Visit
Finland
Finnish Tourist Board’s official travel guide to Finland. On this site
you’ll find information about how to make the most of your trip, whether you are
visiting for pleasure or business. Finland has a clear Nordic identity, but offers the
best of both East and West. Its unspoilt natural environment is the perfect setting for
all kinds of activity, whether you are seeking excitement or relaxation. Finland has a
vibrant cultural life, with a busy calendar of festivals and events to suit every taste.
Also, Finnish congress, conference and incentive travel services are acclaimed throughout
the world. The Finnish Tourist Board, MEK, was established in 1973 under the Ministry of
Trade and Industry to promote tourism. It is allocated a special appropriation from the
State budget to finance its operations: 16,218,000 euros in 2004. In addition the Finnish
tourist industry contributes approx. nine million euros. MEK works in close cooperation
with and for the Finnish tourist and travel industry, implementing and financing marketing
projects jointly with the industry. One of the joint goals is to develop more enticing,
competitive products for tourists. Over 4.6 million passengers living in other countries
visited Finland in 2002. Of them 90 per cent came from Europe. The total number of
visitors grew by 10 per cent from the year before. As in the previous years, the highest
number of visitors were from Russia and the second highest from Sweden. The busiest month
for visiting was July, when over 785,000 foreigner visitors came to Finland. The majority
of visitors to Finland in 2002 were on a leisure trip, good one quarter on a business
trip. Visitors spent EUR 57 per day and good EUR 291 per visit while in Finland. The total
amount spent in Finland was altogether nearly EUR 1.3 billion.
Factsheet Finland
Finland is situated in northern Europe between the 60th and 70th parallels of
latitude. A quarter of its total area lies north of the Arctic Circle. Finland's
neighbouring countries are Sweden, Norway and Russia, which have land borders with
Finland, and Estonia across the Gulf of Finland. Much of the country is a gently
undulating plateau of worn bedrock and boreal forests, presenting a striking mixture of
wooded hills and waters. High rounded fells form the landscape in Finnish Lapland, the
most northerly part of the country. The climate is
marked by cold winters and warm summers. The mean annual temperature in the capital,
Helsinki, is 5.3 degrees Celsius. The highest daytime temperature in southern Finland
during the summer occasionally rises to almost 30 degrees. During the winter months,
particularly in January and February, temperatures of minus 20 Celsius are not uncommon.
In the far north, beyond the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set for about 73 days,
producing the white nights of summer. In the same region, during the dark winter period,
the sun remains below the horizon for 51 days, creating the polar night known in Finnish
as kaamos.
Virtual Finland
If you've never been to Finland before use these pages for some helpful
advance preparation. Visit these sites before you visit Finland and enjoy your trip all
the more.
Visits
to Santa
Around 60 000 British and Irish visitors travel to meet Santa Claus in
Finnish Lapland in November-December. There are package tours available for every taste
and liking, from whirlwind one-day visits to a full week of unforgettable experiences,
including the possibility of spending Christmas itself in the magical atmosphere of
Lapland. By clicking here you can take a look at Santa's magical Lapland and how the Finns
celebrate Christmas.
Finnish
authorities
The Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authoritiesis made up of the
towns and municipalities in Finland. The Association's goal is to promote the
opportunities for local authorities to operate and co-operate and to promote their
vitality for the benefit of the residents. On this website, you will find more information
about the Association and its activities.
Wildnorth
Finland’s largest organizer of activities and experiences in nature will
take you effortlessly from traffic to tranquillity. Wild North has around two hundred
attractive holiday cottages equipped to different standards in peaceful, unspoilt
locations. For groups we are also happy to arrange hotel accommodation as required. Wild
North can offer you a truly unforgettable nature experience in surroundings certain to
stimulate all the senses. Our portfolio includes fishing, hiking and hunting tours. In
addition we arrange excursions on water, white water rafting, snow – mobile safaris
and a whole lot of other activities. Around Finland, around the year. This is the new website of Villi Pohjola - the Finnish Wild North
- now also in English! We hope you will find here the best tips for your holiday or your
business trip. Wild North is the smell of a campfire, rapid waters, four seasons, and the
internal symphony of the free wilderness.
