1. The Spectacle of the Northern Lights

Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, is a celestial performance unlike any other, and Finland offers one of the most spectacular front-row seats in the world. Imagine a burst of neon green, pink, and violet lights dancing against a starlit sky. You can witness this wonder from various spots, but Rovaniemi and Lapland remain favorites.

2. Land of a Thousand Lakes

Finland has 188,000 lakes! Summers here are all about lakeside cabin retreats, canoeing, and saunas followed by a refreshing dive into the cool water.

3. Unique Accommodations: Sleep in an Igloo or a Treehouse

Finland is renowned for its innovative hospitality. Stay in a glass igloo to watch the Northern Lights or nestle up in a treetop cabin in the woods. These experiences will make your trip memorable beyond imagination.

4. The Midnight Sun

If the Northern Lights weren’t enough, Finland’s northernmost parts witness another natural phenomenon: 24 hours of daylight in the summer. It’s a surreal experience and absolute delight for photographers and nature lovers.

5. Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi

Meet Santa anytime of the year! Yes, Rovaniemi is officially Santa Claus’ home. Embrace the festive spirit, pet the reindeer, and cross the Arctic Circle while you’re there.

6. Finnish Sauna Experience

A trip to Finland would be incomplete without experiencing a traditional Finnish sauna. There are approximately 2 million saunas in Finland, for a population of 5.4 million! It’s deeply rooted in Finnish culture, and it’s an experience of relaxation and rejuvenation.

7. A Taste of Finland

From Korvapuusti (cinnamon buns) to Salmiakki (salty licorice), Finnish cuisine is a delightful revelation. Don’t miss out on freshwater fish dishes and cloudberries.

8. Helsinki: A Fusion of Modern Design and Timeless Tradition

The capital city, Helsinki, is a hub of modern design, fascinating architecture, and rich history. Explore its vibrant streets, visit design museums, and enjoy seaside views.

9. National Parks and Wildlife

Finland boasts 40 national parks covering 9,892 square kilometers. Whether you’re hiking in the summer or cross-country skiing in the winter, the nation’s parks are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Also, keep an eye out for the elusive Finnish brown bear!

10. The Warmth of the Finnish People

While the temperatures might be chilly, the Finnish people are warm and welcoming. Their concept of ‘Sisu‘ (a unique blend of determination, resilience, and courage) is truly inspiring and worth experiencing firsthand.

11. Adventure Beyond the Mainland: Åland Islands

Nestled between Finland and Sweden, the Åland Islands offer an idyllic retreat for serenity. With its Swedish influence, the archipelago boasts picturesque landscapes, historic shipwrecks for diving, and a unique maritime culture.

12. The Enigmatic Finnish Folklore

Finland’s rich folklore tapestry is fascinating. Dive deep into tales of ancient spirits, forest creatures, and myths at the National Museum in Helsinki or through local storytelling traditions in villages.

13. Authentic Finnish Events: Celebrate Vappu and Midsummer

Experience Finland like a local by participating in its celebrations. Vappu (Walpurgis Night) marks spring with joyous celebrations, while Midsummer or Juhannus is the most anticipated festival, signifying the longest day of the year with bonfires and dancing.

14. The Architectural Marvel: Temppeliaukio Church

Digging directly into solid rock, Temppeliaukio Church in Helsinki is an architectural wonder. Its striking structure offers excellent acoustics, making it not only a place of worship but also a popular concert venue.

15. Dive into the Arctic: Ice Swimming

For the brave-hearted, ice swimming is a tradition in Finland that you might want to try. After a hot sauna, jump into a hole cut out in the frozen lake or sea. It’s an exhilarating experience that boosts circulation and invigorates the spirits!

Wrap-Up:
Every nook and corner of Finland radiates charm that’s both otherworldly and deeply rooted in its rich traditions. It beckons with the promise of untold stories, adventures, and soul-stirring experiences. If the wonders of the world were a symphony, Finland would be its most hauntingly beautiful note.

