Gossip and facts about Finland. An easy way to emigrate to Finland from Russia Finns are cold and taciturn
Finland is known throughout the world as a prosperous country. People here make good money, the economy is developing, and unemployed citizens are well protected. It is all the more surprising that there are poor people here who need free food.
Center for the collection and distribution of humanitarian aid located in the city of Kotka on Satamakatu street. Maya Kleimola, head of the center, has been working at the center for 12 years. The desire to help her neighbor was in her character already in childhood. While still at school, she gave a coupon for the purchase of shoes to an even more needy neighbor.
The Help Center distributes free meals twice a week. On such days, those in need begin to gather at the center an hour and a half before the start of the distribution. On average, several dozen packages of food are distributed per day. Usually the package contains several bananas, meat products, bread, sausages, yogurts, dairy products, pastries. Often the content of such a package is shared between members of the whole family.
Twice a week food is distributed from Kotka's shops, bread from bakeries. Usually this food is expiring. Employees of the center collect products by going around stores in their car, sort and distribute them on the same day. The amount of food varies. On the most successful day, 108 sets of products were collected. All of them were distributed. Sometimes you have to be content with a few dozen. The days leading up to Christmas do not usually increase the amount of free food.
In recent years, the economy of Finland and the city of Kotka has developed rapidly. People's incomes have increased. But the queues for free food have not become smaller. Pensioners, the unemployed, students are the most typical recipients of humanitarian aid. There are a lot of people in the queue, the cause of the difficult situation of which is alcoholism. But alcoholics also need something to eat. Maya Kleimola is surprised at how stratified Finnish society has been in recent years. Many spend more per day than some spend on food in a whole month.
If the head of the center could ask Santa Claus for a gift, she would wish that the level of income in Finland would even out a little and the lines for bread would disappear. But for now, there are those who need help. Unfortunately, the Kotka help center is on the verge of ruin and is supported only by voluntary free helpers. The owner of the car, who collects and transports products, is compensated only for the cost of fuel (in addition, at Russian prices).
Finland ... A country of magnificent dense forests, national parks with pristine nature, tens of thousands of islands and hundreds of thousands of lakes with the purest water. An area with a population density of only sixteen people per square kilometer.
A state that has recognized the right to access the Internet as an inalienable right of every person. Country where the series was developed computer games Angry Birds and Nokia founded. The birthplace of heavy metal rock bands and fairy tale characters called the Moomin trolls. World leader in coffee consumption per capita. An acknowledged expert in hosting strange sporting events such as the World Championships in Wife Carrying, Air Guitar Playing, and Rubber Boot Throwing.
The official name of the state is the Republic of Finland, and the inhabitants call it Suomi. Every year Finland is included in the list of the most prosperous, developed and safe countries world, and its inhabitants are recognized as the happiest nation in the world. And this, by the way, is in a country where snow lies for 5 or even 7 months a year, and in the north of Suomi in winter the sun does not rise above the horizon! What is the secret of Finland? What attracts tourists from all over Europe, and even from all over the world, and also makes local residents the happiest? All questions will be answered in our guide to Finland.
And how can you not be happy, having the opportunity to observe the brightest and most beautiful natural phenomenon - the northern lights? Finnish Lapland is one of the best places in the world to watch the Aurora Borealis.
Imagine how much fun children (and certainly adults!) will get if the traditional sending of a letter to Santa Claus is replaced with a personal visit? Yes, the real Santa lives in Finland, in a fabulous residence near the town of Rovaniemi. And in "Santa Park" you will be sure to learn how to cook Christmas gingerbread, introduce you to elves and reindeer.
In Lapland you can see the Snow Castle and live in a glass igloo.
Steady snow cover makes Finland one of the worthy options for a ski holiday.
And in summer you can enjoy the amazing beauty of nature, walk along the cozy streets of Finnish cities or go fishing.
And, of course, at any time the world-famous Finnish saunas will raise the level of happiness. Their number is simply amazing: with a population of just over 5 million people in Finland, there are 3 million saunas!
How to get to Finland
Tourists can get to Finland by choosing one of the many ways to travel. The largest list of options for residents of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region: plane, train, bus, car, ferry. For travelers from Moscow, an airplane, train or car will be preferable. From Stockholm, Riga and Tallinn, getting to the capital of Finland - Helsinki - is more convenient by ferry. When planning a trip from other cities and countries, it is better to give preference to an airplane.
Airplane
The main and largest airport in Finland is Helsinki-Vantaa. It carries out the lion's share of flights from Finland to countries around the world.
The airport is located at a distance of 20 km from Helsinki, there is an excellent bus service between them.
Another Finnish airport is Tampere-Pirkkala. One of its terminals serves flights of Finnair, AirBaltic, etc., and the second is exclusively Ryanair. Tampere Airport receives flights from Stockholm and Riga.
Lappeenranta Airport is located at a distance of just over two hundred kilometers from St. Petersburg. For tourists, it is interesting primarily because flights are carried out from there at low prices. For example, the low-cost carrier Ryanair.
Direct flights from Russia to Finland are operated all year round to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, and seasonal winter flights to Rovaniemi and Kajaani airports.
Train
From Moscow and St. Petersburg there are direct trains to Helsinki.
