Finland is a country in Northern Europe. The Republic of Finland, a state in northern Europe. Parliamentary republic. The country consists of 12 lyani (provinces). The area of the country is 338,145 sq. km. Population 5.1 million (1998). Currency – euro. According to itypejob.com, Helsinki is the capital of Finland.
Holidays in Finland are becoming increasingly popular among Russian tourists. And there are many reasons for this!
Geographic location, nature
The northern part is located beyond the Arctic Circle. In the west, Finland borders on Sweden, in the north – on Norway, in the east – on Russia. The country’s maritime borders run along the Gulf of Finland in the south and Bothnia in the west. Finland is a stable, safe country with a high standard of living, great attention is paid to the environment, it is considered one of the cleanest countries in Europe. More than 2/3 of the area is covered with forests, this is a unique lake region with 187,888 lakes. Rest in Finland is extremely entertaining – it’s a reindeer safari, dog sledding, fishing. Your attention will be brought to rest in cottages in Finland where you can fully enjoy the comfort and warmth, relax in the Finnish bath. You can rent a cottage in any part of Finland. You can rent a cottage both in winter and in summer,
Those who love the sea and nature can make exciting trips to the islands of rest: Suomenlina – to the old sea fortress of Sveaborg, one of the most striking sights of Finland, Seurassari – to the National Park and Open Air Museum.
Capital, largest cities
In most cities in Finland, the population does not exceed 70 thousand people. The exceptions are the capital city of Helsinki (539.4 thousand inhabitants in 1997), Espoo (200.8 thousand), Tampere (134.7 thousand), Vantaa (171.3 thousand), Turku (168.8 thousand). ), Oulu (113.6 thousand), Lahti (95.8 thousand), Kuopio (85.8 thousand), Pori (76.6 thousand), Jyväskylä, Kotka, Lappeenranta, Vaasa and Joensuu (from 76.2 thousand to 45.4 thousand). Many cities are surrounded by extensive forests. You will be amazed by the ski resorts in Finland. The ski resorts are characterized by an abundance of snow, the peace and quiet of virgin nature, delighting with its pristine landscapes, combined with the amenities of a modern urban center.
Climate
Finland is divided almost in half by the line of the Arctic Circle. At the same time, the influence of the warm Gulf Stream here is quite large, so the climate is mild, temperate continental. The average temperature in January is from -3°С in the south to -14°С in the north, in July from 17°С in the south to 14–15°С in the north.
Population
In 1998, 5146 thousand people lived in Finland. Ethnic composition: two different peoples – Finns and Swedes. The main part of the population is made up of Finns – a people of Finno-Ugric origin. In 1997, only 5.8% of the country’s population considered Swedish their mother tongue (versus 6.3% in 1980).
Holidays and weekends
Finland celebrates the longest day of the year on June 24th. This mass folk holiday, called “Juhannus” (Midsummer Day, or the day of commemoration of John the Baptist). Other secular holidays – May Day; June 4, the day of memory of Marshal Mannerheim. December 6th is Independence Day in Finland. Religious holidays – Epiphany, Good Friday (Friday in Passion Week), Easter, Ascension, Trinity, Christmas Eve and Christmas.
Religion.
The most common church (90% of the population) is Evangelical Lutheran. The capital is Helsinki. Helsinki is a compact and tidy city, where the new and the old blend gracefully. It stands on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia and has all the advantages of a seaside city, clean, fresh air, beautiful landscapes, sea communication with other countries. The real masterpieces of architecture are the Empire-style buildings on Senate Square: the Cathedral, the University and the State Council. Helsinki was designed as a whole and created as a work of art.
Kitchen
Not surprisingly, in a country with more than 180,000 lakes, a lot of fish are consumed, especially salmon, rainbow trout, whitefish, vendace, pike, as well as perch and a variety of small cod – muikku. Meat dishes, with the exception of venison and game, reflect the influence of European (mainly French) cuisine. As for desserts, dishes from northern berries and fruits predominate – cranberries, cloudberries, and polyberries. Baked goods are very popular.
