Finland Guide
Things not to miss
1 Pihlajasaari island, Helsinki • This forested isle of bathing huts, cafés and great beaches makes the perfect day-trip, and is a good spot to work on your all-over tan.
2 Turku Castle, Turku • Delve into Finland's often uneasy relationship with neighbouring Sweden at this former seat of power – the largest extant medieval building in the country.
3 Åland Islands • A summerparadise of sprawling flowery meadows, sheltered swimmable creeks and undulating countryside lanes perfect for biking.
4 Savonlinna • This town is well-known for its opera festival, one of Europe's most sought-after musical extravaganzas, with arias performed in a spectacular fifteenth-century fortress.
5 Sauna, Kuopio • Experience the steamy reality of the Finnish national pastime in the world's biggest woodsmoke sauna, and get tips from the locals on technique.
6 Rovaniemi • Get face to face with some Nordic wild reindeer and visit Santa Claus to place your order for Christmas – at any time of the year.
7 Inari • Pan for gold in babbling brooks or deepen your knowledge of Sámi history and culture at Inari's first-rate village museum.