The largest Finnish city name. Finland. Large cities in Finland: list in Russian

Finland is located in Northern Europe.

In the north, the state borders with Norway, in the northwest with Sweden, and in the east with Russia.

The coasts of Finland are washed by the Baltic Sea, the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland in the west and south.

On December 6, 1917, Finland became independent. In 2012, it was recognized as the “most stable country in the world” by the American Fund for Peace.

The smallest administrative unit in Finland is the municipality (or commune, or commune). In 2011 there were 336. Every year the number of municipalities is reduced due to their mergers.

The communities are united into 19 regions (or regions, provinces), which are governed by regional councils.

The next level of administrative division is the provinces, which until 2010 were governed by governors, and since 2010 have been under the jurisdiction of regional management agencies.

The largest cities in Finland are Helsinki, Tampere, Espoo, Vantaa, Oulu, Turku.

Capital
Helsinki

Population

5,408,917 people

Population density

16 people/km 2

Finnish, Swedish

Religion

kuteranism, orthodoxy

Form of government

mixed republic

Timezone

International dialing code

Internet domain zone

Electricity

Some areas of Finland, mostly skerry areas, are closed to visitors and are used for the needs of the navy.

Finnish steel companies - Outokumpu, FNsteel and others - are the largest suppliers of stainless steel in the world.

Climate and weather

The climate in the north of Finland is continental, in the rest of the country it is transitional from maritime to continental, temperate. At the same time, the Atlantic Ocean brings warm air masses to the country. All year round, westerly winds with cyclones blow across the country.

Winter in Finland is harsh. But the average temperature in winter and summer on Finnish territory is much higher than the temperature in the eastern regions at the same latitudes. Precipitation is observed throughout the country throughout the year. In February, the average air temperature is -6 ºС, and in Lapland - -14 ºС. The average temperature in July is +14 ºС in the north and +17 ºС in the south.

Nature

The main part of Finland is lowland, but in the northeast there are mountains of medium height, reaching 1000 meters. The highest point in Finland is in the Scandinavian Mountains in Lapland - Halti fjeld 1324 meters high.

Almost all Finnish rivers flow into the Baltic Sea. Only a few rivers in northern Finland flow into the Arctic Ocean. Finland is called the “land of thousands of lakes”: there are more than 190 thousand of them, and they occupy 9% of the entire territory. These are mainly small lakes 5-20 meters deep. The largest lakes in Finland are Päijänne (depth 93 meters), Saimaa, Oulujärvi, Inari.

There are about 2000 rivers in the country. Most local rivers are short in length, but they are full of waterfalls and rapids. The largest of them are Oulujoki, Tornionjoki, Kemijoki- located in the north.

In the direction from north to south, dense coniferous, mainly pine, forests in the center give way to sea coasts with a large number of medium-sized rocks and islands. In the very north are the almost treeless hills of Lapland.

There are 35 national parks in Finland, the largest of which are Urho Kekkonen National Park, Coastal Islands and Lemmenjoki.

Finland has a “everyone’s right to nature,” according to which every person is allowed to move freely within the national park.

Finnish forests are inhabited by foxes, moose, squirrels, otters, and muskrats. In the east there are lynx, wolf and bear. More than 250 species of birds live in Finland, including partridge, wood grouse, hazel grouse, and black grouse.

Attractions

The most attractive cities for tourists and rich in attractions in Finland are: Helsinki, Rauma, Turku, Kristinestad.

In the center of Helsinki you will find the famous Senate Square, surrounded by tall, majestic buildings, which together with the square form a single architectural ensemble in the Empire style. On the square there is a monument to Emperor Alexander II, there is also Lutheran Cathedral and University of Helsinki. A few steps from Senate Square is located Kauppatori - Market Square- the most crowded and lively place in the Finnish capital. Also worth a visit in Helsinki Assumption Cathedral, Sibelius monument, Finlandia Palace and carved into the rock church on Temppelinaukio square.

In the first capital of Finland - Turku - you will find Luostarinmeki- the only building preserved from the old city. In the north of Turku is the national tomb of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, built in the 13th century.

Old City Rauma was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The most interesting places for guests in Rauma are the Market Square, house museums and a Franciscan temple from the 15th century.

Worth to visit Olavinlinna Castle, built in 1475. Visiting the castle is only permitted under the guidance of a guide; excursions take place every day. From Helsinki you can get here by train, plane or bus.

