Finland is a country of many rivers and lakes — there are about 188 thousand reservoirs in this country. The cleanest water, the beauty of nature, excellent ecology and the measured lifestyle of the indigenous people attract a lot of fans of ecotourism to Finland and just travelers who are interested in this country. The climate here is diverse, due to the strong influence of the currents of the Baltic Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Mild winters in the south of the country contribute to year—round recreation, and the cold snowy winters of Finnish Lapland contribute to the development of ski tourism. This type of holiday is popular among travelers at any time of the year. An unusual national cuisine, the dishes of which are definitely worth trying, magnificent nature, a lot of beautiful ancient castles and other architectural structures. All this diversity makes you think about choosing what to see in Finland in the first place. And in order to simplify your choice, we have compiled a list of interesting places, which include the most popular attractions in Finland.
In addition to its natural beauty, Finland is also an unusual, mysterious country, whose numerous attractions are shrouded in their centuries–old stories and legends. And this is quite understandable, because here there is its own, original culture, which is characterized by a lot of ancient traditions and customs.
What to see in Finland first of all
Everyone has the opportunity to discover the wonderland, as many travelers call Finland, but for this you need to make a clear plan with the sights that you want to see. Excursions in Finland are often long in time (due to the large distance between the memorials) – this feature must be taken into account.
1. Olafsborg Fortress (Suwon Linn)
The northern medieval fortress of Olafsborg
On the rocky shore of Finland’s largest lake Saimaa, the Olavinlinna fortress, or Olafsborg in the Swedish manner, built at the end of the 15th century, stands majestically. In terms of popularity in the field of tourism, this fortress occupies, perhaps, the next place after Turku Castle. The famous landmark of Finland got its name from the name of the 11th century Norwegian king Olaf Haraldsson.
The fortress is located in Suwon Lin, a small resort town near the border with Russia.
The construction of the fortress dates back to 1475, its construction was supervised by the Danish knight Tott. The location of the fortress was foreseen by him in advance, since the borders of Moscow Russia were constantly expanding at that time, and the conquest of Finnish territories was already in the plans.
The fortress turned out to be a good one, its ability to resist firearms was unparalleled, and in the 15th and 16th centuries the fortress successfully defended its positions during the attacks of Muscovite Russia.
Finally, at the very beginning of the 18th century, the fortress of Olafsborg was conquered by Russian troops, at the same time the fortress of Turku was besieged. Since then, the fortress remained in the possession of the Russian Empire until Finland gained independence.
Now there is a museum in Olafsborg, whose expositions are devoted to the history of the fortress and Orthodox iconography, and an opera festival is regularly held here — this tradition began back in 1912.
Official website: www.kansallismuseo.fi
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2. Lemmenjoki National Park (Lapland region)
An authentic example of Finnish nature in Lemmenjoki Park
True connoisseurs of wildlife, hiking romance and real extreme will definitely find something to see in Finland. Lemmenjoki National Park will be a real find for them.
After all, this is one of the most sparsely inhabited, untouched territories in Europe, located in Lapland on the border with the Norwegian Anarjohka Park. These territories acquired the status of a national park in 1956, and since that moment the park area has almost doubled and amounted to 2,850 square kilometers.
Traveling through these parts is the perfect way to escape from the hustle and bustle of the world and merge with the wild nature. This is an impenetrable wilderness, off-road, peace, regularity and natural silence, which nothing can break.
For the most desperate travelers, a walk through the most difficult places is offered, special boats are offered for this — the only way to travel in such areas. Following a certain route, you can climb Mount Morgam, and from there you will have a wide view of almost the entire northern border, huge forests and vast mountainous areas.
For those who do not want to take risks, there is a beautiful park area, with numerous trails and huts in the bosom of the wild. It is also offered to rent any of the huts with an equipped campfire place.
3. Turku Castle (Turku)
The ancient great castle of Turku
At the mouth of the Joki River, there is another important attraction in Finland — Abo Castle, or Turku. The value of this building is primarily related to its rich history — Turku Castle was built in the Middle Ages and was one of the largest buildings of those times.
The history of the castle dates back to 1280, when the Swedes decided to establish a fort on the site of the future castle. Over time, the fort began to play the role of the administrative center of the Swedish government in Finland. Despite the impressive and reliable structure, the fortress was repeatedly attacked by the Danes and Novgorodians.
