By Terri Mapes
Scandinavia Travel Expert, about.com
Snow, reindeer, pine forests, Finland offers endless activities, and one of these is visiting some of the most pristine national parks found in northern Finland. Many people trek and camp in these magnificent wilderness areas. Tourism is booming as people flock to explore these areas as well as the medieval towns. The best time to take full advantage of everything on offer in Finland is from June to August. During this time tourists are able to revel in the festivals, bustling markets, cafes and bars as well as activities on the lakes and rivers.
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But what makes Finland so loveable? Here are
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- Lots of history in the cities. Turku is Finland's oldest city with buildings dating from the 18th century, making it a great place for people who love history to explore. There are also open air museums to see in the city. Finland also has the biggest wooden church in the World, found in Kerimki.
- Finland has its share of medieval castles and Olavinlinna at Savonlinna is one of the best preserved castles, magnificently situated between two lakes. Music lovers are drawn here during Summer when an opera festival delights and entertains.
- It has lots of nature. People love the peace and tranquility of The Lakeland where they can take a lazy cruise on a steamer ferry. Others prefer to be more involved, and they rent kayaks and explore some of Finland's riverways.
- Fun in Finland's winter weather! Sleigh rides, whether with reindeers or husky dogs, is something everyone loves, bringing the pictures on Christmas cards to life. For more adventurous adults and kids, the thrill of speeding over the snow on snowmobiles can become a reality. Others simply love the joy of a moonlight skating tour with professional guides who know all the best places. Or head to scenic Lapland for a winter wonderland.
- Strolling around. Shopping is cheaper in Finland than the other Scandanavian countries and the local markets are great for buying hand crafted knit wear as well as attractive glass and wooden items.
- The ability to go anywhere in Finland. Right of Public Access is a fantastic code which gives travelers the right to hike, ski or cycle in any wilderness areas as well as to pitch a tent for one night.
- Seeing interesting animals and plants. The Helsinki Zoo is on Korkeasaari Island and keeps animals from around the world as well as from Finland in natural and spacious enclosures. The botanical gardens at Unioninkatu 44 are also a must see for flora enthusiasts.
- Finland lets you relax. Take a short boat ride or a longer cruise from Helsinki to one or two of the other Finnish cities for some sightseeing.
- Finland's fresh food. The fish market in Helsinki, known as the Kauppatori is great for picking up some salmon. There are casual and sophisticated restaurants, for vegetarians too, which will give you a taste of the local cuisine. Their tasty and famous meatballs known as lihapullat are always a favorite choice.
- The local pampering. Finland has some magnificent spa resorts and wellness centers, and the scenic island of Ruissalo, which is outside Turku, offers a time of pampering, beauty treatments and rejuvenation.
From skiing to trekking to wining
and dining in fascinating restaurants and pubs to pampering treatments,
the 10 things I love about Finland are just a tip of the iceberg to
what this unspoiled wilderness country actually offers. I think ti is
time for any traveler to give Finland a try. Then you can decide on the
things you love about Finland yourself!
