Are you seeking adventure in a Nordic wonderland? Look no further than “Marco Polo Reiseführer Finnland” by Roland Birkhold. This book summary provides readers with a comprehensive guide to exploring Finland, from its stunning natural beauty to its unique cultural experiences. As a devoted travel journalist, Birkhold offers his firsthand insights and recommendations to help readers make the most of their Finnish adventure. Discover the magic of Finland through “Marco Polo Reiseführer Finnland” and start planning your dream trip today.
Key Takeaways
- Get a comprehensive guide to exploring Finland with “Marco Polo Reiseführer Finnland” by Roland Birkhold.
- Discover Finland’s stunning natural beauty and unique cultural experiences from Birkhold’s firsthand insights and recommendations.
- Start planning your dream trip to Finland today!
Introduction to Finland
Welcome to Finland, a land of stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and exciting attractions. Located in Northern Europe, Finland is bordered by Sweden to the west, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east. The country’s geography is unique, with over 187,000 lakes and vast, untouched forests.
As you travel through Finland’s diverse regions, you’ll experience a rich tapestry of cultural traditions, from the saunas and midnight sun of Lapland to the historic architecture and design prowess of Helsinki.
But what sets Finland apart from other destinations is its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Finland is one of the world’s greenest countries, with an impressive track record in sustainable development and renewable energy.
The Regions of Finland
| Region | Description | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Lapland | The northernmost region of Finland, known for its stunning natural beauty and unique experiences. | Northern Lights, Santa Claus Village, Reindeer sleigh rides, and snowmobile safaris |
| Helsinki | The capital city of Finland, known for its modern architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and island-studded archipelago. | Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Temppeliaukio Church, Finnish Sauna, and Design District |
| Coastal Finland | The coastline of Finland is a stunning labyrinth of rocky islands, sandy beaches, and bustling port towns. | Turku Castle, Old Rauma, Koli National Park, and seaside cottages |
From the enchanting snowscapes of Lapland to the vibrant urban culture of Helsinki, Finland is a destination that offers something for every type of traveler. Join us as we explore this beautiful country and uncover its hidden gems. Our extensive travel insights and recommendations will help you create an unforgettable Finnish adventure.
Essential Travel Tips
Traveling to Finland can be an exciting adventure, but it’s essential to be well-prepared. Here are some travel tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip:
- Plan ahead: Finland is a popular tourist destination, so it’s best to book your transportation, accommodation, and activities in advance to avoid disappointment and ensure availability.
- Stay connected: While Finland has excellent network coverage, it’s always good to carry a local sim card or have international roaming enabled to stay connected with your loved ones back home.
- Respect local customs: Finns are polite and reserved, so refrain from loud or boisterous behavior. Also, avoid using the sauna naked in public places, which is considered inappropriate.
- Pack for the weather: Finland has four distinct seasons, and the weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to pack warm clothes for winter visits and lighter clothing for summer months.
- Try Finnish cuisine: Finnish food is delicious and diverse, so don’t miss out on trying local specialties like reindeer meat, Karelian pies, and fresh seafood.
- Be environmentally conscious: Finland is known for its pristine nature and sustainable practices. Respect the environment by disposing of trash properly and joining eco-friendly activities like picking berries or mushrooms.
Following these travel tips will ensure a memorable trip to Finland. Make the most of your experience by embracing the local culture and immersing yourself in the unique attractions the country has to offer.
Exploring Helsinki
Helsinki is the vibrant capital city of Finland, attracting visitors from across the globe with its unique blend of Scandinavian modernity and classic European architecture. Explore its myriad of sights and attractions for an unforgettable travel experience.
Must-Visit Attractions
From the iconic Helsinki Cathedral and the Temppeliaukio Church to the bustling Market Square and the picturesque Suomenlinna fortress, Helsinki offers numerous popular attractions to explore. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take a stroll in the beautiful Esplanade Park, or catch a glimpse of Finland’s national animal at the Helsinki Zoo.
Recommended Activities
For a truly Finnish experience, take a dip in one of Helsinki’s many public seawater pools or saunas. Grab a coffee at one of the city’s famous cafés, or check out the unique contemporary art exhibitions at the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art. If you’re visiting in winter, don’t forget to hit the slopes for some skiing or snowboarding.
Insider Tips
To get a feel for the local culture, take a tram ride around the city or walk the scenic coastal path along the southern edge of Helsinki. For a stunning panoramic view of the city, visit the rooftop terrace of the Torni hotel at sunset. And when it comes to food, be sure to try traditional Finnish dishes like reindeer meatballs and creamy salmon soup.
Plan your trip to Helsinki with this comprehensive travel guide, and discover all this Nordic city has to offer.
Discovering Lapland
Explore the enchanting northern region of Lapland, Finland’s beloved winter wonderland. From the awe-inspiring Northern Lights to the authentic Sami culture, Lapland has an abundance of travel highlights.
Northern Lights
Lapland is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. The vibrant green, pink, and purple hues illuminating the night sky create a surreal and unforgettable experience. Visitors can take a guided tour to capture the perfect photo or even enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience inside a glass-roofed igloo.
Sami Culture
The Sami people are the indigenous inhabitants of Lapland and have a rich cultural heritage that visitors can explore. Experience a traditional reindeer sleigh ride or learn about their customs in a Sami village. Try authentic Sami cuisine and admire their beautiful handicrafts.