For several centuries, until the 16th century, the fortress was strengthened, expanded and completed, until it was converted into a beautiful palace, which became the venue for various celebrations with the participation of noble and high-ranking persons.
The time of magnificent entertainment of the Renaissance passed quickly, and by the beginning of the 17th century the castle was abandoned, and later there was a severe fire in it. The restoration of the castle began only in the 19th century and was completed only after the Second World War.
Today, a historical museum is located within the walls of Turku Castle, and wedding ceremonies are held in its chapel. The Renaissance tradition of holding various ceremonies, banquets, exhibitions and celebrations of various events in its halls has returned.
Official website: http://www.turku.fi/en/turkucastle
4. Santa Claus Village (Lapland, Rovaniemi)
An amusement park dedicated to Santa Claus
According to legend, the dwelling of Santa Claus is located in Lapland on Mount Korvatunturi. But since rumors began to spread among people about his place of residence, Santa, not wanting to be declassified, chose a place near the city of Rovaniemi for meetings with people. That’s how far beyond the Arctic circle, among sparkling snows and dense forests, Santa Claus village appeared many years ago.
The actual appearance of a popular Finnish landmark has a completely different story. In 1950, the wife of the American president, Eleanor Roosevelt, paid a visit to these regions. In honor of her arrival, a small wooden hut was built, which was presented as a temporary home for Santa Claus.
Over time, a whole fairy-tale village was formed around this house, where a fairy tale mixed with reality: fairy-tale characters live here and such events occur that make even adults believe in miracles. Today, in the village of Santa Claus, in addition to the house from which it all began, there is also Santa’s post office, his office, and even a deer farm. Guests can visit numerous slides, as well as stay in cottages for longer periods. You can relax in one of the many restaurants, as well as visit the Arctic Winter World Park, full of amazing entertainment: these are amazing slides and ice sculptures with mesmerizing lighting, a cafe where drinks are served in ice glasses, and even there is an igloo ice hotel where you can spend the night in a sleeping bag equipped with heating.
Official website: http://www.santaclausvillage.info/
5. Suomenlinna Fortress (Helsinki)
The fortress of Suomenlinna on the islands is a sea fortress
Not every traveler, wondering what to see in Finland, includes in his plan a visit to the fortress of Suomenlinna: someone, sailing by on a motor ship, contemplates its facade from afar, someone confines himself to observing from the embankment. Meanwhile, Suomenlinna is one of the main attractions of Finland, namely its capital Helsinki. This place has a centuries-old history, and there is really something to see here.
The fortress of Suomenlinna, which was built in 1808 and was originally named as Sveaborg, was built at a time when Finland was part of the Swedish Kingdom. Russian Russian Empire later transferred the fortress to the Russian Empire as a result of the Russo-Swedish war in 1809, and during the next century a Russian garrison was stationed here. In 1918, after the Great October Revolution, the fortress acquired a new name — Suomenlinna.
Today, the fortress has become an important tourist attraction, in its central part there is a tourist information center where you can take a map, find out details about hiking routes, visit a souvenir shop, cafe or museum. It is from this place that organized excursions depart. The main walking route, marked in blue on the map, is 1.5 kilometers long and passes through all the memorable places of the fortress. There are tunnels inside the fortress structures, some of which are accessible for exploring. On the main square in front of the Suomenlinna fortress there is the grave of the founder of the fortress and its first commandant, Augustine Ehrensvard.
Official website: http://www.suomenlinna.fi/ru/
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6. Assumption Cathedral (Helsinki)
Assumption Cathedral – the residence of the Archbishop of Helsinki
On the Katajanokke Peninsula, high above the horizon of the Finnish capital, stands the largest Orthodox cathedral in Europe, erected by order of Emperor Alexander II in honor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Assumption Cathedral is an important religious landmark in Finland, whose history dates back to between 1862 and 1868.
The cathedral was built according to the project of Alexey Gornostaev, which was based on another temple — the Church of the Ascension of the Lord in the village of Kolomenskoye. The building was built of red brick, left over from the Bomarsund fortress destroyed in the Crimean War. The very shape of the temple symbolizes the Holy Spirit, and its 13 domes represent Jesus Christ and the 12 apostles. The construction of the temple was carried out using voluntary donations, and in 1868 the consecration of the cathedral took place.
