Finland

Overview of Finland

Finland is a beautiful country in northern Europe, with many breathtaking destinations for travelers. With more than 18,000 lakes and 70% forest area, this country is perfect for nature lovers. In summer, the Finland temperature ranges between 10-25 degrees Celsius, and there is no darkness at night here for several weeks. In winter, the Finland weather is very cold and temperatures vary from -5 to -30 degrees Celsius, which means there will be snowfall. They declare the Finland winter holidays during the time of heavy snowfall.  

The best time to visit Finland depends on your motive for coming here. If you are coming for sightseeing, May to September would be the best time, but if you want to see the Northern Lights, then September to March would be best. You can expect rainfall anytime of the year despite the Finland climate. Some of the popular Finland tourist attractions are Lapland, also known as Santa Claus village, Helsinki, Turku, the oldest city, and many more. 

In this Finland travel guide, we have discussed all the important aspects you should know as a traveller. Read this entire post to get an overview of Finland's history, culture, and top cities to visit. 

History

Finland has always been a small country between the great neighbours. Despite being small, the country has struggled a lot to gain its independence. Here is a small look at it: 

It has been said that people have been living in the region of Finland since the ice age, and its history starts from 9000 BC. Due to Swedish colonization, it was part of the Swedish Kingdom from the 13th century onwards. But after the war of 1809, it was then considered part of the Russian Empire. This country did not participate in the First World War, but during the Second World War, it fought twice against the Soviet Union. In 1917, Finland declared its independence from the Russian Empire.

Top cities to visit here

After knowing the history of Finland, you should know the top cities to visit in Finland. If your next destination is this beautiful country, then here are the top 5 cities to visit: 

• Helsinki: It is the capital of Finland, which is situated on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. This city is famous for its architecture, history, and culture. Some of Helsinki's attractions are the Senate Square, the Helsinki Cathedral, the National Museum, and many more. There are many gardens and parks all over the city where you can take a walk and enjoy the beautiful scenery. 
• Rovaniemi: It is located in the northern part of Finland and offers so many unforgettable experiences. It is the official hometown of Santa Claus, with crazy nightlife and many tourist attractions. You can experience the serene beauty of Rovaniemi River, explore the Arctic Zoo, and for the science enthusiast, there is an Arktikum Science Centre to visit. 
• Lapland: Lapland is a place that looks like it has come straight out of a fairy tale. You can see the world's best northern lights from here, and in summer, there is the Midnight sun, which keeps the sky bright even at night for several weeks. These magical experiences can only be enjoyed here in Lapland. In winter, the frozen lakes and snow-covered forests will take your breath away.
• Tampere: It is the second largest city of the country and is situated in the southern part of Finland. It represents the Finland culture very well, apart from having the best music scene, it has many museums and theatres to visit. This city is known as the "Manchester of Finland" and has one of the best urban parks in Europe. You can enjoy swimming and kayaking in the lakes and shopping on the nearby streets. 
• Turku: Turku is situated in the southwest of Finland, and it is the perfect place for travellers who love to visit the cultural sites and are interested in knowing the history of the place. Some of the famous spots for you to visit are Turku Castle, the Cathedral, and the Art Museum. You can travel around the city by using public transport, and most of the tourist places are reachable on foot only.