Archive for the ‘Finland’ Category

Summer or winter…Celebrate your days in Finland

Posted in Finland | by Amy
May 6th, 2011

Life is box full of fun is what people say, Yup its true when you decide to tour Finland. When you are sick of biting cold in your country; visiting Finland in a summer would be a too good choice to have a full set of entertainment. Well let’s start with the accommodation, rent a small cottage by a lake side which has row boat or a canoe. Travel around the lake and enjoy the scenic Saimaa Lake region. . Päijänne is one of the largest lakes in Finland. There are nearly 200,000 lakes in and around Finland. Bird watching, horseback riding, fishing, photographing, cycling and Mountain-biking would be a good pass time activity. There are many ski resorts in Finland. This country is famous for table games, especially the Blackjack. Want to escape from the summer heat? Again Finland will be your better choice.

Päijänne

Päijänne

img credit : ast2009

Helsinki is one of the good tourist spot in Finland and has been named second safest city in the world. Snow covered roofs and streets, firewood burning all day and night to warm you up, skating and skiing happening all over the country Finland looks like a virtual heaven. With all these activities happening around you it’s obvious that you cannot resist but stick together in all such activities and explore the fun of snow fall. Ice hockey is one the popular sport in Finland. Most lakes here are frozen in winter and ice fishing is very famous during that time. This ice fishing is called as pilkkiminen. Snow shoe walking and snow mobile throwing are the most famous entertainment you can take part here. The guides here will teach you how to operate these simple machines provided that you are safe by all means. Even Championship competitions are conducted for mobile throwing on every winter.

Savonlinna, Finland

Savonlinna, Finland

img credit : explorish

Opera Festival is held every year in the city of Savonlinna. Many tourists pour into Finland mainly to attend this world famous festival. Visiting Finland on a Christmas season will be a big slice of joy. Many age old cathedrals are present here and Christmas is celebrated as a bigger event of all. Do you know where does the real Santa Claus live??? No doubt it’s Finland, the native place of Santa Claus. The sceneries in Lapland will definitely give pleasure to your eyes. Spend a few more days after Christmas and end your trip with the tremendous fireworks and celebrations on the New Year’s Eve.

Five of the Best Baltic Ports for Cruises

Posted in Cruises, Estonia, Finland, Russia, Scandanavia, sweden | by admin
September 8th, 2010

Cruise ships offer visitors to the Baltic region a chance to see the incredible shorelines, fjords and islands that you can only admire from the sea. Of the 28 ports from which cruise ships regularly depart, here are the five ports of call where you can find fascinating places to explore on shore before and after your journey:

1. Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki is a part of most cruise ship itineraries and offers some interesting areas to explore. You can take a short ferry ride across the bay to stomp around the Soumenlinna Fortress, an 18th century fort that you can explore on your own or sign up for guided tour.

Soumenlinna Fortress, Helsinki(img credit: Bronnski)

The ferry departs from Market Square, an open-air market that supplies local food, crafts and souvenirs — even reindeer sausages and smoked herring. If you are in town for while, consider visiting the many Helsinki museums and climbing to the top of the Olympic tower.

2. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn(img credit: Jurvetson)

As the capital of Estonia, this is the largest city in this tiny country and dates back over 1000 years. This charming locale is one of the best preserved medieval towns in all of Europe, although it does have a “modern” section. The Old Town Square is lined with outdoor cafes, picturesque homes and gothic civic buildings.

The cathedral boast the tallest tower in Europe, and you can climb to the top for a spectacular view of the city and harbor. Just a 2-hour ride across the bay from Helsinki, the towers and walls of Tallinn’s castles and churches border cobblestone streets that wind through this picturesque city, so bring sturdy walking shoes.

3. Stockholm, Sweden

The Old Town section in this Swedish city is called Gamla Stan and is home to the Royal Palace and City Hall — which also has a tower you can climb for a bird’s eye view of the area.

The christmas market in gamla stan (old town), stockholm. (img credit: Coulson)

Wander down the narrow winding cobblestone streets and explore the galleries, cafes, museums and shops along the way. Check out the Vasa museum which is housed in a warship that is adorned with sculptures elaborately carved in the 1600s when this boat was launched. Fully restored in the 20th century, the custom exhibition building that houses this Nordic treasure is open to visitors.

4. Copenhagen, Denmark

This cosmopolitan Danish town has many fascinating wonders within walking distance of the port — including the Tivoli Gardens, a popular destination for families during the day and romantic couples in the evening.