Today, the Assumption Cathedral, which has become one of the main attractions of the capital, serves as the residence of the Archbishop of Helsinki. Half a million tourists come to visit the shrine every year.
The exterior of the cathedral is quite modest, but its huge size is impressive: four massive granite pillars support the vault of the temple from the inside, which is crowned by a blue dome with a scattering of golden stars. The interior of the temple is complemented by a rich exposition of icons, many of which are miraculous. Huge chandeliers hanging from high vaulted ceilings complement the typical Orthodox style of the temple’s decoration. Nowadays, the Assumption Cathedral hosts a lot of various exhibitions and social events.
7. Church in the rock (Helsinki)
Lutheran Church on Temple Square
The Temppeliaukio Rock Church is perhaps one of the most unusual sights in Finland and one of the most original temples in Europe. The church embodies the main feature of Finland — the combination of wild nature and modern technology: it seems to fit into the natural landscape and perfectly combines with rocky surfaces.
Temppeliaukio Church was built in 1969. Its main feature is that the entire area of its interior is carved directly into the rock. Only a small dome of glass rises on the surface, through which sunlight penetrates into the rooms.
Despite the unobtrusive appearance from the outside, the interior of the temple is very beautiful: all the bulges of the granite walls are emphasized by special lighting, the granite rock has a variety of colored inclusions in the form of an unusual pattern created by nature itself. In addition to the decoration, the church also stands out for its extraordinary acoustics, which is provided by the untreated inner surface of the walls. For this reason, concerts of classical organ music as well as modern music are often held in the temple.
Temppeliaukio Church is located in the heart of Helsinki, in one of its central districts. Therefore, it is not difficult to get here by walking around Helsinki.
Official website: http://www.helsinginkirkot.fi/ru
8. Athenaeum Art Museum (Helsinki)
National Gallery of Fine Arts Athenaeum
Connoisseurs of world art have a lot to see in Finland, especially if the travel route runs through the capital. The Athenaeum Art Museum, located in Helsinki near the railway station, currently houses the largest collection of works of art in Finland. The very name of the museum is formed on behalf of the ancient Greek goddess Athena, the patroness of all arts and crafts.
The museum first opened its doors in 1887. The basis of the museum’s collection in the year of opening was 18 paintings donated by the Russian Emperor Nicholas II to the Association of Finnish artists. The museum has two departments.
- The Athenaeum Hall presents the works of Finnish masters from 1700 to 1960, as well as the works of foreign artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. The crown of the collection consists of works by Cezanne, Van Gogh, Modigliani, Chagall, Le Corbusier. A worthy addition is the exposition of paintings by Russian artists — Shishkin, Levitan, Repin, Polenov, Modigliani, Degas, Leger, Chagall. A special pride of the museum is the collection of the “golden age of Finnish painting” (the junction of the 19th and 20th centuries). The second section, the Finnish National Gallery— houses works of art covering the period of modernity, from the 1960s to the present day.
Official website: http://www.ateneum.fi
9. The Cathedral (Turku)
The Cathedral in the city of Turku
One of the main national shrines of Finland is Turku Cathedral, which became the parent of the Finnish Lutheran Church. This is a landmark of Finland with a huge history and one of the most important monuments of history and architecture, made in the North Gothic style and for many years became the standard of architectural thought.
The first building of the cathedral, made of stone in the second half of the 13th century, was much smaller than the current one and was located where the pulpit is now located. Throughout the Middle Ages, the cathedral building was expanded and supplemented, experienced hardships associated with the historical events of the country, was restored and rebuilt several times.
So, in 1827, the cathedral suffered heavy losses due to a fire, but was quickly restored. Therefore, most of its interior dates back to the 19th century. Thus, the image of the Transfiguration of Christ was painted in 1836, the pulpit and altar in 1830, the stained glass windows of the chapel were created in 1870. Frederick Westin and Carl Engel worked on the interior decoration, the frescoes on the walls and ceiling were created by the artist Ekman, who was considered the father of painting in Finland. In 1980, a colossal musical instrument was installed in the cathedral — an 81-register organ, thanks to which extremely beautiful music is heard under the arches of the cathedral to this day.
