In the picturesque Nuuksio region, just outside Helsinki, a vibrant community effort is underway to combat the encroachment of invasive large-leaved lupins that threaten the delicate balance of native wildflower populations. Leading the charge is Hawkhill, a travel company renowned for its commitment to sustainability. This spring, they’ve launched an innovative initiative dubbed the Lupine Battle, rallying together summer residents, local businesses, associations, and eager travelers. With the support and expert guidance of the Regional Environment Centre, volunteers have made remarkable strides, clearing over 200 bags of these invasive plants in a single season, aided by the power of social…
Author: Finland Review
Mold » Destination News » The Art Capitals You Didn’t Know You Needed: Oulu and Trenčín Set to Dethrone Europe’s Major Cities in 2026! Published on April 14, 2026 Image generated with Ai Europe’s cultural landscape is on the brink of a significant transformation in 2026. As major tourist hubs become increasingly inundated with visitors, a new breed of traveler is seeking genuine, off-the-beaten-path experiences. This shift is shining a light on the hidden art capitals of Europe—small towns and regions that were once overlooked but are now emerging as vital cultural centers, offering authentic art experiences shaped by local…
In a nation accustomed to long, frigid winters, the arrival of spring is less a gentle transition and more a dazzling liberation. One week, snow blankets the streets; the next, it disappears, and Café terraces spill onto the pavements, welcoming the rhythm of life once more. Finns shed their heavy boots for sneakers, don lighter jackets, and step into the open air, visibly relieved. The transformation is striking. In southern Finland, bare branches suddenly glimmer with fresh, pale green. After months of dull browns, the forest floor bursts into life with resilient blooms: the liverleaf, wood anemone, and cheerful coltsfoot…
Embracing Nature: Ulko-Tammio Island’s Phone-Free Initiative As summer unfolds, travelers heading to Ulko-Tammio, a serene island in Finland, are encouraged to stash their smartphones away. This unique initiative aims to foster a deeper connection with nature and encourage a break from the omnipresent social media buzz. Nestled within the Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park, Ulko-Tammio is being heralded as the world’s first phone-free tourist haven. The Eastern Gulf of Finland is a treasure trove of breathtaking islands, each inviting explorers to discover its rugged landscapes, tranquil swimming spots, and charming coastal villages. Here, nature reigns supreme, offering a peaceful…
In Rovaniemi, Finland—”the official Hometown of Santa Claus”—residents are raising alarms over an overwhelming surge in tourism that threatens the delicate balance of their beloved winter wonderland. Santa Claus Village Amusement Park in Rovaniemi, Finland is witnessing a remarkable surge in tourism.(Image: Getty Images) The once tranquil atmosphere of Santa Claus Village, a small winter-themed amusement park, is now fraught with chaos due to an unprecedented influx of visitors. Located in Rovaniemi, the self-proclaimed capital of Finnish Lapland, this park is particularly popular during the festive season. However, the town is now grappling with tourism challenges similar to those faced…
I often find myself pondering what it would be like to call some of the captivating places I visit home—each one flirts with the idea, yet I know not everywhere can hold that title. Take Sydney, for instance. As much as I dream of waking each day with that stunning harbor view, its distance from the rest of the world gives me pause. Similarly, while Istanbul pulsates with life and energy, its vastness can be daunting. Then there’s Reykjavik—a city that feels warm and inviting but might be just a tad too small for my ambitions. And let’s not even…
Embracing the Magic of Childhood: A Journey to Santa’s Home in Finland Childhood is a fleeting enchantment, a series of precious moments when children can still believe in magic while also yearning for thrilling adventures. When my youngest daughter was 6 and my oldest was 11, we seized this unique window and embarked on an unforgettable winter voyage to discover the real Santa Claus, tucked away above the Arctic Circle. Nestled among the snow-draped trees of northern Finland, we found a whimsical wonderland filled with reindeer-led sleighs, playful elves, child-sized snowmobiles, and glass domes designed for gazing at the captivating…
Explore the World: Airbnb Reveals 2025’s Must-Visit Destinations As we turn the page to a new year, a sense of adventure beckons. Airbnb has just released its list of the top 20 trending destinations that travelers are eagerly adding to their 2025 travel bucket lists, alongside the top 10 spots for Irish tourists eager to explore. The trending destinations showcase places experiencing a surge in interest, as evidenced by the uptick in searches from solo travelers, families, and groups planning trips for next year. This list highlights not only emerging favorites but also some of the most wishlisted cities of…
A Journey to Winter’s Embrace in Lapland I’ve yet to whisk my children away to the snowy wonder of Lapland to meet Father Christmas, but like many, I yearn for a seasonal escape. This time of year often feels overwhelmed by festive chaos—parties, endless wrapping of gifts—but there’s an undeniable allure in the thought of finding solace in a vast, serene landscape blanketed in snow. Thus, I find myself in Finland’s far north, just 180 miles from where the land gives way to the icy reach of the Arctic Ocean—a remote corner pointing its frozen fingers toward the North Pole.…
Helsinki’s VALO Hotel & Work once again claimed top honors as Finland’s leading hotel at the World Travel Honors held last week in Berlin, reinforcing its reputation as a trailblazer in the realm of functional, hybrid accommodations. “This recognition is not just a win; it’s a testament to the VALO team’s unwavering passion for our guests and our mission,” remarked Hannu Holma, co-founder and CEO of VALO Hotel & Work. He emphasized the hotel’s commitment to bringing “Authentic Encounters” into the daily lives and work experiences of its patrons. Holma acknowledged the significance of this award, stating, “This accolade sets…