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Reindeer... midnight sun... Santa Claus... saunas...
Finland is one of Europe’s most culturally isolated and least
understood countries. Lying between Sweden and Russia, Finland
occupies an area of 338,000 square kilometers and is home to
5 million people. A country dominated by forests and glacial
lakes, its first habitants can be traced back to the thaw of
the last Ice Age some 10,000 years ago. From the 12th century
until 1809, Finland was part of Sweden. It then became part of
Russia. The Finns struggled for independence, finally winning it
after the collapse of Tsarist Russia in 1917. Relations with
Russia were to be strained for many more years.
Two famous Finns include the great
modern composer Jean Sibelius and the famous architect Alvar Aalto.
Aalto’s work combines unique functionalism with an expressionist and
humane style and he successfully applied it to libraries, civic
centres, churches and housing. Helsinki, the country’s capital city,
is the centre of cultural, financial and economic activity. With many
parks and waterways, the city is a pleasant one with many fine examples
of 19th century architecture and some of the best art galleries in the
country. The Ateneum covers Finnish and international art from the 19th
century onwards. The city of Turku is the country’s oldest city. Its
castle was founded in 1280 and is Finland’s most historic building. It
boasts an interesting museum, with many rooms decorated in the style of
a specific decade or century.
Nordic skiing is very popular in Finland
and there are cross-country trails of varying difficulty. There are
resorts in Lapland, Koli in North Karelia or Ruka in Kuusamo. Hiking,
trekking and canoeing opportunities abound. Sample some traditional
Finnish fare such as reindeer stew, snow grouse, or raw pickled salmon.
Go have fun in Finland!
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