The Moscow train "Leo Tolstoy" departs from the Leningradsky railway station and is on the road for about 14 hours. From St. Petersburg, you can take this train to the capital of Finland in 7.5 hours.
However, the Allegro high-speed train also runs from the northern capital several times a day, which will take you to Helsinki in just 3.5 hours.
Booking your tickets in advance can save you a lot of money. Fares also vary depending on the day of the week.
Ferry
Traveling from St. Petersburg, Riga, Tallinn and Stockholm to Helsinki or Turku, you can enjoy a comfortable and interesting sea journey by ferry.
Ferry services and cruises between these cities are offered by MOBY SPL (ST.PETER LINE), Tallink & Silja Line and Viking Line.
Bus
Bus trips to Finland are relevant, first of all, for residents of St. Petersburg. Every day several dozen buses leave for Helsinki, Lappeenranta and Imatra. It is especially worth noting regular buses that run according to a set schedule and pass the Russian-Finnish border out of turn. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the website of bus companies or booked by phone. This way of travel will be the most economical.
No less popular among residents of the northern capital are organized bus tours to Finland. It can be both one-day shopping tours and multi-day tourist trips.
It should also be mentioned that there are many companies that provide transfer services from St. Petersburg and Vyborg to Lappeenranta and Helsinki airports, from where flights are operated throughout Europe.
Automobile
Probably the most convenient way to travel to Finland for residents of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, the Republic of Karelia and the Murmansk region is a private car.
Muscovites often choose this mode of transportation, but such a trip will take much longer (about 15 hours).
Border crossings operate both around the clock (for example, Svetogorsk-Imatra, Torfyanovka-Vaalimaa, Cowberry-Nuijamaa and Vartsila-Niirala), and only during the daytime (Salla-Salla and Lyutta-Vartius are open from 7:00 to 21:00).
To travel by car, you must buy a Green Card policy (“green card”).
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History
Before you go on a trip, get acquainted with the history of the country. This will help you get to know and understand her better. We will tell about the main stages in the history of Finland below.
Early history of Finland
It is believed that the settlement of the territory of modern Finland began about 9 thousand years ago. However, in 1996, in the Wolf Cave, located in the west of the country, researchers discovered unique artifacts that could be over 40,000 years old!
The main settlements of the ancient Finns were located along rivers and on the shores of lakes, their inhabitants were fishermen, hunters and gatherers. The northern regions were settled much later.
There is no consensus on the language used by the ancient inhabitants. Historians put forward a theory according to which, as early as 1000-1500 years BC, the natives used the ancient Finnish language. And later, as a result of contacts between them and the tribes speaking the Finno-Ugric dialect, the modern Finnish language was formed. Soon this language began to be used by the Sami.
The first written sources in Finland date back to the 12th-13th centuries.
Swedish rule
Finland was ruled by Sweden for a very long time - more than six hundred years!
Cities and regions
For a long period, the Suomi country was divided into provinces. This administrative division was introduced at a time when Finland was part of the Russian Empire. At first there were 13 provinces, a little later - 12, and since 1997 - 6: Southern, Western and Eastern Finland, Oulu, Lapland and the Aland Islands.
As a result of administrative reform, since January 1, 2011, Finland is divided into 19 regions, each of which includes from 2 to 7 districts. Consider the most interesting areas from a tourist point of view.
Uusimaa
The region is located in the southern part of Finland. The main cities are: Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Porvoo.
Helsinki
South Karelia
The region is part of the historical province of Karelia and borders on Russian Federation, thanks to which it is very popular with Russian tourists. For shopping tours and relaxing in spa hotels, tourists most often choose Lappeenranta and Imatra.
Imatra
Imatra became a tourist destination three centuries ago, when the Russian Empress Catherine II visited the town and was fascinated by the beauty of the Imatrankoski waterfall.
In 1892, a railway line was opened that connected St. Petersburg and Imatra, after which travelers from Russia flocked to the town.
Unfortunately, today you can see the beauty of the waterfall only in the painting by Matveev in the Russian Museum, since a hydroelectric power station was built on the site of the waterfall. Now the descent of water can be seen only on holidays. For example, on New Year when tourists are waiting for a real performance with illumination and fireworks.
Another attraction of Imatra is the castle. It was built in 1903 on the site of two of its predecessors that burned down. At first it was called Grand Hotel Cascade (Grand Hotel Waterfall), changed its name several times. Now it is Scandic Imatran Valtionhotelli. The building has been repeatedly recognized as the most beautiful in all of Finland.
Also in Imatra there are three churches that attract tourists to this city. These are the Church of the Three Crosses, the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and the oldest church in Imatra - Tainionkoskenkirko.
Lappeenranta
It is a lively tourist town on the shores of Lake Saimaa. Among the sights of the city, one can single out the Lappeenranta fortress, the South Karelian Museum, the Art Museum, the Cavalry Museum and the Karelian Museum of Aeronautics.
However, most tourists come not for the sake of museums, but for shopping: there are really a lot of shopping centers, hypermarkets and shops! And they are located next to each other, which greatly facilitates the shopping process.
Varsinais-Suomi
The region is located in the southwest of modern Finland. The southern coast is washed by the Gulf of Finland, the western - by Bothnia. The administrative center is Turku.
