Finland: The Charming Country

Finland is indeed a charming country with a population of more than five million people. The one thing about Finland is that the nights are long so when planning a trip there, you need to keep that in mind when choosing the time of year you go. If you do travel during the colder, darker months, remember that there are still many things to do such as skiing across frozen lakes, relaxing in a hot sauna, or sipping on your favorite vodka drink.

In addition to the long nights, Finland does offer what is called the months of midnight sun, which is when along the coastal regions of Turku Archipelago and the Aland Islands you literally have sunlight at midnight. During that time, you can enjoy magnificent fishing, sailing on the lakes, 24-hour parties, and wonderful festivals. Much of Finland is vast wilderness so while some people enjoy the remoteness, not everyone does. Therefore, if you enjoy this type of unspoiled land, then you are in for a real treat.

Finland’s history begins sometime around the Ice Age, which was around 10,000 years ago. The ancestors of the Finns controlled about 50% of the northern part of Russia prior to coming to the Baltic coast (prior to the Christian era). Then at the end of the Viking Age, traders and chieftains from Sweden showed their interest in the same Baltic region, meaning the people of Finland were in an awkward place of being in the middle of Orthodox Russia and Protestant Sweden. Even so, Finland remained a part of Sweden starting in the 12th century until 1809.

Sadly, Finland and Russia were constantly at battle with each other. Making things worse, about 33% of all Finns were killed from 1996 to 1997 from famine. The battles with Russia continued through the 18th century and by 1809, Finland had lost. However, by the 19th century, the country of Finland began climbing toward independence although oppressed. When Russia underwent the downfall of the tsar and the 1917 Communist revolution occurred, Finland finally claimed independence! This brought about internal violence and a horrific 108-day war that killed some 30,000 Finns.

Even in the 1930s, the country of Finland was at battle with the Soviet Union. However, losing some of the neighboring islands and Karelia, they turned to Germany for alliance and soon resettled Karelia. The Soviet Union continued fighting with the Finns who came out on top, claiming peace for the country. Finally trying to oust Germany, another bitter war erupted, which ended in 1945. Although Finland was weakened, it was a country of strong, determined people. With the Soviet Union collapsing and a huge slump in the 1980s, Finland went through bouts of high unemployment but in 1994, they voted to become a member of the European Union where they remain today.

The language of Finland is Hungarian although about 6% of the people speak Swedish but with local dialects of the Finnish language. When it comes to food, get ready for mouth-watering dishes. This country is well known for offering a wide variety of foods along with many local specialties. The staple food of this country is the potato, which is often served with some type of meat or fish sauce. Other traditional Finnish foods include reindeer stew, salmon, glow fired or pickled raw, and snow grouse. However, Finnish beers and wines are also staples, sold only in restaurants and bars that are state licensed.

The country of Finland is 209,000 square miles, making it the seventh largest country in all of Europe. Sharing a border with Russia and Sweden, you will find that about 66% of Finland is forest with the remaining portion of the country being an artic zone. The forests are broken down by Birch, Spruce, and Pine where the brown bear, fox, elk, lemming, lynx, and the hedgehog live. Then in the north part of the country, there are reindeer and beaver. Additionally, more than 300 species of birds call Finland home.

Because of the post-glacial lakes, bogs, and marshes, approximately 10% of Finland is covered with water. Even with so much water and uninhabited land, the country is rich in flora. In fact, if you visit the south part of the country in the month of July, you will find that it looks more like a jungle than what you would expect to see. Just remember, if you head to Finland in January or February, you best take the warmest clothes you have since temperatures dip to zero degrees. However, if you go during the winter, you would be faced with minus 22 degrees.

Even with the challenges of language, daylight, and temperatures, Finland offers many great opportunities. One of the most important events is held every year called Juhannus or Midsummer’s Day. During this celebration, the Finns leave the towns and cities, heading to summer cottages where they enjoy the longest day of the year. All over, you will spot huge bonfires, people swimming, or boating out on the lakes, and tons of parties.

Then in the month of July, the most popular event of Finland is held, the Pori Jazz Festival. Other exciting events include the Savonlinna Opera Festival, which is held at the famous, medieval Olavinlinna Castle (shown to the right) and Ruisrock, a long-running rock and roll event. Other activities to enjoy while visiting Finland include Nordic skiing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and canoeing.

Finally, a trip to Turku Castle in the capital city of Turku is exciting. This castle was founded in 1280 and today, is the home to a wonderful museum, each room specially decorated in a particular decade or century. Although sometimes an overlooked country, Finland is a magnificent place that is beautiful and interesting.




Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

Helsinki
The capital of Finland is a city called Helsinki, which is a hub for all types of activity to include financial, economic, and cultural. Helsinki offers a number of lush, green parks, beautiful waterways, and sea winds
... continue >>

Suomenlinna Island
Suomenlinna Island in Finland is a massive sea fortress that was constructed more than 250 years ago. Although the population is much less nowadays, at one time it was home to some 4,600 people although today, just 900
... continue >>

Ehrensvard Museum
Finland is such a diverse country, culturally speaking, so much that people of all ages enjoy traveling to this European country. While there, you will be amazed at all, there is to do and see. For some reason, people
... continue >>