Nature of Finland - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Finland is a country in Northern Europe, much of which is located beyond the Arctic Circle. Its natural landscapes are represented by coastal lowlands, lakes and northern headwaters of rivers. Lowlands occupy vast expanses of bayside with many rocky islands and archipelagos along them. The lake region is a thick plateau with thousands of lakes and marshes. Most of the lakes are united by river channels into the internal system. The northern headwaters are characterized by poor soil, and their arctic forests and swamps are replaced by tundra as you move northward. Most of Finland’s territory is dominated by a temperate climate with cold winters and cool summers. A continental climate however is experienced in the north.

Finland sightseeing - top places to visit

When it comes to mention the most popular places of interest in Finland, the first destination that comes to mind is Helsinki. The Senate Square is …
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Finland is a country of thousands of lakes. This special feature is due to glaciers, which in prehistoric times covered its expanses. Lake Saimaa is the largest reservoir system in the vicinity of Lappeenranta. Thousands of rocky islands turn its surface into a network of aquatic labyrinths. The shores of the lake are covered with coniferous forests. Rare Saimenian seal dwell in its waters. Nearby, in the Paaselkä area, one can see an ancient crater from a fallen meteorite. The crystal clear water of Lake Inari is an amazing sight to behold amidst the dwarfish forests. On the banks of the reservoir there are several hotels, where you can rent a boat or powerboat. A favorite place for passionate fishermen is Lake Nyasiyarvi near the city of Tampere. In summer opens the season of fishing for pike, salmon, and pike perch. There are camping sites set up at the pond. Also, pleasure boat runs along the lake.

One of the most beautiful places in Finland is the Imatrankoski rapids near the city of Imatra. Here you can take photographs, walk on foot or be alone with nature. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the waterfall works only in the summer and in strict accordance to a schedule: it is turned on once a day for twenty minutes. Tons of water which in the blink of an eye turns a rocky canyon into a bubbling river accompanied by the music of Sibelius represents a unique spectacle. A popular tourist attraction is the glacial of Hyidekyrnut or the Devil’s Churns. Ancient potholes can be seen on the bank of the river Kemijoki near the city of Rovaniemi, in the vicinity of Helsinki, in the Askola Park. The wells are positioned in the middle of natural forests. The area of their congestion is equipped with handrails, ladders, as well as detailed signage. From the depths of the ground hewn blocks have been lifted. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

National cuisine of Finland - specialties, recipes and restaurants

The national cuisine of Finland can be called endemic: majority of its dishes cannot be tried in any other country. Traditional Finnish meal is food …
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There are about forty national parks in Finland. One of the largest in the country is the Urho Kekkonen Park. In the middle of it stands the fairy-tale mountain Korvatunturi. According to legend, here lives Joulupukki – Finnish Santa Claus. The greatness of the Sami culture is concentrated in the Pyhä-Luosto National Park. Within its territory are located the center of natural history “Naava”, with an exhibition of ancient rocks and the Amethyst mine. In Riisitunturi Park you can walk on snowshoes through snow-covered forests or watch the northern lights. The pride of Oulanka National Park is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Finland. The untouched nature of the region is represented by turbulent river rapids and rocky gorges.

National Park of Kolya is prominent for its mountain peaks and hills, from which you can admire the panorama of Lake Pielinen. Part of its area is occupied by the popular ski resort Ukko-Koli. In the Linnansaari National Park on Lake Saimaa, it is easy to meet rare freshwater seal or a river hawk. The natural resources of the tourist attraction include picturesque islands, creeks and bays. On the Parviainen farm you can see the exposition of the museum of everyday life of Finnish farmers. Not far from the capital is the Nuuksio National Park, home to endangered species of animals, among them a flying squirrel. There is all the natural diversity of the country the landmark of Finland’s nature “Haltia”.

National traditions and mentality of people in Finland

Severe weather conditions as seen in Finland for more than a century have tempered with the national character of the Finns, making them persistent, …
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The territory of the Pyhä-Hakki National Park is overgrown with centuries-old trees, the oldest of which is half a century old. The long-standing farm “Poika-aho”, which has today become a museum, is of great interest. It is permissible to kindle bonfires on the shores of Lake Kotajarvi. There are typical Finnish landscapes at the Seitseminen National Park. Hills coexist with coniferous forests here. The vast area is occupied by marshes inhabited by rare species of birds. Repovesi National Park is a majestic granite cliff, from the height of which you can see the purest lakes. Tourists are invited here to take part in hiking or fishing.

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Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Finland

Reference information

Map of all parks

National and city parks of Finland
♥ National Park 'Etelä-Konneveden kansallispuisto' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Helvetinjärven kansallispuisto' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Hiidenportin kansallispuisto' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Isojärven kansallispuisto' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Itäisen Suomenlahden kansallispuisto' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Kauhanevan-Pohjankankaan kansallispuisto' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Kolin kansallispuisto' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Koloveden kansallispuisto' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Kurjenrahkan kansallispuisto' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ National Park 'Lauhanvuoren kansallispuisto' . On the map Show on the map

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Cultural sights in regions of Finland

Helsinki

Sederholm house is a sight that is definitely worth making a visit. The house, which was built in 1757, is located in the historic district of Helsinki. Currently, the oldest building of Helsinki has become the location of a museum, which exposition is devoted to the history of merchant life. Among the cultural institutions of Helsinki we should definitely underline Arena Military Museum. Among its collections you will see valuable and historical documents, ancient weapons, uniforms, as well as … Read more

Tampere

The Kaleva Church is the monument of the later period. It was built in 1966 and is a true example of Art Nouveau. The stately building of iron, concrete and glass looks simply irresistible; for connoisseurs of architecture Kaleva Church is the embodiment of the most courageous and progressive modern trends. An incredible number of museums and galleries operate in Tampere; each cultural venue can boast of a unique collection of exhibits. Travelers staying on vacation with children have to … Read more

Oulu

Fans of unusual tours will love the Oulun Automuseo Museum located in Oulu. Its collection of rare modes of transport is very diverse too: besides retro cars, you can see old motorcycles, mopeds, and even bicycles here. Despite the museum's original theme, it is considered one of the most attractive for families in town. The museum building is an original monument of modern architecture - it looks pretty much like a car tire from a bird's eye view. Fans of walks around historical sites … Read more

Lahti

One of the beautiful historical buildings of Lahti currently houses the Military-Medical Museum. Its opening took place in 1983, and a two-story red brick building occupied by the museum was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Now the museum contains diverse medical exhibits, including old medical instruments, books, and photographs. Much of the relics presented here belong to the period of the Second World War. The collection also has some interesting modern exhibits. A beautiful … Read more

Lapland

Not far from the lake there is another prominent attraction, Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church. It was built in the 17th century; the last large-scale reconstruction of religious buildings was held in the second half of the 18th century. Several hundred years ago, the church was located near the old cemetery; now the latest is gone. An important cultural center is located in the picturesque village of Tankavaara; we are talking about the Museum of the prospectors featuring World of Gold exhibition. … Read more

Nature of Finland - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Finland

Photogallery of Finland

Cultural sights in regions of Finland

Finland: Map of sightseeing in regions