Finland is the best place. Sights of Finland. What to see in Finland? Porvoo – a city of interesting museums and a chocolate factory

When winter sets in, many people start thinking about Lapland, and these thoughts, in turn, force them to switch to Finland. And now you are already planning your trip to this wonderful country. If you have friends in Finland, then your trip will definitely be unforgettable, as you will always know where to go, where to go from there and what to look out for. However, even if you go to Finland on your own, you will still not be disappointed, as there you can find incredible wonders of nature and architecture. In most cases, Finland is associated with winter and snow, as well as with the capital of the country, the city of Helsinki. However, this does not mean that there is only one city in the country. The fact is that there are enough settlements there that have their own attractive sides, rich history and other characteristics that will surprise you. Find out where you should go if you find yourself in Finland. This country is often undeservedly deprived of attention, since it borders on Sweden, which is much more widely known in the world. The same applies to the world of tourism, in which Sweden is one of the most popular countries, while Finland does not attract tourists as much. But that doesn't mean there's nothing to see there. This can only mean that you will feel much more comfortable, since here you are unlikely to see crowds of people with cameras. And this is already a big plus.

Rovaniemi

Lapland's capital and Santa's home is a great base from which to begin exploring the wilder parts of this most remote province (and also tell Santa what you really want). This city is located on the Arctic Circle, and this fact alone is exciting and makes you want to go there even more. Accordingly, you can visit this city in both winter and summer, and you will be surprised at how much it differs from one season to the next. This, by the way, can be said about almost every city in Finland.

Savonlinna

This ancient city is the cultural and historical capital of one of Finland's most beautiful regions, Savo. It is located on Lake Saimaa and you will definitely find something to do here. The city is also a great place to start exploring Finland's seemingly endless water networks. You can do this either on foot or by boat, but one thing is for sure: you will not be bored, and you will take with you a sea of ​​impressions and dozens of incredible photographs.

Porvoo

This medieval town is located not far from Helsinki, and if you are traveling to the capital, then you should definitely stop by here. The historic old town boasts plenty of traditional, brightly painted houses to look at endlessly. Porvoo is also known for its large number of interior design shops and is also a favorite destination for Finnish artists.

Mariehamn

Mariehamn is the capital of the autonomous province of Åland, and this is where you should start exploring the thousands of skerries and islands, enjoying their untouched nature.

Salla

One of the most Finnish ways to spend time is to visit the sauna. If you visit the city of Salla, you can have the most authentic sauna experience. You can warm up to the max and then go skinny dipping in the crystal clear, icy waters of the lake. Salla is in Lapland, so it won't come as a surprise that there's plenty to do here besides the sauna. Therefore, you should definitely stay here for a couple of days to catch everything.

Vaasa

The city of Vaasa was located six kilometers to the south, but in 1852 it burned to the ground. Today, the ruins of the old city are part of a national park and you can explore them freely. Interesting fact: Vaasa is a bilingual city, almost a quarter of the population speaks Swedish. Nearby you will find the Soderfjarden crater, which was formed due to a meteorite hitting the Earth millions of years ago, so this is also a place worth visiting.

Oulu

Oulu is one of the northernmost cities in the world and is also a very attractive tourist destination in winter. If you want to see the Northern Lights, there is no better place. But it is still recommended to travel outside the city to avoid light pollution, which is inevitable in every city.

Lappeenranta

This city is located at the southern tip of Lake Saimaa. An interesting fact is that it was founded by Queen Christina of Sweden. It is known for being a very popular tourist destination during the summer months precisely because of its proximity to the lake. If you want to visit the Russian city of Vyborg, then you can easily get to it from here.

Turku

Turku is the oldest city in Finland and one of the most important in Finnish history. If you want to immerse yourself in Finnish history, culture and traditions, then you should definitely visit this city.

Tampere

If you visit Tampere at least once, you will definitely want to return. It has an unforgettable small town atmosphere and you can have access to everything you dream of in a couple of minutes. It is best to visit this city in winter, as then you can experience huge amounts of snow. Or you can visit in the summer when it gets quite hot, the sun doesn't set for very long and you can head to one of the nearby lakes.

Helsinki

Naturally, no list of Finnish cities would be complete without the capital, right? Summer is the best time to visit this city. The capital is vibrant, you'll always find something to do, and the added bonus is that you'll never be far from nature. Of course, it is recommended to start exploring Finland with a visit to its capital, since here you can soak up the Finnish spirit, and then go to smaller cities, each of which has its own characteristics, be it an ideal place for admiring the northern lights, hot saunas, cultural attractions or rich history.

