Finland is the fifth largest country in the European Union (EU) and is the most northerly state on the mainland of Europe. Finland covers an area of approximately 338.000 sq. km stretching 1100 kilometers between its southern and northern tips
A third of Finland’s total area lies within the Arctic Circle, a far higher proportion than for its Scandinavian neighbors Sweden and Norway. The alteration between overwhelming lightness during summer and obscurity in winter, is a result of the Northern latitude.
An abundance of lakes and forests characterize much of Finland’s landscape. Between 60.000 - 200.000 lakes have been counted and cover one-tenth of the country; the water in them cited among the cleanest in Europe. A wealth of forests occupies more than 60 percent of Finland’s land surface. The most prominent trees include pine, spruce, and the national tree: birch.
Thousands of islands and small cliffs dot the southern and southwestern coast of Finland in the Baltic Sea. Åland, the most recognizable set of islands, is located between Finland and Sweden and boasts more than 6,500 isles and islands. Many important relics of the Stone, Iron and Bronze Ages have been found there.
Like many other European countries, Finland enjoys a change of seasons. Characterized by short but warm summers and mystical snow covered winters, Finland’s unique climate attracts many tourists each year.
Exotic arctic activities such as reindeer and snowmobile safaris have helped winter emerge as the most popular tourism period for visiting foreigners. Many flock to northern and eastern Finland on clear winter nights in hopes of catching a glimpse of beautiful Aurora Borealis.
The snow cover is deepest around mid-March with an average of 60 to 90 cm in eastern and northern Finland and 20 to 30 cm in southwestern parts of the country. The lakes freeze over in late November and early December, and in severe winters, the Baltic Sea may ice over almost completely.
Summer usually begins in late May in southern Finland and lasts until mid-September. The regions north of the Arctic Circle are characterized by polar days, or more romantically the midnight sun, when the sun does not set at all. Northernmost parts of Finland have 73 such days each year.
Most Finns try to begin their summer holiday just before midsummer. This is the time of the mythical Juhannus - the feast of summer solstice. For visitors and Finns alike, this is the perfect time of year to enjoy the pleasures of jumping into the lukewarm waters of the lake after sauna.
