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Top Attractions in Finland |
Old Rauma
Old Rauma recently made UNESCO’s World Heritage List on its
550th anniversary. It boasts one of the oldest harbours in Finland
as well as an impressive array of ancient vernacular architecture.
Fine craftsmen such as lace makers, goldsmiths and furniture makers
actively use many of these preserved buildings. Old Rauma also
contains one of the narrowest streets in Finland. The 15th century
Franciscan Holy Cross Church and the Rauma Museum, located in the
town hall, are also well worth a look.
Website: Old Rauma
The Island Fortress of Suomenlinna
The 18th century Fortress of Suomenlinna is a must-see on
any trip to Finland. It is located on an island at the entrance to
Helsinki harbour and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Treasure since
1991. The unique fortress is a fine example of European military
architecture. Besides being a being a historical site and tourist
attraction, Suomenlinna is also a well-loved recreation area for
Helsinki citizens. With 900 permanent inhabitants, Suomenlinna
remains a lively island with an impressive array of museums,
galleries, restaurants and cafes to keep you occupied!
Website: Suomenlinna
St. Olaf's Castle, Olavinlinna
Balanced on the edge of a tiny green island in a lake, this
beautiful 500-year-old castle resembles something from a fairytale.
Founded in 1475, it is comprised of the main castle as well as three
towers and a bailey with a surrounding wall reinforced by towers. It
is among Finland's most well-known tourist attractions. There is a
very interesting orthodox museum in the castle grounds displaying
Russian Orthodox artifacts from Finland and Russia.
Website: St Olaf's Castle, Olavinlinna
The King's Road
The King's Road is the historical route between the old
northern capitals of Oslo, Stockholm, Turku, Helsinki, and St.
Petersburg. Dating back to the 13th century, the ancient road winds
along the Finnish southern coastline past castles, manor houses and
frame cottages. Originally, the King's Road served as an important
connection between the powerful kingdoms of Sweden and Russia.
Today, it is a remarkable testament to history. Taverns and inns
that offered refuge to the weary traveler are still intact. Old
stone churches and iron mills also remain.
Website: The King's Road
Turku
Turku is the oldest and most fascinating of Finland's
medieval towns. Once the capital of Finland, this 750-year-old town
has a fully restored 13th-century castle which is now a Viking
museum. Its medieval Gothic cathedral is one of the most impressive
in Finland. The Handicrafts Museum is located in the quaint old town
where most of original medieval houses still stand. Make sure to
visit the thirty workshops which represent different trades and that
tell the story of the old professions. If you happen to visit near
Christmas, Turku is regarded as Finland's Christmas City. In the old
great square at 12 noon every Christmas Eve, a crowd of several
thousand people gather to listen to the proclamation of a Christmas
peace declaration which has resounded throughout Finland since the
middle ages.
Website: Turku
Arktikum Science Museum
The Arktikum is an award-winning multi-disciplinary science
museum depicting life in the Arctic region. The museum is divided
into two areas - The Arctic Centre and the Provincial Museum of
Lapland. The Arctic Centre interprets nature and local life in the
far north. The Provincial Museum of Lapland looks at the Lapp
wilderness as well as the cultural heritage it has moulded. Discover
how ordinary Lapps live in austere surroundings of the Arctic. There
are lots of interactive audio-visuals as well as some really
captivating exhibits.
Website: Arktikum Science Museum
Retretti Art Centre, Punkaharju
If you want to experience something truly different, the
Retretti Art Centre is the place to go. It is famous for its highly
unique exhibition space, which includes a ground level building and
an underground space hollowed out of the bedrock. The labyrinthine
space is used as an exhibition area for contemporary art.
Exhibitions at the art centre exhibition are as stunning as their
surroundings. Prepare to be amused, astounded and informed. The
centre also houses a concert hall and a restaurant.
Website: Retretti Art Centre
The Εland Islands
The Εland Islands are a unique, self-governing set of
islands off the Finnish coast. With their own distinct culture, flag
and postage stamps, they are dotted with medieval churches and
old-world fishing villages and are particularly ideal for
get-away-from-it all cycling, camping and cabin holidays.
Website: The Aland Islands
Lapland
Land of the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights, the
Finnish province of Lapland is one of the world’s most wild and
unspoiled regions, sparsely populated with truly friendly and
welcoming people. Blessed with wide open fells and hills,
uninhabited forests, magnificent lakes as clear as crystal, quietly
babbling brooks and foaming rapids, this region offers the tourist
the holiday of a lifetime. Lapland is also the home of Santa Claus.
Pay a visit to Santapark – Santa’s theme park – and meet with Santa
himself!
Ainola
Ainola is the place where Finland's greatest composer Jean
Sibelius spent much of his life. It is a destination of pilgrimage
for Sibelius lovers. Absorb the unbroken tranquility and gain a
sense of the world in which the composer and his family lived. When
he was composing there Sibelius insisted on silence; he believed
that music should be heard without disturbance from extraneous
noise. For this reason none of the maestro's work is amplified
through loudspeakers in an effort to create the same mood.
Website: Ainola
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