Turku
The first capital, the oldest city in the country, a cultural and scientific center. Even the first university in Finland was opened in Turku.
The most important architectural monument in Turku is the Cathedral, the country's main Lutheran church. It was built back in the 13th century! Near the cathedral is the Old Square - the center of the historical part of the city. The coeval of the Cathedral is the Swedish medieval Abo Castle, inside which it is worth visiting to learn more about the history of Turku.
If you have time, check out the Jean Sibelius Music Museum. You will be able to see about two thousand instruments from all over the world, learn about the life and work of the Finnish composer Sibelius. The museum still hosts concerts.
If you come to Turku with children, visit the Land of the Moomins. It is located near Turku, near the town of Naantali. The fairy-tale world was created based on the funny stories of Tove Jansson. It includes a 5-storey Moomin house, a free train, a forest labyrinth, a fabulous witch's swamp, a beach, a cafe, a pier with a ship, a theater and other entertainment. Everywhere children are accompanied by fairy tale characters.
Lapland
It is the northernmost and largest region of Finland. In the south it borders with the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, in the west - with Sweden, in the north - with Norway, in the east - with Russia. Most of the region is located north of the Arctic Circle.
Rovaniemi
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Things to do
No matter what time of the year you are going to Finland, you will definitely find something to your liking.
Spring and autumn
Spring and autumn are the best time for unity with Finnish nature, complete immersion in silence and tranquility.
Contemplating the spring awakening of nature or enjoying the bright colors of Finnish autumn will remain in your memory for a long time.
Rent one of the cozy cottages on the lake or set up a tent, walk through the forest, pick berries and mushrooms, go fishing.
Don't forget to experience the famous Finnish saunas or relax in one of the spa hotels.
In summer
Summer in Finland, although not hot, is quite warm and sunny, especially in the south of the country. This is a great time for both outdoor recreation and excursions. And in the summer, many interesting festivals are held throughout the country.
Rest at nature
In summer, Finns prefer to relax on the lakes: they fish, barbecue, sunbathe and even swim.
The beach season opens in June, but the water temperature at this time does not exceed +18 °C. In July it warms up to +19 °С…+21 °С.
Residents of Finland choose hiking trails in national parks as an active holiday. It can be small walks or multi-day tourist routes. Join the locals and get acquainted with the natural resources of Suomi!
Cruises
For Finns, cruises are as much a part of culture as ecology, saunas and northern lights.
The country has 52 most modern seaports, where you can meet even the largest cruise ships in the world.
Boat trips along the sea, rivers and lakes, as well as cafe-restaurants on board ships are also popular.
Festivals
Every summer Finland hosts numerous festivals of various musical genres. The largest of them have been held for more than a decade.
The three main Finnish music festivals are Ruisrock in Turku, Ilosaarirock in Joensuu and Provinssirock in Seinäjoki.
Finland is known as the country of hard rock and heavy metal. This music is heard at a variety of festivals and in a variety of places across the country. The most famous of them is the festival in Helsinki called Tuska, which means “pain” in Finnish.
in winter
Finland is exactly the country where there are even more exciting activities available in winter than in summer! We offer you a list of entertainment and active species recreation that are popular in Suomi during the cold season. And it can last in some regions of the country for six months.
Skating
Finns are very fond of skating. You can share this passion and choose open city skating rinks, the mirror-like surface of lakes and even special areas on the frozen sections of the Baltic Sea for skating.
Helsinki and Tampere are famous for the best urban skating rinks. To ride on a frozen lake, choose the Linnansaari National Park, where the most beautiful skating track in Finland is located, the town of Lahti, whose residents and guests ride on the frozen surface of Lake Vesijärvi, as well as Mikkeli and Savonlinna, which serve as the gates of many kilometers of tracks on Lake Saimaa .
If you are a professional skater, then take part in the Finnish Ice Marathon, which is held annually in January or February on Lake Kallavesi.
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is also very popular in Finland. The best months for skiing are February and March. At this time, there are often clear days and the snow shines in the sun. Thousands of kilometers of ski slopes are laid and maintained throughout the country. And in Finland, you can easily find equipment rental points.
Skiing and snowboarding
75 ski resorts have been built in Finland. The trails are mostly simple, wide and not very long. The height difference is small, because Suomi is more likely not mountains, but hills. But snow cover is guaranteed for the entire season, which in some resorts begins in October and lasts right up to May.
The best Finnish ski resorts are: Levi, Ylläs, Vuokatti, Ruka, Tahko, Himos, etc.
The largest ski resort in Finland Levy- located in Western Lapland, almost 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. The resort can offer vacationers 43 slopes with a total length of 43.6 km, half of them are illuminated in the evening. Height difference - 325 meters. There are also opportunities for off-piste skiing. The area is famous for its entertainment and cuisine: restaurants, bars, clubs, rock cafes are at your service. Levi is the only resort in Finland with slopes suitable for Alpine World Cup competitions. International competitions of the World Cup series are held in Levi annually in November. It has also been selected several times as Finland's Best Ski Resort of the Year.
Vuokatti is one of the most popular ski resorts due to its location, excellent choice of hotels and cottages near the ski slopes and a wide range of tourist services. The resort has 13 ski slopes, the longest of which is about a kilometer. Vuokkatti also offers the only snowboarding tunnel in the world that can be used all year round. There is also an Olympic training center there.