07/09/2013 1 Comments

Today we have a review of ten interesting places in Finland that, in our opinion, everyone who comes here should visit. Of course, Finland has many attractions and interesting places in each region, and therefore we invite you to continue this list in the comments. Tell us where you have been and what you recommend to see and where to visit in Finland. Taking into account your comments, we will compile reviews by city and region.

So: 10 most interesting places and attractions in Finland!

15 km west of Turku, in, is the fairy-tale world of the Moomins, characters from Tove Jansson’s books. The valley where they live is on an island with many trails and is open to guests all summer. You can visit them, see how they live and even chat with them. Unforgettable emotions and impressions await here for all children and adults who become children again here.

. This fortress is a bastion fortification system that protected Helsinki from the sea. Situated on 8 islands and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of Finland's most popular attractions. with a population of more than 800 people. In addition to the preserved bastions and forts, the large area also contains an Orthodox church, an English park, a maritime school, shops, a playground, museums, cafes and an information center.

The open-air museum contains about a hundred rural wooden houses and buildings from the 17th to 19th centuries - residential buildings, barns, boat sheds, mills, stables and saunas, which were brought to the museum from all over Finland. Some buildings are from the 17th century. In the houses there are items from peasant life, giving an idea of ​​the life of Finnish families more than a hundred years ago.

Imatrankoski is the famous water slide on the Vuksa River, one of the main and oldest attractions of the city of Imatra. The natural Imatrankoski waterfall was formed about 5,000 years ago, when the masses of water from Lake Saimaa broke through the “stone barrier” of Salpausselka and created a beautiful landscape creation. With Finland joining Russia, the Imatra region became a favorite vacation spot for the Russian elite; Russian Empress Catherine II also came to admire this seething natural wonder. Today, thousands of tourists from all over the world come to Imatrankoski to... Every day in the summer, at exactly 18:00, for 20 minutes, more than 500,000 liters of water per second from a height of 18 meters are thrown down through the dam to the music of Finnish composers and performers.

Restaurant Kuappi Iisalmi listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest restaurant in the world! It is located in the Finnish city of Iisalmi. The area of ​​the entire restaurant is 8 m2, and the dining room is 3.6 m2. Inside the restaurant there is a miniature bar counter, a table and two chairs. Outside, on the terrace there is another table for two persons. It is open only in summer, from June to July, and seats must be reserved in advance.

Built in 1969 inside a rock, it is one of the most important landmarks in Helsinki. The church is a popular concert venue due to its excellent acoustics, and organ and violin music concerts are regularly held here. More than half a million people visit the church every year.

In Finnish Lapland, in Rovaniemi, you can spend the night in a hotel made of ice! You will get an unforgettable experience by visiting this place. There you can sleep in warm sleeping bags and not be afraid of the dark and cold winter nights.

Near Helsinki, in the city of Vantaa, there is a scientific and entertainment center “Eureka” (Heureka), which will awaken or fuel interest in science in both children and adults. There are several thematic interactive exhibitions with many exhibits, with the help of which you can experience many natural phenomena (for example, an earthquake), conduct experiments, experience visual illusions, learn a lot of new things, visually familiarize yourself with the laws of physics and chemistry, study the human structure, etc. For any age, everything here is educational and interesting.

Olavinlinna Fortress is the main attraction of the city of Savonlinna and the entire region. Currently, Olavinlinna is the northernmost medieval stone castle. Construction of the fortress began in 1475 by order of the Danish knight Erik Axelsson Tott in order to protect the territory of the region from Russian troops, but later, in the 18th century, this fortress belonged to the Russians. Both the Swedes and the Russians left their mark on the fortress, including on the architecture. Currently open to visitors all year round, the fortress is visited by tens of thousands of tourists every year.

Built in 1300, even before the division between Catholicism and Lutheranism, this cathedral differs in its interior decoration from the traditional laconic decoration of Lutheran churches. The oldest parts of the cathedral were built in the 1230-1260s on the site where the first parish church of Turku stood in the 12th century. In its medieval form, with the exception of a few fragments that survived in its original form after the Great Fire. This is one of the most valuable architectural monuments of the Middle Ages.

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Finland is a country located in the very north of Europe. It borders with Norway, Sweden and Russia. It has maritime borders with Estonia and Sweden.

The very first settlements on the territory of present-day Finland, according to experts, appeared at the end of the Ice Age. Their inhabitants were fruit and berry gatherers, as well as hunters.

