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Planet In1 Destination Europe - Finland

Finland, the 7 th largest country in Europe, is bordered by Sweden, Norway and Russia. The relative vicinity of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream makes Finland's climate temperate. Summer is warm and bright. It is also the season of the Midnight sun, when in the northernmost parts of the country the sun stays above the horizon for almost two months. Winter brings ice to the lakes and snow to the ground, but life goes on as usual. A large country with a small population, Finland offers a lot of space and unspoiled nature. Finland has a clear Nordic identity, but offers the best of both East and West. Its natural environment with thousands of lovely lakes and thick forests is the perfect setting for all kinds of activity, whether you are seeking excitement or relaxation. Finland has a vibrant cultural life, with a busy calendar of festivals and events to suit every taste.

Helsinki, the capital, is located in the south. Although the centre of cultural, economic and financial activity in the country, the city still feels like a small town, with no high-rise buildings. Boasting over 30 art galleries and museums, there is no shortage of things to see, from old trams to international art. There are also many pubs and clubs for night time activity. Built on a peninsula, Helsinki is linked by ferry to Suomenlinna Island in the Gulf of Finland, where there are several museums and the ruins of a large fortress.

Espoo, just northwest of Helsinki, is the second largest city in the country. There is no clear centre in the city, but five regional centres, each the size of a medium-sized Finnish city. Espoo is known for its creativity, technology and expertise and is the home of the Helsinki University of Technology.

Tampere is the largest inland city of the Nordic countries and third largest in Finland.

It is located on the banks of the Tammerkoski Rapids, one of Finland's official national scenic areas. It is an outstanding centre for Finnish cultural life with its theatres and events focusing on music, literature, arts and architecture.

Turku at the mouth of the Aurajoki River on the Baltic Sea is the capital of western Finland and the country's largest winter port. Known as the "cradle of Finnish culture," Turku is among Finland's oldest cities. This was the capital of Finland until 1812.

Oulu, at the mouth of the Oulu River on the Gulf of Bothnia, is in west central Finland. This seaport is the site of the world's oldest cross-country ski race.