Finland''s national parks
The national parks include
many unique natural sights, such as rapids, rift valleys and eskers. Localities with
outstanding picturesque scenery or panoramic views have also been selected for
preservation. In yet other places the aim has been to preserve landscapes affected by
human habitation and bygone ways of life. There is a total of 35 national parks in
Finland. They are managed by Metsähallitus with the exception of the Koli National Park
which is managed by the Finnish Forest Research Institute Metla. The total surface area of
Finland's national parks is 8,150 sq.km. An important role of national parks is to provide
opportunities for recreation, hiking and similar outdoor pursuits. Provided certain basic
rules are adhered to, anyone may wander freely inside a national park. Many parks now
feature nature trails, as well as information boards pointing out facets of interest. Many
parks also have cooking places and tent sites. Some parks even boast a large camping site,
complete with rentable cabins or unlocked huts.
Lapland
portal
Multilingual internet service aimed at consumers, partners and travel
companies. The Lapland portal is maintained and developed by Lapland Marketing Ltd.
Lapland’s nature is austere but beautiful. The different parts of Lapland are clearly
distinct. The south and the west are maritime, they have rivers and rich flora. Central
and eastern Lapland are known for their tree-covered fells. Northern Lapland is more
barren, and only stunted deciduous trees and bushes grow above the tree limit. The domes
of the fells are bare and easy to cross. Pine, usually accompanied by lichen, dominates
Lapland’s forests. Nature, forests, waterways and the landscape have had a profound
effect on the lives of Lapland’s inhabitants. The shamans, who are also known to have
dwelled in Lapland, based their beliefs on natural phenomena and the course of life and
nature.
Travel Finland
Travel in Finland is a portal where are various travel-related companies are
takes place. A site is visited about 20 million single users per year. From them Finns are
65% average, and all of the rest 35% are visitors from up to 60 various countries around
the world. Visitors leaves more than 30 000 feedbacks, comments and additional information
requests in one year. Travel in Finland published in the net in Finnish and Russian
language versions as well. Many of companies present in both language versions. Companies
that have their own Internet pages are not always getting high traffic since visitors have
to search untill they get the pages. Information finds faster and easier when it published
between related category of visitor's interest. Travel in Finland offers a plenty of
information about travel regions and current events and news. Users of portal have
possibility to use online accomodation booking system. This service is spreads very fast
trough various regions of Finland during the last time. In portal are published homepages
of various travelling companies and cities (like Kuopio and Lappeenranta). Pages are
professionally publishied and our clients getting powerful advertising tool. Texts updates
as frequently as requires the client.
King's Road
Do you like medieval
castles and grey stone churches, romantic old ruins and elegant manor houses? Are you
interested in 18th century sea fortresses and defence lines from the Second World War? Or
perhaps you like old, carefully restored iron works milieus with art galleries and craft
workshops. And the narrow lanes of the old towns, and the heritage landscapes of the
countryside, and the many specialist museums? All these are available along the King's
Road, a route comprising some of the oldest roads in northern Europe, starting at Bergen
by the Atlantic Ocean and Ending at St Petersburg by the Gulf of Finland. Since the 14th
century Kings and Merchants, artists and pilgrims, have travelled the King's Road. The
Meeting of East and West have created a unique cultural treasury, waiting to be discovered
by you. For Finland's part, the King's Road is the first northern European route to carry
the white-brown signs denoting sights of interest. It is the first official tourist trail
in Finland. It runs along the main roads of the southern coastline, that is, on both sides
of the E18 in the easterly direction form Helsinki, and along roads 51, 52 and the E18
from Helsinki towards the west.
