There’s something pure in the Finnish air and spirit that’s incredibly vital and exciting. Although socially and economically it is in the vanguard of nations, parts of Finland remain gloriously remote, with the trendsetting modern capital of Helsinki counterbalanced by vast forested wildernesses in the north and east, like Lemmenjoki National Park and Oulanka National Park. These wilds are perfect for treks among the pines and lakes in summer. It’s a golden, sunny season when Finland bursts into life with an explosion of festivals, good cheer and optimism. It’s a time when the towns are buzzing, but it’s also a time to head for the lakelands around Mikkeli and Lappeenranta. Winter, too, has a special charm here. Every type of skiing and more goes on for months; other popular pastimes include chartering a team of dogs or a snowmobile and heading out on a trek across the snowy wastes, lit by a beautiful, pale, winter sun. Finnish towns also have much to offer. Whether cosy wooden churches, avant-garde design, quirky museums or passionate Finnish rock music are your thing, you’ll find them in abundance, as well as cafés warm with the smell of baking cinnamon, and boisterous nightlife – the latter particularly in chic, cultural Helsinki.
Destinations we visit in Europe