The country has a long and interesting history. As a result, this land has a huge number of unique cultural, historical and architectural monuments. Therefore, when people ask: “What to see in Finland?”, it is difficult to answer this question briefly and succinctly.

Helsinki - the capital of Finland

The current capital of the country was founded in 1550. On this occasion, the Swedish king Gustav issued a special decree. The city was created as a counterweight to Tallinn in the struggle for dominance over the Baltic trade route.

Helsinki is a city surrounded by islands and the sea. A fourth of its territory is occupied by parks. One of them - Central - runs through the entire city. The amazing and beautiful country of Finland! Helsinki's attractions are located throughout the city, so if you happen to visit here, use the services of a guide.

Senate square

Located in the very center of the city. The square itself and the buildings surrounding it were created according to the design of K. L. Engel. Senate Square is considered one of the few architectural ensembles in Europe designed within the framework of neoclassicism.

In the center of the square stands a majestic monument to Emperor Alexander II. The Finns are grateful to the Russian emperor for the fact that in 1863, by his decree, Finnish became the second state language, just like Swedish.

The figure of the emperor is surrounded by a sculptural group - “Law”, “Peace”, “Light”, “Labor”. The figure of Alexander II is cast from bronze, and the pedestal of the monument is made of red granite.

The central building of the square was the State Council building. Most of it was built in 1822. Today the government of the country is located here.

Cathedral

Senate Square is decorated with the Cathedral (formerly St. Nicholas), which is the symbol of Helsinki. Engel began the construction of the temple, and another remarkable German architect, Ernst Lormann, decided to complement it with four towers with domes and gilded crosses. These extensions were not very harmonious with the main building, which was built in a strict style. The church is crowned with a central dome and twelve sculptures of the apostles.

National Museum

The building was designed by the architects Gisellius, Lindgren and Saarinen. Its construction began in 1905 and was completed in 1910.

The foyer is decorated with frescoes based on the national epic “Kalevala” by Finnish artist Akseli Kallela. The museum's exhibition tells the story of the history of Finland from primitive times.

Guests visiting this northern country should not think that all the attractions of Finland are concentrated in the capital, although a significant part of them is located here.

Pied Kotka

This beautiful and bustling city is the embodiment of two cultures - Russian and Finnish. Here you can visit forts and museums, see priceless historical and architectural monuments, and admire the magnificent nature. Kotka (Finland), whose attractions attract thousands of tourists from all over the world to these places, is located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland.

Meritarium

The pride of this large port city is a huge indoor aquarium, which houses about a hundred species of different fish. It can imitate various natural phenomena. For example, on your first visit you will see clear and sunny weather, but tomorrow you will be overtaken by a hurricane and a snowstorm. The conditions for keeping fish are as close to natural as possible.

Parks

Despite the fact that Kotka is a northern city, tourists are always amazed by its parks. These are the true sights of Finland. Particular attention should be paid to the Sapokka water park. No one will be indifferent to the numerous streams, lakes and waterfalls, merging into a single cycle with many rare flowers that bloom and begin to bloom closer to spring.

When you arrive in Kotka, don't forget to visit the Park of Sculptures and Monuments, the Herb Garden and the Fuchsia Park.

Many ski lovers are well aware of the ski resort of this city, which makes tourists return here in winter. It will not be difficult for our citizens to come to this city - it is located only 50 km from the border with Russia.

Sights of Finland - Imatra

The city is located in the southeast of the country, not far from the Russian border. It is separated from the Russian city of Svetogorsk by only seven kilometers.

The city of Imatra is founded on the site of three small industrial villages. In such a short period of time it has turned into a modern industrial city.

Despite its youth, the city has monuments that all of Finland is proud of. Imatra, whose sights are not as ancient as those in other cities of the country, carefully preserves them as a memory of its history.

Church of the Three Crosses

Architect Alvar Aato built this temple in 1957. This is an unusual building, designed in the best architectural traditions of those years. The church is named after three crosses, symbolizing the crosses on Mount Golgotha.

The church is built of concrete, but visitors and parishioners are delighted by its interior decoration - Karelian birch and Italian marble, linen trim give the room noble modesty.

Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

In 1956, the architect Toivo Paatela built an Orthodox church (now operational). At first it was a chapel in the original Russian style. A few years later it was decided to expand it. The new building was re-consecrated as the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

The magnificent wooden decoration of the facade of this temple, the strict style, and the atmosphere of harmony reigning inside the temple leave an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of both local parishioners and tourists.

