Similar to its Scandinavian neighbors, Finland is a stunningly beautiful country, from clean and sleek cities to untouched mountains and valleys. In the summer when daylight extends to nearly 24 hours, you may find yourself wanting to hike, walk, canoe, fish or boat nonstop - and you can! The sights never end, and even in the winter you can still spend a lot of time outdoors enjoying snowshoeing, alpine ski and cross-country treks.
Helsinki is where most travelers arrive into the city, and you're bound to receive a warm welcome. Helsinki is set near the sea and in its harbor is a number of peninsulas and islands - a ferry ride to go for a picnic or exploring is a must, and you'll be joining the locals to do so as it is a popular pastime. You can even catch a high speed ferry across the sea and spend the day in Tallinn, Estonia's medieval city. Helsinki also has several great department stores perfect for picking up the latest European fashions, and their cuisine and café culture leave little to be desired - the Market Square is a great place if you're looking for souvenirs or local art.
There are few other major cities in Finland, but exploring the countryside reveals a view of Mother Nature you can't believe. There are sheer cliffs you can walk right up to the ledge on, and massive boulders jammed in between to mountainsides, as if giants once had their way with the landscape. If you're not up for intense hikes, there are still thousands of lakes and smaller fishing villages, such as the town of Porvoo just an hour from Helsinki that can give you a glimpse into just how scenic, remote and peaceful travel to Finland can be. In winter, many choose to travel to the far north, heading will into the Arctic Circle, almost guaranteeing a chance to see the famous Northern Lights.
No matter which parts of Finland you choose to explore, you'll find plenty of beautiful scenery and warm hospitality waiting for you in this great vacation destination.
