JB

Hello, I'm leaving for a tour through Finland by (as a solo woman) in a few weeks and would desperately, urgently love recommendations of outstanding things to do and see. Any advice about driving in Finland in spring: road conditions? Is it easy to navigate in car as a non-Finnish speaking driver? Any other tips on a first time trip to Finland? THANK YOU!!

Ioana

Dear JB,

It depends on what you consider spring. Here people consider it comming after 15th of April. The temperature right now, in Helsinki area, is below -10 deg. centigrade. So get warm clothes. Everybody speaks English and people are very happy to help you, should you find yourself in difficulty. As the weather is not very nice, and it changes quite often during the day, people are staying mostly indoors. Good time for skying, scooter safary , cross country skiing and hockey. Helsinki can keep you busy for 2-3 days. There is Helsinki Tourist Information Department that can give you help on the events on the period you will be in the city. Try to look on www.hel.fi and get an idea. Have a nice time!!

Paul Moraga

I feel kind of arrogant disagreeing with a Finn on this, but then again maybe he hasn't tested his theory. <BR>Everyone in Finland DOESN'T speak English - don't expect a Netherlands-type of situation there. <BR> <BR>I think that it is safe to assume that most young people (under 30) in Helsinki speak some English, but outside of Helsinki (or other big cities) you can almost forget about finding an English speaker. Many of these people have never traveled outside of Finland nor met a non-Finn. They may have studied English in school, but you know how that is if you never have a chance to practice in real life. <BR> <BR>Get a Finnish phrase book and be prepared to use it. The language isn't as difficult as it's made out to be. <BR> <BR>Tervetuola! <BR> <BR>Paul Moraga <BR>SF CA USA <BR>[email protected]

liisa

I totally disagree with Paul.I am a Finn who has lived 11yrs away from Finland but I know that us Finns are shy and appear like we do not understand English but majority of middle age and younger does. <BR>Finns do a great deal of travelling to all over the world and most travel even once or twice a year. <BR>Finland is a beautifull country and unfortunately tourists forget about it on their tour to Scandinavia. <BR>kiitos

liisa

I totally disagree with Paul.I am a Finn who has lived 11yrs away from Finland but I know that us Finns are shy and appear like we do not understand English but majority of middle age and younger does. <BR>Finns do a great deal of travelling to all over the world and most travel even once or twice a year. <BR>Finland is a beautifull country and unfortunately tourists forget about it on their tour to Scandinavia. <BR>kiitos

Jim

Read the book, "The Winter War". It is a history of the war fought between Finland and Russia prior to WWII. It will give you a wonderful insite into the Finns. <BR> <BR>

kay

Anyone going to Finland would enjoy the port city of Turku which has an ancient fortress/castle and Jarvenpaa, the home of composer Jean Sibelius. It is a town north, northeast of Helsinki and was quite small and lovely when I last visited it, lo these many many moons ago. Finland is a lovely, warm, relaxing country. A previous poster is right. It deserves many more visitors.

topper

Finland-bound?

Misty

In my experience, most younger people speak English pretty well, or at least understand it. It is just a matter of getting over the shyness. A great place to visit in Helsinki is the zoo. It is on an island and is pretty neat. There are several islands you take ferries to. They are neat and are great for sunbathing. One island has a Finnish Fortress that is fascinating. Finland is a great place! Make sure you try the reindeer and the meatballs.