Overview: The sun never quite sets in Finland, which extends well into the
Arctic Circle, in summer time, but it also never quite rises during
the winter in this scenic country of lakes, islands, forests,
pristine wilderness and super-modern technology. This land of contrasts is full of plenty to delight, amuse,
inform and enchant the visitor, from its forbidding castles and
onion-domed Slavic churches to the reindeer herds of the indigenous
Sami people in Lapland in the north. The lively, modern capital
city of Helsinki is packed with galleries, museums and cafes, but
beyond, in the countryside, there are miles of pristine wilderness
to explore in the rare clean, clear air as 69 percent of the
country is covered in forest and there are 35 national parks to
explore. You can come in from the cold to a sauna, as Finland invented
them. In fact, the country has an unbelievable 1.6 million, so
you'll be hard-pressed to avoid them. Despite its seemingly rugged
nature, Finland is by no means a backward country. In fact it is
regarded as being one of the most hi-tech societies in the world,
with Internet connections per person surpassing that of the United
States and United Kingdom. Dine on reindeer steaks, visit Santa Claus in his northern
Arctic home, ski or dog sled across miles of virgin snow, or tap
your toes at one of the numerous music and folk festivals held
throughout the year. It is not surprising that Finland has been
described as the most underrated tourist destination in Europe.
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