Tivoli Gardens(img credit: Nygaard)

At night, 100,000 lanterns are lit to create a magical ambiance that concludes with a dazzling fireworks show. Jump aboard a canal taxi to sail along the Nyhavn canal which is lined with colorful old buildings and sidewalk cafes. You can even visit the Little Mermaid statue who sits on the rock gazing out to sea waiting for her Prince Charming to return.

5. Saint Petersburg

Last but certainly not least is the Russian city that has impressed the world for centuries with its magnificent art, incredible architecture and fascinating history. Near the harbor is the Winter Palace, where you will find the Hermitage Museum, an incredible art institution that should not be missed.

Hermitage Museum, Russia(img credit: Marie-ll)

Visit the Palace Square and the Russian Museum of National Art or hire a boat and glide through the canals of Saint Petersburg, especially during the midsummer White Nights celebrations.

Four Things You May Not Know About the Moscow Subway System

Posted in Finland, Russia | by admin
March 15th, 2010

They say you can tell a lot about a city and its culture by its underground. Nowhere is this more the case than with the Moscow subway system, also known as the ‘Metro’. From the stunning architecture to the styles of trains to the sheer enormousness of the grid, this urban commute is a genuine reflection of Russia’s capital.

Komsomolskaya Metro Station, Moscowcredit

1) The Moscow Subway System is Home to Astonishing Art Piece, Architecture and Decor

The first thing you’ll notice when stepping down in to the Moscow metro is just how beautiful it is. For instance, Komsomolskaya station is more reminiscent of a royal palace with its ornate design. Large chandeliers light up the hallways, which feature baroque detail from floor to ceiling. Other stations feature more modern Socialist Realist art, which makes it easy to remember the country’s communist history.

Novoslobodskaya Metro Station, Moscow, Russiacredit

The eight-car trains that glide to from each station are modeled after the same ones that nearly all ex-Soviet Eastern European systems have been using. Although they’re not quite as ornate as the stations themselves, they still add to the classical feel of the subway.

2) Half of All Moscow Subway Stations Were Designed as Nuclear ‘Fall Out’ Type Shelters

Because Moscow is such a sprawling city, it takes an ambitious train system to get the job done. The subway system, in all, covers 180 stations. Interesting note: about half of them are deep-level stations.

Due to the constant threat of nuclear attack during the cold war, it was decided that the subway should double as a nuclear fall-out shelter.

The system features 11 lines in total, including the Koltsevaya line which circles the capital. This line is key to dispersing the massive amounts of daily commuters.

Moscow's Commuterscredit

3) It’s Actually Reasonably Cheap To Travel on The Moscow Subway

If there’s one aspect that may not perfectly correlate with the rest of the city. it is that the subway in Moscow is not very expensive. Twenty-six rubles (about 60p) will get you a single trip ticket. In 1998, this city was actually the first in all of Europe to switch to Smart Cards. Now it currently accepts magnetic cards known as “Contact Cards.”

Moscow Metro Cardscredit

4) The Moscow Metro is the Second Most Heavily Used Subway System in the World

Considering this Moscow train system only started running in 1935, over 70 years after the London Underground, it’s really quite impressive how fast it has developed into one of the most intricate and efficient in the world. In 2009, the Moscow Metro is estimated to have transported 2,392,200,000 passengers on its  292.9 kilometre-long system. This is second in terms of usage and passengers only to Tokyo’s subway system.

While most visitors use undergrounds to get from place to place, the Moscow subway system is a destination in itself.

Five Must-See Finnish Attractions

Posted in Finland, Holiday Tips | by admin
January 12th, 2010

Finland is a land of enchantment that is perfect for family adventure or romantic getaways and boasts a large number of diverse attractions to satisfy the most finicky of travelers. Finland has many outdoor activities and attractions along with a great urban feel in some of the larger cities. Here are five attractions that should be on anyone’s must-see list for their Finnish holiday.

1.) Karhunkierros (or Bear’s Ring)

The Bear Trailcredit

An ideal attraction for nature lovers and hikers alike, Karhunkierros has become the most loved hiking trail in all of Finland. Do not worry though, the trail is around fifty miles long so there are plenty of places along the way where you will be surrounded by the Finnish landscape and nothing else.

