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Finland

September 1, 2014 by jfalbelda

For the Thrills — Getting The Adrenaline Pumping in Lapland

Finnish Lapland conjures images of wide-open spaces, frozen lakes, and the snow-laden boughs of graceful conifers, lit by the flickering colors of the Northern lights. Lapland’s snowy landscapes are the perfect setting for a host of activities. Whether you want to do sport or are heading there to see Santa, or do both, on your holiday to Lapland, you need to think carefully when planning your holiday to Lapland. From December to March is the perfect time for all winter sports, and snowmobiling is one of the most popular adventure activities.

You can go on an adventure safari by snowmobile, travelling along the courses of frozen rivers and through the snow-bound forests, to lakes where you can try your luck at ice-fishing. Once you have a feel for your snowmobile — and learnt where the button for the heated handlebar switch is – you’ll get the maximum adrenaline rush by daring to drive at up to 60 kph across the ice of a frozen lake. Alternatively, you can go off-piste through deep, new snow, and learn the skill of driving on one ski and other tricks.

snow mobile
Winter sledging is a sport that’s not for the faint of heart, and is definitely a way of life in northern Finland. You take a chairlift to the top of the fells, then sledge downhill at incredible speed. Sledging is not as dangerous as it looks: the sledge runs are purpose-built, and the sledges do have brakes! Lapland is also home to some excellent skiing, both downhill and cross-country, and snowboarding continues to grow in popularity. Ice climbing in gorges and frozen waterfalls makes an unforgettable experience for intrepid holidaymakers. Guided climbs with qualified instructors are available for the less experienced.

During Lapland’s summer, there’s no need to miss out on the thrill of extreme sports; climbing and abseiling continue on conventional rock faces. You can also experience the rush of downhill mountain biking, and summer sledging is a thrilling experience for the whole family. White-water rafting is another adventure everyone can enjoy.

dogsledding
Perhaps the ultimate extreme sports experience is a winter husky safari into the Arctic. A team of huskies pulls your two-person sled and you “Mush” your way across the silent beauty of the tundra through the twilight zone of the Lapland winter. You may try ice-fishing, or forage for your supper from the wild, before settling down for the night in a traditional wooden lodge. A husky Arctic safari is an unmissable chance to appreciate the traditional Lapp way of life.

If you still can’t enough adventure, you can always head over to see Santa and find out he’s doing. Then when you get back home, as well as tell all your friends about your adventures on the snow, you can say you’re up to date with events in the run-up to Christmas. That’s a thrill in itself!

Posted in Finland · Tagged Dogsledding, Finland, Lapland, Santa, snowmobile ·
February 21, 2014 by jfalbelda

Top Tourist Attractions In Finland

Nature is behind many of the top tourist attractions in Finland. It may be home to Nokia, one of the world’s leading phone manufacturing companies, but it is blessed with unspoiled nature and stunning scenery. Locals are well aware of this that even though they live in a technologically-advanced country, they spend their summer months in cottages around beaches and lakes for relaxing activities such as swimming and fishing. The Nordic country also has an interesting past which left it with numerous historical attractions.

scenery in Finland

#1: Rauma

The old town is characterized by its wooden architecture and has become one of the finest examples of a traditional Nordic city. Rauma is also one of the world’s biggest and most beautiful wooden towns. There are more than 600 buildings here and many of them are privately owned and well-preserved. The typical house in Rauma is called a kirsti. It is a small fisherman’s house. Don’t miss this awesome Norwegian destination!

#2: Seurasaari Island

The island offers a quick escape from Helsinki as it’s only a few kilometers away. Not only does it give you a peaceful break from the city, it also acts as an outdoor museum that represents four centuries of Finnish history. Old mansions and estates from all over Finland were moved here but you will also see small cottages and farmhouses to represent the country’s different regions. Walking around Seurassari Island is a delight for any nature lover as well because of its beautiful sceneries.

#3: Suomenlinna Fortress

The fortress hails from the later half of the 18th century. It was built to aid Sweden in protecting the eastern Baltic region from Russian invasion. Suomenlinna spans across six islands near Helsinki and is part of the top tourist attractions in Finland. It’s renowned for being one of the world’s biggest and strongest fortresses.

#4: St. Olaf’s Castle

It is a medieval castle built in 1475 on an island connected to the mainland. Like Suomenlinna Fortress, its purpose was to protect Finland from Russia. St. Olaf’s Castle was originally ordered by Eric Knight Akselson Toth but subsequent kings who lived there contributed to its current eclectic architecture. Each year the grounds of the castle and fortress are used as a venue for the Savonlinna Opera Festival.

#5: Petäjävesi

Petäjävesi is an old wooden church that exemplifies northern architecture. It was constructed by a peasant from 1763 to 1764. Its facade and rooftop are characteristically Gothic in architecture but simple in design. The interiors are marked by intricate designs and craftwork such as handmade arches and carvings. Nowadays, the church is a major tourist spot.

#6: Koli National Park

The national park encompasses a woodland growing on mountains from 2 billion years ago as well as islands and a lake. Locals consider it a magical and sacred place. Despite its seemingly uniformity, there is a wide variety of animals and plants thriving in the area.

So there you have it, just some of the great tourist attractions to enjoy in Finland. So, book your tickets, pack suitcase and hit the road! Bon Voyage!

Posted in Finland · Tagged Europe, Finland ·

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JeremyWelcome to Top Spot Travel.com! Your source for all things travel from budget holidays to 5-star resorting, you can find it all here, and hopefully crack a smile while you're at it. Enjoy!
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