The resort has three restaurants and the entertainment center "Katinkulta" with hydromassage pools, water attractions and a cafe on the water.
At the resort Hand you can find skiing for every taste. The ski season here begins in October and lasts until May, and the presence of good snow cover during these months is almost guaranteed. The height difference in the resort is 201-492 m, 35 slopes are equipped in total. Every year at the end of November, the next series of the World Cup in ski jumping, skiing and Nordic combined starts in Ruka. In addition, Ruka has excellent conditions for training and holding world-class competitions in skiing, freestyle and snowboarding.
ski lovers in Tahko 15 lifts and 24 slopes await, the longest of which has a length of 1200 meters, and the maximum height difference is up to 200 meters. This is the fourth largest ski center. The diverse restaurants of Tahko will pamper visitors with culinary masterpieces: here you can try French cuisine, Spanish, and traditional Finnish dishes.
Further south is central Finland's largest ski resort. Himos. The resort has 23 slopes, 15 ski lifts and flat ski slopes that stretch for many kilometers in picturesque snowy landscapes. For snowboarders, there are 2 "half-pipes", a "snowboard street" track (a strip with sharp turns and tricky obstacles), a "cross course" and a mogul slope equipped in accordance with international standards.
Snowmobile safari
If you like speed, then this activity is for you! Snowmobile tours can be booked both in the lakes region and in Lapland. Experienced guides will take you through the snow-covered forests and make stops at the most photogenic spots. The service is available to tourists over 18 years of age and with a driver's license.
Snowshoeing
Who said that you can walk in national natural parks only in the warm season? Buy or rent snowshoes and go on an adventure!
Fatbiking
Cycling on a frozen lake? Why not if you have a fatbike? Fat bike tires are literally made for lakes in Finland! You can rent equipment and go skiing both in the town of Lahti and in Oulu.
Itinerary through Christmas towns and markets
Christmas is truly a magical time, especially in a beautiful country like Finland. At this time, festive fairs are held in many cities with traditional treats, souvenirs and performances.
We recommend starting the trip from the country's main fair, which is held on the Senate Square in Helsinki. More than a hundred ornately decorated tents at the Christmas Market offer all guests a wonderful selection of gifts, Christmas decorations and traditional delicacies - fish, meat and sweets.
An old carousel adds to the atmosphere of the fair. Santa Claus visits the fair every day.
From the capital, in just half an hour, you can reach Porvoo, which becomes even more charming during the Christmas holidays. At the Christmas Market on the Old Town Hall Square, vendors dressed in period costumes offer local artisans and delicacies. And the cozy streets of the old city and neat houses are beautifully decorated with garlands.
And in Turku, two fairs are held at once: on the Old Square and on the Market Square. Near the Turku Cathedral, lights are lit on a huge spruce every year, and festive illumination from numerous garlands decorates the official Turku Christmas Street, Juliopistonkatu.
You can also get into a Christmas fairy tale at fairs in Tampere and Oulu.
Route in Lapland
The traditional route in Lapland necessarily includes hunting for the northern lights, visiting the Santa Claus Village and Santa Park in Rovaniemi, dog and reindeer sledding.
Do you want to make your trip original? Add a trip on the huge Arctic icebreaker "Sampo", which sets off from the city of Kemi.
Usually the cruise lasts 4 hours. On board, tourists will be offered delicious food, a tour of the icebreaker and unforgettable views. And, the most interesting, if you wish, you can dive into the ice sea waters! Special equipment guaranteeing complete safety is provided.
Movement around the country
When going to Finland, every tourist thinks about how it is more convenient, faster, more comfortable and cheaper to travel around the country. We hasten to please you. Despite the fact that Finland is not a very densely populated country, there are plenty of options for moving between different regions and cities.
This includes a well-developed network of water transport, internal flights between major cities, well-established bus service, and a wide railway map. You can rent a car, a motorhome or a bicycle, and also try the traditional ways of transportation in the north - reindeer and dog teams.
In any city you can call a taxi, and in Helsinki you can also use the metro.
Train
Trains in Finland are modern, comfortable and clean. It is convenient that in some of them you can also transport a personal car. An interesting feature of Finnish trains is the presence of special "children's cars".
Airplane
There are 27 airports in Suomi serving domestic flights. Major airlines on domestic flights: Finnair, Norwegian, Flybe, SAS.
In addition to regular flights, major airports also have seasonal flights, which are introduced due to the influx of passengers.
Water transport
An interesting, and sometimes indispensable, way to travel around Finland is by water.
In almost all Finnish cities located on the sea coast or on the shores of lakes, river and sea trams are one of the types of urban transport. Moreover, it can be both retro steamers and modern speed boats. Choose to your taste!
Along the sea coast, as well as inland waters, there are many tourist routes. One of them is a cruise to the Aland Islands.
You can also get to other countries by ferry: Sweden, Estonia, Germany, Russia.
Bus
Buses in Finland can be reached even where there are no railways. Express buses are especially popular. It is worth noting that the transport moves strictly according to the schedule.
This way of transportation is fast and comfortable, and the opportunity to admire the picturesque Finnish landscapes along the way will be a nice bonus.
Major bus companies: Matkahuolto, Onnibus, ExpressBus.