In the ancient city Kristinestad, whose foundation dates back to 1649, is located Church of Ulrika Eleonora 18th century. Also worth a visit walled city of Suomenlinna, located in the center of Helsinki on an island.

Nutrition

Any national dish of Finland has retained the imprint of Finnish history. Finns love simple and hearty dishes. The main thing that should always be on the table is fresh bread.

The main product in Finland is fish. The most common dishes made from it are salmon in its own juice. ("graavi suckers"), herring salad ("rosolli"), freshwater fish caviar with onion and sour cream ("mati"), dried fish soup (“maymarocca”)

Classic meat dishes are most often prepared from game and venison. Among them - Karelian meat in a pot "karyalanpaisti" lamb stewed in a wooden bowl "syarya", roast venison with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes.

Finns are very fond of milk products. The most popular of them are yogurt, various types of cheese, and “viili” - an unusual sweet and sour product added to a large number of dishes.

Traditional Finnish dessert consists of buns "pulla" with yeast, jelly and berries.

Finland ranks first in the world in coffee consumption. Another traditional drink is “coticaglia” beer, a kind of kvass. Popular varieties of vodka are Finlandia and Koskenkorva Vinna. Finnish berry liqueurs are very famous - “puolukkalikeri”, “lakkalikeri”, “karpalolikeri”, “mesimarialikeri”. Sparkling wines are even made from the berries - "Elissi" and "Cavlieri".

Accommodation

In Finland you can stay in motels and hotels, tourist villages, holiday houses and even on farms.

Finnish hotels are always equipped with the most modern equipment and provide a high level of service. They almost always have a sauna and a swimming pool. In the summer, student dormitories are turned into hotels. The level of service in them is no worse than in other hotels, but the prices are lower.

In a tourist village you can stay in a house on the shore of a lake, river or sea. Each house has its own shore and its own boat. One house accommodates from 2 to 5 people. Many villages welcome guests all year round, making them ideal for winter holidays. Here you can practice winter sports, hold business meetings and conferences. In addition, in a tourist village, as a rule, there is a hotel and a restaurant for those who do not want to cook their own food.

You can rent a private holiday house. There are about 5,000 such houses in Finland. The choice is very wide: from luxurious log cottages on the shore of a reservoir to unpretentious fishing huts. Such a house has electricity, everything necessary for heating, a bathhouse, and often a boat. Only you must bring your own towels and sheets.

Fans of extreme recreation can choose from 150 farmsteads in Finland, most of which are located in Eastern and Central Finland, and some on the Åland Islands. The farms provide full board.

Entertainment and relaxation

One of the most popular sports in Finland is skiing. There are ski slopes of varying difficulty throughout Finland. If you love high-speed skiing, you need to go to the Ruka resorts in Kuusamo and Koli in North Karelia, as well as to Lapland.

Between June and September is the best time to go hiking. In the north there are many tourist lodges located along hiking trails. The doors in such houses are not locked; inside there are beds, cooking facilities, dry brushwood, and a telephone. The best and most picturesque hiking routes are Lemeneki, Karhunkneros, Ruunaa in Karelia.

Another way to have a good time in Finland is boating. But if you want to go for a ride near the Turku archipelago, you will need good boat handling skills. You can go canoeing near the Åland and Turunmaa archipelagos.

The most popular holiday in Finland is Johannes. It runs from June 20 to 24. At this time, song festivals, concerts of folk ensembles, and folk festivals around huge “kokko” bonfires are organized. Another holiday often falls at this time - Finnish Flag Day.

Music festivals are very popular in Finland. They take place almost every weekend. Many of these festivals are well known in other countries, e.g. Provinssirock, Ruisrock, Tuska, Ilosaarirock, Raumanmeren, Ankkarock and others.

Purchases

In Finland, as in many countries, there are seasonal sales. Summer sales run from Midsummer (June 22-24) until the second ten days of August. Christmas sales last from December 27th until the end of January.

Finnish shops are usually open from 9:00 to 18:00, some until 20:00. On Saturday, stores open at 9:00 and close at 16:00. Private shops usually work longer hours and are open even on Sundays in the summer. On holidays, almost all shops are closed.

Transport

Finland has a very developed transport infrastructure. Air, bus and rail connections are particularly well developed. By plane you can reach more than 20 cities, including the city of Ivalo, located in the far north. Railroad tracks in Finland extend almost to the Arctic Circle.