Winter Activities
Lapland’s winter activities are not to be missed. Go dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, or snowshoeing. Visitors can also ski and snowboard in some of Lapland’s best resorts, including Levi and Ylläs. In the summer months, visitors can experience the midnight sun, hike in the pristine wilderness, or go on a kayaking or fishing adventure.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Dog Sledding | Experience the thrill of mushing your own team of huskies across the snow. |
| Snowmobiling | Explore Lapland’s winter wonderland on a thrilling snowmobile ride. |
| Ice Fishing | Drill a hole in the ice and catch your dinner in the pristine waters of Lapland’s frozen lakes. |
| Snowshoeing | Strap on a pair of snowshoes and hike through the snow-covered forests and hills of Lapland. |
| Skiing/Snowboarding | Ski or snowboard down the slopes of Lapland’s top-rated ski resorts, including Levi and Ylläs. |
Plan your Lapland adventure and discover why this magical destination should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Coastal Delights and Archipelago Exploration
Finland’s exquisite coastline and archipelago are a must-visit for travelers seeking scenic beauty and tranquility. The Finnish coast stretches over 1100 kilometers and boasts numerous picturesque coastal towns such as Rauma and Turku. Visitors can witness the unique archipelago culture, experience the Finnish sauna tradition, and taste delicious local cuisine.
The coast is an excellent destination for boating, fishing, and island hopping. There are plenty of secluded islands, bays, and coves to explore. Additionally, the Finnish archipelago offers many activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking.
Recommended Travel Itinerary
Start your journey by visiting Helsinki and taking a ferry to either Suomenlinna or Pihlajasaari Island, where you can relax on a sandy beach surrounded by beautiful nature. Continue your journey to Turku, the former Finnish capital, and visit the Turku Castle, located in the heart of the picturesque Turku archipelago.
From Turku, head further west to Naantali, a charming medieval town with a fascinating history. Naantali Old Town is renowned for its wooden houses and narrow streets, and the picturesque harbor is also worth checking out. Continue on to the idyllic island of Kustavi for island hopping and visiting small villages.
Next, drive to the picturesque town of Rauma, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its well-preserved old town, wooden houses, and maritime tradition. The town is also home to the fascinating Rauma Maritime Museum.
Complete your coastal journey by visiting the Aland Islands, a Swedish-speaking archipelago located between Finland and Sweden. The islands are renowned for their stunning nature, beaches, and local culture.
Outdoor Adventures in Finland
Finland’s stunning natural beauty makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The country offers a wide range of outdoor activities, catering to all levels of adventure travel enthusiasts. From hiking and biking in the national parks to kayaking and fishing in the lakes, Finland’s diverse landscapes offer a plethora of exciting activities.
Hiking and Biking
The national parks in Finland, including the iconic Lapland, offer unparalleled hiking and biking trails, varying in difficulty level, which offer travelers the chance to explore the country’s natural wonders. For avid hikers, the Northern Lights Trail through Urho Kekkonen National Park is a must-visit. It covers 60 kilometers of pristine wilderness and offers stunning views of the magnificent Northern Lights.
Kayaking and Fishing
Finland’s vast network of lakes, including the famous Saimaa Lake, provides excellent opportunities for kayaking and fishing. In Saimaa Lake, travelers can experience the thrill of catching salmon and trout while enjoying the serene beauty of the surrounding forests. Alternatively, travelers can explore the country’s rugged coastlines and archipelagos through sea kayaking.
Winter Sports
During the winter season, Finland’s snow-laden terrain offers a variety of winter sports activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, and dog-sledding. Levi in Lapland is a popular skiing destination with 43 ski slopes. The northern part of the country also offers the chance to witness the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, while enjoying winter sports activities.
Finnish Cuisine and Culinary Experiences
Food aficionados, get ready to tantalize your taste buds, as Finland has an array of unique flavors and dishes to offer. Finnish cuisine is heavily influenced by its geography and history, with seafood, game meat, and berries being staple ingredients. Additionally, the country has a strong tradition of preserving food, giving rise to the popularity of pickled vegetables and fish.
One of the must-try delicacies in Finland is the traditional Karelian pastry. This oval-shaped pastry has a rye crust and is typically filled with rice porridge or mashed potato. For meat-lovers, reindeer meat is another popular dish that is widely available in Finnish restaurants. The meat is lean, tender, and often served in stews or with lingonberry sauce.
Undoubtedly, fresh seafood is another highlight of Finnish cuisine, due to the country’s lengthy coastline and numerous lakes. Baltic herring, for instance, is a staple fish that’s been consumed in the country for centuries. It’s typically prepared in a variety of ways, ranging from smoked to raw, and often served with boiled potatoes or rye bread.
Last but not least, Finland has a flourishing coffee culture, with Finns being among the highest coffee consumers in the world. Visitors should try out the traditional Finnish coffee, which is boiled slowly in a pot and served with sweet pastries.
Ready to savor the delicious flavors of Finnish cuisine? Put these dishes on your travel itinerary and indulge in the unique culinary experiences that Finland has to offer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Marco Polo Reiseführer Finnland” by Roland Birkhold is an excellent resource for anyone planning to visit Finland. The book summary provides valuable insights into Finland’s culture, geography, attractions, and cuisine, as well as essential travel tips for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Readers can use this guide to plan a well-rounded itinerary that covers Helsinki, Lapland, the Finnish coast and archipelago, and outdoor adventures. The book’s expert recommendations and insider tips will help readers make the most of their time in Finland and create unforgettable memories.
We strongly recommend “Marco Polo Reiseführer Finnland” to anyone who wants to explore Finland’s wonders, whether it’s for a short trip or a longer stay. This book summary is a perfect companion that captures the essence of Finland and inspires readers to embark on their own Finnish adventure.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a copy of “Marco Polo Reiseführer Finnland” and start planning your dream trip to Finland today!