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The Allure of Finnish Landscapes

Lapland’s Northern Lights – In winter nights, the sky dances with hues of green, pink, and violet. The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of Finland’s most iconic attractions. Witnessing this spectacle is a life-changing experience for many.

Endless Summer Days – During summer, Finland experiences the midnight sun. The sun doesn’t set for several days, especially in the north. This makes it an ideal spot for activities like camping, hiking, and kayaking, allowing visitors to enjoy nature 24/7.

The Archipelago of Beauty – The Finnish archipelago boasts more than 40,000 islands, most untouched. It’s a paradise for those looking to escape and find a peaceful retreat.

Finland’s Real Estate: A Hidden Gem

Beyond its travel charm, Finland’s real estate market has seen significant growth in recent years.

Stable Economy – Finland boasts a robust economy, making it an attractive place for real estate investment. Its high standards of living, coupled with world-renowned education and healthcare systems, ensure consistent demand for properties.

Vibrant Urban Centers – Cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku have seen a surge in housing demand due to their thriving tech scenes, universities, and cultural offerings.

Holiday Homes – The demand for vacation homes, especially near lakes and in Lapland, has increased. With more people looking for retreats amidst nature, these homes offer both a getaway and a promising investment opportunity.

HomesEh: Your Partner in Finnish Real Estate – If you’re considering diving into the Finnish property market, platforms like HomesEh provide invaluable insights, listings, and guidance. They bridge the gap between international investors and local opportunities, making the process seamless.

Merging Travel with Investment

Imagine owning a cozy cabin by a Finnish lake, where you can retreat during holidays and rent it out for the rest of the year. Or a trendy apartment in Helsinki, which you can lease to students or working professionals. Finland offers the perfect blend of tranquil travel experiences and real estate ventures. It’s a place where you can enjoy the benefits of both worlds.

Going Beyond the Surface

While the aforementioned points highlight Finland’s highlights, delving deeper into Finland’s offerings can unlock more treasures for travelers and investors alike.

Rich Cultural Heritage – Finland’s historical sites and museums testify to its rich past. The country’s indigenous Sámi culture, combined with its age-old traditions, offers a diverse cultural experience. This heritage adds significant value to properties located near such attractions.

Eco-friendly Innovations – Finland is at the forefront of sustainable living. Many upcoming property developments focus on eco-friendly designs, renewable energy sources, and environmentally friendly materials. Investing in such properties promises high ROI but also supports a sustainable future.

Burgeoning Startup Scene – In cities like Helsinki, the startup ecosystem is booming. With a steady influx of international talent and entrepreneurs, rental properties are perpetually high.

Natural Wellness Retreats – The Finnish sauna tradition is world-renowned. Tourists flock to Finland to experience authentic sauna sessions, followed by a dip in the cold waters. Properties that incorporate or are near wellness amenities are highly sought after.

Making the Right Choice

Investing in a foreign country can be daunting. It’s essential to understand local regulations, property rights, and market trends. For those unfamiliar with Finland’s real estate norms, partnering with local experts is crucial.

Diverse Investment Choices – From modern apartments in bustling urban areas to serene lakeside cabins, the choices are diverse. Determine your investment goals—whether you’re looking for quick rental income, long-term appreciation, or a personal holiday home.

Finnish Welcome – The Finnish people, known for their ‘sisu’ (a unique blend of courage and resilience), are incredibly welcoming to foreigners. As an investor, you’ll find a supportive community and a plethora of resources to guide your journey.

Travel and Explore – Before making an investment decision, it’s always beneficial to experience Finland firsthand. Travel around, explore potential properties, understand the locales, and gauge the market first-hand.

Wrapping Up

Finland, with its blend of untouched natural beauty and evolving urban landscapes, offers a dynamic mix of travel experiences and investment opportunities. As the country grows and diversifies, real estate investment potential magnifies.

Whether you’re dreaming of watching the Northern Lights from your backyard or earning rental income from a city apartment, Finland’s harmonious blend of tranquil travel and robust real estate investment opportunities awaits you. So, pack your bags and let your investment journey intertwine with unforgettable travel memories.

