the rarest flying squirrel. There are also wolves and even lynxes here, but don’t worry - they are afraid of you and me even more than we are of them.
Most Popular open-air island park Seurasaari attracts visitors with an abundance of tame animals - swans, ducks, geese and world-famous tame squirrels. The buildings of the museum adjacent to the park are copies of 18th-century buildings collected from all over Finland, so your interest in architecture can also be satisfied here amazing place. Traditional Finnish festivals and holidays are held here, for example, the summer solstice, Christmas and Easter events, which are respected by every Finn.

Museums of Finland

Suomi – unique country, there are a large number of museums dedicated to various topics. Stunning in its size, the sea Suomenlinna fortress It is one of the largest water fortifications in the world; it is an amazing monument of military architecture in Europe. Tourists visiting the museum can examine in detail the fortress itself and the unique structures on several islands, intended in the past for the defense of the country. There is also the opportunity to go down into a real submarine, walk around the coastal barracks, climb a working lighthouse and attend a service in a 19th-century church, which was built as an Orthodox church, but was later converted into a church.
Parola Tank Museum was opened in the 60s and at the very beginning all the equipment exhibited there was located in the open air. Now, tourists can enjoy spacious pavilions that contain the entire history of Finnish armored vehicles and anti-tank defense forces. Interesting information You can learn about the development of this type of military from the museum’s tour guides, many of whom speak fluent Russian, and you can relax in the cafe located on the territory.
Amazing Turku Castle, built in the 13th century, is rare and very interesting monument history of Finland. The castle's heyday was the 16th century, when vast halls were built here in the Renaissance style, but one of the most popular places The fortress is a basement prison. In addition, here you can see a very rich and varied collection of wooden sculptures made in the Middle Ages, as well as showroom, which contains samples of glass, porcelain and metal. Some rooms of the castle are decorated in the style of bygone eras; in the cabinets you can find collections of medals, coins and objects of decorative and applied art.

Suomenlinna Fortress

Where can you go in your own car?

Finland is a very diverse country, and there is a dime a dozen entertainment here, but for a tourist coming here for the first time, it can be difficult to choose the right destination. Below I will present to you the most best routes car trips around the country, divided by season.

Where to go in winter

In winter, the sights of Finland are best combined with active sports, so no matter where you initially plan to go, during the harsh season, be sure to include in your plan a visit to specialized resorts that are easily accessible by car. Winter tourism best developed in Lapland, and that’s where I suggest you go first. Here you can go down the mountains and hills on alpine skiing, snowboarding, riding fast snowmobiles and real reindeer and dog sleds.
Resorts Pyhä, Salla, Suomu, Saariselkä and Ruka They welcome their visitors from September to May every year. In the city of Kemi, you can take part in the construction of a colossal snow fortress with a hotel made of ice, which will appeal to the youngest tourists. In general, wherever you go in Finland in winter, you can easily go there with children.
Besides this, the most exciting thing about the opportunity to go to ski resort in Finland, this is that there are a lot of Russian tourists there, and the staff is trained in Russian perfectly, so you don’t have to buy a Russian-Finnish phrasebook at all.
In addition, only winter can be fully enjoyed northern lights.
Off the coast Lake Torasieppi You can rent winter houses, the roof of which is made of transparent material, which allows you to watch the sky without looking up from a mug of hot tea. Here you can also refuel your car and carry out minor repairs on it.

Lapland

Where to go in spring

In spring, there is a decline in the flow of tourists in Finland, so choose this period for a quiet and uncrowded trip to the cities of Suomi, especially recommended for inspection Helsinki with its Nordic architecture and unique contemporary art museums.
Also in spring you can have excellent fishing Gulf of Finland , since perfect fishing can be called the main attraction of eastern Finland.

Where to go in summer

If you are traveling with your family, I highly recommend visiting Turku city– everything you need is here have a great holiday with educational motives. Museums, a real castle, many monuments, excellent parks not far from the city, an island where pirates once landed and lived, concert halls and various galleries - it certainly won’t be enough. In addition, near the city there is sand beach, so take the opportunity to swim in the clearest water.
A separate category of summer tourism is religious pilgrimage to Orthodox New Valaam and Lintul monasteries, Intercession brotherhood and sisterhood of Elizabeth. Every summer these places receive up to 10 thousand tourists from our country, and the monastery in New Valaam was chosen in 2012 as the best tourist destination in Finland.
In addition, you can reach any national park in Suomi and spending a week or two there will give you much more impressions than after visiting any Mediterranean resort.

Sandy beach in Turku

Where to go in spring

The weather in Finland in spring is very damp, so at this time of year it is better to travel around the country's cities and get acquainted with man-made attractions. Of course, it is best to visit, but it is very close to Lappeenranta will delight you with interesting shopping and excellent tourist services. All trading and entertainment centers This small town is equipped with parking lots, cafes and cozy recreation areas.

10 amazing facts about Finland - video

Fascinating and interesting video about Finland. I assure you there was a lot you didn’t know about this country!

https://youtu.be/NMGHbUdmOws

This is probably all I wanted to tell you about the amazing and very diverse Finland. Maybe I didn’t take something into account and didn’t write about something important? Let's share our impressions of visiting this magical country! Enjoy your travels!

THE BELL

How to get to Finland

Airplane

Train

Ferry

Bus

Automobile

Story

Early history of Finland

Swedish rule

Cities and regions

Uusimaa

Helsinki

South Karelia

Imatra

Lappeenranta

Varsinais-Suomi

Turku

Lapland

Rovaniemi

Private guides in Finland

Things to do

Spring and autumn

In summer

Camping

Cruises

Festivals

in winter

Skating

Cross-country skiing

Skiing and snowboarding

Snowmobile Safari

Snowshoeing

Fatbiking

Route through Christmas towns and fairs

Lapland route

Getting around the country

Train

Airplane

Water transport

Bus

Automobile

Bike

Extreme types of transportation

Communication

Culture

Kitchen

Purchases

Connection

Safety

Where to stay

Sights of Helsinki

Finnish Parliament Building

Finlandia Congress Palace

Temppeliaukio: church in the rock in Helsinki

Seurasaari Island

Winter weather in Finland

How to get there

Transport Suomi

Motor sleigh safari

Dog sled rides

What to visit in Finland: Sights of Helsinki

Other colorful towns in Finland

"Himos"

"Riihivuori"

"Hand"

"Levi"

"Tahko"

Impressions from visiting Santa Claus Village

What surprises travelers in Finland?

Don't rush to leave! Here are some more interesting articles:

Ski resorts in Finland

Shopping in Finland

Sights of Finland with photos and descriptions

Natural attractions

National parks

Museums of Finland

Where can you go in your own car?

Where to go in winter

Where to go in spring