Trip to Turku

If you are interested in the question of what to see in Finland, then we can say that the city of Turku is a must see. This is the oldest city in the country. It was first mentioned in chronicles in 1229. During Swedish rule, Turku was the capital of the country. Its area is 246 km 2, its population is 160 thousand people.

After a severe fire in 1827, almost the entire city burned down. Only the Luostarinmäki area, located on the mountain, remained unscathed. Today the appearance of the ancient wooden city has been restored. Not long ago, a craft museum opened here. Here you can see working craft workshops and find out in what conditions people lived in the old city.

The sights of Turku (Finland) should be continued to be explored near the port. There is an ancient fortress here. Its oldest part was built at the end of the 22nd century. It was the main fortress of the country in those distant times when the Swedes dominated this territory.

Cathedral

This is probably the most valuable local architectural monument of the Middle Ages. Built in 1260, it is the country's national sanctuary. It was erected on the site of the first parish church, built in the 12th century. Unfortunately, numerous fires destroyed most of the church furniture, but magnificent chapels have been preserved here. Today, in the choir of the cathedral there is a museum where you can see wooden sculptures, unique church utensils and fabrics.

An amazing and fabulous country - Finland. Photos and attractions of this state can be seen in the advertising brochures of many travel companies.

Not far from Turku, in the town of Naantali, there is a house-museum of the Moomins - characters invented by the writer Tove Janson.

The Aboa Vetus Museum will tell tourists about the life of people who lived in these places several centuries ago.

What to see in Finland in winter

This northern country becomes even more beautiful in winter. It turns into a huge fairy-tale residence of Santa Claus. Therefore, it would be a logical decision to start exploring the country from Santa Park, where there is a lot of entertainment for both children and adults.

Many tourists are attracted to Finland by the opportunity to see a unique spectacle - the northern lights. To do this, you need to go to Lapland, the homeland of Santa Claus, who, by the way, has an official Finnish passport.

We must pay tribute to the Finns - they love their nature like no other people. Moreover, they do everything to make the country’s guests love it. Therefore, for everyone who comes to Finland in winter, we offer:

• rides on an ATV or snowmobile;
• dog sledding trips;

Where to stay

Unlike many European countries, Finland does not have a star rating system for hotels. Or rather, she looks a little different. For example, in a 2* hotel you will be offered a large bed, a hairdryer, and a TV. The room will definitely have a balcony and, most amazingly, its own sauna. There will be no problems with check-in, because there are many large and small hotels in the country.

In winter, you will not only see the sights of Finland - you will plunge into a fairy tale. Believe me, there is something to see here.

Finland is a small country, but you can explore it endlessly. Each trip will be a discovery of this country from a new side. Where to start getting to know Suomi? We have selected for you the TOP 15 most interesting cities and regions that you need to see first.

Finland. Photo: alltop10.org

1.

This is the largest city in Suomi, home to more than 630 thousand people. The city was founded on June 12, 1550 by the Swedish king Gustav Vasa, but only in 1812 did it become the capital of Finland. Located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, this city is considered one of the coldest capitals in the world: the average annual temperature here is only about + 5C. stands on almost 300 islands, and its main attractions are St. Nicholas Cathedral, designed by Carl Ludwig Engel, the Assumption Cathedral - the largest Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe and the Suomenlinna fortress (Sveaborg). Helsinki is the only city in Suomi with trams and metro. This is where the country's largest museums are concentrated - for example, Kiasma, famous throughout Europe, the Ateneum Art Museum, and the Helsinki City Museum, which can be visited for free. Helsinki is famous for its design district and amusement park Linnanmᾃki. Only here you will see a unique church in the rock, an innovative monument to Sibelius made of metal pipes. Countless music and creative festivals never let anyone get bored in the capital.

2. Tampere

Located in the province of Pirkanmaa in southern Finland. It was founded in 1775 by the Swedish king Gustav III. Tampere is famous for its amusement park Särkänniemi with the highest observation deck in Suomi on the Näsinwella tower, a cathedral from the early 20th century with unique frescoes by famous Finnish artists, as well as a “collection” of more than 20 amazing and unique ones. Among the latter are the Spy Museum, the Lenin Museum, the Mummy Troll Museum, the Police Museum, the Sara Hilden Art Museum and many others. By the way, the Finns themselves consider Tampere the most attractive place to live in Suomi.