Central Finland
Central Finland has it all. Enchanting lake scenery, the beat of the city,
top-class conference and congress services, a wide choice of entertainment and adventure.
All this and much more in Central Finland! Forest has been and is today a vital source of
livelihood in Central Finland. The region's cultural and business centre, Jyväskylä, is
home to Finland's most popular university, research centres in natural sciences and
culture which have won international recognition, and strong basic industry, whose
flagship is the manufacture of paper machines. Jyväskylä is one of Finland's most
popular cities for conferences and congresses - thanks to strong language proficiency and
some of the best services in the branch. Meeting venues range from cosy function rooms
right through to Jyväskylä Paviljonki, an international congress and trade fair centre.
In Central Finland, all within a few hours drive, you'll discover several downhill skiing
centres, spas and golf courses, three national parks complete with primal forest, riding
stables, high class holiday cottages and farm holiday locations as well as Europe's
largest area of inland watercourses for fishing, hiking and paddling.
Altavista
Finland
Altavista searchengine Finland database
Finnish road
weathercams
Check out the Finnish weather on roads throughout Finland right now
Åland
official tourist gateway
At GoAland.net you'll find current information about travelling, activities,
accommodations, conferences, culture & sights, boating, restaurants and
entertainment, service and shopping, the weather forecast, maps, timetables, current
events and other useful information concerning the Åland islands.
Archipelago
Internet Guide
The Archipelago is a unique travel destination situated in the island area in
south west Finland. Here you have the choice of enjoying complete peace and privacy or
engaging yourself in many activities. Or perhaps a little of both? The Archipelago
Internet Guide will wet your appetite for exploration. Here you can learn about our
services, our sights, activities end events for both children and adults, communications
and the nature.
Fishing
in Finland?
If you plan to fish in Finland then check out their fishing laws here
Thousand
Lakes
The Thousand Lakes area covers all the most significant tourist-related
businesses in the Finnish lake district. It is the biggest single tourist attraction in
Finland.
The hedgehog Finland guide
The Hedgehog has been designed to give useful information to those interested in
Finland and her surrounding countries. It is also a useful resource for travellers coming
to or are in Finland. Potential/Exchange Students will also be able to benefit from the
'Study' section
SnowFinland
This site informs you about Finlands most important skiing-centers. The map to
the right shows you the actual amount of snow, measured as kg per square meter. The Finnish climate favours skiing, both alpine and cross-country.
We have long periods of frost-weather, clean white snow and a long season. This year 2001
first snow fell in Oktober, and it will grow till the end of march, but lasts out till
may. The ski-resorts furthermore apply artificial snow when necessary. Avalanches are very
rare indeed. The slopes and tracks are kept in excellent condition. With the start of
spring the daylight-period spans soon 20 hours and more due to the high latitude. In April
Lapland often enjoys the highest afternoon temperatures in all Europe!
Polar Travel
Polartravel.net is the first travelling portal in the Nordic Scandinavia and
Finland covering all key tourism destinations in the Nordic Areas. Polartravel.net is a
versatile travel service search portal that helps you to plan, book and pay your trip
independent from time and place.
Tull
- Finnish customs
Useful information provided by
Finnish customs for travellers who like to visit
Finland and want to avoid problems with
customs. An example:
A traveller is allowed to bring in
medicinal products as well as homeopathic and anthroposophical products, covered by the
registration referred to in Section 21 a of the Finnish Medicines Act (395/1987), from the
EEA countries (= the EU countries and Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) for a maximum of
one year´s treatment and from non-EEA countries for a maximum of three months´ treatment
for personal use. If required, the traveller must be able to prove that the medicinal
product is intended for his personal medication. The intended use of prescription
medicines must be proved by a prescription or medical certificate duly issued by a person
authorized to prescribe the medicine. The traveller must bring the required documents with
him when importing the medicinal product into Finland.
