Finland, a desire in every region, a uniqueness in every season. That’s how I would describe this magnificent country. A country that suits everyone, voted in 2017 as a must-visit destination. But what is there to do and visit in Finland? I give you my favorites and those of French-speaking bloggers who, like me, went this summer to discover this endearing country.
Above all, Finland is about numbers: 5.6 million inhabitants, 40 national parks, 3.2 million saunas, 18,000 islands, 475,000 summer cottages, 203,000 reindeer, 200,000 salmon, 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and it was also 230,090 French visitors who came to this country in 2015. You’ll understand why, according to one study, Europeans are the happiest after the Danes!
So we have plenty to envy: this quality of life, their good cuisine, their art of living and these sumptuous lake and forest landscapes as far as the eye can see. But what do people look for in Finland? What comes to mind when we mention this country? Which region to visit and for what kind of trip? It’s a tranquil, authentic, and wild Finland that you will discover through the experiences of 6 travelers.
TABLE OF CONTENTS :
DESIRE FOR LIGHTHOUSE, ABSOLUTE ZEN AND WELL-BEING? DISCOVER HANKO, RASEBORG, FISKARS, MATHILDEDAL AND ESPOO
Head southwest of Helsinki to discover some of the last true great wildernesses of Europe to recharge, reconnect, and relax in this pure nature. Finland has more than one trick up its sleeve. As the best source of natural well-being, it is committed to doing everything to help you relax with its traditional saunas and teach you the art of relaxation such as practicing water yoga. The region is full of small islands, notably the Bengtskär islet and its tallest lighthouse in the Nordic countries, as well as the fortified island of Örö, remarkable for its wooded surroundings, its sandy and pebble beaches, its peninsulas, its fields of succulents and its heaths. Head to Finland in zen mode with Claudia and Clément who tell us about their trip.
blog https://untoursurterre.fr/clo-clem/
DESIRE FOR FAUNA AND FLORA
Let’s discover Kuusamo, a region in northeast Finland. The main activity here is nature tourism in the Oulanka National Park which covers 270 km2. The Hossa area offers nearly 90 km of marked forest trails: aside from hiking, the region is also perfect for hunting, fishing, camping and canoeing along the Oulankajoki River. The Kainuu region is one of the rare areas in Europe where it is possible to photograph wild carnivores in their natural habitat, in the company of experienced guides. From an internationally renowned, camouflaged observatory specially designed for photography, you can enjoy the silence and observe brown bears and their offspring, adorable little cubs if you are lucky. This is the story told to us by Salim Linda, the travel-loving couple.
“For us it’s pretty hard to choose just one favorite for our trip to Finland, more precisely in Lapland, so much this trip marked and amazed us! Lots and lots and lots of things pleased us in Finland but what struck us the most is undoubtedly the encounter with wild brown bears hidden in an observatory cabin in the middle of a forest! Wow, what a crazy experience! Seeing animals in their natural habitat and not in a zoo eating popcorn was a truly remarkable and unforgettable moment in our journey! Finland also impressed us on several points: the wild food which consists of eating only seasonal food picked directly in nature, the locals who had a true open mind and a worldview that suited us greatly, a population very focused on culture as well (with one of the best educational systems in the world), the midnight sun as captivating as disorienting (and exhausting at times), the saunas, Finns’ connection with nature, the hundreds of thousands of crystal-clear and pure lakes, the feeling of being alone in the world for miles.”blog www.lesamoureuxvoyageurs.com
DESIRE FOR CULTURE AND IMMERSION?
This is a musical evening immersed in a local home, in the Lake District, offered by Célia.
“Last October, with Stanislas, we had the chance to go and discover the Lake District in Finland. This region particularly impressed us with the beauty of its landscapes but especially with the warm welcome of its inhabitants. We had the chance to experience a unique evening at Villa Concerto, a guesthouse run by the Uotila family. This guesthouse, located in a residential area of Kouvola, has the peculiarity of being run by a family of artists very renowned in the country.”
“The Uotila family is passionate about the kantele, the national instrument. We had the chance to attend a small private concert inside the house with Viola the daughter, Tomi the father and Anton the son. We didn’t know this instrument and it was a real surprise — the music is so beautiful and moving. Viola has exceptional talent and a magnificent voice, while her father accompanies her on the violin and her brother on the piano. This trio gave us indescribable emotions that we will never forget. When we travel we love to be as close as possible to local culture, to meet the inhabitants and to exchange with them. This evening at Villa Concerto allowed us to live an authentic, local Finnish experience and to enrich ourselves by discovering the country’s local instrument.”