3. Lapland

It is located in the North of Finland and most of it is located beyond the Arctic Circle. This is the largest reindeer breeding region in Europe - about 200 thousand of these animals live here, cared for by more than 6 thousand reindeer herders. Lapland is a cultural and linguistic autonomy within Suomi, which has its own capital, the city of Rovaniemi. This northern region is inhabited by the Sami (better known in Russia as Lapps), one of the indigenous peoples of Suomi with their own unique language, customs and traditions. The most popular attractions in Lapland are the Arctic Zoo Ranua, Santa Claus Village, which is the official residence of the Finnish Father Christmas Jolupukki, and, of course, the Northern Lights. By the way, the latter can be seen in the Lapland sky for 150-200 nights a year.

4. Porvoo

Located in the Eastern Uusimaa region of Southern Finland. This is the second oldest and one of the most beautiful cities in Suomi. Porvoo, founded in 1346, preserves narrow medieval streets with cobblestone streets, ancient barns along the Porvoonjoki River, painted in an elegant red color, as well as a 15th-century Lutheran cathedral with a patterned roof, where Russian Tsar Alexander I declared Finland autonomous in March 1809 Grand Duchy within Russia. Porvoo is also famous for the confectionery shop of the Brunberg chocolate factory, where they sell the most delicious chocolates in Suomi, the house-museum of the famous Finnish poet Runeberg, who lived in Porvoo for many years, and the beautifully preserved colorful wooden houses built in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

5. Savonlinna

A city in the Southern Savonia region of Eastern Finland, founded by the Swedes in 1475. Savonlinna is often called the Finnish Venice, since more than 40% of the city's area is occupied by lakes and rivers. The main attraction of the city is the medieval Olavinlinna Castle of the 15th century, within whose walls the famous opera festival throughout Europe takes place every summer.

6. Lake Saimaa

The largest lake system in Scandinavia, the fourth largest lake in Europe and the first largest in Finland. There are 13,700 islands on the territory of Saimaa, and the length of its coastline is almost 15 thousand km. Saimaa is connected to the Gulf of Finland by the Saimaa Canal, built in 1856, which today is not only the main water transport artery of Finland, but also the most popular cruise route. During such a cruise you can admire the work of the locks and rocky landscapes. On Saimaa there are cities such as Lappeenranta, Mikkeli, Savonlinna, favorite among tourists. On Saimaa you can rent a cottage to go fishing, ride a canoe, kayak, boat or yacht. In any of the cities of Saimaa you can rent a SUP surfboard. In winter, people on Saimaa fish, go ice skating and snowmobiling, and also practice floating – swimming in icy water in wetsuits.

7. Turku

A city and port located in southwestern Finland at the confluence of the Aurajoki River into the Archipelago Sea. It is the fifth most populous and oldest city in Finland. Founded in the 13th century and the capital of Finland until 1812, Turku is famous for its Cathedral, the beautifully preserved 13th-century Åbo Castle, and the open-air Luostarinmaki ethnographic craft museum. Turku is also officially considered the Christmas capital of Finland: every year Suomi's main Christmas tree is installed here and the largest and most beautiful winter market opens here.

8.

One of the most amazing regions of Suomi. They are located on an island archipelago between Sweden and Finland, at the entrance to the Gulf of Bothnia in the Baltic Sea. Taking into account all the small skerries and rocks, Åland consists of more than 50 thousand islands, and 90% of the population here speaks Swedish. Mariehamn, the capital and only city of the archipelago, is named after the Russian Empress Maria Alexandrovna. Less than 30 thousand people live on Åland, but more than 2 million tourists come to the islands every year to visit the Maritime Museum in Mariehamn, ride bicycles and motorcycles along picturesque trails, go fishing for fun and simply enjoy the leisurely island life.

9.

Located in Eastern Finland in the province of North Karelia. Here is the most beautiful place in Finland - the peak of Ukko-Koli, 347 meters above sea level, which offers a breathtaking view of the blue surface of Lake Pielinen and gently sloping hills covered with coniferous forest. According to legend, the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius ordered his piano to be raised to the top of Ukko-Koli and composed music there. According to legend, it was here that he composed the future anthem of Finland. Also, in Koli Park there is a 34-meter narrow cave of a strange shape called the “Church of the Devil”, ancient farms Ollila and Mattila, many beautiful hiking trails, as well as places for picnics and fishing.

Material on the topic

Free things to do in Finland

On any trip, it is interesting to visit as many places as possible, but spend as little money as possible. Despite the fact that many activities in Finland have become quite expensive since the rise in the euro exchange rate, you can have a great time here without paying a cent.

10.