Culture in Finland
Kulttuuri.net aims to include all
Internet links related to Finnish culture: artists, associations, media, organisations,
specialist services and so on. Kulttuuri.net is the product of a working group set up by
five cultural organisations: Finland Festivals, The Finnish Museums' Association, The
Association of Finnish Symphony Orchestras, The Artists' Association of Finland and The
Finnish Theatre Information Centre.
Museums in Finland
There are over 1000 museums in Finland. One
third of all the museums are professionally run. and open all year round. Most museums are
local history museums and open only in the summer. Finnish museums have been primarily
established thanks to the activities of individuals and groups. The first collections were
already displayed in the 1700s in connection with the University of Turku. The first
museum was founded in Raahe in 1862. The National Gallery (Ateneum) was opened in 1888 and
the National Museum of Finland 1916.
Finnish theatre information centre
TINFO, the Finnish Theatre Information Centre, was founded to answer the
needs for information on theatre of the home as well as the international market. TINFO
gathers information on professional theatres in Finland and abroad. The theatre statistics
published every year, cover the repertory, spectator, employee and economic figures of
Finnish professional theatres.
Helsinki city guide
In the post-war years agrarian Finland was rapidly transformed in only a few
decades into a modern industrial land. People left the rural regions in large numbers to
settle abroad, in the towns of Southern Finland and the Helsinki Region. Under pressure to
provide housing for the steadily expanding population, Helsinki quickly founded suburbs,
such as Herttoniemi and Maunula in the 1950s, Pihlajamäki in the 1960s. The
best-known modern Finnish architect is Alvar Aalto, whose works in Helsinki include the
Social Insurance Institution building, the Academic Bookstore, the House of Culture and
Finlandia Hall (completed in 1971). The new Opera house by the architects Hyvämäki,
Karhunen and Parkkinen was opened in 1993, and the Museum of Contemporary Art,designed by
architect Stephen Holl, was opened in 1998. Helsinki has ample experience of hosting major
political conferences. In 1975, Helsinki hosted the Conference on Security and Cooperation
in Europe (CSCE). The first U.S.-Soviet summit took place in Helsinki in 1990, when
President George Bush met President Mikhail Gorbachev. Finland became a member of the
European Union in 1995, once again marking the start of a new era for the capital.
Helsinki was one of the nine European Cities of Culture for the year 2000. In that year
Helsinki celebrated its 450th anniversary, too.
Finland
by Bus
ExpressBus is a consortium of 30 express bus companies. ExpressBus has about
800 employees and 300 high-classified, white, arrow-figured buses. The ExpressBus routes
cover the whole Finland, Stockholm in Sweden and Vyborg and St. Petersburg in Russia.
Tickets can be bought at bus stations (Matkahuolto offices), from travel agencies and
buses. Cash and world-wide used creditcards are accepted. Currency in Finland is euro (e,
EUR).
Finland by Train
Visit the official site of the Finnish railway
Opening hours for the Railway stations in Finland
Viking line
Viking Line commenced
service in 1959, when the S/S Viking began sailing between the Finnish mainland, the
Åland Islands and Sweden. Today's Viking Line Abp was established in 1963 under the name
Ålandsfärjan Ab. It gained a listing on the Helsinki Stock Exchange on July 5, 1995.
Today Viking Line has seven vessels, which sail between the Finnish mainland, Åland and
Sweden as well as between Finland and the Baltic states. Operations include passenger
services, recreation and cargo carrier services.
Tallink Line
TALLINK offers its travelling and freight customers several daily departures
with good and safe ships on the routes Helsinki-Tallinn, Tallinn-Stockholm and
Paldiski-Kapellskär. Our newest vessel, the m/s Romantika, was delivered in May 2002 by
the Rauma shipyards of Aker-Finnyards, proving the dedication of our company to improve
cruising and car ferry traffic. Tallink's fleet includes fast AutoExpress vessels, a
luxury cruising vessel, traditional car ferries for passenger traffic and a ropax-ferry.