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Not far from Santa’s village is a wonderful place – Santa Park, where the beloved winter holidays continue all year round, where elves sing, children laugh, and the air is saturated with the smell of spices. Every year, the ice cave of Santa Park opens its doors to hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the world, and during the New Year holidays their number increases several times. So if you have decided to give your children a special New Year in Santa Park, it is better to buy tickets in advance.

How to get there
Santa Park is very conveniently located: it takes only a few minutes to get from Rovaniemi Airport, and the city center is about 8 km away. From there you can get to the park by a special bus Santa’s Express (№ 8) in 15 minutes. For those who come to Santa Park by car, there is free parking with plenty of space.

When you purchase a ticket to Santa Park, you are guaranteed a chance to participate in all the entertainment:

Meeting Santa Claus at his office
Elf Post Office
Elf Toy Factory Gift Shop
Santa Park Dance Show (3 times per day)
Magical Train “Four Seasons”
Elf Workshop
Calligraphy School
Angry Birds Playground
Elf School (min 5 times a day)
Ice Gallery & Bar with Ice Princess
Opportunity to visit the Champagne Bar and the Cat’s Cafeteria
Opportunity to cross the Arctic Circle
Opportunity to send a personalized Christmas video postcard via JoinMe Tube
A visit to the Gingerbread Christmas Bakery
SantaPark

SantaPark Entertainment
Santa Park has an Elf School where the elves themselves give lessons and tell you their innermost secrets. When you graduate, you’ll get a real diploma!

It’s impossible to visit the school and resist the heady smells emanating from the Gingerbread Kitchen, where elves’ apprentices are busy decorating gingerbread made according to a secret recipe. Gingerbread can be eaten on the spot or taken away as a wonderful gift to family and friends. In addition, the Gingerbread Kitchen brews delicious mulled wine and sells the most incredible delicacies.

Surely there is not a person these days who – regardless of age – has never played Angry Birds. Santa Park has an entire playground dedicated to the game, where you can shoot slingshots and show off your skills in other skills of the famous birds.

Of course, in the park, Santa Claus has his own office, where you can personally meet the great wizard and tell him about your New Year wishes. In Santa Park there is a School of Calligraphy, where experienced elves will teach anyone the subtleties of elven penmanship, which will come in handy when you sign a Christmas card.
It’s impossible to visit the school and resist the heady smells emanating from the Gingerbread Kitchen, where the elf pupils are busy decorating gingerbread.

You can learn about the nature of Lapland, its indigenous inhabitants and fascinating animals in the Ice Gallery: ice sculptures made with amazing skill will tell you about it. There is also the Ice Bar, which offers a variety of refreshments to choose from. In Santa Park you can take part in an unforgettable adventure: to cross the Arctic Circle at a depth of 50 meters! And in addition, get a certificate confirming it.

You can not miss the opportunity to see all four seasons at once: just take the train “Seasons” and enjoy the ride, looking carefully around and noticing the interesting animals and plants. The ride ends at the Secret Elf Toy Workshop, where you can make your own unique Christmas decorations, the most special in the world.

Santa Park also has its own post office: postcards sent from there are very special, marked with magic stamps.

Shopping and restaurants
If you get hungry, it’s easy to find the Cota Café, which is located in the heart of Santa Park. The cafe has a children’s room, serves exceptionally tasty snacks and desserts, and serves hot lunches during the winter season.

There is also a gift store within the park, where the very real elves will help you choose unique and wonderful gifts for friends and family.

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The museum was opened in 1992, the 75th anniversary of independence. Initially it was located in one of the old buildings, but in 1997 a new one was built especially for it. The design was done by well-known Finnish architects Lehtipalo and Bonderup.
The center is a true architectural masterpiece – it has a stone semi-circle shape from which a 172-meter glass “caterpillar-gallery” leads to the viewing platform near the river, where you can watch the stunning sunsets and sunrises in the summer and the Northern Lights in winter. By the way, this tunnel is called the “portal to the Arctic”.

