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.
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.
Finland (Suomi)