The roads in Finland are of excellent quality and cover the country in a dense network. It is prohibited to overtake in a car on turns, at intersections and on hills. In winter, winter tires are required. You can only use a vehicle registered in Finland if you have valid Finnish insurance.

The largest airlines in Finland are Finnair and Finncomm. The second deals only with domestic transportation. The country's main airport is Helsinki. Both companies have frequent ticket sales. During such promotions, you can get from one end of the country to the other for 25-30 euros. There are also flight coupon systems. After purchasing such a coupon, each trip will cost you 25-40% less.

Almost every city in Finland can be reached by bus. Intercity buses in Finland are punctual. By bus you can make long journeys from Turku to Rovaniemi (15 hours) and from Helsinki to Oulu (9 hours).

Connection

Finland has a huge number of Wi-Fi hotspots. Stationary Internet access can always be obtained in numerous Internet cafes. If you are not traveling for a long time, it will be more profitable for you to connect international roaming with your operator.

From any telephone booth you can call directly to another country. Calls are made using telephone cards (you can buy them at the post office, in a store or at a newsstand) or using coins. In order to call abroad, you need to dial 00, 990, 994 or 999, followed by the country code, city code and direct number. To connect within Finland, you need to dial the combination 8 - beep - 10 - 358 - city code and direct number.

Safety

If you go on a trip to the Åland Islands, you need to remember that ticks are often found in this area. Therefore, it is better to wear long sleeves and trousers. Before a long trip, it is better to get vaccinated against encephalitis.

In Finland, the crime rate is very low everywhere, so ensuring security here comes down to ordinary vigilance in financial matters and avoiding all sorts of conflict situations.

Business climate

Finland has fairly high taxes. Such a high level of tax rates allows us to ensure a high level of security, as well as excellent quality of services in education and healthcare.

Any income in Finland is subject to tax. When applying for a job, you need to take a taxpayer card from the tax office and give it to the employer. Otherwise, 60% will be deducted from your salary.

If you are in Finland for no more than 6 months and work, 35% will be deducted from your salary. If your stay in the country is more than six months, you should obtain a Finnish personal code from the local magistrate. You will then be given a personal tax card.

Real estate

Renting housing in Finland is carried out by construction companies, funds, banks, insurance companies, municipalities and private individuals. You are unlikely to be able to buy an apartment that is constantly rented out.

There are special apartments for young people and students, as well as apartments equipped for the elderly and disabled. It is possible to sublease the property.

Information about rental housing is usually posted in newspapers, on bulletin boards, and on the Internet.

Currently, rental housing prices in Finland are rising. Renting an apartment or house in Finland will now cost about 5% more than last year. In Helsinki 1 sq. a meter of rented apartments costs 19.5 euros in a one-room apartment and 14.6 euros in a two-room apartment. Real estate prices are also rising. Now an apartment in the Greater Helsinki area costs 2% more than last year, in other areas of the country - by 0.6%. 1 sq. a meter of real estate in Finland costs an average of 2,127 euros.

In order to feel comfortable in Finland, you should know the basic rules of behavior and customs of this country. It is completely normal for a Finnish woman to go to a bar or cafe alone. It is not considered shameful for a woman to choose her own dance partner. For an indecent joke addressed to a woman, you can end up in the police and get a fine.

Finns don't smile much, but if you ask them on the street for help, they will be happy to help you. Finns do not like to call their interlocutor by name; the usual address is “Listen!” If you call your interlocutor of the opposite sex by name too often, he may think that you are hinting at the possibility of an intimate relationship.

Finns do not like to tell their friends about their personal problems; only doctors and social workers know about them. When talking with friends, it is common to talk about pleasant things.

The local population greatly values ​​cleanliness in their cities and successfully maintains it. You will rarely see stray dogs and cats on the streets, but squirrels calmly walk around them. Cities are buried in flower beds.

You can import foreign and national currency into Finland in unlimited quantities. It is also not prohibited to import alcohol and cigarettes in limited quantities: up to 2 liters of aperitifs and up to 1 liter of strong alcohol, up to 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars.

It is prohibited to import meat, meat products and poultry eggs, and dairy products.

Each police department has its own lost property office, so you can contact them if necessary.