Finnish Port directory
Find contact information and websites of ports in Finland here
Golfcourses in Finland
Like to golf during your holiday in Finland? Find a long list of fields here
Journeys by rail
A trip by train is always an experience: you meet new
people, you hear different languages, you see beautiful sceneries. To travel by train in
Finland or Scandinavia, there is a wide range of special tickets and passes available for
you. The Finnrailpass is good for unlimited travel on all trains in Finland. It is
obtainable for passengers living permanently outside Finland. When you live outside
Europe, you can also buy the Eurailpass, valid on 17 railways in Europe. The Scanrailpass
offers 21 days unlimited travel by train in Scandinavian countries. There are four price
classes according to age. Scanrail Flexipass is valid five days of your choice within 15
days. If you buy your Scanrail in Scandinavia you will be entitled to use your pass in the
country of purchase for up to three days of your choice. For tickets, passes and
additional information, please contact major VR stations
or travel agencies.
This
is Helsinki
Helsinki is a modern
European cultural city whose urban cosmopolitan lifestyle exists in perfect harmony with
nature. Surrounded by the sea and its own exotic archipelago, Helsinki offers visitors an
endless number of possibilities. Just as Helsinki cannot be described in one word, neither
can it be experienced in just one way. Helsinki really does have something for everyone.
Throughout its 450-year history, Helsinki has existed in the crosscurrents of the East and
West. The colourful layers of history can be seen everywhere; a walking tour of the city
centre or of the magnificent Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress will open your eyes to a
fascinating past. Today's Helsinki is also a city of the future. Its modern architecture,
cutting-edge design and high-technology have attracted international recognition for the
city. Unique lifestyles and urban subcultures are all a part of this international
metropolis. Life in Helsinki is defined by starkly contrasting seasonal changes. In the
summer, the warmth and permanent daylight invigorate the city. The locals worship the sun
and welcome the heat with open arms. In the winter, the cosy and mysterious darkness
offers its own blanket of warmth, even in the crisp and snowy outdoors. In town,
Helsinki's culture explodes into life with a vast range of events, concerts and
exhibitions.
Helsinki City Tourist & Convention
Bureau
Pohjoisesplanadi 19
P. O. Box 1, FIN-00099
CITY OF HELSINKI
Finland
Tel: +358 0(9)169 3757
Fax: +358 0(9)169 3839
E-mail:tourist.info@hel.fi
Main attractions:
Helsinki offers lots to
see, do and experience for visitors of all ages. Here are just a few examples of the most
popular attractions.
Senate
Square
The Senate Square and surrounding buildings form a unique
and cohesive example of Neo-Classicism. Th...
Suomenlinna
Maritime Fortress
One of the biggest sea fortresses in the world, founded in
1748 and built by Augustin Ehrensvärd on ...
Linnanmäki
Amusement Park
Linnanmäki has entertained families since 1950. The
amusement park has an enormous selection of fun ...
Merimaailma
Sea Life Helsinki
Sea Life takes you on a voyage from the tropical oceans to
the Arctic Sea, stopping at the Baltic Se...
Korkeasaari
Zoo
Helsinki Zoo (founded in 1889) is one of the old zoos in the
world. In Helsinki Zoo you meet animals...
Temppeliaukio
Church
Quarried out of the natural bedrock, Temppeliaukio Church is
one of Helsinki's most popular tourist ...
Uspenski
Cathedral
Vuonna 1868 valmistunut Uspenskin katedraali Katajanokalla
on Länsi- Euroopan suurin ortodoksinen k...
Ateneum
Art Museum
Finnish art from the 18th and foreign art from the 19th
century to the 1960s. Finland's biggest coll...
National
Museum of Finland
Finnish history from prehistoric times to the present day.
Major archaelogical finds, the developmen...
Museum
of Contemporary Art Kiasma
Finnish and international contemporary art since the 1960s.
