Finland: the top ten places to visit for an unforgettable journey

Lapland has some stunning and exciting castles to see and visit, as well as some fascinating facts. The majority of Finland's castles are in the country's south. There was a time when Sweden ruled the country, and fortresses were built around Finland to protect against Russian invasion. These palaces are among the country's oldest structures, and while some have fallen into disrepair, others have been lovingly restored and are greatly valued.

The Olavinlinna Fortress, located in Savonlinna, was built around 1945 and rebuilt to repel the Russian invasion. The Russians occupied the fort in 1743, and parts of the fortress stand out from the rest because of what the Russians did. Today, Olavinlinna Castle has two museums with religious and historical artifacts, as well as a great summer opera festival, and it is free to enter and explore the castle.

Finland is one of the largest country in Europe and it has neighbors Sweden, Norway, Estonia and Russia. Most of the country's population speak their native language, Finnish, although a few speak Swedish. Finland is well known to be the capital of Christmas; in fact, here is where Santa Claus lives.

 

1. Cathedral of Helsinki

Helsinki Cathedral is a place to visit. Near this magnificent Cathedral there are also other interesting buildings, such as the State House, the city's main university building and the Finnish National Library to visit. The square is actually often called Senate Square.

2. Museum

The Finland Contemporary Art Museum in Kiasma is one of the most visited places in Helsinki because of its rich collection of domestic and foreign contemporary art. 

3. Ice Park

Whether you are out there enjoying the snow or just sitting around and enjoying the view, Ice Park at Finland's Railway Station is a destination for every visitor to see. 

4. Market Square

This famous market is famous for offering a variety of traditional Finnish food, traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. This is especially a favorite place for tourists especially those who want to meet people from different cultures. 

5. Santa Claus Village

This is the most magical place in the world! Every day is Christmas here. This is the place where Santa Claus reads all the letters the kids send him from all over the world.

6. Viapori-Sveaborg Castle

The castle in Suomenlinna is considered one of the largest castles in the world. Since its founding in 1748, the castle has been a popular destination for locals and tourists. It is also listed by UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Sites.

7. Old Great Square

The night before Christmas, in this old square located in Turku, Finland, there is a traditional Peace Announcement half an hour before the clock strikes midnight. For newcomers to the area, this will be a great experience. 

8. Cemetery of Helsinki 

This is one of the most popular traditions in Finnish history. Every night before Christmas, people from all over the country go to the cemetery to light candles for their dead loved ones.  As a result, this has become one of the must-see events in Finland.

9. Design region

If you want to be at the heart of Finland's melting pot, the design region is your next destination. It is a collection of eclectic arts, galleries, museums, antique shops and antiques that you would not want to miss.

10. Ursa Observatory

Found at the highest peak of Kaivopuisto Park, if you are in Helsinki this is a great place to visit. Here, you can have a picnic in the park between its lush vegetation and cliffs near the rocks. 

 

The world is a playground for ice ski enthusiasts - Europe, North America, Japan - but how many non-Nordic people are considering ski vacations to Lapland? Skiing in Finland is ideal for skiers looking to try something new.

In Finland, all skiing takes place in Lapland, in the country's north.

Skiing here is a magical winter wonderland experience; the place is clean and tidy. The country is quiet in the Arctic Circle, with a blanket of heavy snow between December and April, and there are snow-covered trees in a quiet and vast landscape, with more pets than humans.

 

Even the Aurora Borealis can enchant you at night. NASA experts have even predicted that the 2013/2014 Finnish winter will be the best in terms of Northern lights since 1960.

 

Skiing in Finland is noticeable in the evenings of the blue Kaamos in December and January, and the months of March and April are sunny and long. The cold is dry and clear here.

 

Lapland has several ski resorts:

 

Levi is Finland's fastest growing ice skating rink. It has the largest ski resort in Lapland, with 44 kilometers of slopes. Sirkka's town center is ideal for international visitors, with restaurants, hotels, spas, and bars.

 

Slopes and pipelines accommodate all levels of skiing ability and provide cross-country trails. This resort connects to the Yllas glacier, which is 50 miles long.

 

Yllas - is a beautiful, untouched ski resort with seven mountains, a high elevation (relative to others in Finland), and steep slopes, as well as skiing trails all over the country. It has Finland's longest ski slopes. The villages of Akkaslompolo and Yllasjarvi are part of Yllas.

 

Pyha is a true Lappish resort located in Lapland's oldest national park, just inside the Arctic Circle. Despite the fact that this is an integrated ski resort, it was the first in the world to implement a smart card system. The Luosto ski resort is about 15 miles [25 kilometers] away and can be reached by bus or by land.

 

Saariselka is a friendly and untouched place with a desert feel, located in the northern wilderness of Lapland and close to Russia. The fascinating Arctic landscape, combined with the small ski resort in the Inari region - a sacred pool of indigenous Sami people - creates a one-of-a-kind ski experience. For beginners, this is a relaxing environment.

 

Iso Syote is a peninsula south of Lapland. Loads of winter activities are available here; visitors will be able to choose from events such as ice fishing, ice rinking, dog skiing, and much more. Downhill skiing is ideal for beginners and intermediates, but anyone can enjoy a relaxing day or evening on the soft slopes.

So, if you enjoy skiing, why not visit the Lapland ski resort? The best part is the variety you will find anywhere in the world.