Visa information

Finland is one of the members of the Schengen Agreement, and citizens of the CIS and the Russian Federation require a Schengen visa to stay on its territory. When applying for it, you must provide a foreign passport (it must be valid for at least 3 months after the end of the trip), one color photograph and two copies of a personally completed application form.

On the territory of the Russian Federation, visas are issued to:

  • Embassy of Finland in Moscow (15 Kropotkinsky lane, office 17);
  • Consulate General in St. Petersburg (Preobrazhenskaya sq., 4)4
  • Consulates of Murmansk (Karl Marx str., 25a);
  • Petrozavodsk (Gogol str., 25);
  • as well as at Finnish visa centers in Kazan, St. Petersburg and Moscow.

Finland is a European country. It is located between Sweden and Russia and is popular among tourists of different nationalities. The cities of Finland are distinguished by their cleanliness, a lot of attractions and beautiful nature. The Finnish country is famous for its good medicine and quality education.

10 major cities in Finland

Helsinki is the largest city in Finland, next to which there is a unique archipelago of 330 islands in the Baltic Sea. A social survey showed that visiting Finnish cities is better in the summer. There you can walk through parks, swim in lakes, and attend famous festivals and parties.

In all cities of Finland you can go on many excursions and have a meal in chic restaurants that serve mainly Finnish dishes from natural products.

Many Russians go there not only for an exciting holiday, but also to replenish their wardrobe. Let's look at the largest cities in Finland, where it is worth shopping between viewing beautiful places.

The largest cities in Finland:

  1. - the largest settlement, which was founded in 1550. The population exceeds 630,000 people.
  2. Espoo - founded in 1458. There are now about 270,000 inhabitants.
  3. famous for its Cathedral. Founded in 1229. Population: 190,000 people.
  4. great place for shopping. There are many shopping centers and trendy clothing stores on its territory. Founded in 1649, but the population is small, only 72,000.
  5. The small town of Kotka was founded in 1979. Only 54,000 people live there. There are many estates, museums and parks in Kotka.
  6. Imatra is a tiny city that appeared in 1948. The population is only 28,000.
  7. Tampere is a fairly large settlement with a population of 225,000. It was formed in 1779. The famous Vapriiki museum center is located there.
  8. Fashionistas love Mikkeli. There are many boutiques and shops there. Founded in 1838. Almost 55,000 people live there.
  9. Kuopio is famous for its large water park, Fontanella. Founded in 1775. Number of people: 112,000.
  10. Kouvola is one of the youngest cities, founded in 1922. About 85,000 Finns live there. This place can provide tourists with an extensive program of excursions and shopping.

Important! Finland has well-developed transport links. Therefore, if your vacation is long, you can have time to visit most of the beautiful places.

Population and mentality

Despite the friendliness of the people, Finland is a harsh land. In the past, they managed to curb the icy elements and create a real paradise out of the place. Overcoming difficulties is in the Finns' blood.

Despite this, they are very slow, it has its own charm. They live in a measured way and do not rush into a new day. Some might think that they might miss the brightest moment, but for Finns it’s all about caution and sedateness. They comprehend their every action and every step.

Finns are very punctual and taciturn. Every resident of Finland lives according to a strict daily routine and schedule for the future.

It's hard to find a true Finn who talks a lot. They read and write to each other more than they exchange verbal information.

Finns are responsible and care about their personal freedom. Residents of this northern country never waste their words. Some representatives of this nation are a little reserved and do not immediately allow people into their territory. Everyone can envy willpower and endurance.

The Finnish nation is very hardworking, but they never overwork. They are easy-going and love active recreation. Despite their love of travel, Finns are very economical and devote their free time to sports or other useful activities. Money loves counting - this expression is just about this nation.

Shopping

The cities of Finland can be arranged in a large alphabetical list, but each of them allows you to organize a fruitful and exciting shopping experience.

The most frequent shopping guests are residents of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region. This is due to the fact that they are located close to each other, and the Finns have much lower prices for some goods.

Most often, tourists in Finland purchase:

  • Cloth.
  • Shoes.
  • Ski equipment.
  • Cosmetics and vitamins.
  • Food and alcoholic drinks.

Remember! A discount does not always mean that anyone can buy this product. Sometimes it is written in small print on the price tag that a discount can be received by a buyer who has a discount card.

Shopping centers

Department stores in Finland are open every day, seven days a week. Some are even open on New Year's Day.