It is located in the northern part of Finland, in the provinces of Lapland and Northern Ostrobothnia. It is famous for its turbulent river rapids, pine forests, rugged rock canyons, high hills and landscapes reminiscent of the wilderness of the Yukon, Alaska and Canada. The famous hiking trail “Bear Circle” (Karhunkierros) runs through Oulanka Park, 80 km long and designed for a 4-6 day trip. Walking along the trail, you can see the most beautiful landscapes of Oulanka and, as the name of the route promises, you can meet a bear, as well as a wolverine or a lynx.

11. Oulu

The sixth largest city of Suomi, as well as the capital of Northern Finland and at the same time the oldest city in this region. Founded in 1605, Oulu stands at the confluence of the Oulujoki River into the Gulf of Bothnia. The city is famous for its fish restaurants, bohemian atmosphere, a unique museum dedicated to the history of Northern Ostrobothnia, the world's northernmost Symphony Orchestra and an austere classical Lutheran cathedral dating back to 1777. Oulu is considered the cultural capital of Suomi: it is home to dozens of famous artists, designers and writers, and also hosts a number of art festivals every year. For example, the music video festival, the Musixine music film competition, the world invisible guitar competition, the Qstock rock festival, the Oulu Winter Music Festival and more.

12. Kvarken Archipelago

Located in the Gulf of Bothnia near the city of Vaasa, there are more than 5 thousand islands on an area of ​​almost 200 thousand hectares. The uniqueness of Kvarken is that it literally continues to grow: every year the land here rises from the waters of the bay by about 1 cm. Next to the natural miracle of the Kvarken archipelago, there is also a Scandinavian architectural miracle - this is the longest cable-stayed bridge in Finland Replot bridge connecting the mainland with two main islands of the archipelago.

13. Hämeenlinna

A city and municipality on the shores of Lake Vanajavesi, located in the province of Kanta-Häme in the province of Southern Finland. People have lived on this site since Viking times, but Hämeenlinna received city status only in 1649. The main attraction of the city is the 13th century Häme Castle, which gave the city its name. From the end of the 19th to the mid-20th century, the castle served the city as a prison, and today you can visit both the medieval part of the castle and the former prison block, where hundreds of prisoners once served their sentences. Hämeenlinna is the birthplace of the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, and the author of the Scandinavian epic “Kalevala” Lönnrot spent several years here.

14. Vaasa

A city and municipality in western Finland on the shores of the Baltic Gulf of Bothnia. It was founded in 1606 and got its name in honor of the old dynasty of Swedish kings Vaasa (Vasa). The city is located just 80 km from the border with Sweden, so a quarter of the population here speaks Swedish. The most popular attractions in Vaasa are the moraine archipelago of Kvarken, the open-air museum Brage, where you can see the ancient labyrinth of stones called the Witch's Circle. This city often hosts fun festivals, such as the Cow Festival, the Water Carnival or the Sea Days of the Kvarken Strait.

15. Parikkala

An inconspicuous settlement not far from the Russian-Finnish border. However, the extraordinary sculpture park of the self-taught Veijo Rönkkönen attracts thousands of tourists. Perhaps this is one of the strangest and mystical places in Finland. 500 human-sized concrete figures in different poses in the middle of the forest evoke mixed feelings. It can be curiosity, admiration, or fear.

The sculptures grin and grin, showing park visitors real human teeth that Rönkkönen was provided with by his dentist friends.

The sculptor created his collection over the course of 50 years and put into it all his childhood complexes, fears, and thoughts. He admired the human body and was fond of yoga, and this was reflected in the theme of his collection.

Of course, this is an incomplete list of interesting places in Finland. But having already visited these cities and regions, you will learn a lot about Suomi and, undoubtedly, will fall in love with this country.

A relatively small northern state, whose name, according to one of the official versions, sounds like “the country of swamps,” can become an optimal place for active and cultural recreation at any time of the year. The colorful sights of Finland are actual evidence of the historical development of this region; nature reserves and entertainment centers offer tempting opportunities for an unforgettable New Year's holiday or summer vacation. Appreciate the local beauty of nature, visit a real Finnish sauna, taste meat dishes and berry desserts, which will surely become a culinary revelation even for sophisticated gourmets, create your own Christmas fairy tale, understand what and how the residents of a successful and prosperous EU country live - all these chances are realized for guests of large cities and provinces of Finland. So, let's look further at the main sights of Finland.

