Finland is located in northern Europe, bordering Norway, Russia and Sweden. Friends of the white sport get their money’s worth in the beautiful country, as do northern light hunters and nature lovers. See andyeducation.com for education in Finland.
| Capital City | Helsinki |
| Size | 338.448 km² |
| Resident | 5.503.000 |
| Official Language | Finnish, Swedish |
| Currency | Euro |
| Time Zone | UTC+2/+3 |
| Telephone Area Code | +358 |
Fast facts to know
- Finland is a parliamentary republic.
- Finns like liquorice flavored ice cream.
- Around 200,000 reindeer live in the wild.
- People who live in Finland and speak Swedish are called “Finland Swedes”.
- Customs, rituals and traditions are very important in Finland.
- Almost every household has its own Finnish sauna.
- There are many festivals, holidays and customs in Finland.
- Most Finns are very helpful and also speak excellent English.
- The most popular sports include cross-country skiing, speed skating, ski jumping and ice hockey.
- There are more than 180,000 lakes.
- From June to July the sun does not set in the far north.
- 1 and 2 cent coins are not used in Finland.
- If you drive a car in Finland, you have to keep your lights on at all times.
- In Finland there is a uniform health insurance that is compulsory for all residents.
Exciting cities in Finland
- Helsinki
- Savonlinna
- Tampere
- Naantali
- Rauma
- Porvoo
History of Finland
- Around 8500 BC BC first proven settlement.
- Stone Age population consisted of hunters and gatherers.
- 1700 BC Agriculture and animal husbandry begin.
- From the 8th century increased prosperity in the Viking Age.
- Finland has been part of Sweden for a long time.
- 1714-1721 Russian occupation, Sweden’s position as a major power dwindles.
- After the Finnish War, Sweden has to give more parts to Russia.
- 1809-1917 The Grand Duchy of Finland formed from the ceded territories becomes part of the Russian Empire with extensive political autonomy.
- December 6, 1917 Declaration of Finland’s independence.
- 1939 German-Soviet non-aggression pact.
- In 1941, after breaking the non-aggression pact, Finland entered the war in cooperation with Germany.
- After World War II: Finland follows a strict policy of neutrality.
- Early 1990s: severe economic crisis after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Climate & travel weather in Finland
- Two climate zones:
- West and Southwest: maritime climate.
- East and North: continental climate.
- Comparatively mild summers.
- Maximum temperatures in winter not above freezing.
- Minimum temperatures in the north and east of Finland down to below 45 degrees minus.
- Recommended travel time:
- Paddle or trekking tours: June to August.
- Northern Lights and Polar Winter: December to March.
- Ski season: November to April.
Ideas for trips in Finland
- Helsinki Cathedral
- Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
- Dom von Tampere
- Burg Olavinlinna in Savonlinna
- Burg Turku
- Insel Seurasaari in Helsinki
- Watch the Northern Lights
- Husky sled ride
- Mount Koli in Koli National Park
- Hike the Karhunkierros (bear circuit).
- enjoy winter sports
- Reindeer farm in the cottage village of Torrasieppi
- Schneedorf in Lainio
Eating & drinking in Finland
- Strongly characterized by local natural products.
- Freshwater fish, berries and mushrooms like to be processed.
- Finnish bread very strong in taste.
- Butter often salted.
- Popular side dishes: carrots, potatoes, beetroot.
- Popular meats: reindeer, elk, poultry.
- Dairy products are very important.
- Stews, pies, soups and casseroles are also eaten on feast days.
- Coffee – Finnish national drink: Coffee (mildly roasted, very tasty).
- Finns like to drink beer, best-selling beer: Lapin Kulta.
- Typical dishes:
- Traditional pea soup.
- yeast balls (pancakes).
- Hot, baked rennet cheese with cloudberries.
- Lohikeitto (salmon soup, with milk, potatoes, dill).
- Karelian pierogi (small dumplings made from rye dough, filled with barley porridge or rice pudding, topped with butter, sausage or cheese).
- Karelian meat pots.
- Kalakukko (small perch, with pork, bacon, baked in bread dough).
- Kesäkeitto (summer soup made from milk, fresh vegetables, fresh herbs).
- Graavi lohi (cured salmon with lots of fresh dill).
- Liekki lohi (flame salmon grilled over the fire).
- Poronkäristys (reindeer meat sliced and sautéed with mashed potatoes and cranberries).
- Mämmi (dessert, fat-free, made from rye flour, served with syrup).
- Rapu (freshwater crayfish).
Particularly scenic
- Fjälllandschaften in Ruka
- Linnansaari Nationalpark
- Lapland
- Lake district of the Saimaa region
- Oulanka National Park
