In the waning decades of the 16th century, the territories of Finland and Karelia thrummed with tension and conflict, as the Swedish and Russian Empires vied for supremacy. Bands of local Finns and Karelians, emboldened by their desperation, would routinely launch audacious raids deep into the heart of these sprawling empires. One fateful summer in 1589, amid the smoke rising from the besieged town of Kandalaksha, a ragged column of determined Finns made their way toward their next target: the city of Kem. Leading the charge was none other than Pekka Vesainen, a name that would resonate through history as…
Author: Finland Review
Korona on muuttanut maailmaa ja matkailua — miten tämä näkyy Baltian alueella? Koronavirus on jättänyt syvän jäljen matkailuun, ja sen vaikutukset ovat erityisesti havaittavissa parin viikon Baltian reissuni aikana Virossa, Latviassa ja Liettuassa. Lentomatkustaminen kamppailee kriisissä: lukuisat lentoyhtiöt ovat kaatuneet, ja jäljelle jäävät yhtiöt sinnittelevät kannattavuuden rajoilla. Voimme vain todeta, että matkustustottumuksemme on ehkä muuttunut pysyvästi. Miettiessäni lentomatkailua korona-aikana halusin kokea itse, miten tilanne vaikuttaa käytännössä. Varasin airBaltic-lennon Vilnasta Riikan kautta Helsinkiin vain neljä päivää ennen lähtöä. Heinäkuun lopun kesälomakaudella yhden suuntaisen lennon hinta airBalticilta oli kohtuullinen, vain 69 euroa. Vertailun vuoksi Finnairin suora lento olisi maksanut noin 230 euroa,…
Statistics Finland’s flash report, released late on January 17, reveals that non-resident visitors booked nearly half a million overnight stays in November 2025—a commendable year-on-year increase of seven percent. While these figures reflect past trends, they mark the onset of the much-anticipated northern lights and winter sports season that typically attracts high-yield travelers to Lapland. In total, visitors enjoyed 1.56 million overnight stays in November, with domestic travelers contributing 1.06 million nights, a slight dip of one percent compared to the previous year. The driving force behind the growth, however, was international visitors, particularly from the United Kingdom, Germany, and…
Here’s a refined version with a more natural tone, aimed at capturing the reader’s interest: — Exploring Helsinki offers a wealth of experiences, but some of its hidden gems can often be overlooked by those visiting for the first time. Here’s a deeper dive into the city’s treasures that shed light on its rich history and culture. ### 1. Helsinki Cathedral Once known as St. Nicholas Church, this iconic cathedral isn’t as Finnish as you might think. Built in honor of Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, it stands as a reminder of the era when Finland was a Grand Duchy…
Mold » America Travel News » Finland joins Canada, USA, Morocco, UAE, Vietnam, Ireland, Norway, China, Denmark and More Destinations Lunar Travel Inspirations for Every Zodiac Moon: Everything You Need to Know Published on January 21, 2026 Image generated with Ai As the celestial bodies align, Finland joins an impressive roster of destinations—from Canada and the USA to Morocco and Vietnam—inviting all Moon Sign Explorers to embark on a journey of Lunar Travel Inspirations. Your Moon Sign serves as more than a mere astrological marker; it acts as a guiding compass, directing you to places where your spirit can truly…
Mold » FINLAND TRAVEL NEWS » The Ultimate Arctic Adventure: Why Rovaniemi Should Be at the Top of Your Bucket List Published on January 12, 2026 Image generated with Ai Nestled right on the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is the capital of Finland’s enchanting Lapland region and has carved out a significant place for itself as one of Europe’s most captivating year-round travel hotspots. Known worldwide as the official Hometown of Santa Claus, the city boasts a population of approximately 66,000 and attracts nearly a million visitors each year, all drawn by its stunning Arctic vistas, breathtaking seasonal phenomena such as…
Autumn in Finland: A Tapestry of Tradition and Modernity As autumn blankets Finland in rich hues and tranquil forest sounds, the country finds itself at the intersection of ancient customs and contemporary celebrations. While Halloween has made its way into Finnish life in recent years, the indigenous Harvest festival known as Kekri has roots that reach back centuries. Today, these two festivities coexist, merging folklore, food, and fun into a celebration that is uniquely Finnish. From Harvest Fires to Ghostly Nights: The Story of Kekri Long before Halloween became a familiar sight in Finland, locals gathered to mark Kekri—an age-old…
Nestled within the scenic expanse of Teijo National Park is Jeturkasti, a site steeped in folklore and history, widely referred to as a “devil’s field,” or damn field in Finnish tales. My recent winter visit, though devoid of summer’s vibrant foliage, offered a serene escape from the bustling crowds. Despite the park’s undeniable beauty in the warmer months, my intention was to savor the tranquility of this unique landscape. Established in 2015, Teijo National Park draws around 100,000 visitors each year, and Jeturkasti stands as the largest of its few ancient shorelines, complete with a charming viewing deck and a…
With temperatures dipping to minus 16 degrees Celsius (minus three degrees Fahrenheit) and a biting wind swirling, the allure of the ski trails remains irresistible. While skiing with frostbitten toes can be quite uncomfortable, the alternative—breaking into a sweat within moments—is hardly desirable either. So, how does one prepare for outdoor exercise when the cold really sets in? To find out, we ventured to the ski trails of Finland’s capital, Helsinki, and further north to Kuusamo, where we spoke with skiers about their tried-and-true winter gear for frigid conditions. Matilda, 3, skiing in Kuusamo Wrapped snugly in a vibrant orange…
In the village of Simola, just outside Lappeenranta, a water tower stands with scars etched deep into its structure—a stark reminder of the brutal bombing campaign that occurred between June 19 and 20, 1944. By the end of those harrowing days, a tragic toll had been exacted: at least 130 lives, half of them innocent civilians, were lost to the chaos of war. The water tower today, bearing the marks of a past trauma.Source: Personal collection The Vyborg–Petrozavodsk Offensive The lifting of the Siege of Leningrad in February 1944 allowed Soviet forces to regroup and strengthen their position against Finland.…