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Finland is a country of many rivers and lakes – in total there are about 188 thousand reservoirs in this country. The purest water, the beauty of nature, excellent ecology and the measured way of life of the indigenous people attract a lot of fans of ecotourism and just travelers who are interested in this country to Finland. The climate here is varied, due to the strong influence of the currents of the Baltic Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The mild winter in the south of the country contributes to year-round recreation, and the cold snowy winters of Finnish Lapland promote the development of ski tourism. This type of recreation is popular among travelers at any time of the year. Unusual national cuisine, the dishes of which you should definitely try, magnificent nature, a lot of beautiful old castles and other architectural structures. All this diversity makes you think about the choice of 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 included the most popular sights of Finland.
In addition to natural beauty, Finland is also an unusual, mysterious country, whose numerous sights are shrouded in their centuries-old stories and legends. And this is quite understandable, because it has its own, original culture, which is characterized by a lot of ancient traditions and customs.
What to see in Finland in the first place
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 monuments) – this feature must be taken into account.
1. Olafsborg Fortress (Suvonlinn)
Northern medieval fortress Olafsborg
On the rocky shore of Lake Saimaa, the largest in Finland, the fortress of Olavinlinna, or Olafsborg in the Swedish manner, erected at the end of the 15th century, majestically rises. 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 11th century Norwegian king Olaf Haraldsson.
The fortress is located in Suvonlinna, a small resort town near the border with Russia.
The construction of the fortress dates back to 1475, its construction was in charge of the Danish knight Tott. The location of the fortress was foreseen by him in advance, since the borders of Muscovite Russia at that time were constantly expanding, and the plans already included the conquest of Finnish territories.
The fortress turned out to be perfect, its ability to withstand firearms was unmatched, and in the 15-16 centuries the fortress successfully defended its positions during the attacks of Moscow Russia.
Finally, at the very beginning of the 18th century, the Olafsborg fortress was conquered by the Russians 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 won its independence.
Today, Olafsborg is home to a museum with expositions dedicated 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
2. Lemmenjoki National Park (Lapland region)
Authentic example of Finnish nature in Lemmenjoki Park
True connoisseurs of wild nature, hiking romance and real extreme sports 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 populated, untouched areas 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 area of the park has almost doubled and amounted to 2,850 square meters. km.
Traveling around these parts is the perfect way to get away 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; for this, special boats are offered – 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 wild. It is also possible to rent any of the huts with an equipped campfire site.
3. Turku Castle (Turku)
The ancient large castle of Turku
At the mouth of the Joki River, another important attraction of Finland is located – Abo Castle, or Turku. The value of this building is associated primarily with a rich history – Turku Castle was erected in the Middle Ages and was one of the largest buildings of those times.
The history of the existence 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 Swedish power in Finland. Despite the impressiveness and reliability of the structure, the fortress was repeatedly attacked by the Danes and Novgorodians.
Over the course of 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 era passed quickly, and by the beginning of the 17th century the castle was abandoned, and later there was a strong fire in it. The restoration of the castle began only in the 19th century and was completed only after the Second World War.
Today, the historical museum is located within the walls of the Turku castle, and wedding ceremonies are held in its chapel. The Renaissance tradition has returned to hold various ceremonies, banquets, exhibitions and celebrations of various events in its halls.
Official website: http://www.turku.fi/en/turkucastle
4. Santa Claus Village (Lapland, Rovaniemi)
Amusement park dedicated to Christmas Santa
According to legend, the dwelling of Santa Claus is located in Lapland on Mount Korvatunturi. But since rumors about his place of residence began to spread among people, Santa, not wanting to be declassified, chose a place near the city of Rovaniemi to meet people. So far beyond the Arctic Circle, among the sparkling snows and dense forests, many years ago, the village of Santa Claus appeared.