Special exhibitions and related happenings
Gardenia–Helsinki
A unique tropical garden, Gardenia, was opened in April
2001.
Helsinki
City Winter Garden
This exotic winter garden (est. 1893) can be hired outside
normal opening hours
Heureka,
the Finnish Science Centre
A hands-on science exhibition....
Korkeasaari
Zoo
Helsinki Zoo (founded in 1889) is one of the old zoos in the
world. In Helsinki Zoo you meet animals...
Lego
Show Helsinki
Themepark for the whole family. Lego-characters (eg. Star
Wars-characters, Harry Potter-characters etc)
Linnanmäki
Amusement Park
Linnanmäki has entertained families since 1950. The
amusement park has an enormous selection of fun ...
Marketta
park
Marketanpuisto (Marketta park) is the biggest permanent
garden and landscape exposition in Finland. ...
Megazone
Laser Game
The laser game is played indoors. It is safe and suitable
for everybody.
Merimaailma
Sea Life Helsinki
Sea Life takes you on a voyage from the tropical oceans to
the Arctic Sea
Serena
Water Park
Great place for the entire family to enjoy the tropical
warmth year-round, with terraced pools..
Stadium
tower
The stadium tower is 72 metres high and offers a spectacular
view over Helsinki city
Finnair
airlines
Finnair, one of the world's oldest operating airlines, was established on 1st
November, 1923. Finnair Group operations cover the following areas: scheduled passenger
traffic and leisure traffic, technical and ground handling operations, catering, travel
agencies as well as travel information and reservation services. The number of personnel
of Finnair Group is approximately 10 000. The subsidiaries provide air traffic support
services or operate in closely related areas. Finnair's route network, depending on the
timetable period, covers about 50 international destinations. The company's long-haul
routes fly to New York and Miami (winter season 2003-04) in North America and Singapore,
Bangkok and Hong Kong in Asia. Finnair flies to Tokyo and Beijing non-stop across Siberia.
New long-haul destinations in 2003 are Osaka as of June and Shanghai as of September.
Finnair flies to 16 destinations within Finland. The domestic flight network is one of the
densest in the world in relation to population. In addition to regular scheduled traffic
Finnair operates leisure flights to more than 60 destinations. Charter traffic flies
mainly to holiday resorts in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, South-East Asia and in
the Caribbean. The Finnair fleet comprises approximately 60 aircraft: Boeing MD-11
wide-body aircraft for long haul service, Airbus A321, A320 and A319 as well as Boeing
MD-82/83 aircraft for European and domestic trunk routes, ATR 72 turbo prop aircraft for
domestic and Baltic feeder traffic and Boeing 757 aircraft for leisure operations.
Flying Finn
Flying Finn is a Finnish low cost airline flying domestically and to selected
European destinations. Flying Finn operates a very simple fare structure. All our fares
are quoted one way to allow customers the flexibility to choose where and when they would
like to fly. The way we structure our fares is based on supply and demand and prices
usually increase as seats are sold on every flight. Flying Finn offers a simple, no frills
service at rock bottom fares. Fares can be offered at such good value due to the following
main reasons: Flying Finn is a ticketless airline. All you need to fly is your passport
(or suitable photographic ID on domestic flights) and your confirmation number. You don't
have to worry about collecting tickets before travelling, and this is cost-effective for
Flying Finn.
Silja
Line
Silja Line is the leading Passenger
Shipping Company on the Baltic Sea with daily departures all the year round between
Finland and Sweden and Finland and Estonia and periodical departures between Finland and
Russia and Latvia. Silja furthermore offers regular traffic between Germany and Russia.
