- 2aac Finland
- Information
- Costs
- Traveler Advice
- Forums
48HourVisit.com
Planning a short visit? Check out 48HourVisit.com, your online guide for short stays and weekend getaways. Ad
Lying above the Arctic Circle, about a quarter of Finland is the land of the midnight sun. At its northernmost tip, the sun does not set for 73 days during summers and during winters it does not rise for 51 days. However, winter is the time when spectacular natural phenomenon the Northern Light can be seen from this part of the country.
The country is known for its unspoiled nature and numerous lakes, even though it is highly developed. Finland is a Scandinavian country bordering Russia on the East, Norway on the North and Sweden on the West. The country formed a part of Sweden till 19th Century. Subsequently, it came under the Russians before attaining independence in 1917. During World Ward II it fought against both Soviet Russia and Germany one after another. Finland has made remarkable transition from a farm to modern industrialized economy in the second part of twentieth Century .
Helsinki, the country's capital and a seaside city, is located in Southern Finland. It was modeled by Tsars of Russia to be a miniature replica of St. Petersburg. Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress, the largest maritime fortress of the world, is an important landmark of this bustling city. Helsinki is well know for its buildings of characteristic Finnish architecture. The Lutheran Cathedral is the finest example of this.
The ski centers of Messila and Serena provides an unforgettable skiing experience during winters. Flat landscape of Southern Finland make it a cyclist's heaven. One can also escape to the tranquility of one of the lush islands of Aland archipelago. Turku, on Finland's south western coast, is the country's oldest city. It attracts visitors for its rich tradition and cultural heritage, which include medieval castles and cathedrals.
Western Finland is the land of beautiful beaches, fabulous sand dunes and lush pastures. Picturesque sandy beach of Yyteri in Pori is a major attraction. Pori is also cultural hub of this region. The Kvarken Archipelago, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, where land is slightly uplifted above sea every year, is popular among tourists. So are cruises from Kokkola (central Ostrobothnia) to the lush islands of the Seven Bridges archipelago. Oulu, also regarded as Finland's Silicon Valley, is a great shopping destination.
There is more water than land in Finland's south east Lake District. Tampere (Lenin museum), Savonlinna (castle), Valamo (smoke sauna) and Karelia (unspoiled wilderness) are notable attractions of this region. The Kajaani is excellent for activities such as fly-fishing, quad biking and cross country skiing.
Finnish Lapland, also called 'the top of the world', is unmatched in scenic beauty and active tourism opportunities. It is no wonder that Rovaniemi, the capital of this region, is popularly believed to be the home to Santa Claus. Mountains here are ideal for bikers, while its river system provides the best of winter sports opportunities.
User blogs:
Traveling back to my 2009 trips
Watching travelers in an airport coffee shop while waiting for my flight, I couldn't help but wonder what 2010 has for me when it comes to traveling. Of course, 2009 was a good one. I have covered almost 20,000 miles, visited four countries, and enjoyed several beaches and landmarks. It was my first time to cross the Pacific, expanding my journeys beyond Asia, and to travel during my birthday. Looking ... Read full Blog post
What to see in Sydney, Australia
Sydney is a beautiful and livable city and is one of the most famous and representative in Australia. It 's definitely the cultural capital, although the administrative capital is the nearby Canberra. Despite his poor beginnings as a British penal colony, now Sydney has a diverse population that seems to live quite well by its variety. This city has many hotels to choose from. Pick up one that has ... Read full Blog post
Bali - Bromo - Ijen Crater - Bali 3D 2N
Tour Itenarary Day 1 : Bali - Bromo Hotel our staff will pick the clients up from their hotel in Bali. then take them to the most western tip of Bali for about 3 hours by private car with AC to reach gilimanuk ferry port then proceed to take a ferry to cross Bali strait for about 1 hours to reach ketapang ferry port in Banyuwangi (in eastern tip of java). the trip goes through th rural ... Read full Blog post
A road trip around Australia
For this trip we rented a Nissan Patrol 4x4 and we have traveled 13,756 kilometers. Of course we had carefully read an auto blog in order to pick up the best car for this long trip. The Australian roads are in excellent condition, the maximum speed is 100/110 miles per hour. Potentially dangerous situations encountered driving outback, due to kangaroos or cows crossing the road. However there ... Read full Blog post
Destinations
See AllIn our Magazine
Summer Destination to Avoid: Gulf of Mexico
EPA is failing to do their job monitoring the air and reporting factual data. The people need to be made aware that their lives and long term livelihood are at stake because of the air quality in Gulf of Mexico.
How to Avoid Traveling Troubles
Traveling to a certain destination might not become memorable if there are too many troubles along the way. Remember that even the best trips are usually not trouble-free. Follow these tips that help lessen the hassles.
Unique Toys from Japan
Japan is known for its fascinating, and sometimes, eccentric culture. From anime, karaoke, to advanced technology, the Land of the Rising Sun always has something unique to offer.
