Finland, the land of a thousand lakes
The Northern European Republic of Finland is one of the most sparsely populated European countries. The land of a thousand lakes is the most forested country in Europe and one of the wealthiest countries in the EU.
Finland is 73% forest. That means forests and lakes stretching to the horizon in every direction …
The sparsely populated country, formed during the Ice Age, has placed about 10% of its land area under nature protection. It is home to numerous moose and reindeer, as well as protected wildlife rarely seen elsewhere.
The archipelago coast of Finland is almost 40,000 km long and there are more than 73,000 islands.
Finland is one of the northernmost countries in the world, with one third of the country lying north of the Arctic Circle. Finland borders the Russian Federation to the east, Norway to the north, Sweden to the northwest, and the Baltic Sea to the south and west.
Climatically, Finland is favored by its shielded location of the Scandinavian mountains and the Gulf Stream, and has cold winters and hot summers. The northern location gives the north of Finland 73 days in summer when the sun does not set, but on the other hand 51 days in winter when it does not rise at all, but during this time the northern lights can be seen. More information about weather in Finland.
Especially since the end of the last century, more and more tourists have been coming to this sparsely populated country, which is one of the safest countries in Europe in terms of crime statistics. Especially popular is the summer, when many visitors rent a cottage, almost always equipped with the traditional sauna, on one of the lakes.
The capital Helsinki is a popular destination for city trips, but also the vast Lapland with its winter sports centers attracts as a snow-sure destination.
Find out about the following Finnish regions:
- Åland, Finland or Sweden? In any case, a lot of sun!
- Åland Islands , in the magic of the lovely archipelago of the Åland Islands
- National parks in Finland , experience boundless expanse
- Lapland , the rough side of Finland
- Lakes Finland , an interplay between blue and green
- Forest Finland , Journey to another world
- Turku , the port of ideas
- Experience the entire Oulu region
In the most densely wooded country in Europe, everyone is allowed to move relatively freely in nature due to the "Everyman's Right", it is also allowed to pick berries and mushrooms and to fish.
The cuisine of Finland uses the abundant ingredients from nature, such as mushrooms and delicate berries, game meat, fish.
Finnish is the official language of the country, along with Swedish. It has an alien structure for us and is considered a difficult language to learn.
A vacation at one of the more than thousand lakes with swimming, boating, fishing or hiking makes for a deeply relaxing trip. Renting a cottage is the most popular way to experience Finland's nature. For something more urban, a city trip to Helsinki shows off the country's classicist and Art Nouveau architecture.
Where is Finland on the map?
Beautiful Finland pictures of our visitors:
Find even more Finland pictures here: Finland pictures
Other cities in Finland
Frequently Asked Questions About Finland
What is the best time to visit Finland?
June to August is ideal for lake holidays, hiking, and the midnight sun. December to March is perfect for northern lights, skiing, and visiting Santa Claus in Rovaniemi. September brings spectacular autumn foliage called "ruska" in Finnish.
How many lakes does Finland actually have?
Finland has approximately 188,000 lakes. The country's nickname "Land of a Thousand Lakes" is a massive understatement. Lake Saimaa, the largest at 4,370 km², is bigger than the entire country of Luxembourg.
Do I need to speak Finnish to travel in Finland?
No. Around 70% of Finns speak English well, especially in cities and tourist areas. Finnish is notoriously difficult to learn, but locals appreciate even a simple "kiitos" (thank you) or "hei" (hello).
What is the Everyman's Right in Finland?
Finland's "Jokamiehenoikeus" allows anyone to walk, ski, or cycle through forests and other natural areas, pick wild berries and mushrooms, and fish with a rod and line. You can also camp temporarily in the wilderness. This right applies regardless of land ownership.
Sergej Gerber
I am an absolute Scandinavia fan and have been traveling to the beautiful Scandinavian countries for over 12 years. Here I share my experiences and tips about the Scandinavian countries and the Baltic Sea region.