“If you are passing through the Lake District and looking for this kind of experience, don’t miss a stop at the Uotilas’. They will be delighted to welcome you into their cocoon and to share with you their unconditional talent for Finnish music.”
DESIRE FOR A MÖKKI, COOKING CLASSES AND WOOD FIRES
It’s a bit cliché I know but how we love those little Finnish red houses! Head to the Lake District via Kouvola passing through Lahti, Jaala and Verla, in southeast Finland, in the Kymi Valley. Taina, the owner, runs her own small agency and a few cabins scattered all over Finland. She kindly welcomed Claudia and offered her a host home program, with canoeing on the lake, walks, wood fires and cooking classes to make, among other things, the famous cinnamon rolls.
“Finland is one of those countries that marks you, grabs you in the gut, without really knowing why or how to explain it. This omnipresent and preserved nature, this serenity and this art of living that Finns defend are very likely the reasons why we had a huge crush on this country. This feeling of tranquility, as if stress and negative vibes stayed at the airport, this inner well-being… Finland gives us intense emotions!”
“We had the chance to go there twice this year. The first at the end of spring on the Finnish Archipelago side, the second in autumn in the Lake District. We were able to live at the pace of nature and the Finns, but above all to understand their way of life. One of our most beautiful experiences remains our stay in Jaala, in a mökki, that typical Finnish cottage or second home, often by a lake or in the middle of the forest, which offered us an authentic experience. I still remember the moments spent cooking korvapuusti, those delicious cinnamon buns, or simply watching the landscape around us. That is our definition of paradise!”blog www.evasionsgourmandes.com
DESIRE FOR BERRIES AND A COTTAGE LOST IN THE FOREST
Head to Haw hill 45 minutes north of Helsinki in Nuuksio National Park where Juliette stayed. Nordic calm is right here, the curious reindeer let themselves be photographed. Here you wake up in the woods to the lapping of the lake. You take advantage of time passing slowly to pick berries in kuksas, those small traditional wooden cups, so beautiful!
“When I’m asked what I preferred in Finland, one memory stands out in particular. It’s that boat ride on the lake at dusk. With my friend Lætitia, we had spotted the boat since our arrival at the cottage and secretly hoped to find time to put it in the water. We fell under the charm of the cottage the second we saw it: by the water, all wood, with a fireplace and a sauna… No doubt, we are indeed in Finland! Then, there was the berry picking in a forest straight out of a fairy tale. I had never seen one so beautiful; I have hundreds and hundreds of photos of moss to sort.”
“After dinner, we slipped away running like kids, we pulled the boat out of its torpor, we jumped in it and watched that special light, just as the sun had set. We marveled at the reflections of the trees in the water, we giggled when we almost capsized, it was truly a great moment! We ended this perfect evening with a Finnish sauna: a few minutes in the stove… before jumping into the 10-degree lake water. Hilarity guaranteed.”
blog : www.jenesaispaschoisir.com
DESIRE FOR MADNESS AND A LESSER-KNOWN REGION
Let’s go discover a region less known to tourists, the west coast starting from Vaasa, the sunniest city in Finland, to the Bay of Bothnia, passing through Kokkola, the charming coastal town with its lighthouse on the island of Tankar, then Kalajoki known for its 10 km beach and its dunes, and finally the beautiful Kvarken Archipelago, the only site in Finland listed by UNESCO. Located in the fishing port of Svedjehamn, the impressive Saltkaret tower offers a view of great beauty on the De Geer moraines that scatter the archipelago at this spot.
This region is not necessarily well known to tourists but it attracts many visitors from all over the world to attend the famous Air Guitar World Championship in Oulu. I take you to discover the crazy and funny side of the Finns! It may seem absurd I know, but Finns love games and contests (like wife carrying or Nokia throwing). This surreal festival brings together metal fans who mime guitarists on stage, imitating all their moves. It’s very funny, friendly, very local. Atmosphere guaranteed!
And you, where would you be tempted to go? Did this article convince you to visit Finland?
Come and discover our other articles about Finland and Lapland:
- What to do and see in Helsinki
- All our tips for organizing your trip to Finnish Lapland
- How to dress in winter in Lapland
- What souvenirs to bring back from Finland and Lapland
- The sauna and Kota in Lapland
- Unusual experiences to live in Lapland
This article is my personal impression and our experience. It was made possible thanks to a collaboration with Visit Finland, whom I thank for their invitation.