Transport
Maritime transport is well developed in the country. An excellent network of highways and railways makes it possible to travel both by train and by car (Tires. Compulsory use of winter tires from 01.12 to 29.02. Pattern depth of at least 3 mm.) or bus. With the help of air transport, you can get from the country to any corner of the globe. Cities and towns of the country are connected by bus routes.
Customs control:
Duty-free importation of cigarettes is allowed – 200 pcs., Strong drinks – 1 liter or aperitifs – 2 liters, weak wines – 2 liters, spirits – 50 g, coffee – 500 g, tea – 100 g, fish and seafood – 1 kg, meat and meat products – 1 kg, dairy products – 1 kg, other goods – for a total amount not exceeding 1,100 Finnish marks.
DOCUMENTS FOR OBTAINING A VISA – FINLAND
Documents required for a visa:
– passport with a valid stamp with a margin of 3 months after the expiration date of the visa;
-1 color photo 3.5 x 4.5 on a light blue background (large face);
– a certificate from the place of work indicating the position, period of work and income for the last 3 months; if the passport was received within the last 2 years – a certificate from the OVIR about the reason for replacing the passport;
-personal data.
TAMPERE
Tampere is the second largest city in Finland. The central part of the city is located on a picturesque isthmus between lakes.
The city of Tampere is the center of Western Finland, which is the industrial center and the main cultural source. On the example of the architecture of Tampere, one can trace the entire history of Finnish building art: from the medieval stone church of St. Michael to the concrete temple in the Art Nouveau style of the Kaleva Church and the blue and white building of the largest concert hall in Finland, Tampere-Talo.
Tampere is, first of all, a city of children: in the “Mummi Valley” of the Tampere Art Museum you can get acquainted with the life of the Mummi troll family – the heroes of the famous works of the Finnish writer Tuvve Janson; 4 thousand dolls from all over the world are collected in the Haihara Puppet Museum. Särkänniemi amusement park has it all: an amusement park, a planetarium, an aquarium, a children’s zoo, an art museum, a 168 m high observation tower with a restaurant, cafes and souvenir shops. The park features the only dolphinarium in Finland.
Interesting places to visit in Tampere:
“Everyone looks at one mineral differently!” Amazing display at the Minerals Museum
Sarah Hilden Art Museum
Pyyunikin Harju mountain range
Häme Local History Museum
Letters on stone! Exposition of the Museum “Stone Library”
“Born Shoe Mothers…” – Exhibition of Shoe Museum Purchases in Tampere
Of the many shopping places in Tampere, Kehräsaari and Koskikeskus shopping centers are the most interesting. Kehräsaari is built in 19th century factory buildings, with small shops offering high quality handicrafts, industrial and artistic items.
Tampere Restaurants
All areas of European and world cuisine are fully represented – French, Greek, Italian, Chinese, Japanese cuisine. All these restaurants are easy to find on the central streets of the city.
And for those who want to go through time and space, we suggest visiting the Scandinavian restaurant “Vikings of Ravintola Harard” (www.ravintolaharard.com).
A map of restaurants and cafes can be taken from the central travel and tourism office of Tampere, this information is available in all hotels.
Sports opportunities in Tampere
Ski centers: Hervanta, Mustavuori – within the city, Elli vuori – 20 km from the city center.
Fishing: almost in the center of the city – the rapids of “Tammerkoski” (a license for 1 day costs from 4.5 euros). There are more than 2500 rapids in the region!!! Fishing on the rapids of Vilpulla, Viinikajoki, Kotala. Zander, perch and pike are best caught in the lakes Keurusselkä (Keurusselkd), Ruovesi (Ruovesi), Kyurosjärvi (Kyurosjärvi), Längelmävesi (Längelmävesi). Salmon (taimen, grayling) are best caught on rapids!
Tampere Water Centers:
Holiday Club Tampere Spa. The water park includes a main pool (t 31C), a children’s pool, a pool with unheated water, a jacuzzi, a mineral bath, hydromassage points, waterfalls, a counter current, a Finnish sauna, a peat sauna. Rantasipi Eden. Water park with an area of 1500 m2 with one of the longest water slides in Finland, Jacuzzi, hydromassage points, artificial waves. At the water park there is a physiotherapy center where you can order medical and wellness procedures.