The real appearance of a popular attraction in Finland has a completely different story. In 1950, the wife of the American President, Eleanor Roosevelt, visited these parts. 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 events take place that make even adults believe in miracles. Today, in the Santa Claus Village, in addition to the house from which it all began, there is Santa's post office, his office, and even a deer farm. Guests can visit numerous slides, as well as stay in cottages for a longer time. You can relax in one of the many restaurants, as well as visit the Arctic Winter World park, full of amazing entertainment: these are amazingly beautiful slides and ice sculptures with fascinating lighting, a cafe where drinks are served in ice glasses, and there is even an ice hotel – an igloo, where you can spend the night in a heated sleeping bag.
Official website: http://www.santaclausvillage.info/
5. Suomenlinna Fortress ( Helsinki)
Suomenlinna Fortress on the Islands Sea Fortress
Not every traveler, wondering what to see in Finland, includes a visit to the Suomenlinna fortress in his plan: someone, passing by on a boat, contemplates its facade from afar, someone is limited to observation from the embankment. Meanwhile, Suomenlinna is one of the main attractions of Finland, namely its capital, Helsinki. This place is fraught with centuries of history, and there really is something to see.
Suomenlinna Fortress, which was built in 1808 and was originally called Sveaborg, was built at a time when Finland was part of the Kingdom of Sweden. Later, as a result of the Russo-Swedish war in 1809, the fortress passed to the Russian Empire, and during the next century a Russian garrison was located here. In 1918, after the Great October Revolution, the fortress acquired a new name – Suomenlinna.
Today, the fortress has become an important tourist site, in its central part there is a tourist information center where you can get a map, learn more about walking 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 available for study. On the main square in front of the Suomenlinna fortress is the grave of the founder of the fortress and its first commandant, Augustin Ehrensvärd.
Official website: http://www.suomenlinna.fi/en/
Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Finland!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, rises 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 Alexei 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 financed by 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 appearance 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 decoration of the temple. Nowadays, the Assumption Cathedral hosts a lot of various exhibitions and public events.
7. Church in the rock (Helsinki)
Lutheran Church on Temple Square
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 – a combination of wildlife and modern technology: it is as if inscribed in the natural landscape and blends perfectly 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 enters the rooms.
Despite the low-key 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 compares favorably with its extraordinary acoustics, which is provided precisely by the untreated inner surface of the walls. For this reason, classical organ concerts 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 easy to get here by walking around Helsinki.
Official website: http://www.helsinginkirkot.fi/ru
8. Ateneum Art Museum (Helsinki)
Ateneum National Gallery of Fine Arts
Connoisseurs of world art have something to see in Finland, especially if the travel route runs through the capital. The Ateneum Art Museum, located in Helsinki near the railway station, today houses the largest art collection in Finland. The very name of the museum is derived from the name 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 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 Ateneum 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 is the work of Cezanne, Van Gogh, Modigliani, Chagall, Le Corbusier. A worthy addition is the exposition of paintings by Russian artists – Shishkin, Levitan, Repin, Polenov, Modigliani, Degas, Léger, Chagall. The special pride of the museum is the collection of the “golden age of Finnish painting” (the junction of the 19th-20th centuries). The second branch, the Finnish National Gallery, houses works of art covering the contemporary period from the 1960s to the present day.
Official website: http://www.ateneum.fi
9. Cathedral (Turku)
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Cathedral in the city of Turku
One of the main national shrines of Finland is the Turku Cathedral, which became the parent of the Finnish Lutheran Church. This is a landmark of Finland with a great history and one of the most important monuments of history and architecture, made in the northern Gothic style and for many years has become 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 building of the cathedral 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 belongs to the 19th century. So, the image of the Transfiguration of Christ was painted in 1836, the pulpit and the altar – in 1830, the stained-glass windows of the chapel were created in 1870. Frederic Westin and Karl Engel worked on the creation of 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 unusually 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 his wife King Eric XIV Katarina Monsdotter, and Bishop Hemming, canonized.