Automobile
Traveling by car is a very convenient way to see even remote corners of the country.
Car rental in Finland is provided by the following companies: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Scandia Rent, Sixt. However, it is worth noting that the cost of car rental in Finland is quite high. If possible, come with your own car. Often, even its transportation by ferry will be cheaper than renting a car.
Finland is a country with right-hand traffic, overtaking is made on the left lane.
In the summer, motorists will not have problems on the highways: the quality of the roads is high, and congestion is usually low. The only thing you need to pay attention to is the numerous speed limits. Penalties for violations are high, so it's worth following the rules.
In winter, driving is more difficult. Firstly, difficult weather conditions, poor visibility, drifts are possible. Secondly, in winter, the length of daylight hours is minimal, most of the time you will have to move in the dark. Keep in mind that moose and reindeer often come onto the road in Finland.
Also, while driving at any time of the day, the headlights must be turned on.
Bike
Cycling is very popular in Finland. It can be both bicycle tours around the city and long tours. Throughout the country, many kilometers of paths have been laid, moving along which is a real pleasure. And along the way, you can visit all the planned attractions.
Renting a bike in Finland is also easy.
Extreme types of movement
Here we include movement on snowmobiles, as well as reindeer and dog sledding. Such services are available in almost every ski resort in Finland, as well as in the northernmost region - Lapland. Be sure to take the opportunity to ride with the breeze!
Communication
Before you go to a particular country, it does not hurt to learn a little more about its inhabitants.
Most Finns are practical, reserved in communication and not too talkative. Loud laughter, excessive gestures and talkativeness can be perceived negatively by the residents of Suomi.
Finland has two official languages: Finnish and Swedish. However, to communicate, you will need to know English.
The national minority living in Lapland speaks their own language, which, according to the 1992 law "On the Sami Language", became quite official in the places of residence of the Sami.
In the eastern part of the country, you can also meet a Russian-speaking resident.
For the Finns, the topic of equality is very important: between men and women (do you remember that it was Finland that was the first to adopt universal and equal suffrage for both men and women?), between leaders and subordinates.
The concepts of "personal life" and "work" are clearly separated. This means that personal phone calls are not allowed during working hours, and in your free time you will not be disturbed at work. An interesting “working” moment in Finland is doing some negotiations and deals… in the sauna!
As far as topics of conversation are concerned, in Finland they hardly talk about politics, wages and matters of faith. But sports, weather, shopping, plans for weekends and vacations are usually discussed freely.
Do you want the cold-looking Finns to treat you warmly and friendly? Do not be late for meetings, always keep your word and do not violate personal boundaries. Then you can make friends with the locals and count on their help and support at any time.
During dinner parties, holidays and parties, it is also worth following some rules. First, let your neighbors know ahead of time. Secondly, after 23:00 do not break the silence if your plans do not include communication with the Finnish police. And thirdly, invite guests in advance. Finns do not allow sudden visits even to relatives.
And one more national trait that should be taken into account when communicating with the inhabitants of Finland is the love for sports and active pastime. Finns take care of their health and prefer to spend a lot of time in nature, regardless of the time of year. Favorite sport is skiing.
culture
The culture of Finland was influenced by Sweden for a long time, and a little later and to a much lesser extent by the Russian Empire. And only after gaining independence, the Finns realize how important the cultural heritage, national values and traditions play for them.
Finnish culture gave rise to the Kalevala, one of the largest epic works in world history, based on Karelian folk songs - runes. A huge amount of material was received and processed only thanks to the outstanding researcher of the Karelian-Finnish epos Elias Lönnrot. With this invaluable work, he inscribed his name in the history and culture of Finland. The themes of the epic Kalevala runes influenced the work of many Finnish artists, writers, and musicians.
Every year on February 28, Finns celebrate Kalevala Day, the official day of Finnish and Karelian culture. It is also the day of the official hoisting of the national flag.
The literature of Finland is developed in two languages, Finnish and Swedish. For example, national poet Johan Runeberg wrote in Swedish. One of his patriotic poems was set to music. This song eventually became the national anthem of Finland.
Of the fair sex, the famous writer Tove Jansson, who, by the way, also wrote in Swedish. First of all, she is known as the creator of fairy-tale characters - charming Moomins, about whose adventures she wrote a series of books. By the way, Tove Jansson personally performed illustrations for these books.
The fine arts of Finland developed under the influence of the advanced European schools in Paris, Dusseldorf, St. Petersburg.
The most famous art museum in the country - Ateneum (Ateneum) - is located in Helsinki. It houses the largest art collection in Finland. Next to the paintings by Finnish painters hang paintings by Van Gogh, Cezanne, Goya, Modigliani and other great artists. In the museum you can also see works by Russian masters: Repin, Shishkin and Levitan.
Music plays an important role in Finnish culture. Folk music is based on melodies of ancient chants, and traditional folk musical instruments are: kantele (Finnish harp), horn and violin.
The classical music of Finland was glorified by the name of Jean Sibelius. The birth of the national classical musical tradition is connected with the work and activities of this composer. It was then that the first symphony orchestra, professional composers and performers appeared in the country.
And yet, most of all, the Finns succeeded in rock. Perhaps the whole world knows such bands as HIM, Apocalyptica, The Rasmus and Lordi, who won Eurovision 2016.
