Data extracted 12 January 2026 Planned article update: 4 March 2026 Highlights In Q3 2025, tourism nights in the EU reached 1.3 billion, marking a 1.7% increase compared to the same quarter in 2024. With an estimated 3.1 billion nights spent in tourist accommodations across the EU, 2025 has set a new record, featuring an increase of 62 million nights or 2.0%. Nearly every EU country recorded growth in tourism nights for 2025, with Malta leading the pack at a remarkable 9.9% increase, followed closely by Poland at 7.0%. Long-term trends show a surge in tourism levels, with figures for…
Author: Finland Review
Home » TOURISM NEWS » United States Joins Canada, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Finland, and More on the 2025 Winter Travel Advisory List: What You Need to Know About Snowfall and Travel Disruptions Across Snowy Destinations Published on December 17, 2025 Image generated with Ai This winter, the United States has officially joined Canada, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, and Finland on the 2025 Winter Travel Advisory List. For anyone planning to traverse these snowy landscapes, it’s crucial to stay informed about potential snowfall and the travel disruptions that can accompany it. Heavy snow can lead to flight cancellations, delayed trains,…
Even with snowshoes strapped to my feet, I find myself sinking knee-deep into fresh powder. Each step feels like a laborious endeavor, the weight of my heavy backpack a constant reminder of the journey ahead. As the temperature hovers around minus 20 degrees Celsius (minus four degrees Fahrenheit), the sun struggles to peek over the horizon. It is one of the bleakest days of the year in Oulanka National Park, in the northern reaches of Finland. Yet, amid the chill and darkness, I sense that this is precisely the moment meant for a polar-night hike. Kiutaköngäs, nestled in northern Kuusamo,…
**Updated December 20, 2025, 11:01 AM**If you’ve ever thought of yourself as not being a “winter person,” I invite you to reconsider—especially after exploring the destinations on this list. While my heart may always lean toward sandy beaches, I have developed a fondness for the enchantment of winter. There’s something undeniably magical about the way fresh snow sparkles under the sun, and how ice takes on striking shades of blue.Snowboarding on untouched powder gives me the same rush as catching a wave, and the simple joy of sledding ignites my inner child. If your skiing experience has been limited to…
Nestled in the serene landscape of Paimio, in southwestern Finland, the Paimio Sanatorium stands as a remarkable beacon of modernist architecture. Designed by the renowned duo Aino and Alvar Aalto and completed in 1933, this architectural marvel is not just a testament to innovative design; it beautifully harmonizes functionality with the natural world in a way that captivates all who visit. While I had heard about its historical and architectural significance, I couldn’t fully appreciate how integral nature is to the entire experience until I set foot there. The Paimio Sanatorium embodies modernist architecture, with a particular focus on the…
Finnish Photographers Shine in Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards This year’s Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards are showcasing the playful side of nature, with a delightful image of a grinning bear and a whimsical shot of a red-throated diver’s landing representing Finland. Valtteri Mulkahainen, hailing from the picturesque Sotkamo in Finland’s Kainuu region, has once again secured a spot on the illustrious shortlist. His previous work, which captured a bear joyfully sniffing a flower, received international acclaim, and his 2013 photograph of “dancing bears” also caught the eye of prominent media outlets. This time, Mulkahainen presents a charming entry titled “Smile, You’re…
Bakt. Lab. This acronym stands for bacteriological laboratories, or Bacteriological Laboratory, where critical research and testing on bacteria take place. Bj. Reg. This refers to the Björneborgs regemente, known in English as the Björnebergs Regiment, which is part of Sweden’s military framework and commonly referred to by its alternate name, the Pori Regiment. Bro. Lo This signifies the Bromarvi Sector, a geographic area of significance that plays a role in various operational contexts. In exploring these abbreviations, we gain insight into the intricate tapestry of military and scientific institutions that shape our understanding of public health and national defense.
It’s a sobering thought, but the roots of judicial corporal punishment in Finland run surprisingly deep in the country’s natural landscapes. Though the specifics can be unsettling, understanding how the elements of nature intertwined with crime and punishment reveals a fascinating, if grim, aspect of Finnish history. While capital punishment was only practiced for a few centuries, corporal punishment remained closely linked to Finland’s relationship with its environment. Crime and Corporal Punishment in Historical Finland In Finland’s earlier days, crime was viewed through a societal lens. The act of committing a crime was seen as a transgression that disrupted the…
Finland’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes create an ideal setting for tales of the supernatural. Its ancient castles and manors are steeped in the lore of restless spirits, tragic events, and unexplained happenings, drawing visitors eager to explore both the country’s past and its ghostly legends. This guide highlights some of the most renowned haunted sites in Finland, weaving together historical facts with the enigmatic stories that surround them. Olavinlinna Castle – The Lady in White Nestled on a rugged island in the heart of Savonlinna lies Olavinlinna Castle. Erected in 1475 by a Danish knight, the fortress was designed…
Ah, the charm of Hanko! From the moment I set foot in this delightful summer town, I felt an instant connection. Is there a more enchanting place to spend the warmer months? Hanko had been lingering on my summer wishlist for years, and this week, I finally made that long-held dream a reality. In recent summers, I often found myself escaping to Southeast Asia or the Mediterranean, drawn by the promise of sun-drenched days beneath palm trees. This year, however, the pandemic turned those dreams upside down. During the lockdown months, we grew accustomed to homestays, camping, and nature hikes.…