Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Travel to Finland

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Travel to Finland

Is their anything I must do or see while in Finland for 2 weeks?

Klo, Havent seen much about finland on the site but I was there for a summer many years ago and this is what I remember: The countryside is beautiful and many people go up to lapland. You van visit "santa" and many people around europe in the winetr fly their with their kids for a night. I still want to do this! In the summer their are various music festival etc that are good. I know Helsinki better so here goes.. There is a church in the city that is an underground cave. It is beautiful lit with candles and sometimes music converts their (Name will be in a guidebook). The tram system was great for going around the city and we never took taxis. You can visit the olympic stadium and go to the top of a ski jump. Great view and amazing to see just how high it looks for the jumpers up at the top! There was a beautiful market Square in the city centre I believe near the university. You can buy everything from reindeer skins to fur coats or food. In the summer you can take a ferry to Soumenlina (not sure if that is right name?) which is an old fort in the harbour. In winter time people drive to it over the ice! Lastly, you must have a finnish Sauna. I have never had one like it since. Extremely hot and a bunch of birch leaves and you are all set! P.S. What time of year are you going??? There is great cross Country Skiing in the winter.

I have to ask the same question as Siobhan: When are you coming? Because I would suggest different destinations and different activities for summer and winter travel. Also, what are your interests: culture? nature? sports? For starters here are some links for you. The first one gives you lots of background info (for example tons of things about the Finnish sauna culture Siobhan already mentioned): http://www.finlandforyou.com Second one is the official site. Very good, and with lots of fun reading (read for example about a Finn who took two shy Americans to sauna – and what happened then.): http://virtual.finland.fi/finfo/english/ This is the site of Finnish tourism authorities: http://www.mek.fi/intro.html And this is a very informative site called FinlandTraveClub. It is managed by a man, who judging by his name is either English, Irish or American. You´ll find many good ideas here: http://groups.msn.com/FinlandTravelC...pgmarket=en-us

Here is that sauna story for you. You´ll meet the horrified tourists at the end of it: http://virtual.finland.fi/finfo/english/saunajuttu.html

If you come to Finland you must visit Suomenlinna. And in winter go to Lapland to see reindeer and "Santa", you can also go downhill skiing in Ruka. You MUST go to sauna, it's relaxing but quite hot. In Finland we even have sauna competitions (who lasts longest in 80-100 celsius hot sauna wins). See you around!!!!

No, Maija. In that idiotic competition the heat starts at +110°C. And then they increase it by throwing löyly...

Go to visit Turku, Naantali and the archipelago near Turku. If you have possibility to go sailing - go for it! Near Helsinki there is a place called Porvoo, you can go there by boat. It is nice to see. You can also take a ferry to Estonia and make a day trip to Tallin. Lapland is really beautiful but try avoid Rovaniemi - even though it is the biggest city there is nothing to see there but Santa Claus.

I am going to Scandinavia in October for 2 weeks. I am landing in Copenhagen and leaving from Stockholm. I was planning on: „h 3 nights Copenhagen „h 3 nights Stockholm „h 1 night Oslo „h Several days seeing the fjords I am trying to decide if it is worth going to Helsinki. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks

I have been to Finland several times. I enjoy being there. It is very easy to get around and people are very helpful. And of course, speak beautiful English. Helsinki has wonderful museums and now is getting quite a resturant scene. If you like modern design, there are boutiques all over the city to check out. Also, it would be good to go to the Museum of Applied arts to get a greater understanding of how Finland became such a leader in design. Try to go to some concert or event at Finlandia Hall. Turku is an interesting and historic city. And Porvoo (not far from Helsinki) is a charming small town. A nice day trip. I highly recommend a trip over to Talinn Estonia. Ancient city and very un-touristy - at least when I was there a few years ago. I have been to Finland in summer and in winter. I always enjoy it.

Hi Klo: I would definitely spend some time in Helsinki 1. The Rock church 2. The olympic stadium and Sports museum 3 Stockman's Department Store 4.Get Fazer Chocalate 5. Go to the outdoor market place near the waterfront Great meat pies there. Go to Stokholm on the Slija line and stay for a night or two if possible in Gamla Stan (the old section) The city is beautiful with many bridges like Paris. Have fun. The people are great in Finland and speak English well. El

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