Finland is in Northeastern Europe bordering Sweden, Norway and Russia. Its capital Helsinki is a city strewn with parks, forests and water. It also offers wonderful examples of Russian and Swedish architecture in its modern and ancient buildings, the Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress listed as one of the UNESCO Heritage sites. Finnish and Swedish are the two official languages.
Finland has a countless number of islands, more than any other country in the world, with the largest inland water system in Europe, boasting thousands of inland lakes and rivers. The northern part of Finland is an expanse of coniferous forests, with pine, birch and fir trees, which finally open up into the Arctic Tundra. There are in fact more trees than people in Finland for the land offers miles and miles of wilderness and natural beauty.
Finland is land for nature lovers and active outdoor fans, offering hiking, mountain-bike riding, cross-country skiing, fishing just to name a few. The35 national parks are a haven for many different species, such as elks, bears and birds. The typical saunas and kossu (Finnish Vodka) are a must after a day out in the cold forestland or a swim in the lakes.
Turku is the oldest town in Finland facing the Aland Sea towards Stockholm. The city is an open museum of magnificent buildings, including the medieval castle, the imposing cathedral and numerous museums. At nighttime there is a lively atmosphere along the Aurajoki River, where floating boats act as boat bars.
Finland has a lot of snow and ice, but the summers are sunny and warm, even during the autumn and spring the climate may be milt. In midsummer the sun does not really set completely and the population take advantage of the extra light to fully enjoy the summer.