Embassy of
Finland in Washington DC, USA
Over 100,000 Americans
visit Finland each year. Many of them are drawn to Finland because of its beautiful and
clean nature. For example, the archipelago of Finland is a wonderful place for sailing. It
is only comparable to the archipelago in Greece, however the Finnish archipelago has more
green trees and milder weather, often making the experience more comfortable. More than
6,500 isles and islands offer sailors magical places to dock their boats and relax. In
addition to the nature, Finland offers many activities that cannot be experienced
elsewhere. Many tourists who think they have experienced everything come to Finland and
realize that perhaps they haven’t. Imagine golfing under the midnight sun on a
beautiful June evening. Think about spending the night or listening to a concert in an ice
castle in Lapland. If you are into extreme sports, Finland offers many exotic choices -
dogsledding and ice and snow sailing among the most popular. After any activity in
Finland, it’s time for sauna. In fact, every hotel in Finland offers sauna to its
guests. If you think you have been to a sauna in the U.S., you may think again after
visiting a real Finnish sauna. The temperature is most likely going to be higher than in
the U.S. and throwing water on the stove is a must, not a no-no as it is in many American
saunas. If you are lucky enough to get invited to a Finnish summer cottage by the sea or
lake, be prepared for a very exotic experience. Finns like to bathe nude in the sauna, but
will be respectful of differing cultural habits. Other traditions include making
“vasta” or “vihta,” a whisk made of dried birch branches. Finns wet it
and pat it onto themselves and each other to stimulate blood circulation and heighten the
sauna experience. Last, but certainly not least, is Finnish food. Finland offers many
wonderful culinary experiences sure to please even the most demanding taste buds. There
are many upscale, world-renowned restaurants in Helsinki, however you may experience the
best tastes by the sea, close to nature, eating Finnish fish.
Finland for
birdwatchers
As the easternmost country in Europe, Finland has many species of birds that
are not easy to get to see elsewhere, e.g. Blyth´s Reed Warbler, the Red-flanked
Bluetail, the Arctic Warbler, the Pine Grosbeak, the Yellow-breasted Bunting or the Little
Bunting. The fact that Finland is located in the coniferous forest zone means that there
are good chances of seeing many of the northern forest species. Of the game birds, the
Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Hazel Hen, Willow Grouse and Ptarmigan are frequently to be
seen, and of the woodpeckers one finds the Grey-headed, Three-toed Woodpecker,
White-backed Woodpecker and Black varieties. The most interesting species of all, however,
are owls, of which there can be as many as 10 species nesting in Finland in a good year,
ranging from the tiny Pygmy Owl to the huge white Snowy Owl. The pine forests and mountain
birch zone of Northern Finland have numerous species with a markedly northern
distribution, such as the Parrot Crossbill, Lapland Bunting, Siberian Jay and Siberian
Tit. Many birds of field habitats, e.g. the Ortolan Bunting, have become rarer in other
parts of Europe but are still relatively common in Finland, while the largest of our
terns, the Caspian Tern, is an example of the impressive range of seabirds. The waders
that nest on our bogs are also of interest, as many of them are seen in other parts of
Europe only in the course of migration or in their winter plumage. These include the
Broad-billed Sandpiper, the Red-necked Phalarope, the Jack Snipe, the Wood Sandpiper,
Temminck´s Stint and the Ruff.
Wild and free touroperators in
Finland
Wild and Free is one of the largest chain of privately own tour operators
including meetings and incentive conventions.
Finland maps
Find useful maps of Finland here
Active
map of Finland
On this active map you can see the on-line information servers of Finnish
Internet-sites. If you click on Finland outside any particular point, you'll get a fact
sheet about Finland. Clicking other countries brings up the corresponding active map.
Weather in
Finland
The main objective of the FMI is to provide the best possible information
about the atmosphere above and around Finland, to ensure public safety relating to
atmospheric and airborne hazards and to satisfy requirements for specialised
meteorological products.
Museums in the Turku Archipelago
This guide will give you a brief insight into the cultural sights of the Turku
Archipelago. To obtain information on accommodation, dining and transportation, please see
the link page.
Lomaliitto
Organization offering hotels, spas and camp sites. With information on
accommodation, prices and how to get there.
