Explore Finland

A Blog created by Exchange students, for Exchange students. Trying to make student living in Finland easier, one post at a time.

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Conan makes friends with Finland

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Restaurant Day

A few times a year Finland hosts a 'Restaurant Day', a day where any one and/or any business is able to set up a restaurant for that day. Because the event is so broad, a large variety of food from all over the world is available for for only a few euro's. A map with the 'Restaurant' names, locations, and times of operation are posted a few weeks before hand and can be found on either the... Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/restaurantday?fref=ts or the Restaurant Day webpage: http://www.visitfinland.com/article/restaurant-day/

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St. Petersburg

Majestic palaces, extravagant mansions and richly decorated cathedrals, create a regal ambience all around St. Petersburg, one of the most beautiful cities on the globe. Thanks to the new and fast Allegro trains and renewed track connections the trip from Helsinki to St. Petersburg takes only 3,5 hours. A multilingual Finnish tour leader will accompany you throughout the tour, which introduces the main sights of the city in four days.

VISA If tourists want to stay in Russia for just 72 hours, it is VISA-Free, but you will have to take one of the ferries to St. Petersburg. The VISA-Free journey can last up to 3 days. To take the ferry from Helsinki to St. Petersburg is going to be a whole night-trip (in about 11 hours).

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Stockholm

Combine two Nordic capitals – Helsinki and Stockholm – by cruising the world’s largest archipelago, between Finland and Sweden. The luxury cruise liners offer high quality cabins, several restaurants and bars, nightclubs with live entertainment, discos, casinos, shops, etc. Stockholm, the capital of Sweden built on 14 Islands, is a vibrant, modern city with historic charm.

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Tallinn

An all-inclusive day trip to Tallinn, Estonia’s beautiful Hanseatic capital. Tallinn represents 700 years of uninterrupted architectural history. The private city tour by car and on foot will show the most important sights, and a lunch is served in a restaurant in the Old Town. This is also alcohol, which is much cheaper then in Helsinki ;)

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Kouvola

Fascinating Kouvola

Peaceful relaxing in the Repovesi National Park, Joyride in the Tykkimäki Amusement Park, historical athmosphere in the idyllic mill village and worldheritage place Verla. Sweet taste of vineyard’s vines and visit to see Arboretum Mustila’s enchanting forest garden. All that and much more you can experience during your holiday in Kouvola and neighbouring district Iitti.

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Lahti Region

City of Sports, Culture & Wellness!

Throughout World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 year, Lahti will offer a wide selection of design and design phenomena-related events, which will also give local designers a chance to present themselves. The natural beauty of the region and its clear lakes, together with the wide selection of events, culture and opportunities for exercise means everyone can benefit from well-being. Make the most of the opportunities the region has to offer – just an hour away from Helsinki.

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Hämeenlinna

Visit a place full of new experiences

Hämeenlinna is the oldest island city in Finland and its situated just an hour from Helsinki by train or bus. The region offers an abundance of experiences suiting people of all ages and even the pickiest of travellers. Enjoy fascinating culture, museums, events and a wide range of shopping opportunities – all of it surrounded by beautiful nature.

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Hamina

Let the historic town of Hamina charm you!

An old star-shaped fortress and a radial town plan can only be found in Hamina. The wooden blocks, churches and museums located side by side are easy to visit. Discover also the areas outside the centre to experience the sea, the countryside, and the unique archipelago with its fishing villages.

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Kotka

City by the Sea

In Kotka, you will encounter the beautiful archipelago of Eastern Gulf of Finland, foaming rapids of the Kymijoki River and unique park architecture. Kotka is an international maritime city with cosy athmosphere – just an hour and half’s drive east of Helsinki on the highway to Saint Petersburg.

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Loviisa

The Idyllic Coastal Town

Loviisa is an idyllic seaside town, some 87 km east of Helsinki. The town is characterised by its sea landscapes, historical areas and idyllic countryside. The town has a centre from the 19th century and an Old Town that dates back from the 18th century. The town is also known for its 18th century fortifications and 17th century ironworks.

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Porvoo

Of all times

Located just 50 kilometres east of Helsinki, Porvoo is a charming historical town that features riverside granaries, narrow alleyways, small boutiques, restaurants, cafès, museums and galleries. Porvoo can be reached from Helsinki in an hour by car or bus. Make an unforgettable tour to Finland’s second oldest town

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Raasepori

Welcome to the South Coast of Finland!

New town, old traditions. The new town of Raasepori features magnificent archipelago views, an idyllic small-town atmosphere and unique, well-preserved old ironworks. Raasepori was created as the result of a merger between the towns of Tammisaari and Karjaa and the commune of Pohja.

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Hanko

Small town romance, sea side charm and culture, just a while from Helsinki

In the old days, the phrase “the sweet life in Hanko” was used to describe the blissful idleness, luxury, and the long and merry parties in the town. Hanko is still the ideal holiday destination for people who love life! Finland’s southernmost city is less than 2 hours from Helsinki.

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West Uusimaa Region

Only half an hour’s drive from Helsinki you will find wonderful countryside landscapes and beautiful views of lakes, rivers and the sea. These will tempt you to go paddling, fishing, boating and trekking. You will find greens for golfing, tracks for trip skating in winter and cottages for spending cosy leisure time. West Uusimaa region offers you adventures in all seasons.

Tytyri Mine museum in Lohja offers you an excellent place to visit all year round. Kirkkonummi, Siuntio and rural communes on the south coast of Finland. The seacoast area was a military base of Soviet Union during 1944-56. Porkkala Travel arranges guided tours to this area.

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Vihti

Sports, recreation and adventure in the mesmerizing nature of Vihti

It is no wonder that Vihti is often called a “Miniature Finland”. The many faces of our nature can be found in the National Romantic cultural landscapes dotted with manor houses, the swaying fields of the countryside or the quiet wilderness with rocks, rapids and hundreds of lakes. Vihti is close to Helsinki – The Circle Road III is only 15 minutes drive away and Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is 48 km away.

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Lake Tuusula

Culture on the Shores of Lake Tuusula

Lake Tuusula area, just north of Helsinki, has played a significant role in Finland’s cultural history. A unique artistic community developed on the shore of Lake Tuusula towards the end of the 19th century. The community included famous names such as composer Jean Sibelius, painters Pekka Halonen and Eero Järnefelt. The area, just North of Helsinki, is served by first class transport links and is easily reached by train and by car.