Welcome to Finland
The most sparsely populated country in the European Union, Finland attracts travelers in search of wide-open spaces and unspoiled swathes of beautiful nature. But city-dwellers will find plenty to love as well—in fact, the bulk of the country's population is concentrated in the capital, Helsinki, located on the southern coast. Known for its cutting-edge design and tech scene, it's a truly cosmopolitan city that's home to top-notch museums; stately historic buildings; and cool restaurants, bars, and markets (be sure try local delicacies like squeaky "bread" cheese with cloudberry jam). With its extra-long words, the Finnish language can be tricky to master, so a local guide can be helpful for navigating the city. A typical Helsinki tour includes stops at the Rock Church (Temppeliaukio), Senate Square, the Parliament Building, and the Sibelius Monument. Day trips from the city include the Suomenlinna sea fortress, the medieval city of Porvoo, Nuuksio National Park, or picturesque Tallinn, just a quick boat trip across the Baltic Sea in Estonia. Up north in Lapland, where the nights are long, you'll find an amazing vantage point from which to photograph the northern lights and engage in unforgettable wintertime activities. Hop aboard a dog sled for a tour of the tundra, explore an amethyst mine, go snowmobiling, do some ice fishing, or visit a reindeer farm.