Hot
air balloon flights
Aerohot organizes hot-air balloon flights in Helsinki, Lapland and elsewhere
in Finland. The flight season starts at the beginning of May and continues until early
October. During the season balloon flights are arranged when the weather allows this. In
the winter we fly at Levi, a winter sport resort in Lapland. We also organize sunrise
flights for groups (minimum 4 persons).
Fishing
in Finland
Useful information site provided by Juha Vaino
Fishing
guide by Erik Herlevi
Hi, I’m Erik Herlevi, experienced sea angler. I am qualified both as a
fishing guide and as a skipper. My company has general liability insurance cover. I will
look after all your fishing trip arrangements. When required I can also assist in finding
suitable accommodation.
Car rentals Bevari
We serve Helsinki city at Helsinki-Vantaa airport and many other airport
cities in Finland.
Car
rentals Netrent
Car rental Netrent is full service car rental agency in Finland. Netrent has
operated several years in Finlands car rental market. Car rental Netrent offices have
central locations with good traffic connections. Our rentalcenter is located in Helsinki
downtown. Car rental Netrents another office lies near Helsinki-Vantaa airport. We deliver
cars to the airport, hotel, or harbour without extra cost in Helsinki area. Car rental
Netrent is your car rental company in Finland 24 hours a day.
Airports in Finland
Finnish road administration
The Finnish Road Administration maintains public roads and provides for safe and
convenient traveling in Finland
Travel links in Northern Finland
Rosso
Finnish restaurant chain. Site is in Finnish only but menu's are available
in English language too.
Cruising the Archipelago
m/s J.L. Runeberg, from its home harbour
in Porvoo, plies the beautiful archipelago route between Porkala in the west and Porvoo in
the east. For sail with a difference, combine your voyage with bus, train or bicycle. On
weekends you can relax to live music on board! The cruise starts from the President's Quay
(in front of the President's Palace) by the Main Market Place in Helsinki. A cruise in the
archipelago on the romantic m/s J.L. Runeberg is a memorable experience. We charter
cruises for companies, associations and family feasts - complete with entertainment, food
and drink. We also offer package tours, for example luncheon cruises, train-boat cruises
to Porvoo. And why not try a bicycle tour to Inkoo, Porvoo or Helsinki combined with a
cruise?
Personal
stories - Brent Cassidy
The purpose of this Web Site is to share my cultural observations and experiences
while living in Finland. My site offers interesting texts and
pictures from Finland and abroad.
Personal
stories - Lapland 2000 expidition
On the 27th December 1999, 16 friends set out, with tongue firmly in cheek,
on an intrepid expedition to the wilds of the Arctic Circle for the Millennium holiday -
this web site tells their story.
Personal
stories - A Texan in Lapland
Welcome to my journal of holidays in the municipality (county) of Kittila in
Finland! This includes the winter sports and holiday center of Levi. Enjoy scenes from the
delightful village around Levi Fell and the beautiful Lapland wilderness.
Personal
stories - paddles crossed
Describes a six day canoeing adventure down Lake Saimaa. Includes tips and tricks
and maps of areas covered.
Useful info
Travel Visa
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays not exceeding 90 days. If You will stay longer
than that, please send your complete mailing address to the nearest Finnish Embassy or
Consulate and ask for a visa/work permit application. The applications must be filled out
using the original form. Incomplete applications will not be processed. The Schengen
agreement allows you to obtain a visa that is valid in 15 European countries. A Schengen
can be applied for at the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your main destination. If
no country is your main destination, you should apply at the Embassy or Consulate of the
country of your first destination. The Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norrway,
Portugal, Spain and Sweden.
Everyman's right in Finland
Finlands legal concept of everymans right gives everyone the chance to enjoy outdoor
pursuits, and the freedom of the countrys vast forests and fells, and many lakes and
rivers, with few restrictions. Public access to private land is much wider in Finland, and
the other Nordic countries, than in most other countries. More info here
Finland city directory
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