Finland (Interrail Countries)

Finland is situated in Scandinavia and has borders with Norway to the North, Russia to the East and Sweden to the West. The country is thoroughly modern with well-planned cities and comfortable small towns. Still it offers vast areas of unspoiled nature. Finland has approximately 188,000 lakes (nearly 10% of the country) and the same number of islands. In the most northern part of the country you can see the Northern Light in the winter and midnight sun in the summer.

Country characteristics

Helsinki
Helsinki, Finland's cosmopolitan capital on the Baltic, where east blends with west, is one of Europe's most vibrant and welcoming cities. From its stunning architecture to tree-lined avenues and parks, colourful market square and harbour, it is a city of contrasts where visitors will find world-class sightseeing, culture, shopping, dining and entertainment.

Helsinki, "the daughter of the Baltic", has been the capital of Finland since 1812. Today, it is a modern city of half a million inhabitants providing for a visitor plenty to see and do. Helsinki is famous for its neo-classical city centre around Senate Square, designed largely by Carl Engel and completed by 1840.

Turku
Turku is the oldest city in Finland, having already been a trading centre in the 13th century. In Turku you can admire various attractions or take short cruises through the exciting archipelago.

The medieval Turku Castle at the mouth of the idyllic River Aura is the most important sight in Turku. Construction of this grey-stone castle began in the 13th century, when Finland came under the administrative control of the Swedish crown. The castle was badly damaged in the last war, and has been restored on more than one occasion. The castle houses nowadays the historical museum of Turku.

Tampere
Finland's third largest city Tampere is situated on the banks of the Tammerkoski Rapids on the Isthmus between the two lakes of Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi, in Finnish Lakeland. Sara Hildén Art Museum has an excellent collection of Finnish and foreign modern art. Särkänniemi Recreational Centre offers amusement park, children's zoo, planetarium and dolphinarium all in one.

Savonlinna
Savonlinna is located in the eastern Lake District and known for its Savonlinna Opera Festival held in Olavinlinna Castle. Punkaharju Ridge is a 5-mile ridge rewarding the energetic tourist with magnificent views of the surrounding area. Retretti Art Centre is the largest centre for art exhibitions in Finland.

Rovaniemi and Lapland
Rovaniemi is situated just a few miles south of the Arctic Circle, at the junction of the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki Rivers. Lapland covers almost a third of Finland and is populated by indigenous Lapps. Reindeer are still an important income, and Lapps try to preserve their traditions as much as they can.

Lapland's most famous resident, of course, is Santa Claus. You can visit Santa Claus Workshop Village on the Arctic Circle, 6,2 miles north of Rovaniemi. Arktikum House, largely underground except for the glass-covered hallway, is a museum and science centre specialising in the arctic regions. You can get to know the fascinating world of the peoples living north of the Arctic Circle, as well as their cultures, surroundings and history.

Source http://www.interrailnet.com/