The most popular shopping centers where not only Finns, but also tourists from Russia like to shop:

  • Shopping and entertainment center Ideapark
  • Sampokeskus
  • Kamppi
  • Veturi
  • Finlayson Center
  • Karisma
  • Jumbo

On the territory of each of these giants there are many shops, bistros and entertainment complexes. You will have to spend at least 1 day on each one.

The shops

Sales in Finland occur strictly 2 times a year. In winter after December 25 and in summer after June 19. At this time, you can make purchases with crazy discounts of 5070, or even 90%. There is also a chain of department stores called Stockmann, which organize their own sales in April and October.

Discounts there are at least 50%. Sokos stores are also not far behind them - their “3+1” promotion also takes place twice a year, in spring and autumn.

On a note! The city on the border with Finland is St. Petersburg, and it is from there that all the fashionistas in Russia come to get to the sale.

Outlets

Finns always look very well-groomed. Perhaps the reason lies in the fact that, despite the small size of the country, there are a lot of outlets. Moreover, unlike other countries, salon services are lower.

List of most popular places:

  • Brand Outlet Center
  • Warehouse
  • Megamyynti Areena
  • H-store Outlet
  • Luhta Outlet
  • Outlet Stockmann
  • Jesper Junior Outlet

Many of the listed complexes are located very close to the Russian border. Here you can not only visit a hairdresser and get a manicure, but also shop for clothes and other household items.

Attractions

What Finland is famous for, in addition to countless shops, is its parks, galleries and museums. The architecture in Finland is very beautiful.

Cities and local attractions that every tourist must visit:

  1. Helsinki. There are many parks, architectural structures and lakes.
  2. Tampere. There are many fishing spots, museums, entertainment towns for children and carousels.
  3. Espoo is famous for its largest museum, the Espoo Museum Modern Art. Many beaches by the sea and lakes. 165 islands.
  4. Vaasa is the sunniest and most student city in Finland. There are a large number of monuments located there. It can be reached from Helsinki in just 3 hours.
  5. Turku is the former capital of Finland and offers tourists an exciting holiday. The most famous castle is located there.

And, of course, one cannot help but note the beautiful nature of each city.

Art gallery

What art lovers should see in Finland are art galleries and museums. List of galleries:

  • FORUM BOX
  • GALERIE ANHAVA
  • GALLERIE FORSBLOM
  • HELSINKI CONTEMPORARY
  • SORBUS
  • LOKAL
  • PHOTOGRAPHIC GALLERY HIPPOLYTE
  • EXHIBITION LABORATORY

Museums

There are a lot of cities in Russia and almost every one has a museum. Finland also boasts beautiful complexes that house many works of art:

  • Spy Museum.
  • Lenin Museum.
  • Mannerheim Museum.
  • Seirasaari Open Air Museum.
  • National Museum.
  • Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova.
  • Sinebryuchov Museum.

Economical holiday

Any trip involves significant expenses, but if you remember that Finns are economical people, then there are several nuances that will help make your vacation cheaper:

  1. If a tourist is under 26 years old or over 60, then you can get a 30% discount on visiting attractions.
  2. For other age categories, you can purchase a “museum card”. It will provide a discount of at least 10-20%.
  3. You can attend a museum night, during which tourists are allowed into the buildings for free.

Before your trip, you should familiarize yourself with all the promotions that Finland provides and create a tour based on this.

Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna is Helsinki's most famous landmark. Translated from Finnish as “fortress”.

This is one of the districts of the capital, where only 800 people live, and used to be bastion fortifications located on the islands that protected Helsingfors from the sea. This is probably the main building that every tourist should see.

Interesting video: a walk around Helsinki

Finnish cities - small and large - offer tourists many opportunities for shopping, delicious food, interesting museums and excursions. From the border towns of Lappeenranta and Imatra to the larger cities of Tampere and Turku and, of course, the capital of Finland - Helsinki - in our guide you will find links to the most up-to-date information.

Cities of Finland - near the border

Many Russian tourists spend time in Finland close to the border. Lappeenranta, Imatra, Kouvola, Kotka, Lahti, Mikkeli, Hamina delight Russian tourists not only with shops and pure Finnish nature, but also with an abundance of interesting events, spas and water parks, museums and excursions.

Lappeenranta

Cities of Finland - Lappeenranta

If you come to stay longer, see where to stay on the page. The city and its surroundings offer a large number of entertainment and attractions.

Museum lovers will be interested in,.

