This fully updated new edition features illuminating text written by expert, local writers alongside over 250 brand new and inspiring full-colour photographs that will bring Finland's people and places to life, at the turn of a page. The top attractions are highlighted in a dedicated, illustrated feature enabling you to plan your trip priorities and ensuring you see the very best Finland has to offer. A brand new 'Editor's Choice' section features exclusive recommendations on many unique Finnish travel experiences, including outdoor adventure activities and attractions for families. An in-depth 'Places' section covers the entire country, from the charming and diverse capital of Helsinki to the magical forests and fast-flowing rivers of Lapland. All the principal sites are conveniently cross-referenced by number to accompanying full-colour maps throughout the guide to enable instant orientation and easy navigation at a glance. Attractive colour-coded sections contain fascinating features that explore the country's intriguing history and culture, from the arrival of the early Finns, to its evolution into a modern and cosmopolitan European state. A comprehensive 'Travel Tips' section provides essential practical information, covering transport, visas and passports, accommodation for all budgets, climate, the arts, language and much more, along with useful contact telephone numbers to help you book activities in advance. The unique combination of insightful exploration alongside practical advice means that this guide truly is a pleasure to read before, during and after your visit.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Best of Finland; A Place in Europe; A Wilderness Experience. History: Decisive Dates; The Finns Arrive; Birth of a Nation; Living with Russia; The Two Wars; A Shift in Balnce. Features: The Finnish Soul; Art, Architecture and Design; Music and Film; The Writer's Dilemma; Finns who speak Swedish; The Sami and their Land; From Flying Finns to Formula One; Food and Drink; In Defence of Greenness. Insights: Mini Features: A Winter Journey; The Great General; Ladies First; Finnish Youth; Glass and Wood; Jean Sibelius; The Moomins; Immigrants; Visiting Russia and the Baltics; Canoeing and Kayaking; Karelians; Elk and Wolf Hunting. Photo Features; Summer Festivals; Lapland: the Home of Santa; The Traditional Sauna; Enjoying the Finnish Summer. Places: Introduction; Helsinki; West of Helsinki; Southern Finland; Western Finland; The Aland Islands; The West Coast; Lakeland; Karelia and Kuusamo; Lapland. Travel Tips: Transport; Accomodation; Eating Out; Activities; A-Z: Practical Information; Language; Further Reading. Maps: Finland; Central Helsinki; Helsinki; Southern Finland; Western Finland; Turku; Tampere; The Aland Islands; The West Coast; Lakeland; Karelia and Kuusamo; Lapland; Inside front cover: Finland; Inside back cover: Helsinki.