Touring Helsinki

June 27th, 2011Posted by admin

Touring Helsinki
© IK's World Trip

There is a large variety of ways to sight see in Helsinki and encounter the city's many tourist attractions first hand. Guided bus tours of the city are always popular and pass sights such as the Olympic Stadium, the Linnanmäki Amusement Park and Helsinki Zoo.

Many tourists now prefer to view the city's attractions from a somewhat different viewpoint, by taking a boat tour around the coastline and the adjacent islands. During the summer months, Helsinki's Island of Pihlajasaari is a bona fide suntrap. It's known for its sandy beaches, although when the snow arrives in winter, the locals regularly flock to the hill of Paloheinän Mäki, bringing their toboggans and skis with them.

Consisting of two separate islands, which are connected by a short bridge, Pihlajasaari is considered to be a part of the city and operates solely as a holiday resort, with no permanent residents. Pihlajasaari boasts long sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing, calm waters ideal for swimming, and there is even a secluded area for nudists.

Christmas Spirit in Rovaniemi

June 27th, 2011Posted by admin

Christmas Spirit in Rovaniemi
© timo_w2s

The spirit of Christmas calls one to the Arctic Circle each day of the year. Only 5 miles to the North of Rovaniemi's central business district, there is a fairyland for both the young and old alike. Santa Claus Village with its numerous gift-shops and restaurants, reindeer, huskies, Santa's own post office and chamber, and Santa's own home in a cave, Santa Park.

Upon arrival your program of course includes crossing the Arctic Circle and also receiving your very own Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate as a reward. A memorable crossing ceremony combined with a genuine "Lapland Baptism" is arranged for groups on request. You can meet Santa, who's loved and admired by everyone, at Santa Claus Village every day of the year.

The summertime riverboat and jeep safaris revert in the winter to snowmobiles and husky or reindeer teams. A melodic evening by a wilderness camp fire, enjoying the scenic river shores or visiting a nearby reindeer farm is an experience to treasure forever.

Summer in Finland

June 27th, 2011Posted by admin

Summer in Finland
© m.prinke

Not usually found at the top of the list of vacation destinations, Finland remains truly untouched by tourism and portrays an ideal location to relax, unwind and become one with nature.

Finland summer activity vacations offer an abundance of new experiences and challenges, as well as the chance to improve on current outdoor skills. Try something adventurous and go rock climbing, rafting, mountain biking, yachting or kayaking.

Some marvelous hiking experiences are also available on Finland summer adventure vacations, bringing you closer to some of the country's native wildlife such as reindeer, elk, wolves and of course the magnificent brown bear.

A quarter of Finland lies within the Arctic Circle so depending on your location within the country, you may get the rare chance to witness the strange occurrence of the midnight sun. At the northernmost part of the country, the sun does not set for an amazing 73 consecutive days during the summer months. You will find this to be an exciting and unique experience.