This UNESCO World Heritage listed fortress is one of the top attractions in Helsinki. Constructed in the late 18th century, it's an interconnected network of fortifications spanning six individual islands, located a short and scenic ferry ride from the bustling Market Square at Helsinki's South Harbour. A picturesque setting makes it a popular picnic spot for locals looking to escape the crowds of the city.
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FINLAND
TRAVEL IN FINLAND
Fascinating Finland is one of the most essential destinations in Northern Europe, and offers a host of winning attractions. Here you can see the Northern Lights, jump in a sauna; ski or snowboard at resorts like Levi, Ruka and Saariselkä or visit ancient fortresses like Turku Castle; trek in the Riisitunturi National Park or simply kick back at one of Helsinki's many excellent cafés and dig into one of the best coffee scenes in Europe.
With vast tracts of unspoiled wilderness and a unique mix of European and Russian culture, Finland is a place with plenty to interest all comers. Read on for our pick of the top 5 Finland travel essentials.
With vast tracts of unspoiled wilderness and a unique mix of European and Russian culture, Finland is a place with plenty to interest all comers. Read on for our pick of the top 5 Finland travel essentials.
FAST FACTS
- Language: Finnish, Swedish
- Currency: Euro
- Electricity: 230V
- Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Finland
- Dialing Code: +358
- Time Zone: (GMT+02:00)
ABOUT CONTIKI
From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.
See more about ContikiTHINGS TO DO IN FINLAND
With vast tracts of unspoiled wilderness and a unique mix of European and Russian culture, Finland is a place with plenty to interest all comers. Read on for our pick of the top 5 Finland travel essentials.
SEE THE FORTRESS OF SUOMENLINNA
VISIT HEUREKA, THE FINNISH SCIENCE CENTRE
This excellent Science Centre has been delighting visitors since its opening in 1989. Located in the town of Vantaa on the outskirts of the capital, it's one of the most popular Helsinki attractions, and is home to an excellent variety of temporary and permanent exhibitions, with highlights including its fantastic digital planetarium.
SKI OR SNOWBOARD WITHIN THE ARCTIC CIRCLE AT LEVI SKI RESORT
Located in Finnish Lapland, Levi is the largest and most popular resort in the country. Though it tops out at only 531m, its northerly Arctic latitude means it gets plenty of snow, and there are a variety of runs to cater for all levels of ability. Many of the slopes are floodlit (the sun doesn't rise here in December!) and there's a selection of halfpipes and terrain parks to help keep the daredevils busy.
MARVEL AT OLAVINLINNA CASTLE
With its stunning setting and three distinctive towers, this imposing castle is amongst the most beautiful buildings in the country. Situated on a rocky outcrop in a strait between two lakes near the town of Savonlinna, it dates back to the 15th century, and as well as being home to two excellent museums it's famed as the stunning setting for the annual Savonlinna Opera Festival.
EXPLORE HELSINKI
Finland's clean, modern capital is a fantastic blend of old and new, with beautiful scenery, interesting architecture and famously raucous nightlife. Here you'll find many of the country's most essential sites, including stunning Helsinki Cathedral, the Kamppi Chapel of Silence and the famous Temppeliaukio Kirkko, a church carved entirely from rock.
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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN FINLAND
With vast tracts of unspoiled wilderness and a unique mix of European and Russian culture, Finland is a place with plenty to interest all comers. Read on for our pick of the top 5 Finland travel essentials.
FUNKY ELEPHANT FESTIVAL, HELSINKI
This fixture of the Finnish festival scene is held each April at select venues around Helsinki. It features a program of live music from top-level Finnish and international artists.
TURKU MUSIC FESTIVAL
Finland's longest running music festival takes place each August, with a winning program of concerts covering everything from orchestral performances to chamber music and modern jazz. It hosted by several excellent venues including the famous Turku Cathedral.
FLOW FESTIVAL, HELSINKI
What better setting for a festival of urban music than a disused power station in the city outskirts? Held annually in August and known simply as 'Flow', it's one of the most keenly anticipated festivals in Helsinki.
HELSINKI FESTIVAL
Finland's largest festival of culture takes place at various venues around Helsinki, featuring a diverse program of music, dance, theatre and art. Many of the performances are free, and legendary names like Hermeto Pascoal and Steve Reich have entertained the crowds.