The nearest airport to Tampere is 15 km away.
The nearest railway station is the center of Tampere.
Bus service is regular with all cities in Finland.
LAPLAND
Every year, numerous tourists come to Lapland, the northern part of Finland, seeking to see the diversity of nature, visit beautiful cities, and various events. Thanks to the natural environment, you can fully enjoy skiing, snowmobile riding, dog and reindeer sledding safaris, icebreaker rides and swimming among the ice.
Rovaniemi is the capital and tourist center of Lapland, attracting daredevils downhill from Ounasvara on sledges or summer bikes. Dozens of hiking trails are open for walking. The Lapland Sports Center and the Sports College also attract.
Attracts tourists to Lapland and the polar night – kaamos, accompanied by the northern lights. Especially for vacationers, a special ice hotel was built, and next to it there is a glass igloo, where you can comfortably watch the northern lights. The Japanese believe that a couple who spend the night at this natural phenomenon will definitely have a boy. All hotels in Lapland have a special service for vacationers – as soon as the northern lights begin, they are awakened by a phone call. In the town of Sodankylä there is an “Aurora house”, in which video recordings are collected, with the help of a projector and a mirror on the ceiling, the real northern lights are displayed.
Near Luosto is the only amethyst mine in Europe. Stones are mined using old methods, taking care of the preservation of the environment. Income is brought not so much by production as by the flow of tourists. They do not have the right to mine stones, but anyone can become a shareholder. There are rules according to which you can pick up 1 amethyst that does not exceed the size of your hand.
LAHTI
Just an hour’s drive from Helsinki, the bustling city of Lahti sits on the shores of a lake. It is the cultural and sports center of the region.
Lahti is known as the “city of music”. Here is the famous “Sibelius Hall” with excellent acoustics, where the best choirs, orchestras, musicians, ballet dancers gather in the summer. It is here that the most important cultural events take place. In August at Sibelius Hall; hosts the International Lakhta Organ Music Festival and Jazz Festival, and in September – the Sibelius Festival, after which the “Hall” is named.
Also, the largest international competitions are regularly held in Lahti. In 1923 The first world championship in cross-country skiing and ski jumping was held here. And now the excellent nature of this region with its diverse landscapes and extraordinary beauty is an ideal place for year-round sports.
The Lake District of Finland originates from the city of Lahti. The picturesque hilly Salpausselkä range and the crystal-clear lakes of Vesijärvi and Paijanne offer a wide variety of opportunities for river cruises, rowing, kayaking, fishing, jogging, hiking and “lazy” recreation.
HELSINKI
Helsinki is the capital of Finland. A visit to Helsinki is a great opportunity to go skiing or do other winter sports at the same time. At least 1/4 of the territory of the city of Helsinki is occupied by parks.
The best ski slopes (total length 180 km), which are maintained in excellent condition until late spring, are laid out in the Helsinki Central Park, stretching from the Teelenlahti bay to the Haltiavuori recreation area, where you will find marked ski tracks with a length of about 100 km. The recreation center is adjacent to the territory of the Olympic Stadium.
The Pirkkola Centre, located in the Helsinki Central Park, is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. There is an indoor and outdoor ice rink, swimming pools, gyms and other sports facilities, as well as a 3-kilometer illuminated ski track and hiking trails.
Located at the end of the recreation area of Helsinki’s Central Park, the Paloheina Ski Center offers illuminated ski slopes of various lengths. In many places there is a rental of skis, snowshoes and other equipment.
In the vicinity of Helsinki, there are many excellent places for skiing and snowboarding. All ski centers have ski schools and ski rentals.
Helsinki offers more than just winter sports – there are a variety of opportunities for many other interesting activities. The atmosphere of eternal summer reigning in the SPA-centers and water parks of Helsinki will bring a pleasant variety to your winter vacation. And in the scientific center “Eureka” and the marine center “Sea Life” in Helsinki there is a lot of interesting things for all family members, regardless of age!