2.) Moomin World

Moomin World

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An absolute must visit for anyone on holiday in Finland with children along for the trip, Moomin World is an amusement park based on the Moomin books written by Tove Jansson. The five story Moomin House is the main attraction of this amusement park and visitors roam the whole of the house freely. Other attractions include Moominmamas Kitchen, the Moomin Fire Station, and other attractions based on the book series complete with characters posing for pictures and talking with fans.

3.) The Arctic Trail

The Artic Trailcredit

This is another fascinating attraction that will attract hikers, but not the faint of heart. Finland has 380 kilometers of the trail located along its border with the total distance of the trail totaling 800 kilometers and crossing 15 international borders and ends in Sulitjelma, Norway.

4.) Snow Castle of Kemi

Snow Castle of Kemicredit

The Snow Castle of Kemi has been operating annually since 1996 and each year the architecture is varied. The castle has boasted 20m high towers, 1,000m long walls and has been built up to three stories. This may sound normal until you know that it is completely built of snow and ice. Get there before it melts.

5.) Suomenlinna

Suomenlinnacredit

For those who would like a little more history in Finland the Island Fortress of Suomenlinna will satisfy your needs. This amazing island fortress is an excellent example of European military architecture and is also a popular recreation area for residents. So romp through the halls and feel like a knight of old in this castle.

But don’t let this list be your only source of ideas. Finland offers such a wide variety of attractions that no book could ever hold them all. So stay open minded and get informed and the beauty and splendor of your Finland tour will blossom into an amazing, memorable trip.

10 Unusual Facts About Finland

Posted in Finland | by admin
July 16th, 2009

Finland is well known for its icy beauty, remarkable forest land, and competitive spirit. However, there are some unusual facts that make this country all the more unique. This article will describe just a few of these facts.

1. Swimming in frozen waters is a sport

finland ice swimming

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Ice swimming is thought to be excellent for the health: it improves circulation, can help ease symptoms of arthritis, and leave you feeling happy and content. But in Finland, the thrill of the competition is just as important as the related health benefits. Throughout the year, in different parts of the country, men and women between the ages of 20 and 60 years old swim a freezing 25 meter track (complete with spectators, journalists, and umpires), all for the glory of having dipped into the icy depths of the sea and surviving to tell the story.

2. Finland rocks

finland music festival

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When considering the music of Finland, you may automatically think of folk and classical styles. Although the country has excelled in these genres, they also have a rich and colorful contemporary scene that encompasses jazz, metal, and even dance music. In fact, music has become so important to the culture, that there are numerous festivals such as the Finnish Metal Expo, Ilosaarirock, and Ruisrock.

3. Steam is a lifestyle

finland steam lifestyle

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It is a well known fact that saunas are an important part of the Finnish culture; in fact, they are so important that saunas were set up and frequently used by Finnish soldiers — even during wartime.

4. Faith and freedom

finland church helsinki

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Although religion plays a large in the Finnish lifestyle, it is estimated that only fifty percent of Finns attend church services once a year; in fact, the many architecturally stunning churches are only full during the Christmas season. This is due to the fact that religious freedoms have become a part of life in Finland. In Finnish law every person is allowed the right to any (or no) religion that they see fit, and are given religious instruction in accordance to their own beliefs.

5. Dancing in the streets

finland festival

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When the seasons change and the day becomes brighter, Helsinki celebrates. This two day celebration called Vappu consists of elaborate plays, sparkling wine, and a massive picnic — all of which lasts into the wee hours of the morning.

6. Ahead of the game

finland competitive

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Finland is widely thought to be one of the most competitive countries around. This fact has been proven, as the 2005 the World Economic Forum ranked Finland at the top of the growth, and a close second in the business indexes.

7. Flying high

finland geese

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Due to the dense forest population, Finland is an excellent country for bird watching. The Whooper swan (Finland’s national bird), Cranes and Golden Eagle can easily be spotted at any time; however, for the best view, you might want to hang around in late May or September during the mass migration seasons.

8. The fundamentals

helsinki university

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In a 2003 study, Finnish students topped the list on rigorous educational standards. This is due to the fact that the country places an emphasis on the fundamentals as well as higher education, expects a fluency in at least two languages, and focuses on a less stressful work environment for students.

9. Into the future

linux tux finland

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Finland is one of the leading countries in Europe when it comes to technology; in fact, it is the home of Linux, Nokia, and other phone-related items.

10. Living in style

finland interior

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Finnish architecture not only influences other countries (most notably the United States), but takes it’s influences from around the world. For instance, some of the capital buildings in the heart of Helsinki were brought to life by a German architect who brought designs straight from St. Petersburg.