Families with children and simply lovers of active recreation can have a pleasant time in the Rauha area in Lappeenranta.

Imatra


Cities of Finland - Imatra

Imatra can offer many activities for every taste - from walks on and to a fishing park and just a wonderful place to relax on the Vuoksa River in Imatra -.

Kouvola


Cities of Finland - Kouvola

Kotka


Cities of Finland - Kotka

In Kotka there are interesting museums and activities for both children and adults - excursions in and are also available in Russian.

Lahti


Cities of Finland - Lahti

Lahti is famous for its annual ski championships. The Lahti Sports Center is located near the city center and includes a ski jump complex that is considered a symbol of the city.

Mikkeli


Cities of Finland - Mikkeli

Mikkeli, or St. Michel, is named after St. Michael, and is a sister city of St. Petersburg.

This small city has two parks for active recreation - and.

Hamina


Cities of Finland - Hamina

Cities of Finland - Capital Region

Helsinki


Helsinki - cities of Finland

Helsinki is a city with a rich history and attractions for the most discerning tastes. Start with and delve into the details of the story and .

If you are a lover of walking, then we can offer you several options -, and.

If you get tired of walking, then in Helsinki there are even special ones.

For a more independent trip, rent one.

At the end of a busy tourist day, it’s always nice to sit down with a glass of wine or cold beer - see our recommendations and.

Those who travel on a budget will be interested in materials, and.

In Helsinki, you can choose from excursions in Russian - , .

Porvoo


Cities of Finland - Porvoo

Porvoo will be interesting for a day trip with the family - read and.

Espoo


Cities of Finland - Espoo

Espoo is an integral part of the capital region, and although it is sometimes called Helsinki's bedroom community, there are many opportunities to spend time outdoors.

Read about the history of the city and attractions in.

Turku


Cities of Finland - Turku

Jyväskylä


Cities of Finland - Jyvaskyla

Savonlinna


Cities of Finland - Savonlinna

The history of the city of Savonlinna is closely connected with the ancient fortress of Olavinlinna. Today, Olavinlinna is the best-preserved military fortification in northern Europe. But it was used exclusively peacefully. Now the fortress building has been turned into a large museum. The exhibitions tell tourists about the history of the castle, about the stages of its development over many centuries. Every year in July-August, the voices of famous opera singers from all over the world are heard on an indoor stage built in the courtyard of the ancient fortress.

Finland: where to go, what to see. List of the largest and most beautiful cities in Finland on the map.

Cities of Finland - where to go?

Finland is located in the northern part of Europe between Sweden in the west and Russia in the east. Widely known for effective medicine and education, which is among the best in the world. Finland is one of the most popular countries in Europe among travelers. People come here for the uniquely beautiful nature.

In this article, I have compiled a list of cities in Finland where you can go for a weekend or a longer holiday with your family, child or alone, in winter or summer. Especially if you are going to Finland for the first time and don’t know where to go.

Map of Finland with cities in Russian

Cities worth visiting in Finland

Helsinki

Helsinki city, Finland© iceninejon / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Helsinki is the main city of Finland, its capital and largest city. Next door in the Baltic Sea lies an astonishing archipelago of 330 islands. The best way to get to know Helsinki is on foot and public transport.

It is best to come here in the summer, because there are a lot of beautiful places in the vicinity of Helsinki: parks, houses with beautiful architecture, lakes, which are best visited in comfortable warm weather. In addition, at this time, children go on vacation in all directions, and many festivals and parties take place in the city.

Like many other capitals, Helsinki has a lot to offer tourists. These include interesting excursions and restaurants where you can try unusual Finnish dishes. There are many restaurants in Helsinki that serve “grandmother’s style” food, i.e. drawing on local culinary traditions. Where you should go for shopping in Finland is Helsinki.

Tampere


City of Tampere, Finland © snoopsmaus / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Another great option where to go in Finland is the city of Tampere. You will find it in the southern part of Finland, sandwiched like a sausage between two lakes Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi. These lakes are very popular with fishermen and offer boating and fishing opportunities. There are many public saunas nearby. And the sauna, as you know, is a favorite way of leisure among Finns. Tampere is also best visited in summer.

Tampere is the second largest city in Finland and is known for its rich cultural life. There are a lot of museums here, one is even dedicated to Lenin. Tampere is popular with both tourists and locals. If you come here, be sure to go to the Särkänniemi amusement park, which is famous throughout the country. Especially if you are traveling with children, they will be delighted with the abundance of entertainment, slides and carousels.