A number of famous historical figures rest in the chapel of the temple, including the wife of King Eric XIV, Katarina Monsdotter, and Bishop Hemming, beatified.
10.Seurasaari (Helsinki)
Ancient wooden exhibits of the museum
If you are interested in the original culture of the Finns, their traditions, mentality, lifestyle, then you certainly have something to see in Finland. The Seurasaari Open-air museum is located on the emerald island, surrounded by greenery, a few kilometers from the Finnish capital. The island is a real oasis in the midst of urban life, and the typical Finnish measured lifestyle is reflected in the ancient manors, cottages and estates that have been built over the past few centuries.
The location of the museum itself is very organically combined with the exposition, because the island of Seurasaari is in fact a typical example of Finnish nature. Since the 80s of the 19th century, this place has become a favorite for Helsinki residents who came here for picnics in their free time.
And in 1882, a bridge was laid to the island, and it can be said that it was the construction of the bridge that marked the beginning of the creation of an open-air museum. In 1909, Professor Axel Olaikheikel officially founded a museum on the island, and old houses from different provinces of Finland began to be brought here. It is the variety of types of structures that allows us to form a general impression of the provincial life of the Finns in the 18th and 20th centuries.
Farms, farmsteads, shops, cottages and even a church — all this creates a unified picture of local life.
In order to see the life of Finns in the provinces of the past centuries, it is worth taking as much time as possible for a tour of Seurasaari — visit each of the buildings, get into the spirit of those times and just take a walk through the amazing local landscapes.
Sights of Finland: what else to visit while in Finland
There are many ways to organize leisure activities in this country, and initially you must determine whether you will need guides in Finland or you will cope with organizational issues on your own. Take a look at the list to learn more about interesting places and understand how you can relax better and where to go after checking into the hotel.
11. Moomin Valley (Naantali)
The island of a wonderful fairy tale
Back in 1945, the famous Finnish writer Tove Jansson drew a funny hippo for her younger brother, who later became one of the most beloved heroes of fabulous Scandinavian literature. Yes, this is the same Moomin Troll – there is a whole series of fairy tales about him and his family, the plots of which formed the basis of the cartoons that many of us love.
These cute and funny characters are loved by adults and children not only in Finland, but all over the world. Well, little fans of Moomin world will definitely find something to visit in Finland, because it is here that one of the best children’s theme parks in the whole world has unfolded.
Moomin World, or Moomin Valley, is located on the island of Kailo, near the coastal area of the city of Naantali. Here, the favorite fairy tale of the famous writer has become a reality, becoming a popular family vacation destination. Funny characters seem to come straight from the pages of books here, and the landscape described in the fairy tale opens up in front of you:
- the blue Moomin house, surrounded by flowers and greenery; the yellow Hemulen house with a collection of plants and butterflies; the witch’s hut in the dense forest; Moomin Dad’s frigate and much more.
In addition, the park is equipped with many swings, ladders, slides, turrets for young visitors, as well as a beach, a cafe and a souvenir shop. During the cold season, Moomins hibernate, so the valley receives visitors in the summer.
Official website: https://www.moomin.com
12. Rope park (Raukha)
Adrenaline Saimaa Rope Adventure Park
In Finland, special attention is paid to family holidays, which is why there are so many amusement parks where you can relax with the whole family. The so-called “flow parks” are especially popular – in our opinion, these are rope rides. Among the largest of them is the Rauha Rope Park in Imatra. Once here, you can spend a day full of bright adventures, because as many as 6 trails of varying degrees of difficulty have been developed for visitors, located at an altitude of 1.5 to 22 meters, where you need to pass from one obstacle to another, performing exercises one after another.
- Two of the six tracks are considered educational — the “Kids Land” track is designed for children, the “Discovery” track is for beginners, has 17 obstacles and a height of 4.5 meters; two “Family” tracks are almost identical in complexity — consist of 15 obstacles with a length of more than 300 meters, at a height of 7.2 meters; the route “Adventure” for more advanced visitors, has 17 obstacles at a 14-meter height, in some places a person is literally hanging in the air; the “Sport” route is designed for real athletes and extreme athletes — here you have to walk along shaky unstable paths at a height of more than 10 meters and even jump with a rope.