Finland is famous for its many world-class summer music festivals, which feature rock and jazz, folk, opera and chamber music.
And in winter, you can get acquainted with Finnish music by visiting the Finnish National Opera, the Helsinki Music House, the Alexander Theatre, the Swedish Theater in Helsinki and the Swedish Theater of Turku.
Kitchen
Now in Finland you can find cafes and restaurants with cuisine for every taste, but it will be much more interesting to try local dishes.
The proximity of the sea and a huge number of lakes influenced the diet of the Finns: it contains a lot of various fish. These are red fish, which is eaten raw or lightly salted, and eel, and Baltic herring in smoked and pickled form.
As for the first courses, you should definitely try the Finnish fish soup with red fish and cream.
In the north of Finland, game dishes are prepared. One of the most delicious is stew with venison. In Lapland, you can try the local soft cheese with a sweetish taste - "leipäyuusto". It is usually served with cloudberries.
For Christmas in Finland, a ham is baked, a dish of dried cod with potatoes, a swede casserole, and various cookies are baked.
Finns love sweet pastries and confectionery. Pies with various fillings are very common. For example, in the city of Kuopio, the most delicious Kalakukko are baked - rye pies stuffed with fish. This dish is also a must on the Easter table.
Karelian kalitka is also considered a traditional dish - an open pie made from unleavened rye dough stuffed with millet, rice, potatoes, carrots, salmon or cottage cheese.
One of the most delicious pastries is blueberry pie. Most often it is prepared in the summer, during the ripening period of the berries. They usually drink milk. But lingonberries are often used to make jam and make juice.
The most famous cake in Finland can be considered a pastry named after the national poet - Johan Ludwig Runeberg. This confectionery is a cylinder weighing about 100 grams, for the preparation of which almond crumbs, arak or rum are used. As a decoration - a ring of powdered sugar with a drop of raspberry jam in the center. Runeberg cakes are widely sold in Finland in the period leading up to Finland's national holiday, Runeberg Day, which is celebrated annually on February 5th. But in Porvoo, where Runeberg spent a significant part of his life, you can taste the cake on any day.
Do you want exotic? Look for licorice candies. These are black sweets made from licorice root. The taste is very specific and obviously not everyone will like it. Especially popular is the so-called "meter liquorice": sweets look like a cord cut into pieces.
While in Finland, be sure to visit the Fazer chain cafes, which offer a wide range of bakery and confectionery products from this world-famous company.
Another world-famous chain is the Finnish burger Hesburger. So if you want fast food, this is the place for you.
When it comes to beverages, Finnish people ranked first in the world in terms of the amount of coffee they drink! It is the most popular drink in the country. Each resident drinks about 4 cups of coffee a day. Basically, they prefer a black strong drink, although cappuccino is also a success. In second place among soft drinks is milk.
But the most popular alcoholic drink is beer, and mostly its own, Finnish: Lapin Kulta, Karjala, Olvi, Koff and Karhu.
Purchases
Finnish fish is one of the main export destinations. The assortment of fish in Finnish stores is simply amazing! In addition to cold and hot smoked fish delicacies, delicious trout fillet or Norwegian salmon, you can buy a jar of Finnish red caviar.
Many tourists buy home various varieties cheese, as well as Finnish butter.
Few can resist the real temptation - delicious chocolate. The most famous manufacturer is the Fazer company, which produces both sweets with various fillings and pastries.
Would you like to purchase something more unusual? Go shopping in Porvoo, where the Brunberg candy factory and its own shop for original sweets have been operating since 1871. Here you can not only see the products of the factory, but also try them. Choose chocolate bars with a unique taste, a variety of sweets, including liquorice, chocolate-covered nuts and other sweets. Such a souvenir from Finland will not leave anyone indifferent.
Another food product that you can and should bring is Finnish coffee.
Locals know a lot about strong and fragrant drink, so they prefer coffee beans. The Paulig company is considered the monopoly of the coffee market. The brand "Kulta Katriina" is also in demand.
From alcoholic beverages, attention should be paid to Finnish liqueurs, which are produced exclusively from natural ingredients. Beer fans can grab a few bottles of Finnish production, and lovers of stronger drinks - Finlandia vodka.
Northern themes are common among standard souvenirs: deer, elk, husky, Finnish Santa Claus - Joulupukki. You can find their images both on magnets, cups, plates, and in the form of soft toys. Deer skin products are also sold, but the cost of such a gift will be very high.
When choosing gifts, pay attention to handmade goods made of wood, glass and ceramics. Men will definitely like traditional Finnish knives.
During the sales season in Finland, you can buy clothes from well-known brands at a fairly low price. First of all, this applies to things for sports and outdoor activities. For example, Reima, a children's clothing manufacturer, and Luhta, sew high-quality items in a wide range. The best Finnish outlets are in Helsinki and Lappeenranta.
Be sure to keep your receipts for all purchases to claim your tax refund.
Connection
Let's start with the most interesting and unusual way of communication in Finland - Joulupukki mail, the Finnish Santa Claus.
Santa's official post office is located in Lapland, near Rovaniemi. Here, in the village of Santa Claus, letters from kids from all over the world come every year. Just imagine: the number of letters per year has long exceeded one million!