Espoo

City of Espoo, Finland © saadchdhry / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Espoo is another major city in Finland and can be easily reached from Helsinki. Espoo is home to the country's largest museum dedicated to contemporary art - the Espoo Museum Modern Art, and this is far from the only museum in the city.

Travelers interested in active holidays and who don't have time to explore the rest of Finland beyond the capital and surrounding areas can come to Espoo for Nuuksio National Park.

In Espoo you will find 11 beaches by the sea and 10 by lakes, 165 islands, each of which can be explored.

Vaasa

City of Vaasa, Finland © timokoo / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

The city of Vaasa is called the sunniest in Finland. This is not the most popular place among tourists, compared to other cities. But students from all over the world come here to receive education in three languages: Finnish, Swedish and English. Just imagine this wild mix of students and the very visible influence of different cultures in a small town.

There are many national monuments in the center of Vaasa; this city suffered the most from the Russian invasion.

If you like active sports, then you will have the opportunity to go mountain climbing, kayaking, canoeing or just take a walk on the local lake.

Vaasa is located north of the capital. You can reach this town by train from Helsinki in 4 hours, so you'll want to find somewhere to stay overnight to explore the city in peace.

Porvoo

City of Porvoo, Finland © krolchatina / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Porvoo is located on the southern coast of Finland, east of Helsinki. Porvoo is over 600 years old and is the second oldest city in Finland. Porvoo is a classic old town, a walk through the streets of which has a calming effect on every visitor. The best way to explore the city is on foot or by bike.

One of the symbols of Porvoo is the pretty red houses located on the shore. You can buy a boat trip and admire them from the water. The spectacle is worth it. There are many cafes and restaurants in Porvoo. You can easily get here by bus. The journey will take only an hour and a half, and you will find yourself in a completely different atmosphere of the city, this is especially noticeable against the backdrop of noisy Helsinki.

Turku

City of Turku, Finland © salmiac / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Turku is the former capital of Finland. It is located at the mouth of the Aura River on the southwest coast of Finland. It is the third largest city after Helsinki and Tampere. Turku has a very well developed public transport network, with which you can easily reach any corner of the city.

The main attraction of the city is Turku Castle - one of the main attractions of Finland. There are a lot of restaurants on the Turku embankment where you can eat delicious food overlooking the river. The best time to visit here is in the summer due to the pleasant weather and numerous festivals that take place from June to September.

If you also want to take in Sweden, there are luxury cruises from Turku to Stockholm.

Pori

City of Pori, Finland © / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Pori is located on the west coast of Finland and is a major educational center in the country. In addition to science, Pori hosts many cultural events of interest to both local and foreign tourists. The most important of them is the annual jazz festival (Pori Jazz Festival).

Another attraction in Pori is Yyteri Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Finland with good infrastructure.

And thousands of bird watchers who migrate through the river delta come to Pori.

Mariehamn, Aland Islands

City of Mariehamn, Finland © infomastern / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Mariehamn is the capital of the Åland Islands, which are an autonomous territory under Finnish sovereignty. This area is also known as the “Heart of the Baltic Sea”. The Åland Islands were once the world's largest fleet of sailing ships and were romantically called "the port of the last windmills." There are white sand beaches, rocky shores dotted with shaggy herds of sheep, a sea winding through numerous islands, ruins of old castles and green spruce groves everywhere.

You can go kayaking and hiking here, just like almost everywhere else in Finland. In Mariehamn you will find several architectural wooden houses reminiscent of Finnish history. It has a very relaxed atmosphere and is an ideal place for a family holiday.

Interesting fact about Mariehamn: despite the fact that it is officially part of Finland, 88% of the island's inhabitants speak Swedish. The population of the Åland Islands does not pay taxes; it is also a duty free zone.

Savonlinna

City of Savonlinna, Finland © yuenchiyan / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Savonlinna is a province in the south-eastern part of Finland, surrounded by beautiful nature and lakes. It is notorious for its culture and environment, making Savonlinna extremely attractive to both local and foreign tourists. They come here to see old castles, including the famous Olavinlinna fortress or Olafsborg near Lake Saimaa.

In addition to the castles, Savonlinna is famous for two national parks: Kolovesi and Linnansaari.

Savonlinna offers great hiking, canoeing, diving, kayaking and cycling.

