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Extensive travel and tourism guide for Finland, Europe

Finland Tourist Information

Stable and secure Finland, nestled between Sweden and Norway to the west and Russia to the east, has all the attributes of a hot vacation spot.

Along your journey you can explore the culturally and historically rich King's Road. This scenic southern region of Finland stretches west of Helsinki to the 770-year-old former capital of Turku and east to the spectacular Lakeland region.

You'll fall in love with the vibrant capital of Helsinki, whose stunning architecture, picturesque harbor, cosmopolitan cafes, and world-class museums earned it a coveted place on the European Union's list of European Cities of Culture 2000.

With hundreds of internationally acclaimed festivals each year, Finland is one of Europe's liveliest centers for the performing arts. You'll also discover a countryside rich in natural wonders, including 29 national parks, 170,000 archipelago islands, 187,888 lakes, and exotic Lapland in the north. And, with daily flights from North America, Finland is as convenient to reach as it is multifaceted.

So, tervetuloa-welcome-to friendly Finland!

What's New in Europe!

Events & Festivals

London events highlights: Japanese crafts, ‘Pop Art’ and gardening all feature in London’s cultural events calendar this summer and beyond.

Royal wedding dress at Buckingham Palace: A special exhibition at Buckingham Palace this summer will recreate the day in 1947 when Princess Elizabeth - now Queen Elizabeth II - married the Duke of Edinburgh in a glittering ceremony at London’s Westminster Abbey.

Attractions

Shrewsbury recreates its summer season: Performances by Jools Holland, George Melly and Beverly Knight are among the 370 cultural and artistic events over 100 days at the 'Shrewsbury Summer Season' this year (May 19-Sept. 9).

Scotland’s oldest house marks 900 years: The longest continually inhabited house in Scotland is 900 years old. Once a hunting lodge for the kings and queens of Scotland (it hosted 27 monarchs over the years), the Stuarts of Traquair House supported Mary, Queen of Scots and the doomed Jacobite cause.

News

Ceramics Festival in The Potteries: Designers, studio potters, experts and collectors will be making their way to The Potteries this autumn for the Stoke-on-Trent Ceramics Festival 2007 (Oct.5-7).

Macdonald Hotels transforms Cheshire golf venue: Three championship golf courses and the largest indoor golf academy in Europe at The Portal Golf Club venue are to be part of the new four star Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf and Spa in Cheshire when it opens in July.


Finland Facts

Area: 130,119 square miles (three times the size of Ohio).
Population: 5,109,000 (Helsinki 525,000; Espoo 191,000)
Languages: Finnish and Swedish; English is widely spoken.