10.Seurasaari (Helsinki)
Ancient wooden exhibits of the museum
If you are interested in the original culture of the Finns, their traditions, mentality, way of life, then you will certainly have something to see in Finland. On the emerald island, immersed in greenery, a few kilometers from the Finnish capital, the open-air museum Seurasaari is located. The island is a real oasis in the midst of city life, and the measured way of life characteristic of Finns is reflected in the old manors, cottages and estates that have been built over the past few centuries.
In itself, the location of the museum is very organically combined with the exposition, because the island of Seurasaari is essentially a typical example of Finnish nature. Since the 80s of the 19th century, this place has become a favorite for the inhabitants of Helsinki, who went here for picnics in their free time.
And in 1882, a bridge was built to the island, and it can be said that it was the construction of the bridge that marked the beginning creation of an open-air museum. In 1909, Professor Axel Olaiheikel 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 buildings that makes it possible to form a general impression of the provincial life of the Finns in the 18th-20th centuries.
Farms, estates, shops, cottages and even a church – all this creates a single picture of local life.
In order to see the life of Finns in the provinces of past centuries, it is worth allocating as much time as possible for a tour of Seurasaari – visit each of the buildings, feel 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 time on vacation in this country, and initially you must determine whether you will need guides in Finland or you can handle the organizational issues yourself. Look at the list to learn more about interesting places and understand how best to relax and where to go after checking into a hotel.
11. Moomin Valley – Trolls (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 Scandinavian fairy tale literature. Yes, this is the same Moomintroll – a whole series of fairy tales is composed 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 the 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 world has unfolded.
Moominworld, or Moomin Valley, is located on the island of Kailo, not far from the coastal zone of the city of Naantali. Here, the favorite fairy tale of the famous writer came true, becoming a popular family vacation spot. Here, as if funny characters are descending from the pages of books, a landscape described in a fairy tale opens before you:
- a blue Moomin house, immersed in flowers and greenery; a yellow Hemulen house with a collection of plants and butterflies; a witch's hut in a dense forest; Moominpappa'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 gift shop. In the cold season, the Moomins hibernate, so the valley receives visitors in the summer.
Official site: https://www.moomin.com
12. Rope Park (Rauha)
Rope Adventure Park “Adrenaline Saima”
In Finland, special attention is paid to family vacations, 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 – if 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 vivid adventures, because as many as 6 tracks of varying difficulty have been developed for visitors, located at a height of 1.5 to 22 meters, where you need to go from one obstacle to another, performing exercises one after another.
- Two out of six tracks are considered educational – the Kids Land track is designed for passing with children, the Discovery track is for beginner adults, has 17 obstacles and a height of 4.5 meters; two “Family” tracks are almost identical in complexity – they 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 height of 14 meters, in some places a person is literally hanging in the air; the route “Sport” is intended for real athletes and extreme sportsmen – here you have to go along unsteady unstable paths at a height of more than 10 meters and even jump with a rope.
Visitors are closely monitored by instructors throughout all routes, and personal insurance is also provided in the form of a strong cable fastened to a person with special carabiners.
13. Lake Saimaa (southeast Finland)< /h3>
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 southeast 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, today Saimaa is also distinguished by its developed infrastructure: cottages and saunas are equipped on its shore for a comfortable rest for 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, pike perch, 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 sights of 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 rises the already mentioned Olafsborg fortress, where opera festivals are regularly held. On the west coast there are two resort towns – Varkaus and Mikkeli.
14. St. Nicholas Cathedral (Helsinki)
St. Nicholas Cathedral in Helsinki
On the north side of the Senate Square is one of the main architectural symbols of Helsinki, the most important landmark of Finland – the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. Its domes rise high above Helsinki, so they are well viewed from anywhere in the city. The twelve apostles on its roof seem to be watching you from above and guarding the city.