1. Abo Castle

One of the most significant monuments of medieval architecture from a historical point of view is located in the city of Turku. Erected in the 13th century by order of the Swedish king, the castle was originally supposed to perform a defensive function as a fort on the state borders. Over time, the fortress expanded by adding additional architectural elements in the style of the Renaissance, but by the 19th century, due to the geopolitical situation, it completely lost its fortification significance. In the period preceding the Second World War, a museum operated on the territory of the castle. During the hostilities it was partially destroyed. Careful restoration work has helped restore Abo Castle and turn it into a popular tourist attraction in Finland. Now the museum space is available for excursions, and some parts of it are available for rent for the purpose of organizing events and celebrations with a predominance of medieval themes.

2. Helsinki Market Square

The open trading space, located in close proximity to the port, reflects the full flavor of Finnish culture and life. The market is organized on the square only on weekends and runs until approximately noon. The rest of the time it is a picturesque place in the capital of Finland, dressed in the tranquility and dignity of the surrounding majestic architecture, not without modern accents. During trade, the square transforms: it is noisy and welcoming. You can buy souvenirs for every taste: from original magnets to warm handmade things. The food aisles are worthy of special attention, where you can try smoked fish and buy fresh berries completely free of charge (depending on the season, which ones specifically). On Christmas Eve, a colorful festive fair takes place on the square.

3. Sveaborg

Sveaborg is a must-visit place for tourists in Finland. The fortress, which has a second, no less popular name - Suomenlinna, was built on the island as a fortification. You can get here by ferry from the main Finnish city. There is no transport on the island itself: walking is the only opportunity to explore a unique historical site and not without its charm. Initially, the fort belonged to Sweden; at the beginning of the 19th century, power over this land passed to the Russian Empire. 1918 marked the establishment of Finnish independence and, accordingly, a change in the territorial affiliation of the fortress. Historical events have left their mark on the nature of the architecture and museum exhibits. Now here you can observe Scandinavian features in construction, preserved examples of Russian firearms. For those who wish to stay on the island for a while, hotel accommodation options are available.

4. Senate Square in Helsinki

Senate Square is one of the attractions that most tourists visit in Finland. The architectural design of this square began to be created at the beginning of the century before last. In the center there is a monument to the Russian Emperor Alexander II. It was this autocrat who assigned the status of autonomy to Finland, which was then part of the Russian Empire. The main compositional chord in the ensemble of buildings surrounding the square is the Cathedral. You can visit it absolutely free. The majestic and austere appearance of the cathedral is in special harmony with the rather modest interior decoration, which allows you to focus on compliance with the main purpose of the building. Services are held here during special hours; at other times, access is open to tourists. Organ music periodically sounds within the walls of the cathedral, and at a specific time (17:49) in the square you can hear a five-minute composition created based on the ringing of bells of various sizes. On December 13, the election of the Queen of Light is held on Senate Square in Helsinki, ending with a solemn procession. The aesthetically original action is rooted in the pagan rituals of the indigenous peoples of the north.

5. Assumption Cathedral in Helsinki

Despite the fact that Finland can officially be classified as one of the countries with the smallest percentage of the religious population in relation to the total number of inhabitants, the country is an important stage on the route of many Christian pilgrims. Orthodox and Lutheran churches operate here as state churches. The Assumption Cathedral is considered the largest Orthodox center in all of Scandinavia. Next year, 2018, this valuable architectural landmark will turn 150 years old. The handwriting of the Russian architect can be seen in the features inherent in the wooden churches erected in medieval times in Rus'. Currently, this red brick cathedral, which forms an optimal visual consonance with the white stone Cathedral, is considered a key object shaping the appearance of Helsinki.

6. Arctic Center "Arktikum"

Not all of Finland's attractions are concentrated in Helsinki. Interesting museums and exhibitions are also open in other cities. In the province of Lappi there is a city called the capital of Lapland. Having reached Rovaniemi, a person finds himself on the very border of the Arctic Circle. This place became ideal for organizing a thematic exhibition and establishing a scientific center for the study of the Arctic. Arktikum features permanent exhibitions and regularly hosts events where new exhibits are demonstrated, eloquently telling about the latest achievements in research work on the ground in northern latitudes and how the environment and its inhabitants are changing. The culmination of an educational tour may be the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. A rare natural phenomenon becomes accessible to the average person through a platform connected to the main building by a long glass corridor. For the same purpose, the Polar Theater is equipped, where an amazing event is presented in graphic volumetric design. This is a very interesting place to visit in Finland.

7. Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

There is a lot of debate about contemporary art. Its loyal basis allows you to go beyond generally accepted canons and create new samples and standards of aesthetics. However, to form your own opinion, you need to know the subject that has become the topic of discussion. The creative space "Kiasma" becomes a platform for displaying the results of self-expression of artists from Finland and its neighboring countries. Located in a metropolitan building that does not contradict the laws of classicism, inside the museum demonstrates a commitment to freedom of views reflected in the objects of the exhibition, and flexibility in the vision of creative ideas. The results of fine art, installations in video format, objects of photographic art, and original architectural solutions are presented here. An electronic guide helps you avoid getting confused among 25 galleries.

8. Snowland

Finland's attractions are very unique, and Snowland is proof of this. In 1994, a restaurant was opened in the town of Rovaniemi and several small houses were built. They were created entirely from snow. The idea was liked by visitors and owners. Now on this site there is an entertainment center, which offers a full range of winter fun and something unique - a chance to feel like a real Sami and spend the night in a snowy home, where instead of the usual beds, reindeer skins are provided! The complex can simultaneously accommodate more than 250 people. Here you can see ice sculptures. They are constantly updated with the opportunity for each guest to create their own work of art. There are bars on site where you can enjoy mulled wine, as well as an open-air disco and karaoke.

9. Santa Park

If you move from Rovaniemi towards the Arctic Circle, after ten kilometers you will probably find yourself in the place where Santa Claus lives. However, the expectation is not entirely true. Santa's assistants, the gnomes, live in the village, and the good wizard himself appears there, but he lives in a house located 170 km from Rovaniemi, and no one can get there. On the road to the village there is Santa Park. This is an amusement and amusement park. Active games are held here, there is a theater, and colorful presentations are held. The park is open all year round, not just on Christmas, so travelers in Finland always have a chance to experience the magic. In this unique place you can ride a sleigh pulled by dogs and also buy a souvenir. Santa Park is a hot tourist destination in Finland, because where else can you visit something like this?

10. National Museum of Finland

The central part of Helsinki welcomes you with the picturesque Matthias Lehto Park. It is here that a popular attraction among those who want to get acquainted with the history of the country is located - the National Museum of Finland, which looks like a medieval castle with a tower and columns. Within its walls there is a museum that stores objects of the historical and cultural heritage of Suomi. Each exhibition has a specific theme. In the halls you can get acquainted with information evidence of the stages of formation of the independent Finnish state, as well as with the attributes that determine the life and cultural leisure of the northern people at different times. Of particular interest is the collection of medals, jewelry, and decorations used to decorate weapons. Visitors interested in numismatics will find the exhibition under the mysterious name “Treasures” truly interesting.

11. Imatrankoski

On the Vuoksa River there is a waterfall of the same name, striking with its natural grandeur and power. However, in modern conditions it will not be possible to admire the pristine beauty of the phenomenon: in the 20s of the last century, it was decided to use the natural energy potential for the benefit of people and build a hydroelectric power station. The created dam significantly reduced the water pressure. Now regularly, once a year, a special type of entertainment is organized here: the water slide. A huge volume of water rushes down at a certain time, gradually filling the canyon. Many tourists gather to see this impressive spectacle. Observation platforms are equipped especially for them in the reserve park. However, you can appreciate the beauty of such a controlled waterfall not only at the end of the summer season. During the New Year's season, the flow of boiling water flowing into the river bed is restarted here. This happens against the backdrop of fireworks, complementing the poetic picture in the spirit of majestic romanticism.

12. Linnanmäki Amusement Park

The Linnanmäki amusement park in Helsinki could not help but be included in the list of the best attractions in Finland, where both adults and children can have fun. Linnanmäki Park offers entertainment for children and their parents. More than 30 attractions to suit every taste, including roller coasters, playgrounds, restaurants and souvenir shops - all this is available to visitors who want to diversify their active holiday. On the territory there is a kind of oceanarium where you can get acquainted with the life of marine inhabitants. A variety of fauna of the northern seas and warm oceans is available for viewing. Large fish, including predatory ones, and mollusks are kept in an aquarium constructed with numerous glass passages filled with water.

13. Popular science center "Eureka"

The Eureka Popular Science Center is an interesting demonstration of how museum exhibitions and scientific activities can be combined in a single center. The main feature of all exhibitions is interactivity. Each visitor is involved in a visual process of learning and creating their own discoveries through participation in various chemical experiments, competitions in the exact sciences, and the production process. There is a children's camp here, where teenagers are admitted to familiarize themselves with the world of science and its development over time. There is also a planetarium “Vattenfall”, where films about astronomical phenomena are broadcast on a three-dimensional screen, scientific hypotheses are voiced, and interesting cosmic phenomena are demonstrated. All excursions are offered in several languages, including Russian.