Instructors closely monitor visitors throughout all routes, and personal insurance is also provided in the form of a strong cable fastened to a person with special carbines.
13. Lake Saimaa (southeastern Finland)
Freshwater Lake Saimaa
The real pearl of Finland, the largest lake in the country and the fourth largest lake in Europe is Lake Saimaa, located in the south-east of Finland, right on the border with Russia. Saimaa was formed as a result of the melting of a huge glacier that moved through Finland during the last ice age — about 10 thousand years ago. In fact, this lake consists of many small lakes that communicate with each other.
In addition to its size, Saimaa today also has a developed infrastructure: cottages and saunas are equipped on its shore for a comfortable stay with the whole family. The surroundings of the lake are famous for the richest flora and fauna. But of course the main trump card of recreation on Lake Saimaa is fishing. The waters of the lake abound with fish — salmon, walleye, pike, trout, perch are found here.
From the point of view of tourism, Saimaa is also of particular interest, because along the shores of this lake there are several interesting cities at once, where you can visit a lot of attractions in Finland. So, Russian fans of Finnish shopping arrive in the cities of Imatra and Lappeenranta, which are located right on the border with Russia. In the very center of the lake stands the already mentioned Olafsborg Fortress, where opera festivals are regularly held. There are two resort towns on the west coast — Varkaus and Mikkeli.
14. St. Nicholas Cathedral (Helsinki)
St. Nicholas Cathedral in Helsinki
On the north side of the Senate Square there is one of the main architectural symbols of Helsinki, the most important landmark of Finland — St. Nicholas Cathedral. Its domes rise high above Helsinki, so they are well visible from any point of the city. The twelve apostles on its roof seem to be watching you from above and guarding the city.
The cathedral was built for 22 years and was opened in 1852. Over the years, another architect began working on the project, as a result of which 4 towers grew in the corners of the cathedral, and 2 pavilions appeared. Bells were installed in one pavilion, and a parish chapel was established in the other. Initially, the cathedral was named as Nikolaevsky in honor of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of all navigators. It was a kind of expression of respect for Nicholas I. It was by order of the emperor that the cathedral was decorated with 12 sculptures of the apostles. Inside, the altar part is decorated with a painting by the artist Timofey Andreevich von Neff, presented by the emperor.
In 1959, St. Nicholas Cathedral officially became the Cathedral, that is, the main temple of the country. Today, in addition to traditional services, solemn divine services are held here. For example, in December, according to the old national tradition, the coronation of the Queen of Light Lucia is held annually here.
Official website: http://russian.stnicholasdc.org
15. Museum of Finland (Helsinki)
The building of the National Museum in Helsinki
As for historical and cultural education, you will definitely find something to visit in Finland. The National Museum in Helsinki holds a lot of valuable historical information, therefore it is considered one of the most important educational centers in Europe. The museum is located near the Finnish parliament, so it will not be difficult for you to find it in the city.
Among the museum’s exhibits are archaeological, historical, ethnographic, numismatic exhibits that appeared at the exhibition as a result of the painstaking work of collectors over 170 years.
The entire exposition of the museum is divided into 6 parts, each of which is diverse and perfectly decorated.
- The first part is a collection of old coins, medals, jewelry made of gold, bronze, and copper. All this has been accumulating on Finnish lands for 10 thousand years. The second part presents a large collection of artifacts discovered during active archaeological excavations over 200 years. The third part contains a collection of documents and other items testifying to the most important facts in the history of the state, starting from the Middle Ages and ending with the beginning of the last century. The fourth part is an ethnographic collection that conveys the specifics of the national culture and way of life of the Finns. The fifth part contains a collection of historical sources from the 20th century. The sixth part is an interactive exhibition where all the exhibits can not only be seen, but also experienced, touched, etc.
There is a shop at the museum where you can buy not only souvenirs, but also useful scientific literature.
16. Senate Square (Helsinki)
Architectural sights on the Senate Square in the central part of Helsinki
Covering the sights of Finland briefly, it is worth starting with the Finnish capital Helsinki — it is here that one of the three central squares of the city, the Senate Square, is located. This place has always aroused tourist interest, since it is here that many valuable architectural monuments and other objects are concentrated. Once upon a time, the old town hall, cemetery, church, and city market were located on the site of the square in the Kruununhaka area, but with the beginning of large-scale development of the city in the 19th century, old buildings that did not fit into the new look were demolished. According to the project of architect Carl Ludwig Engel, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas has grown on the site of the demolished structures, new buildings have been erected on both sides of the square — the largest Finnish university, the Senate, the university library. And cafes, restaurants and shops are located in the former merchant houses today.