TURKU JAZZ
Finland has a buzzing jazz scene, and Turku Jazz festival is perhaps the best place to immerse yourself in it. Held annually in August, it features performances from the cream of Finland's contemporary jazz musicians.
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS IN FINLAND
Finland offers an excellent spread of fascinating museums and galleries, with something to cater for all tastes. Read on for our rundown of the Finnish top 5.
MANNERHEIM MUSEUM, HELSINKI
This popular Helsinki museum is dedicated to Baron Gustaf Mannerheim, a famed Finnish military leader and President. It's located in his former residence and features a collection of exhibits documenting his life and times.
SEURASAARI ISLAND AND OPEN-AIR MUSEUM, HELSINKI
Located right by Wenceslas Square, this museum documents the communist regime in the former Czechoslovakia, covering everything from propaganda and censorship to labour camps and the various details of everyday life.
LUONNONTIETEELLINEN MUSEO
Also known as Luomus, Finland's natural history museum is located in downtown Helsinki. It's housed in a former Russian gymnasium and features a vast collection of exhibits ranging from fossils and minerals to dinosaur skeletons and taxidermied animals.
KIASMA, HELSINKI
This contemporary art museum is part of the larger Finnish National Gallery. It's housed in a strikingly modern building in central Helsinki and features upwards of 8500 works by predominantly Finnish artists.
KANSALLISMUSEO, HELSINKI
Kansallismuseo is Finland's premier museum of archaeology and ethnography. It opened its doors to the public in 1916, and features a vast collection of exhibits documenting Finland's history from the Stone Age through to the present day.
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FOOD IN FINLAND
Finnish cuisine is typically Nordic, featuring a tantalising variety of preserved ingredients. Classics include smoked reindeer, a traditional food of the Sami people, as well as much-loved national favourites like smoked salmon and pickled herring. Finland is a land of many lakes, so it's no surprise that freshwater fish - pike, perch and vendace - are popular. Delicious dairy products, potatoes and dark, heavy rye breads make up the rest of the culinary picture.
KARELIAN PASTY
Finland's favourite snack is made from a thin crust of rye pastry with a delicious rice-based filling. You'll find them at bakeries throughout the country and trying one is an essential Finland travel 2015 activity.
Best eaten at - Konditoria Hopia, Pohjoinen Hesperiankatu 9, Helsinki
Best eaten at - Konditoria Hopia, Pohjoinen Hesperiankatu 9, Helsinki
LOHIKEITTO
This creamy fish soup originated in Lapland, but is popular all over the country. Simple and hearty, it's made from chunks of salmon with potatoes and leeks, delicately flavoured with a generous helping of dill.
Best eaten at - Ravintola AinoPohjoisesplanadi 21, Helsinki
LIHAPYÖRYKÄT
Meatballs are a standard feature of Scandinavian cuisine, but the Finnish take are bigger and heartier than most. They can be made from beef, pork or reindeer and are commonly served with potatoes, lingonberry jam and creamy gravy.
Best eaten at - Kahvila Suomi, Pursimiehenkatu 12, Helsinki
FRIED BALTIC HERRING
If there's one thing the Finns love it's a herring. Smoked, salted, baked or pickled, it's a Finnish favourite and is enthusiastically consumed throughout the country. Try it fried, with plenty of potatoes on the side - definitely a Finland travel 2016 must!
Best eaten at - Kosmos, Kalevankatu 3, Helsinki
PORONKÄRISTYS
Sautéed reindeer is a typical food of the Sami people, and can be readily found in Helsinki restaurants. It's thinly sliced then fried, and is usually served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam and pickled cucumber.
Best eaten at - Lappi RavintolaAnnankatu 22, Helsinki
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WHAT TO PACK
Sunglasses - A good pair of shades is absolutely essential accessory in a land where the sun doesn't set for a good portion of the year.
An eye mask - The midnight sun can wreak havoc on your sleeping patterns. In the event that your room doesn't have blackout curtains, an eye mask just might save your bacon!
A raincoat - There are countries with unpredictable weather, then there's Finland. Conditions change from hour to hour and showers are a common occurrence even in summer!
An adapter plug - Finland uses European-style 2-pin plug sockets, with a voltage of 230V. Bring a step-down transformer if you want to use appliances that run on 110V.
Sensible footwear - Whether you're pounding the streets of Helsinki, exploring the Fortress of Suomenlinna or checking out Ranua Zoo, you'll be dong a lot of walking here so a pair of comfy shoes is a must.
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