| 1. Archipelago National Park |
The Archipelago in the Baltic Sea was created by the Ice Age. Rugged rocky islets and forested islands, separated by open sea, are the features of the area. Here you will find an unusual National Park with an unusual way of going round it. The Archipelago national Park bases its trails on the waters around the archipelago and hence most of the trails are done by guide boat. People with their own boat can pick up trail maps and do the trail themselves. It’s a biosphere reserve, certified by UNESCO in 1994 and the sights to take in on the trails are amazing; from seals swimming around the islands, osprey and eagles diving for fish and deer which roam the forests of the park. Definitely worth a day’s visit
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| 2. Turku Cathedral |
Turku Cathedral is quite small and not perhaps what you’d expect a cathedral to be but at the same time it is beautiful. On a summer’s day, the light inside is magical through the stained glass and there are a number of famous people from Finnish history buried here. It’s a visit to cleanse the soul and feed the mind. The side chapels have beautiful stained glass windows and the tombs of many dignitaries.
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| 3. Luostarinmaki Handicrafts Museum |
I wasn’t sure I was ready for a day of exhibits of basket and glove making but I was pleasantly surprised for although Luostarinmaki is a museum dedicated to Finnish handicraft, it is also the centre for the preservation of the skills from distant generations. In the centre, young Finns are apprenticed to many of the skills that might have died out had it not been for the centre. Visitors can also try their hand at carving reindeer antlers and sewing the fur skins.
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| 4. Sibelius Museum |
Sibelius was Finland’s greatest composer and one of the greats in the world. Famed especially for his Karelia Suite and for Finlandia, his music speaks of his love and affinity with his country. He is once said to have thought a piece of music reminded him of the feeling he got from the smell of the first snow of winter. The Sibelius Museum is dedicated to his life and works and tells the story of one of Finland’s greatest men.
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| 5. Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower Tampere |
The greatest claim to fame of Pyynikki is the amazing donuts for sale from an outlet in the park but you’ll have to earn them first. The observation tower gets mixed reviews. In Finnish poor weather it’s a complete waste of time but on days when the sun shines through the walk to the top rewards you with an amazing view over city and country. Once you’ve torn yourself away from the spectacle you can reward yourself with a packet of cinnamon and sugar coated little rings that are so, so tempting – go on then, just one more!!
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| 6. WeeGee Exhibition Centre Espoo |
A very strangely named tourist spot but the modern art gallery, the EMMA, at the WeeGee Exhibition Centre in Espoo earns is renowned as being the best modern art gallery in Finland. The ticket for entry also gets you into four other museums, the best of which is the Finnish Toy Museum with some very creative exhibits including the display of horses made from brushes and socks! For those visiting without children the Finnish Museum of Horology is very interesting – I didn’t know that Finland had a watch industry!
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| 7. Finnish Lapland |
The traditional home of the Lapps and of Father Christmas, Lapland has become rather commercialised these days catering for the greedy Christmas market. At other times of year, it is peaceful and quiet and one can find out more about the people who live here all year round tending the reindeer herds. It’s a beautiful part of the country but visit in winter and you’ll see just how inhospitable it can be!
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| 8. Children’s Theatre |
Teatteri Hevosenkenkä is a theatre whose performances cater only for a child and pre-teen audience and can be found in the town of Mankkaa. The theatre was founded in 1975 by Kristiina Aropaltio and Sara Sirén to enable children and young people to experience the excitement of the theatre but with performances produced especially for them. The building itself dates back to 1899 and was previously used as a school. Teatteri Hevosenkenkä also houses an art gallery with changing exhibitions, again with children in mind.
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| 9. Snowmobiling at Levi |
My favourite activity. We used a company called Pole Star Safaris who hired us the snowmobiles. We were each given a survival pack, training on using the snowmobile and a map, should we become separated. We then set off in convoy across the Arctic wastes and into the bitter cold. The leader gradually upped the speed so we were soon flying over snowfields and enjoying the thrill of the ride. Little trailers are provided to keep children safe and the whole day was thrilling for us all.
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| 10. Finnish Lakeland |
Finland is a country of thousands of lakes and islands. There are 187,888 lakes larger than 500 m2/0.12 acre and 179,584 islands. Its largest lake, Saimaa, is the fourth largest in Europe. It would make sense then that a major attraction of Finland would be watersports. Popular amongst locals and travellers is canoeing or kayaking on the lakes, taking tents and provisions with you for camping. There re so many that it is rare that you will come across any company. For much of the summer, the air is still and the lakes are like mirrors. Beware midges though!!
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