Official website: https://www.hel.fi/helsinki
17. Esplanade Park (Helsinki)
Monument to the Finnish national poet Ludwig Runeberg in the center of the Esplanade Park in Helsinki
When planning a trip in the spring, the question is quite natural — what to see in Finland in the spring to see the interesting places of the country in all their beauty and splendor? Being in the Finnish capital, you will not have to travel far — in its historical center there is an Esplanade park, designed in the early 19th century by Karl Engel. Today it is a favorite place for walks and recreation among both locals and guests. In the heart of Helsinki, there are green manicured alleys with original sculptures, lime groves, bright flower beds, beautifully blooming in spring, and benches are comfortably located along the walking paths. In the eastern part of the Esplanade there is an open—air Espa stage, where a variety of events are held — concerts, fashion shows, entertainment shows. And on the streets surrounding the park, there are many shops, cafes and restaurants.
18. The Museum of the Arctic (Rovaniemi)
The glass dome of the Arktikum Museum on the banks of the Ounasjoki River in Rovaniemi Clemensfranz
The interior of the Arktikum Museum in the center of Rovaniemi TausP.
For those who are interested in the national and cultural sights of Finland, the guide’s report at the Arktikum Museum will be a kind of journey to the northern peoples of the country, with the study of their history, traditions and culture. Arktikum is located in a beautiful natural corner, on the banks of the Ounasjoki River, near the center of Rovaniemi. It is noteworthy that special underground rooms are set aside for the main part of the expositions, and temporary exhibitions are held in the ground ones. The museum building has the shape of a semicircle, from the center of which there is a glass gallery — “portal to the Arctic”. From the transparent portal you can watch beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and in winter — stunning views of the northern lights. The main exposition is represented by three major exhibitions: the first introduces the objects of everyday life, art and crafts of the northern Finnish peoples, the second tells about the history of the city, and the third is devoted to the fantastic nature of the Arctic.
Official website: https://www.arktikum
19. Museum of Espionage (Tampere)
Entrance to the museum dedicated to espionage activities in the city of Tampere Catlemur
The original Espionage Museum is a unique museum of its kind, revealing the intriguing history of secret intelligence. The fact that it was opened in Finland is not accidental — the country, located at the crossroads between the West and the east, was the main strategic point for countries working against the Soviet Union during the years of cold confrontation. The museum exhibits fascinating stories of famous spies and demonstrates the technical means of espionage that were used at different times — for example, lie detectors, optical devices, portable weapons, encryption devices and a number of other devices. All the exhibits can be touched and even tested in action — for example, invisible ink, or a device capable of changing the voice. Those who wish can even take a test to find out if they have the ability to professionally spy.
Official website: http://www.vakoilumuseo
20. Serena Water Park (Helsinki)
Pools with slides and outdoor attractions at the Serena kallerna Water Park
Panorama of the open part of the Serena water Park in the Espoo area near Helsinki Events 365
Finland can surprise tourists not only with museums, monuments, parks or nature. The sights of Helsinki are also focused on family holidays, including for young vacationers. The beautiful Serena Amusement Park is a huge area of water entertainment 20 kilometers from the capital.
It consists of an outdoor and an indoor part, allowing visitors to have fun here at any time of the year. In total, there are more than 20 attractions in the indoor and outdoor areas of the park, aimed at different ages, as well as several swimming pools and a SPA area with baths, saunas and a Jacuzzi. In summer, there is an outdoor area where you can visit a number of exciting water trails in the fresh air and swim in a large pool, where several slides descend. In the cold season, an indoor area with slides and a swimming pool simulating the high waves of the sea surf opens.
Official website: https://www.serena .