For tourists, the mail is interesting primarily because you can send postcards, letters, gifts to anyone: friends, relatives, acquaintances, or even yourself! The process of sending is a fascinating business: at first you slowly choose postcards and gifts, and then by the light of candles you begin to beautifully display the recipient's address ...
After filling in the details, go to the cashier and pay for postcards and stamps. Next, select a mailbox for sending letters. There are two of them: one for those letters that need to be delivered at Christmas, and from the second postcards, letters and gifts will be sent in the near future.
Sending letters from Santa Claus mail is a warm and sincere activity, however, it will cost a lot.
The traditional means of communication in Finland are mobile communications and the Internet.
When traveling in Finland, check the offers of your mobile operator. Perhaps a temporary transition to some tariff with affordable prices in roaming will suit you.
If you often visit Finland or plan to come for a long time, consider buying a prepaid card from one of the local operators. These are prepaid SIM cards, when buying which you do not need to present documents, register and fill out an agreement. Unfortunately, the validity of such cards may be limited. If you replenish your account with a few euros at least once a year, then their validity is automatically extended. SIM cards are sold in R-Kioski, in shopping centers or in specialized communication stores. The cost is quite affordable.
In Finland, the main mobile operators are: Sonera (TeliaSonera), Elisa (sub-branded Saunalahti) and DNA. Sonera with DNA starts at 9.9 euros, the cheapest prepaid package is from Elisa: it costs only 5.9 euros. When buying, a significant part of the amount is immediately credited to the balance.
Mobile Internet in Finland will cost a lot, carefully study the available offers. For example, Sonera has a tariff with a cost of 0.01 euros per megabyte. You can also purchase an unlimited 24-hour package from DNA for 1.9 euros per day.
There are also many places in Finland where you can use Wi-Fi for free. For example, in the capital wireless network covers almost the entire center. Wi-Fi is also available in almost all cafes and restaurants, hotels, libraries.
Security
Finland is a country for a calm measured rest. The locals are law-abiding citizens.
The crime rate in the country is extremely low, so tourists should not worry about their own safety, as well as the safety of things and valuables.
The Finnish police closely monitors the safety of citizens, however, and requires full compliance with the law on the part of vacationers. We advise you to carefully read the prohibitions and laws in Suomi, so as not to get into an unpleasant situation.
The Finns are fighting tobacco smoking and aim to completely eradicate the bad habit. Smoking is allowed only in designated areas. They must be equipped with trash cans, special hoods and signs. There is a fine for smoking in the wrong place.
You can also get a fine for drinking alcohol in public places and transport. Strong spirits can only be purchased at Alko outlets, and the sale of beer and wine in ordinary stores closes after 21:00. Advertising of strong alcoholic beverages on television, in newspapers, magazines, on street signs is prohibited.
Sufficiently strict requirements for the observance of silence in places of residence. General rule: it is necessary to observe complete silence after 23:00. But some houses may have their own rules, for example, you can not make noise after 21:00 or 22:00.
During outdoor recreation, observe the following rules:
- Don't leave trash behind, clean up after your pets.
- do not leave the marked routes in the reserves;
- pick berries, mushrooms, flowers only in the forest: it is forbidden to do this on private property;
- set up a tent only in a permitted place: camping, recreation areas, special sites;
- make a fire only in a specially designated place;
- do not fish where there are signs saying Kalastus kielletty (“no fishing”) or Rauhoitusalue (“reserve”).
Compliance with these simple rules will allow you to have the most pleasant and comfortable time in Finland.
Where to stay
Finding accommodation in Finland can take a long time. And this is not because there are few accommodation options in Suomi. Not at all! On the contrary, the Finns can offer tourists such interesting, unusual and truly unique hotels, cottages, igloos that it will be difficult to choose just one.
Going to Lapland, you can stay on the territory of the Santa Claus Village, in a cozy cottage with a sauna in Santa Claus Holiday Village.
From the house in just a couple of minutes on foot you will reach the residence of Santa, where you can meet him in person, as well as send a postcard from the main Christmas mail in the world.
Do you want to live in a house with panoramic windows overlooking the snow-covered forest? Choose the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, located on the territory of Santa Park, with luxury rooms in traditional Scandinavian style.
By the way, there are also glass igloos with underfloor heating and a thermal glass roof with a view of the sky. Just imagine what a pleasure it is to watch the northern lights while being on the Arctic Circle in a warm house!
Another holiday complex surrounded by nature is located in the Saariselkä ski area. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort - Igloos and Chalets features glass igloos, traditional wooden chalets and the world's largest Finnish sauna.
If you come to relax on the lake, choose a typical Finnish cottage on the shore, or a campsite where you can rent a house or set up your own tent.
And if the purpose of the visit is to relax in the spa, then you will find one of the many amazing spa hotels. For example, Holiday Club Saimaa or Finlandia Hotel Imatran Kylpylä Spa in Imatra.
One of the most ineradicable stereotypes in our understanding of the life of the Finns is the absolute and unshakable belief that the "dry" law is still in force in Finland. However, the behavior of Finnish tourists in the post-war decades in Vyborg, St. Petersburg and in other cities more distant from the Finnish state border did little to dispel this myth. However, on April 5, 2002, Finland celebrated the 70th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition.