The cathedral took 22 years to build and was opened in 1852. Over the years, another architect began to work 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 the parish chapel was established in the other. Initially, the cathedral was called Nikolaevsky in honor of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of all sailors. 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 Andreyevich von Neff, donated by the emperor.
In 1959, the 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 an old national tradition, the coronation of the Queen of Light Lucia is held here annually.
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 contains a lot of valuable historical information, which is why it is considered one of the most important educational centers in Europe. The museum is located not far from the Finnish Parliament, so it will not be difficult for you to find it in the city.
Among the expositions of the museum are archaeological, historical, ethnographic, numismatic exhibits that appeared at the exhibition as a result of painstaking work of collectors over 170 years.
The entire exposition of the museum is divided into 6 parts, each of which is diverse and well-designed.
- The first part is a collection of old coins, medals, jewelry made of gold, bronze, copper. All this accumulated on the 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 that testify to the most important facts in the history of the state, from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the last century. The fourth part is an ethnographic collection that conveys the specifics of the national culture and 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 presented can not only be seen, but also experienced, touched, etc.
The museum has a shop where you can buy not only souvenirs, but also useful scientific literature.
16. Senate Square (Helsinki)
Architectural landmarks 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 – Senatskaya – 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, on the site of the square in the Kruununhaka area, there was an old city hall, a cemetery, a church, a city market, but with the start of large-scale development of the city in the 19th century, the old buildings that did not fit into the new look were demolished. According to the project of the architect Karl Ludwig Engel, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas grew up on the site of the demolished buildings, new buildings were erected on both sides of the square – the largest Finnish university, the Senate, the university library. And today cafes, restaurants and shops are located in former merchant houses.
Official website: https://www.hel.fi/helsinki
17. Esplanade Park (Helsinki)
Monument to the national poet of Finland 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 don’t have to travel far – in its historical center there is Esplanade Park, designed back in the early 19th century by Karl Engel. Today it is a favorite place for walking and relaxing among both locals and guests. In the very heart of Helsinki, there are green well-groomed alleys with original sculptures, linden groves, bright flower beds that bloom beautifully in spring, and benches are comfortably located along the walking paths. Espa is located in the eastern part of the Esplanade – an open-air stage where a variety of events are held – concerts, fashion shows, entertainment shows. And on the streets surrounding the park, a lot of shops, cafes and restaurants are concentrated.
18. Arktikum Museum (Rovaniemi)
The glass dome of the Arktikum Museum on the shore Ounasjoki river in Rovaniemi Clemensfranz
Interior of the Arktikum Museum in the center of Rovaniemi TausP.
For those who are interested in the national, cultural sights of Finland, the guide's report at the Arktikum Museum will become 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 area, on the banks of the Ounasjoki River, not far from the center of Rovaniemi. It is noteworthy that for the main part of the expositions there are special underground rooms, and temporary exhibitions are held in the ground ones. The museum building has the shape of a semicircle, from the center of which emerges a glass gallery – a “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 household items, art and craft of the northern Finnish peoples, the second tells about the history of the city, and the third is dedicated to the fantastic nature of the Arctic.
Official website: https://www.arktikum
19. Spy Museum (Tampere)
Entrance to the museum dedicated to espionage activities in the city of Tampere Catlemur
The original Spy Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum that reveals the intriguing history of secret intelligence. The fact that it was opened in Finland is not accidental – the country, located at the crossroads between west and east, during the years of cold confrontation was the main strategic point for countries working against the Soviet Union. The museum's expositions present fascinating stories of famous spies and demonstrate the technical means of espionage that were used at different times – for example, lie detectors, optical instruments, portable weapons, encryption devices and a number of other devices. All exhibits can be touched and even tested in action – for example, invisible ink, or a device that can change the voice. Those who wish can even take a test to find out if they have the ability to professional espionage.
Official website: http://www.vakoilumuseo
20 Serena Aquapark (Helsinki)
Pools with slides and outdoor attractions at the Serena water park kallerna
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 young vacationers. The beautiful amusement park Serena is a huge area of water entertainment 20 kilometers from the capital.
