Caught in a territorial tug-of-war between Sweden and Russia since the 1400s, Finland finally secured autonomy in 1917, successfully defending its independence through both World Wars. Tarja Halonen, Finland’s first female president, presides over the home of Nokia cell phones and hosts the annual World Sauna Championships. The country’s lakes and boreal forest entice hikers while southern cities draw architecture students and art gurus. Finland—outside of stylish Helsinki—is more affordable than its Scandinavian neighbors.
When To Go The long days of Finnish summer are a tourist’s dream, while the two-month polar night (kaamos) in the country’s northern regions draws winter-sports fanatics. Ski season starts in early ...more
It is relatively difficult for foreigners to secure full-time employment in Finland, but travelers may be able to obtain summer work. Check the CIMO website (see below) or www.igapyear.com for information ...more
With all the appeal of a big city but without the grime, Helsinki’s (pop. 570,000) attractive harbor, grand architecture, and parks make it a showcase of Northern Europe. A hub of the design world ...more
Turku (Åbo) Finland’s oldest city, Turku (pop. 175,000), has grown weatherbeaten with the passing of 775 years. It was the focal point of Swedish and Russian power struggles, the seat of ...more
☎ 03 Tampere A striking example of successful urban renewal, the city of Tampere (pop. 205,000) has converted its old brick factories into innovative museums and attractive new spaces for restaurants ...more
☎ 015 Savonlinna The captivating town of Savonlinna (pop. 30,000) spans three islands in the heart of Finland’s lake region, a popular summer destination. Tourists flock here to see the beautiful ...more
☎ 017 Kuopio Eastern Finland’s largest city, Kuopio (pop. 91,000) lies in the Kallavesi lake district. With most the city taken up by water and forests, it’s no surprise that forestry is a major ...more
☎ 016 Rovaniemi Just south of the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi (pop. 60,000) is the capital of Finnish Lapland and a gateway to the northern wilderness. In October 1944, architect Alvar Aalto orchestrated ...more
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For 50 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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