"Fin de Lande" Top 5 Page for this destination Finland by magor65

Finland Travel Guide: 11,746 reviews and 20,195 photos

Forests, lakes and sauna - these are the words that everybody uses while speaking of Finland. And of course they are right. About 70% of the country's area is covered by forests. There are almost 200 thousand lakes and sometimes you have the impression that there is hardly any land, but only water around you. It's true, as well, that all hotels and private households have their sauna, and there are a lot of public ones, too. Isn't it amazing that having only six million inhabitants Finland has two million saunas?
Finnish towns are interesting, as well. You won't find there very old architecture, and perhaps they are a little provincial in comparison to other European cities, but they have a lot of charm. But it's true that towns are not the main attraction. Finland is a paradise for those who like contemplating nature and for amateurs of active holidays. Hiking, cycling and rowing are very popular and affordable for everyone. What's important you can put up a tent everywhere, not only in camping sites. If you decide to visit Finland in winter the choice of activities is also wide: cross-country skiing, down-hill skiing, toboggan, and for those with 'thick wallet' - snowmobile or husky safari in Lapland. If you happen to visit Lapland, remember that it's one of traditional gold-fields. Perhaps you'll be lucky enough to find your nugget?
All in all, if you like peace and quiet and beautiful nature, go to Finland. And remember that Finnish people may seem cold outside, but in fact are warm and friendly.

Pros and Cons

Pros:nature
Cons:language
In a nutshell:lakes, sauna, sports; Lapland and Helsinki

Last visit to Finland: Aug 2004
Intro Updated Oct 1, 2004
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Reviews (22)

Sauna Local Customs (2)

Everybody knows what sauna is and most of us have probably had the chance to be in one. But going to a real Finnish... more travel advice

Tampere Things to Do (11)

Tampere is an industrial town, a former centre of textile industry (19th century) and hence numerous factory chimneys in... more travel advice

Turku Things to Do (11)

Turku (Abo in Swedish) is the oldest town in Finland. It was the capital of the country until 1812. Probably its... more travel advice

Bothnia Bay Off The Beaten Path (4)

This place at the very end of Bothnia Bay may seem nothing special. Just the sea and red granite rocks, the sound of... more travel advice

Favorites (5)
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Comments (22)

deecat Dec 29, 2010 at 10:19 AM Report Abuse

As I have not traveled to Finland, I was most pleased to read your impressions and insights. A very thorough and interesting group of tips. Lots of good photos to accompany your narratives.
HORSCHECK Nov 24, 2008 at 2:31 PM Report Abuse

Margor, I hope you are doing well these days. Excellent overview with brilliant and colourful photos of Finland. Unfortunately, I have only visited Helsinki, Turku and Porvoo yet.
Bwana_Brown Aug 5, 2007 at 1:24 PM Report Abuse

A great quick summary of what you thought of Finland! Your descriptions of the landscape reminded me so much of Canada's wilderness!! Your sauna experience sounded like a lot of fun to me and, yes, that is a very cute bus stop!
Jim_Eliason Feb 17, 2007 at 11:05 AM Report Abuse

great overview!
Tijavi Feb 7, 2007 at 7:49 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for the virtual tour of this seemingly cold and distant country. The sauna and cheese with coffee sound very interesting, and oh, those traditional red houses, I thought were unique to Sweden only.
Ekaterinburg Dec 14, 2006 at 2:32 PM Report Abuse

I hope to go to Finland and Estomia in the Spring so this page has been a wonderful introduction. The little red houses, forests and lakes are all divine BUT I'm not sosureabout the food. Beautiful photos and inside information. Katherine:)
sihi Nov 8, 2006 at 1:43 PM Report Abuse

Great job about this northern country! :)
matcrazy1 Oct 31, 2006 at 1:11 PM Report Abuse

Amazing page, great tips and suggestions for my next Finland trip. My congratulations.
scottishvisitor Sep 20, 2006 at 10:22 AM Report Abuse

Nice page here = you were very brave to encounter the freezing lake = I would have stayed in the sauna!!
annefin Aug 8, 2006 at 5:31 AM Report Abuse

I really enjoyed reading this well written and fun page of yours. You have experienced a lot in Finland. Hope you will see the Aurora borealis next time. Btw. where is the opening pic from?