It consists of open and covered parts, allowing visitors to have fun here at any time of the year. In total, in the closed and open areas of the park, there are more than 20 attractions for different ages, as well as several swimming pools and a spa area with baths, saunas and jacuzzis. During the summer, there is an outdoor area where you can visit a number of exciting water runs in the open air and swim in a large pool, where the descents of several slides open. In the cold season, a covered area opens with slides and a pool that imitates the high waves of the sea surf.
Official website: https://www.serena.
21. Sapokka Water Park (Kotka)
View from the lake to a rock with a waterfall in the Sapokka coastal park in Kotka
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 its 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 a quiet icy surface of a frozen bay, in spring it is fragrant with flowering bulbs, in summer it is buried in azaleas and rhododendrons, in autumn it is full of 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 in many streams and seethes with streams of a waterfall. All this strange diversity turns Sapokka into a wonderful natural oasis in the center of Kotka.
Official website: http://www.kotka.
22. Sibelius Monument (Helsinki)
Monument to the Finnish composer J. Sibelius in the picturesque park Timo Newton-Syms
Often a trip to Finland is included in the route through the countries of Scandinavia, covering the sights of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and including visits to their capitals. A remarkable monument is worthy of entering the tour of the objects of the Finnish capital – the monument to Sibelius. This composer once made an important contribution to the development of European music, expressing the soul of the Finnish people in his music. The name of Sibelius in Finland is an object of national reverence, 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 into an unusual composition. Some of the pipes are decorated with a complex pattern on the surface, others have a vertical cut. The uniqueness of this design lies in the fact that during the wind the air passes through the pipes, creating a kind of music.
Official website: https://www.visitfinland
< h3> 23. Veijo Rönkkönen Sculpture Park (10 km from Parikkala)
Concrete Sculpture Park by self-taught artist Veijo Rönkkönen Aulitin.
Those wishing to see something fantastic and unusual are advised to visit the sculpture park lost in the southeast of the country, which includes almost 500 concrete figures. The author of these creations was the local self-taught artist Veijo Rönkkönen, who from his youth and throughout his life in his spare time created strange mythical figures. Concrete statues, 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 sculptures are already overgrown with moss – a sort of abandoned open-air museum. The creepy impression of what he saw is complemented by the fact that many characters have realistic teeth – this is how the author's dentist friends tried, who provided him with real false teeth for creativity.
24. Imatrankoski Waterfall (Imatra)
A real tourist attraction in Imatra – the launch of water on the Imatrankoski waterfall Vestman
Choosing what to see in Finland by car, you can immediately find interesting objects at the crossing of the Finnish-Russian border. So, in one of the Finnish border cities, Imatra, there is the Imatrankoski waterfall. Once upon a time 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 blocked by a dam, and now it “works” according to the schedule – once a day in the summer, locks open for about 20 minutes, and turbulent flows of water rush into the rocky bed, filling it up and moving on to connect with the waters of Vuoksa below. An unusual spectacle can be observed both from the road bridge located not far from the dam, and from special sites equipped on the shore. For those who like to tickle their nerves, one extreme entertainment is offered here – a daredevil is hooked onto a rope and allowed to “fly” freely right above the seething water.
Official website: http://www.gosaimaa
25. Lake Oulujärvi (Kainuu region)
The beautiful natural landscape of Lake Oulujärvi Fanny Schertzer
Finnish nature is the first thing that attracts tourists to this wonderful country. Mirror lakes, pristine forests, a picturesque sea coast, 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 Oulujärvi, 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 pikes, burbots, pike perch, salmon are caught here, and, say, catching a 5-kilogram pike is quite a common occurrence here. The taiga zone, in which the lake is spread, creates landscapes of excellent beauty – primeval forests, rocky shores are a favorite place among tourists who prefer outdoor activities.
Official website: https://www.visitkajaani