Prohibition entered into force in Finland on June 1, 1919. He secured for the state alcohol company a monopoly on the production, import and sale of alcoholic beverages, allowing the use of alcohol only for medicinal, scientific and technical purposes. The initiators of the adoption of the law were quite sincerely confident that he would be able to save citizens from the destructive passion that broke families and shook the moral foundations of society. But they clearly forgot about the well-known sweetness of the forbidden fruit.
The adoption of the law led to the opposite results. Moonshine and smuggling of alcohol reached unprecedented proportions. For 13 "dry" years, a whole generation of moonshiners and smugglers has grown up, pursuing their craft as their main profession. Their activities are overgrown with legends and gave rise to a whole layer of national folklore and fiction. Finnish children played smugglers and policemen, and sympathy was, of course, always on the side of the smugglers. The police, border guards and customs officers did not have the strength or resources to stop the illegal production, smuggling and sale of alcoholic beverages.
However, even during Prohibition, alcohol was quite easy to obtain legally - doctors prescribed their patients to treat a wide variety of diseases, a total of 1.3 million liters of alcohol per year.
In short, the "dry" law did not sober up the Finns - rather, on the contrary. The law was violated from the very beginning, and the number of violations increased exponentially. The illegal trade in alcohol has become a fabulously profitable business. Most of the illegal potion was brought into the country by ship through the Gulf of Finland. Smugglers delivered to Finland annually up to 6 million liters of alcohol.
Speculators sold smuggled alcohol either in 12-liter canisters or in quarter-liter vessels, which the people lovingly called "sparrows". Old-timers say that in any Helsinki restaurant you could order tea fortified with alcohol - you just had to know the correct terms.
The "dry" law lasted in Finland for almost 13 years (an ominous and symbolic figure) ... Desperate to cope with home-brewing and smuggling of alcohol, the state authorities finally decided to admit their mistake and repeal the ill-fated law, but for greater fidelity, they first enlisted the support of the people. At the end of 1931, a nationwide referendum was organized on this sore point. The vast majority of citizens - 546 thousand - voted for the abolition of Prohibition. 217,000 votes were cast for its extension. 44% of citizens who had the right to vote took part in the voting.
The opinion expressed by the people inspired the deputies of the Finnish Parliament to abolish the suffering of the thirsty. Only 45 deputies voted against the repeal of the law - 120 deputies fulfilled the will of the people.
The day, month, year and time of the opening of liquor stores after a hiatus of thirteen years gave rise to a playful puzzle, with the help of which representatives of the older generation of green snake lovers won more than one bet on a bottle of beer from their younger drinking companions. The question was: "How does the set of numbers 543210 stand for"? The casket opened simply: alcohol stores opened their doors again on April 5, 32 at 10 o'clock in the morning.
As eyewitnesses testify, people began to gather at the doors of the monopoles long before they opened, which forced the police to line up buyers in columns of two, so that other passers-by could freely pass along the sidewalk past these "hot places". When the doors of liquor stores finally opened, the police let 10-20-30 people into them at once, depending on the size of the store and the number of sellers. From the store on Kaisaniyemenkatu street in the center of the capital, the first happy customer fell out exactly 5 minutes after entering, met by a queue on the street with loud shouts of "Hurrah!" Approximately the same atmosphere reigned in front of other shops.
The majority of buyers bought Estonian vodka - because of its relative cheapness. True, there were also principled lovers of cognac and whiskey. Some were even interested in Madeira and other fortified wines, but due to the lack of imports, they had to be content with a limited assortment in the early days. Certain restrictions remained in force after the abolition of Prohibition - no more than two half-liters were released into one hand.
The repeal of Prohibition stopped the smuggling of alcohol for only a few months. Already at the end of 1932, the smugglers perked up, adapted to the conditions of the competitive struggle against the state monopoly and resumed their illegal business with the same enthusiasm, giving up only their superprofits. The conditions and forms of this competitive struggle have changed over the years and decades, but its essence has not changed: the state replenishes its treasury through excise taxes, and citizens are trying by hook or by crook to get their daily drink cheaper - because of the cordon.
It is no secret to anyone that the bulk of smuggled alcohol these days enters Finland across the eastern border from Russia. Both Russian tourists and the Finns themselves are engaged in this business. A significant difference in the price of vodka in Russia and Finland makes this business indestructible.
This whole sad experiment with the adoption and abolition of the "dry" law leads to equally sad thoughts. As a result of 13 years of prohibitive practice, craving for the "forbidden fruit" - in this case, for alcoholic beverages - seems to have migrated into the gene pool of the nation.
Once, back in Soviet times, during a visit of high-ranking Finnish party leaders to the Cricova wine cellars near Chisinau - to taste selected local wines and cognacs - one of the guests asked the chief cupbearer of the republic a question that apparently tortured him: "How to drink so as not to get drunk "? Which was followed by a philosophical counter-question: "Why then drink"?
As Benjamin Franklin said, the school of life is the most severe school, but fools are not taught in other schools. Not far from this truth is the saying that fools learn only from their own bitter experience. The whole world has long been convinced that prohibitions cannot ensure the sobriety of a nation. Significantly more effective tool advocacy of a sober lifestyle is the power of a living example, especially the leaders of the nation.