FINLAND.
A magical winter fairy tale. This truth is known to many. If you want to spend an extraordinary and unforgettable vacation, want to know what it means to live in harmony with nature: consider yourself an active tourist - go to the country located very close, rightfully considered the daughter. Of the Baltic - Finland! The nature of Finland amazes with its beauty and originality. Green forests, mirror-like surface of blue lakes, fast rapids rivers, intricate outlines of rocky shores - these are the strokes of the portrait of Finnish nature. Arctic landscapes of Finland are a unique sight. The beauty of untouched wild nature makes an unforgettable impression on all visitors. And it doesn't matter whether you just have a rest in the bosom of nature or choose one of the numerous safaris: on dog sleds, on horseback, on reindeer, on snowmobiles, on snowshoes, on Finnish sleds or on flat and alpine skis, the main thing is the unique northern air and the purest white snow.
Geographical position: A country with a total area of 338 thousand square kilometers, located in the north of Europe. In the south and east it borders with Russia, in the north with Norway, in the west with Sweden. The southern coast is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Finland.
Climate: Finland is a country almost in half divided by the Arctic Circle. At the same time, the influence of the warm Gulf Stream is quite strong here, so the climate here is mild. With its continental climate, Finland has the highest temperatures in Scandinavia, the west coast of Finland is one of the sunniest places in Northern Europe. In winter the temperature averages -5° C, in summer +18° C. Ideal conditions for winter sports. In summer, in June, white nights come.
Political status: Independent republic with a presidential form of government. Legislative body - parliament.
Capital: Helsinki.
Population: 5.117 million people. 93% Finns and about 6% Swedes. A national minority lives in Lapland - the Sami.
Language: The official language is Finnish, but all visitors can also communicate in Swedish, English, German.
Religion: Lutheranism (89%).
Time: The time difference is one hour.
Money: The Euro was introduced on January 1, 2002. There are 100 cents in one euro. Banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents are in circulation.
Cuisine: Finland has the highest coffee consumption in the world, so there are many cafes. For example, there is a cafe at almost every petrol station. A cup of coffee costs from 1 to 3 EUR, cafes also serve soft drinks, pastries and cakes, and you can also order a small portion of roast. Many cafes now have the right to sell alcoholic beverages.
Finnish national dishes are rarely cooked in other countries. The Finns have never been rich, and have always had to fight for the harvest. They were saved by the fish wealth of coastal sea waters and inland lakes. Therefore, cooking fish dishes has become traditional in Finland. The range of fish dishes in Finland coincides with Central Europe. But it is also complemented by dishes made from the meat of wild animals and birds. Among dairy dishes, viili is very popular - this is a kind of sweet and sour dairy product, it is added to many dairy dishes. The favorite drink of the Finns is coffee, and of the stronger ones - vodka, whiskey, gin, beer.
Transport: Joint regular flights Kyiv - Helsinki are operated by Finnair and Balkan airlines. Flight time is about 3 hours. You can get to the ski resorts using domestic flights from Helsinki, or charter direct flights from Moscow in winter. Taxi fares are quite expensive. To travel between nearby cities, you can use the commuter train, and to get from the southern part of the country to Lapland, it is best to fly.
Shopping and souvenirs: From folk crafts and original souvenirs to products from leading European clothing, footwear and jewelry companies. In addition, those who do not live in EU countries can make purchases in Finland at a price without export tax.
Places of interest: First of all, Finland is famous for its rivers and lakes - the Mecca of water tourism in Europe, ski resorts: Himos, Vuokatti, Ruka, Tahko, Ylläs, Levi, Saariselga. In the summer, the magnificent nature, labyrinths of lakes, charming coastline, hiking or cycling will not leave anyone indifferent. Helsinki - Empire-style buildings on Senate Square: the Cathedral, the State Council and the University, in the center of the square - a monument to Emperor Alexander II. Market Square (Kauppatori) is the brightest and most vibrant place in Helsinki: the Presidential Palace, the City Hall and the symbol of the city - Ville Wallgren's sculpture Havis Amanda. Here is also the indoor market "Kauppahalli", the Cathedral of the Assumption. The State Art Museum, the Sibelius Monument, the Olympic Stadium, the City Garden, the Finlandia Hall, etc. The largest water park in Europe, Serena Korpilampi, is located 30 km from Helsinki. Suomenlinna (Sveaborg) is a group of islands off the coast of Helsinki. Suomenlinna is a fortress built by the Swedes in the 18th century. Now it is home to 4 museums and the art center of the Nordic countries. The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, the Korkeasaari Zoo, the Ateneum Art Museum, the Temppelinaukio Rock Church, the Moomin Museum, and the Olavinlinna Fortress are just a few of the interesting places in Finland. The best resorts with water parks are Katinkulta in Sotkamo, Kuusamon Tropiikki in Kuusamo, Eden in Oulu and Nokia, a resort in Saariselkä, Naantali, and Ikaalinen. In summer, there are amusement parks all over the country: Linnanmäki in Helsinki, Särkänniemi in Tampere, Puuhamaa in Tervakoski and Vasalandia in Vaasa. The Turku Fortress, built in the 13th century, was restored in the 20th century. The Turku Historical Museum is located on its territory. Turku Cathedral is the national pride of the Finns, the center of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Katinkulta is a resort with a water park, water caves, dozens of types of water massage, a water slide, saunas of all types, and a water bar. Jämsä is a city in the central part of Finland, surrounded by greenery, countless lakes, pristine nature, one of the fishing centers (fishing in Finland is paid). Lapland is one of the most exotic places in Finland. High-class tourist service. You can see Santa Claus (Father Frost) in his own home, with his workshop and the Central Post Office on the Arctic Circle, at any time of the year. There are many boutiques selling souvenirs and products made by Lappish craftsmen. Large national parks - Lemmenjoki, Pallas-Ounastunturi, Oulanka have preserved unique dark coniferous forests of ancient Europe.
Recommendations: In any country, every tourist finds himself in a kind of "risk group", since he does not know all the local rules and norms of behavior.
Finland is the least criminal country in Europe, life here is calm and safe. Drunk Finns become more sociable, but they will never attack you and are not aggressive.
Just in case, do not carry your wallet in your back pocket. Carry only the most necessary things with you, leave the main things in the hotel safe. Carry bags and video cameras in your hands or put them on your body (not over your shoulder).
If you have lost your passport, you must report it to any police station, where you will be issued a corresponding report. Based on this report and a written application, the Russian Consulate will issue you a certificate of return, which is the main identity document. To obtain a certificate of return, two photographs and a verification of your identity are required. The cost of the consular service is 300 marks.
Holidays:
January 1 - New Year,
December 6 - Epiphany,
March 28 - Good Friday,
March 30-31 - Easter,
May 1 - May Day,
May 8 - Ascension Day,
May 18 - Trinity,
June 20-21 - Ivanov Day, November 1 - All Saints' Day,
December 6 - Independence Day,
December 24-25 - Christmas,
December 26 - Giving Day.