21. Sapokka Water Park (Kotka)
View from the lake to the cliff with a waterfall in the coastal park Sapokka in Kotka
When traveling outside Helsinki, you have a lot of travel options — for example, you can move north to explore the sights of central Finland, or you can go along the coast of the Gulf of Finland in an easterly direction. About a hundred kilometers east of the capital is the port city of Kotka, which is famous for ancient forts, historical museums, as well as magnificent parks, the most picturesque of which can be called the Sapokka Water Park. A small but incredibly beautiful park is attractive in any season — in winter it impresses with the quiet icy surface of the frozen bay, in spring it smells of blooming bulbous, in summer it is drowned in azaleas and rhododendrons, in autumn it bursts with bright colors of the last foliage. And of course, the main element of the park is water, which conquers the surface of lakes and ponds, rustles with many streams and boils with waterfall streams. All this outlandish variety turns Sapokka into a beautiful natural oasis in the center of Kotka.
Official website: http://www.kotka .
22. Sibelius Monument (Helsinki)
Monument to the Finnish composer J. Sibelius on the territory of the picturesque Timo Newton-Syms Park
Often, a trip to Finland is included in a route through the Scandinavian countries, covering the sights of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and including visits to their capitals. A remarkable monument, the Sibelius Monument, deserves to be included in the tour of the objects of the Finnish capital. This composer once made an important contribution to the development of European music, expressing the soul of the Finnish people in his music. Sibelius’ name is an object of national reverence in Finland, and love for the composer’s work is expressed in the form of an original monument. It consists of 600 steel pipes of various lengths combined in an unusual composition. Some of the pipes are decorated with a complex pattern on the surface, others have a vertical incision. The uniqueness of this design lies in the fact that during the wind, air passes through the pipes, creating a kind of music.
Official website: https://www.visitfinland
23. Veye Renkkenen Sculpture Park (10 km from Parikkala)
The park of sculptures made of concrete by the self-taught artist Veye Renkken Aulitin.
Those who want to see something fantastic and unusual are recommended to visit the lost sculpture park in the south-east of the country, which includes almost 5 hundred figures made of concrete. The author of these creations was a local self-taught artist Veye Renkkenen, who from his youth and throughout his life, in his spare time, created strange mythical figures. The concrete sculptures, which are located right in the middle of the forest, depict people, animals and fantastic characters, as if reflecting the intricate inner world of the author. Many of the sculptures are already overgrown with moss — a kind of abandoned open-air museum. Complementing the eerie impression of what he saw is the fact that many of the characters have realistic teeth — this is how the author’s dental friends tried, who provided him with real false teeth for creativity.
24. Imatrankoski water slide (Imatra)
A real tourist attraction in Imatra is the launch of water on the Imatrankoski Vestman water slide
Choosing what to see in Finland by car, you can immediately find interesting objects at the intersection of the Finnish-Russian border. So, in one of the Finnish border towns, Imatra, there is an Imatrankoski water slide. Once there was a waterfall of natural origin on the Vuoksa River, but in 1929 a hydroelectric power station was built on the river, the waterfall was dammed, and now it “works” according to the schedule — once a day in the summer, locks open for about 20 minutes, and stormy streams of water rush into the rocky bed, filling it and going further to connect with the waters of Vuoksa below. An unusual sight can be observed both from the automobile bridge located near the dam, and from special platforms equipped on the shore. For those who like to tickle their nerves, one extreme entertainment is offered here — a daredevil is hooked on a cable and let into a free “flight” right over the boiling water.
Official website: http://www.gosaimaa
25. Lake Ouluyarvi (Kainuu region)
Beautiful natural landscape of Lake Ouluyarvi by Fanny Schertzer
The nature of Finland is the first thing that attracts tourists to this wonderful country. Mirrored lakes, pristine forests, picturesque seashore, the extraordinary beauty of the northern lights are the real treasures of the Scandinavian country. Studying the natural attractions of Finland on the map, you can see that in the central part of the country there is a “fish sea” — Lake Ouluyarvi, one of the five largest lakes in the country. Although its depth is not particularly impressive — an average of 7 meters, but the rich underwater world amazes even seasoned fishermen. From spring to autumn, the largest pike, burbot, walleye, salmon are caught here, and, say, catching a 5-kilogram pike is quite common here. The taiga zone, in which the lake stretches, creates landscapes of excellent beauty — pristine forests, rocky shores are a favorite place among tourists who prefer active recreation.
Official website: https://www.visitkajaani
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