Summary Lahti, Finland exemplifies a remarkable transformation from a bustling industrial city to a beacon of sustainability, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2025. Aspen, Colorado, is powered entirely by renewable energy and promotes eco-friendly travel options through free public transportation and bike-sharing programs, all set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. Kamaishi, Japan, has garnered acclaim for its renewable energy and waste reduction strategies and boasts the longest eco-tourism trail in Japan, winding along its picturesque coastline. Residents of small towns and rural communities deserve the same clean and healthy environments as their urban counterparts. Encouragingly, several small towns…
Author: Finland Review
Wolfdog hybrids are classified as an invasive species and are targeted for elimination from the wild. Open image Viewer Wolves in Kuhmo, eastern Finland. Image: Lassi Rautiainen / Articmedia 25.1. 11:52•Updated 25.1. 16:55 In Finland, the wolf hunting season has been open for just over three weeks, with hunters having already taken down 81 of the 100 wolves permitted by the quota. Among the fallen were three wolves identified as wolfdog hybrids, according to the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke). These hybrids were tracked in the southeastern regions, as well as in the Kaskinen–Närpes and Peurainneva areas of western Ostrobothnia.…
Tighter Visa Requirements Now in Effect in Finland As of January 2023, Finland has implemented new visa requirements that travelers must heed before embarking on their journeys to the Nordic nation. In a recent statement, the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlined significant changes for short-term stays. Visitors are now required to demonstrate a minimum of €50 per day for their time in Finland, up from the previous threshold of €30. This adjustment reflects the rising cost of living throughout the country. “The financial requirement is applicable to visits lasting no longer than 90 days,” the Ministry clarified, underscoring the…
Exploring the Allure of Finland: A Journey into Happiness and Nature Finland has a unique way of captivating travelers. It doesn’t scream for attention, yet it consistently tops global happiness rankings and finds a prominent spot on countless dream-trip itineraries. This intriguing Nordic country, characterized by its forests, lakes, and understated cities, has emerged as one of Europe’s most compelling travel destinations. The secret to its allure lies in a harmonious blend of wild nature, thoughtful design, rich traditions, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability—all of which contribute to a travel experience that’s truly one of a kind. The Mystique…
Rovaniemi: The Heart of Arctic Adventure Nestled just south of the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi has evolved from a quaint Lapland town into one of Europe’s premier winter getaways. While the allure of Santa Claus, reindeer, and the breathtaking Northern Lights draws visitors in, many are pleasantly surprised by the rich tapestry of culture, stunning Arctic landscapes, and the cozy comforts of a small city. This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with the latest insights on attractions, tours, typical expenses, and essential visitor information to help you craft a fulfilling itinerary in Finland’s unofficial Christmas capital. Getting Oriented: Rovaniemi and…
Travel to Finland: Taking to the Skies, Seas, or Roads Flying into Finland If you’re planning a trip to Finland, arriving by air is one of the most convenient options. The Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL), located just outside the capital, is the country’s main gateway, featuring a wide array of connections both domestically and internationally. Beyond Helsinki, you’ll find a few other regional airports, like Rovaniemi (RVN) and Kittilä (KTT) in the enchanting Lapland region, which also welcome direct international flights. Be sure to check flight availability from your departure point. Cruising into Port For those who prefer the charm of…
As dusk settled over an early summer evening, the fashion elite gathered on the picturesque island of Seurasaari for a runway show showcasing the talents of Finland’s emerging design stars. The evening featured an impressive lineup of collections from eleven promising designers: Idaliina Friman, Linda Kokkonen, Sini Saavala, Taneli Ukura, Ellen Rajala, Jim Bergström, Ilari Kokkola, Apollo Da Costa Doria, Enni Lähderinne, Nana Lybeck, and Anni Salonen. This event was a highlight of Helsinki Fashion Week, renowned worldwide for its commitment to sustainable fashion and its celebration of contemporary Nordic design. One of the many events of Helsinki Fashion Week…
The setting is a monochrome masterpiece, painted in black, white, gray, and silver. An unusual chill hangs in the air, as ice begins to creep onto the surface of the lake. I find myself alone in an unlit wooden sauna, enveloped by a profound silence, interrupted only by the gentle ticking of the stove as it warms the space. Across the water, ethereal silver birches stand guard beside dark pines, while Orion’s Belt twinkles brightly above. This surreal scene evokes images of midwinter in Canada or Finland, making it oddly surprising that I’m just a few miles southwest of Great…
Looking for an affordable place to stay in Helsinki that leaves some cash in your pocket for all the other adventures? You’re in luck. While many of us Finns often lament that traveling within our own country can feel pricey—some even suggest it’s cheaper to head abroad—there’s a silver lining. Helsinki is home to a burgeoning selection of budget-friendly hotels that deliver exceptional value. With a wide variety of options available, there’s a deal waiting to be discovered; you just have to know where to look. In the past five years, the city has welcomed a number of new budget…
Finland Rolls Out the Welcome Mat for Culinary Adventurers Finland—a nation renowned for its striking northern lights, rejuvenating saunas, and, notably, its reputation as the happiest country in the world—now has its sights set on another accolade: culinary excellence. For nine consecutive years, Finland has topped global happiness rankings, but as it turns out, there’s much more to the Nordic country than its sunny disposition. This September, Visit Finland is embarking on an exciting culinary tourism initiative called the Official Tasting Table. The project promises an all-expenses-paid, immersive four-day adventure for 16 fortunate travelers, focusing on the rich tapestry of…