Travel Guide to Finland

From the coast and islands along the Gulf of Finland to the inland forests and thousands of lakes to Lapland in the north, Finland has a great deal to offer the visitor. The capital Helsinki is in the south where most of the population live - further north you will wide open spaces and stunning scenery to explore. 

What to see in Finland

Helsinki has its own page - Helsinki

Saimaa  - is a lake in southeastern Finland. At approximately 4,400 square kilometres, it is the largest lake in Finland, and the fourth largest in Europe. Major towns on the lakeshore include Lappeenranta, Imatra, Savonlinna, Mikkeli, Varkaus, and Joensuu.

Aland Islands - lie partly in the gulf of Bothnia and partly in the Gulf of Finland. There are about 300 islands some eighty of which are inhabited. Most of the island population speak Swedish. 

Lapland - lies in the extreme north of Finland near the border with Norway. It is a large area making up about 20% of Finland. The population is around 185,000 - large towns are Rovaniemi (the regional capital), Kemi, and Tornio. Most of Lapland is flatish with many lakes and waterways. Watch out for wild animals if you're driving!

Turku - is a city situated on the southwest coast of Finland at the mouth of the Aura River. It is the oldest city in Finland dating back to the 13th century. It is also a port with ferries to Sweden, the Aland Islands and Estonia.