Despite Finland's reputation as a land of snow and ice, Finland actually has some of the most beautiful cities in the world. Some of these are listed below.
Vaasa
Located on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, Vaasa is one of the most beautiful cities in Finland. The city is known for its old culture heritage and verdant fields. There are many fascinating sites and museums to explore in Vaasa. In addition, the city is very popular with tourists for its great beaches and water sports. Whether you are visiting Finland for vacation or for business, you will find plenty to do in Vaasa.
One of the best things to do in Vaasa is to see the ruins of the old city. These ruins are located in Vaasa's National Park. Visitors can stroll around the ruins of the city and take in the history of the ancient town.
A visit to the Ostrobothnian Museum is a great way to learn about the history of Vaasa and the culture of the area. The museum is located in the Marianpuisto Park and focuses on cultural history and natural science. It is a short walk from the Omena Hotel.
Another place to visit is the Edvin art park. This park is located near the center of Vaasa. The park features statues by prominent Finnish painters, and the original dugouts from the second world war.
Savonlinna
Located on the middle of Lake Saimaa, Savonlinna is one of Finland's most picturesque cities. Its historic center is a delight to explore. Savonlinna is also home to Olavinlinna Castle, which is the world's northernmost medieval castle.
The Savonlinna Opera Festival is a cultural event that is recognized worldwide. It first took place in 1912 and is held in Olavinlinna castle. The festival showcases the beauty of music and lake landscapes. Savonlinna is also a hub of many outdoor events.
Savonlinna is surrounded by many lakes and islands. You can explore the landscape on your own or take a boat trip. Savonlinna also offers swimming and diving. Savonlinna is also an excellent place to visit if you are a fan of Eastern Finnish delicacies.
Savonlinna is also home of the Saimaa ringed seal, which is the rarest seal breed in the world. You can see the seals in the Linnansaari National Park. The park is a nature lovers' paradise. The park has pristine waters, a multitude of craggy islands and marked nature trails. The park is also a popular place for boating and skiing.
Another thing to do in Savonlinna is to visit the Finnish Forest Museum. The museum has a series of exhibitions about forestry and modern day forestry.
Tampere
Located in West Finland, Tampere is Finland's second largest urban area and the largest in the Lakeland region. It has long been the centre of trade and commerce in the region.
Tampere's long industrial history has helped it become a leading centre of technological innovation. The city is also home to many large engineering and textile companies. The area is surrounded by lakes and dense pine forests, making it a very beautiful destination. The town has many interesting museums and cultural attractions.
One of the city's best attractions is the Vapriikki Museum. It is located near the Tammerkoski rapids, which run through the heart of the city. The rapids were used as a hydropower source in the 18th century.
Another great place to visit is the Sarkanniemi Park. It is home to the Tampere Planetarium and an aquarium. The park is a fun place for all ages. It also has over 30 rides for kids. The park also has a children's zoo.
The Tammeroski rapids are one of Finland's most recognizable landmarks. Originally used as a hydropower source, the rapids are a narrow isthmus connecting two of the country's major lakes. They have an elevation drop of 18 metres.
Suomenlinna
Located about fifteen minutes from Helsinki, Suomenlinna is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is one of Finland's most popular destinations. Many of the historic buildings are well-preserved and make for a lovely trip.
A great way to explore Suomenlinna is by taking the ferry. It is a scenic 15-minute ride from Helsinki. The ferry departs from the port in the morning and returns late at night. Visitors can also take the waterbus to get there.
Suomenlinna is an island fortress that is a popular destination for residents of Helsinki. The fortress has an impressive lighthouse, Russian Orthodox church, and an 18th century manor house. The fort was built as a military base during the 18th century. In 1991, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The island is a very pleasant car-free zone, making it a perfect location for residents and visitors to enjoy the sights. The island is also home to a number of museums, including the Suomenlinna Museum and the Military Museum. There are also shops and cafes to enjoy.
Visitors can also see the famous Puijo Observation Tower, which provides beautiful views of the city. A museum dedicated to the submarine Vesikko is also located on the island.
Hameenlinna
Known as the birthplace of famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, Hameenlinna is located in southwest Finland. This town is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. It offers a unique mix of nature and culture.
Hameenlinna was founded by the Swedish governor general in 1639. It became the northern terminus of Finland's first railroad in 1862. The city has a number of important landmarks, including the medieval castle.
Hameenlinna is also home to the Linnanniemi Museum Complex. It is made up of six different museums, each of which offers a unique experience. This complex is located on the campus of the Hame University of Applied Sciences.
The oldest landmark in Hameenlinna is the medieval castle, which was reconstructed by the Swedish governor general. It is one of the best-preserved brick castles in the Nordic countries. The castle has a scenic view of the surrounding area.
The Aulanko forest park is also worth visiting. This park features a scenic lookout tower and has had a profound effect on Finnish park culture. The park has a large number of trees, which came from large plantings in the 1930s.
Hameenlinna has numerous lakes. The most popular is Lake Ahvenisto, which has a beach area with a cafe. There is a good path around the lake and the lake is very popular for swimming.
Lappeenranta
Founded in 1649, Lappeenranta is a city of culture and history. It is also an important commercial and passenger transport centre. The city is also an important tourist destination, with its unique culture, beautiful lake and historical sites.
Lappeenranta is a popular destination for foreign tourists as well as Finnish visitors. The city is located on the southern shore of Lake Saimaa. The lake is the largest in Finland and can be viewed from the fortifications in the old town. The town is also home to the largest sandcastle in Finland.
The city is also a major port for shipping routes on the lake. Lappeenranta's main attraction is the Fortress of Lappeenranta, which is one of the most visited sites in Finland. The city is also home to the oldest orthodox church in Finland.
The city has a variety of museums. Visitors can learn about Lappeenranta's history and culture at the Cavalry Museum, the Lappeenrata Art Museum and the Museum of South Karelia. The city also has a permanent orchestra and ten choirs. The Lappeenranta University of Technology was founded in 1969.
The city's main square is filled with restaurants and shops. It's also home to the Luukkaansalmi Bridge, which was featured in the TV series Bordertown.
Punkaharju
Known for its magnificent natural beauty and historical attractions, Punkaharju is one of the most popular destinations in Finland. The city is located on the banks of Saimaa Lake. It has many attractions and hotels for tourists.
Punkaharju is also home to one of the oldest nature reserves in the world. The Punkaharju Nature Reserve is managed by Metsahallitus. In this area, visitors will enjoy scenic lakes, majestic pines, and a natural landscape that is claimed as the national landscape of Finland.
Punkaharju has many historic hotels and monuments to see. Visitors can choose from a variety of accommodation types, including cheap hotel capsules to luxury 5-star resorts. Some hotels offer special travel packages, like theme packages or discounted hotel rates. Punkaharju also has many low-budget apartments for tourists with limited incomes.
The area is also home to the Finnish Forest Museum Lusto, which displays the historical significance of forests in Finnish society. The museum is located nearby Punkaharju Arboretum. The museum offers varied exhibitions, and an information center.
The city is also home to the largest art center in Nordic countries. The Retretti Art Center has a large art collection, and a 3,000-square-foot underground exhibition hall. The center hosts national and international art exhibitions.