Rovaniemi, Lapland

Rovaniemi city, Finland © johnlsl / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Rovaniemi is the main city in Lapland, the northernmost province of Finland. It is here that the residence of the world-famous Santa Claus is located and Santa Park was built. If you don’t know where to go in Finland in winter with children, choose Rovaniemi. The choice is obvious; many people come to Lapland in winter, especially during the New Year and Christmas holidays. Here there is a polar night for half a year, when the sun barely rises from the horizon, and for half a year there is a polar day, when the nights are white and the sun practically never sets below the horizon. People come to Lapland to see the northern lights. It shines almost 200 nights a year.

People come here for the wildlife, skiing at the numerous resorts, or sledding with reindeer or huskies, hiking near the border with Sweden and visiting the ancient wooden churches.

If the romance of the north beckons you, then Lapland is one of the best places in the world to experience it in person.

Salla

City of Salla, Finland © raoulvanwijk / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Salla is a municipality in Lapland. Usually, local residents come here on weekends to go skiing, snowboarding and various sledding, sometimes with huskies, sometimes with reindeer. People come here both in winter and summer. If you are going in winter, I advise you to take a good steam in the sauna and dive into a cold lake with the Finns (if your health allows, of course).

Jyväskylä

City of Jyväskylä, Finland © / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Jyväskylä is a university town in central Finland. Also known as the "Athens of Finland". This is the only place in the world where you will see many buildings created by the famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto.

Kemi

Kemi city, Finland © artofbackpacking / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Kemi is another city in Lapland. Here is one of the most popular tourist attractions - the Ice Castle - the largest snow structure in the world, where you can even spend the night.

The world's only Arctic icebreaker Sampo, which takes tourists on cruises, is also located here.

The rest of the entertainment here is not particularly original, the same hunting for the northern lights, skiing and sledding.

Kuhmo

City of Kuhmo, Finland © wwwwolf / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Kuhmo is an ideal place to explore Finnish wildlife. The city has become famous for the annual Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival, which lasts two weeks. Kuhmo also has a record number of lakes - as many as 600, which offer a wide variety of water activities for tourists. You can explore the city by swimming from one lake to another.

Kajaani

City of Kajaani, Finland © yourbartender / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Kajaani is located in the very center of Finland. This place is popular among fishermen who come to Lake Oulu. In addition to fishing, there is a wonderful Kajaani castle and peaceful safaris, during which you can watch bears. This is an adventure you will definitely never forget.

Oulu

City of Oulu, Finland © krolchatina / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Oulu is Finland's oldest city, located in the northern part of the country and takes great pride in being the best place to go to explore the Arctic. You can easily get here from any corner of the country, which is what all nature lovers do, who love hiking and hunting for the northern lights.

In winter, Oulu is covered with a thick layer of snow, which creates excellent conditions for all winter sports.

Joensuu

City of Joensuu, Finland © hsivonen / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Joensuu was founded by the Russian Emperor Nicholas the First and is the capital of Karelia. The city is located in southeastern Finland. The best time to come here is in the summer. Thanks to its young citizens, Joensuu has acquired several interesting places, one of which is the botanical gardens of Botania, where you will find exotic plants and butterflies, the beauty of which will take your breath away.

Seurasaari

City of Seurasaari, Finland © bertogg / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

Seurasaari is located just west of Helsinki. It is a green and calm island in the Baltic Sea. Here is perhaps the most famous open-air museum in Europe. Wooden barns, carved manor houses, rowing boats and village houses are designed to show the traditional Finnish way of life. Besides the museum, the island is also known for its secluded beaches (hello, nudists).

You can stay overnight at.

Hameenlinna

City of Hämeenlinnu, Finland © kmoliver / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

People come to Hämeenlinna to see with their own eyes the old Swedish castle, built as early as 1200 to provide trade routes back to the Gulf of Bothnia. Locals often have picnics here and simply relax in a beautiful place.

Levi

City of Levi, Finland © eirikso / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

If you don’t know where to go to Finland in winter, take a closer look at Levi - this is the northernmost and largest ski resort in Finland. There are as many as 43 slopes of varying difficulty, 230 km of trails for cross-country skiers and special trails for alpine skiers. There is even a special park for snowboards.

That's all. I have listed all the interesting cities in Finland that are worth visiting. For better guidance, read what is at the beginning of the article. If you have anything to add, welcome to the comments)

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