What to see
The basis of the exposition are three major exhibitions. The first – “Northern Crafts” – introduces guests to everyday items, musical instruments, fishing gear, kayaks and the national clothes of the locals. “Rovaniemi Fair” tells about the history of the city and the most popular fair in the early 20th century, where fur, gold and timber were traded. Here tourists also learn about the history of Saami reindeer herding. The exhibition “Changing Arctic” is dedicated to the nature of the Arctic Circle. There is an ice cave, an Arctic river, and presents the achievements of the “Arcticum” in scientific research activities.

All the exhibits are supplemented with maps, photo collages, dioramas, and miniature copies. You can watch mini-movies and listen to audio recordings of voices of northern animals; some objects are allowed to touch hands, for example, ice cone in the hall of Eskimo life.

For those who want to see the northern lights and beautiful landscapes there is a “Polar Theater” with three-dimensional media presentations, and for inquisitive visitors a library with books about the history and culture of the region, scientific and legal works about the problems of the North, books and articles about reindeer breeding.

There are photo exhibitions of Arctic landscapes, forest industry and snowmobiles, a restaurant, a café and a souvenir store with handicrafts.

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Originally, the term “sieda” referred to a traditional Sámi settlement. After the museum was founded in 1959, their traditional dwellings were moved to the shore of Lake Inarijärvi and it was an open-air museum then. In 1998 an exhibition building was built for it and today the complex consists of an exhibition center with an area of 70 thousand sq. m. and some ancient buildings from the Museum of Inari which has been closed down until now.

What to see
The exhibition is divided into several thematic parts. The largest one contains more than 50 objects, including the houses of Sámi reindeer herders, fishermen and hunters, log cabins, peat buildings, sheds, mobile chums, storehouses and gold miners’ huts, as well as sleighs, boats and other means of transportation.

Another noteworthy site is the Mirhamintupa district court hut, where court proceedings were held until 1905. There are some inscriptions on its walls, scrawled by the convicts who were awaiting their sentences. Archaeological finds and monuments dating from 6,000 to 2,000 years B.C. are also of interest, including house foundations, fireplaces, burnt bones, pottery, tools, and other objects. You can explore the area by walking along a long winding path.

The next part of the museum is located inside the exhibition hall. Here guests are introduced to cottage industry, tools, handicrafts, materials used in the work, Lopar textiles. There are also pictures, videos, dioramas, audio recordings and other sources, telling about the life of the Lapps from the Ice Age to the present. A separate section of the exposition is devoted to the ways people survive in the extreme conditions of the North.

In the Main Forestry Office, open to visitors, you can learn a lot of interesting things about tourism and its possibilities in the pristine nature of Northern Lapland, go deep into the local culture and beliefs, such as shamanism. Despite the fact that local shamans were persecuted in the past, the memory of them lives on in the most valuable finds – cult objects, tambourines, sacrificial reindeer antlers.

Nature lovers can take a walk along the shore of the picturesque Lake Inarijärvi, which is considered sacred, and those who want to take something valuable back home can visit the handicraft shop – the only place in the country, where authentic production made by Sámi artisans from natural materials is sold.

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Reindeer have always played an important role for local aborigines. By the way, even today it is not lost, because in the severe winter time it is possible to get through the snowy heaps only on them.

By the way, the word “sirmakko” is the name of the friskiest reindeer that has just been born.
The visitors to the farm have a unique chance to observe the animals and get acquainted with their habits, see how the reindeer breeders take care of them, and even feed young calves from the hands. But excursion along the territory of the zapovednik is only a part of the program. The main entertainment is trip on a reindeer-drawn carriage along snowy dales, leading to the Arctic Circle. It starts early in the morning and ends around 17:00. There is plenty of time to enjoy the pristine beauty of the Lapland nature, learn how to give the reindeer commands, and taste the wonderful pancakes on the pass with milk-spiced coffee.

At the end of the tour guests have a small rite of passage to Laplanders and go to rest. There is a small cabin for rent, a banquet hall and a souvenir shop selling goods with farm symbols.

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