Finland

Stunning landscapes and modern urban environments in a Nordic setting

Finland gets lumped in with the Scandinavian nations even though it’s a Nordic country. It shares many similar traits—stunning wild landscapes and modern urban environments—but there’s something different here. Maybe it’s the Russian influence (Finland was part of its Empire for over a century), or that it’s one of the least populated countries, or that its location on Europe’s top edge has given its residents more mental freedom.

And even though Finland has the most difficult connections to European rail networks, it nonetheless is an easy ferry trip from Stockholm, which enjoys excellent rail links to the rest of continental Europe. With a Eurail pass you can get on a train in Rome, ride the rails all the way to Stockholm and make the final run by ferry into Helsinki.

The Finnish rail system is one of the most modern in the world, linking all the country’s major towns and cities. Summer is the best season to visit (although it's when the Finns take their vacations), when the country’s endless scenic vistas of vast green forests and blue lakes can be seen from your train window. Many visitors come in summer just to enjoy the Midnight Sun, best seen from Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland.

For more information on Finland contact the Finland Tourist Board.

© 2009, Wiley Publishing, Inc.