The sun never quite sets in Finland, which extends well into the
Arctic Circle, in summer time, but it also never quite rises during
the winter in this scenic country of lakes, islands, forests,
pristine wilderness and super-modern technology.
This land of contrasts is full of plenty to delight, amuse,
inform and enchant the visitor, from its forbidding Swedish castles
and onion-domed Russian churches to the reindeer herds of the
indigenous Sami people in Lapland in the north. The lively, modern
capital city of Helsinki is packed with galleries, museums and
cafes, but beyond, in the countryside, there are miles of pristine
wilderness to explore in the rare clean, clear air.
Despite its seemingly unspoilt nature, Finland is by no means a
backward country. In fact it is regarded as being one of the most
hi-tech societies in the world, with Internet connections per head
of population surpassing that of the United States and United
Kingdom.
Dine on reindeer steaks, visit Santa Claus in his northern
Arctic home, ski or dog sled across miles of virgin snow, or tap
your toes at one of the numerous music and folk festivals held
throughout the year. It is not surprising that Finland has been
described as the most underrated tourist destination in Europe.
