In February, I checked off a significant item from my bucket list: witnessing the Aurora Borealis, more commonly known as the northern lights. These mesmerizing displays of color result from charged particles emitted by the sun colliding with Earth’s upper atmosphere, creating stunning light shows that grace our planet’s poles. Although auroras can technically occur year-round, they are most visible during the long, dark winter nights of the polar regions. My adventure took me to Utsjoki, Finland’s northernmost municipality, located approximately 280 miles above the Arctic Circle. The journey was no small feat, requiring two flights from New York to…
Author: Finland Review
The scent of the sea greets you long before the island comes into view. As the ferry pulls away from the mainland, the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Bothnia rock us gently. Gulls soar overhead, their calls dancing on the wind, while strands of hair tangle joyfully in the salty air. Our destination is Hailuoto, the largest island in the Bay of Bothnia, off the coast of Oulu in northern Finland. Renowned for its pristine sandy beaches, windswept pine forests, and vibrant cultural scene, the island has always felt somewhat apart from the rest of Finland. Oulu resident Juha…
Meet Samuel: A Finnish Bird Photographer’s Journey Samuel, a passionate wildlife photographer hailing from Finland, has carved out a niche for himself in the world of avian photography. His compelling images have graced the prestigious platforms of both the People’s Choice Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Bird Photographer of the Year. How did your career start? Samuel’s affinity for birds and the natural world began in childhood, though it took a backseat during his teenage years. His journey into photography blossomed while he was studying at university in Paris, where he initially focused on capturing the intensity of metal…
Finland Unveils Transformation of Paimio Sanatorium into Luxury Wellness Hotel: A New Chapter for Nordic Travel Inspired by UNESCO Recognition and Heritage Preservation In a remarkable fusion of history and modern luxury, Finland has announced the transformation of the iconic Paimio Sanatorium into a luxurious wellness hotel. This ambitious project not only aims to breathe new life into the renowned architectural marvel, which was designed by the eminent Alvar Aalto in the 1930s, but also highlights Finland’s commitment to heritage conservation and cultural tourism. The Paimio Sanatorium, once a pioneering tuberculosis hospital, has long been celebrated for its innovative design…
Elizabeth’s Week in Lapland: Unveiling the Secrets of Finnish Happiness 07:11, 09 Aug 2025 | Updated 12:54, 11 Aug 2025 I spent a week immersed in the enchanting realms of Lapland, where the emerald panorama flourished beneath the warmth of the midnight sun. A mere three-hour flight from Manchester Airport unfolds a treasure trove of experiences for families of all kinds. While winter may cast Lapland in a fairy-tale glow, with visions of Santa Claus, reindeer, and twinkling lights, my journey took place in the vibrant summer months—a time when the region reveals its more serene joys. Though I’ve journeyed…
Foreign Drones Jolt Baltic Skies: How Airspace Concerns in Estonia, Latvia, and Finland Are Shaping the Future of Safe Travel to NATO’s Eastern Flank As tensions rise in Eastern Europe, the skies over the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Finland are increasingly becoming a focal point of concern. The surge in foreign drone activity has left governments and citizens alike grappling with questions about security and the future of air travel in this strategically vital region. Over the past few months, sightings of unidentified drones have sparked alarm among military and civilian air traffic controllers. These incidents highlight not…
The Netherlands Takes the Lead in Europe’s Safest Travel Destinations for 2026 In an impressive turn of events, the Netherlands has emerged as the frontrunner in the rankings for Europe’s safest travel destinations for 2026. Surpassing notable contenders such as Finland, Sweden, Czechia, Belgium, and Estonia, this small nation is redefining what it means to be a secure and inviting place for global tourists. As travelers increasingly prioritize safety and connectivity, the Netherlands stands out not only for its low crime rates but also for its rich cultural heritage and well-developed infrastructure. This combination has created a compelling appeal for…
In Finland’s picturesque west coast, launching a new yacht isn’t just a routine event; it’s a festive occasion. Brass bands fill the air with lively tunes, local business leaders come together, and the Mayor may even make an appearance. Yet, on this momentous day, the true focus is on the boatbuilders—the backbone of this vibrant maritime culture—numbering in the hundreds. Our journey takes us to Pietarsaari, or Jakobstad as it’s known in Swedish, which is one of Finland’s official languages and predominant in this region. Here, the community takes immense pride in the exquisite sailing yachts crafted by Baltic Yachts,…
Lynx Sightings on the Rise in Finland Encounters with lynx in Finland have long been a rarity, but recent trends suggest they are becoming more frequent as the population steadily increases. A Close Encounter Fairy tale Elo had a memorable brush with nature one evening last week while driving near her home in Kotka, a picturesque city in southeastern Finland. It was then that she spotted a striking lynx meandering along the road in Tiutinen, an island district of the city. In a charming turn of events, the wild cat later settled down at a nearby bus stop. “We stopped…
It’s just past 10 PM, and the sky is finally shedding the vibrant blue that cloaked the day. Perched beside the Baltic Sea, my toes dip into the cool water as I gaze out at the faint outlines of distant, tree-clad islands, their shapes softened by the gentle caress of lapping waves against the smooth, flat rocks. I trace a meandering path back to my cabin, slipping through a tranquil wood where the only sound is the whisper of pine needles drifting to the forest floor. Here in the Santalahti woods, near Kotka on Finland’s southeast coast, I find myself…