Just a short drive—about 20 minutes—from Mariehamn nestled by the sea amidst a tranquil forest, you’ll find the enchanting ruins of Lemböte Chapel. This medieval gem has been thoughtfully restored, and during the summer months, it still hosts services and various events. Visitors are welcome to roam the grounds, and while the chapel is typically locked, you can catch a glimpse of its single-room interior through the iron-barred door. We had the pleasure of visiting this serene spot on a quiet November day. Location on the map Walking distance: approximately 700 m/one way Accessibility: Well-maintained Campfire site: Available Arrival by…
Author: Finland Review
Culture is the heartbeat of a place, giving it a unique flavor, and when it comes to Finland, it often presents a delightful twist of the unusual. The quirks that define Finnish culture make one ponder and provoke a bemused “What?” or perhaps even a drawn-out “Whaaat?!” These rather eccentric habits are part and parcel of our allure—indeed, a significant piece of our charm. In fact, I would contend that Finnish quirkiness equates to Finnish charm, and I’d stand by this equation without hesitation. So, what exactly does it mean to be Finnish? What distinctive traits characterize this Nordic culture?…
Exploring the enchanting waters of the Baltic Sea is as easy as embarking on a cruise or ferry trip to captivating destinations like Turku, Helsinki, Tallinn, Stockholm, or Mariehamn. While stepping aboard a massive cruise ship can seem daunting, especially for first-timers, there’s no need to worry. Below, we’ve compiled essential tips and links to help you navigate your journey with confidence. Traveling to Finland on a Large Cruise Ship Large passenger vessels frequently operate from Turku and Helsinki to popular ports like Tallinn, Stockholm, and Mariehamn—and vice versa. If you’re planning to arrive in Finland, ensure that you confirm…
“This should not happen. Not now and not in the future,” asserted Jukka Kopra, the chair of the National Coalition Party’s Parliamentary group, following a troubling episode within Finnish politics. In a recent meeting, government party chairs expressed their strong disapproval regarding comments made by certain members of the Finns Party, which they deemed disrespectful and detrimental to Finland’s reputation. The backlash stemmed from the reaction of some Finns Party MPs to the recent removal of Sarah Dzafce, a former Miss Finland, who was stripped of her title amid public outrage over a photo portraying her making a racially insensitive…
In 2001, violinist Linda Lampenius found herself in an uncomfortable position, compelled to take out a full-page advertisement in Ilta-Sanomat. The goal? To persuade now-convicted sex offender Peter Nygård to retract his defamation claims against her. This recent turn of events has come to light through Suomen Kuvalehti, reporting that Sanoma Media Finland is planning to reimburse Lampenius for the hefty sum she paid for the ad—a cost that has lingered more than two decades. The conflict dates back to 1997, when Lampenius made remarks during a trip to California that involved an unsettling encounter with Nygård. She cautioned against…
Alisa Vainio Reflects on a Transformative Season of Growth In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, endurance running sensation Alisa Vainio opened up about her journey during a remarkable racing season. At just 28, Vainio secured her place as the fifth-best European marathon runner at the recent World Championships in Tokyo, not to mention her impressive feat of breaking the Finnish record twice this year. While her achievements speak volumes, it was her introspective analysis post-season that truly captured attention. Accompanying her reflective thoughts was a video collage offering a glimpse into Vainio’s life beyond the finish line. The footage…
In September 1994, tragedy struck the Baltic Sea when the ferry M/S Estonia sank, resulting in the loss of 852 lives. The disaster stands as one of the most catastrophic maritime incidents in 20th-century European history. Recently, authorities from Estonia, Sweden, and Finland deliberated over the necessity of reopening the investigation into this harrowing event. In a final report published by these agencies, they concluded that further inquiry is unwarranted. This decision comes on the heels of renewed interest sparked by a documentary released in 2021, which showcased new footage of the shipwreck and prompted a closer examination of the…
*Note: This post may include affiliate links, which means I might earn a commission if you use them. Rest assured, I only recommend products and services that I genuinely trust and enjoy. There’s an old saying, “There’s a time and place for everything”, and it rings especially true when we’re talking about witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights in Finland. The Finns have a deep affinity for the Auroras; after all, we know a thing or two about them. As a local, I’m eager to share insights that will help you plan an unforgettable trip for you and your loved ones.…
The Finnish Nature Center Haltia serves as an excellent launchpad for both leisurely local trails and the more rugged expanses of Nuuksio National Park. The areas around Lake Urja and Lake Orajärvi are particularly enchanting, though adventurers should note that these sections lack marked trails; map-reading skills and a patient mindset are essential, or one might consider hiring a Wilderness guide. On a misty Wednesday morning, I set out from Haltia towards the Solvalla Rundan loop, soon making our way along a narrow forest path that led us to the serene shores of Lake Orajärvi. Starting point (Haltia) marked on…
Loving a Finnish Man: Why It’s Worth It When it comes to romance, few experiences can rival the joy of being in a relationship with a Finnish man. Trust me on this; I’m here to share ten compelling reasons that will have you nodding along with enthusiasm. Ten Reasons to Love a Finnish Man 1. Housework Heroes Finnish men are champions when it comes to sharing household responsibilities. From cooking and grocery shopping to vacuuming, they dive into domestic tasks with a genuine smile. Want a glimpse of daily Finnish life? Follow me on Instagram for more! 2. Masters of…