On the seas, on the waves…
Ten percent of Finland's territory is covered by water, so summer brings – literally! – a whole sea of entertainment. Most cities are located on the shores of the sea, lakes or rivers, and almost all summer thousands of tourists and locals take daily cruises on yachts, boats, motorboats and even old steamships.
Many cruise companies offer not only pleasant water excursions but also themed programs. For example, from Rovaniemi you can go to a reindeer farm, and from Pori to a fishing village. In Turku, everyone prefers water transport over automobiles. The steamship "Ukkopekka" – the last representative of Finland's sea fleet – runs daily on the Turku–Naantali route. The Turku archipelago is famous for its small towns on islands, which are popular with foreigners interested in real estate in Finland. After all, each has its own charm. For example, Parainen is compared to Venice: it sprawls across hundreds of tiny islands. On the island of Tammiluoto, they make delicious berry wine. And in Stentorpe, they raise pedigree sheep. The country's only cigar factory has been preserved here, and local craftsmen are happy to give a tour. You can travel around the archipelago for a whole week, discovering a new town or farmstead every day.
The most popular cruises are to Sweden via the Åland Islands. And not only because the fun never stops on the ferries, but also thanks to a stop in the Åland archipelago. This is a true paradise for cyclists and canoe enthusiasts, because moving between islands is a breeze: the nearest shore is only a few dozen meters away. Canoes can be rented for a day or a week. Many islands are connected by bridges, some by ferry crossings. By bike, you can cover hundreds of kilometers, stopping at small hotels, campsites, or farms.
Hit the pedals!
The country of Suomi, with its excellent roads and not too heavy traffic, seems made for cycling trips. City tourist offices have maps of cycling routes that pass through picturesque countryside and small towns. And you can stay overnight at a campsite, hiking hut, hotel, tourist center, or farmstead. Bicycle rental points are available in every city.
ADVICE: Choose a cruise from Lappeenranta to Kuopio: two to three nights on board a steamship and excursions to interesting places, including the New Valamo Monastery. //www.savonlinnatravel.com
Extreme!
Engaging in water sports is a favorite pastime not only for archipelago residents. Rafting – descending rapids on large rubber rafts – has become a national pastime of the Finns. Our tourists discovered rafting in Finland relatively recently, but have already appreciated the mountain rivers of Suomi, with strong currents and rapids of varying difficulty. There are rapids for "pros" and also for families with children. Everyone who wants to test themselves is provided with the necessary equipment, including waterproof suits, life jackets, and rubber boots.
ADVICE: If you are a beginner, don't worry: descents down rapids are carried out under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Rafting for tourists is organized on the rivers Kymijoki (Kotka), Vaikkojoki and Ruuna (Eastern Finland) and in Muonio (near the Finnish-Swedish border). The most difficult rapids are in Kuusamo, on the Kitkajoki river. //www.kitkansafarit.fi
Forest trails…
Well-maintained forests are of paramount importance to Finns, who zealously care for their nature. Despite the fact that most forests are privately owned, you can walk, pick mushrooms and berries there (this right is enshrined in law!). Lovers of hiking romance will enjoy walking routes through the most beautiful places. Eastern Finland is famous for picturesque hills, coniferous forests and countless lakes, while Lapland is famous for mountain tundra and crystal-clear rivers.
Along the routes there are hunting huts where you can dry clothes, cook food and spend the night. A caretaker keeps order, so firewood and everything necessary are always at hand. And the best part – there is no charge for staying in a forest hut. The locations of the huts are indicated on hiking maps, which are sold in bookstores. On more difficult multi-day routes, you cannot do without the services of a guide.
In the Kuusamo region, there are excellent opportunities for hiking in the summer, varying in duration and difficulty. Experienced travelers prefer the "Bear's Trail" (Karhunkierros), known not only in Finland. For one-day hike enthusiasts, there are other options. For instance, in Oulanka National Park – the "Little Bear's Trail", and in Southern Kuusamo – routes to Närankävaara and the Julma Olkky canyon. Short routes in the Ruka region and Oulanka National Park are suitable for families with children.
Boat and jeep safaris are popular along the entire eastern border of Finland. If you're lucky, you'll see a bear in its natural habitat. Hares, foxes, moose, and deer are a common sight in these parts.
ADVICE: Go from Kilpisjärvi to the Norwegian city of Tromsø. The hike will amaze even the most seasoned tourist: the route (three to four days) passes through a national park, tundra, a mountain plateau, a green valley, and finally reaches the famous fjords.
Fishing by the rules
Summer is the best season for fishing. And although you can fish in Finland all year round, in summer it's best to do it on the famous salmon rivers of Lapland, on large and small lakes, and of course along the sea coast.
Fishing with a rod and jig is free. When using a spinning rod, reel, lure, etc., every angler aged 18 to 64 must pay a state fee for the restoration of fish resources and obtain permission from the water body owner (or a permit for fishing with bait). The state fee for the restoration of fish resources and the bait fishing permit can be paid at Nordea banks or at any post office (and at gas stations that have a post office), while the water body owner's permission can be obtained on the spot. //www.ahven.net
Many travel agencies and local tourist offices offer the services of instructors, equipment rental, as well as fishing packages ranging from one to several days with full service (accommodation, meals, boat and equipment rental, license, etc.). And if you are staying in a cottage, you can rent a boat and gear (sometimes even for free!) from the owner. Exceptional places for salmon fishing are the Teno River (border between Finland and Norway), the Tornio River (border between Finland and Sweden), and the Kymi River (in southern Finland).
TIP: In Finland, inspectors monitor compliance with fishing rules; they can be encountered in all fishing areas. Fines for missing a license or for a license with incorrect data are quite high, ranging from several tens to hundreds of euros, so when going fishing, bring your paid receipts with you.
Golf or 'Formula'?
If your plans do not include a multi-day hike across rugged terrain, do not worry: you can also be active outside the city. For example, play golf. There are excellent courses in every part of the country, but the best are in the areas of Lahti, Imatra, and Lappeenranta. The season for this refined game is from May to October (although avid fans do not stop practicing even in winter). You can enjoy the game even during white nights. The entire country is passionate about it – 35,000 people have already become members of golf clubs, and mini-golf courses can be found at most countryside hotels and guesthouses.
At campsites and guesthouses, clients are always offered active recreation. For example, at the Visulahti tourist center on the shore of Lake Saimaa (five kilometers from the city of Mikkeli), there is a motorbike track. It has ten tracks, including for racing cars and motorcycles.
'One's own burden is not heavy'
Want something typically Finnish? Then head to the festivals! In summer, Suomi (Finland) hosts dozens of fun events and competitions. Some are absolutely unique: for example, the Wife-Carrying Championship, which has been held annually in Sonkajärvi since 1992. Think it's a joke? You're wrong! The championship has strict rules. The length of the official track, covered with sand and grass, is 253.5 meters. The track has two land obstacles and one water obstacle about a meter deep. The pair that completes the course fastest wins. The carried wife can be your own or... someone else's. She must be over 17 years old and weigh at least 49 kilograms. But the main rule is that all participants must not be bored!
Finns like to have fun: they compete in cow calling, boot throwing, and mobile phone throwing... Maybe you should also test your skills, for example, in the international Mosquito Killing Championship, which takes place in Pelkosenniemi. Last year, the winner killed 21 mosquitoes in five minutes. A very useful skill, you'll agree!
For Little Travelers
Traveling in Finland with the whole family is very convenient: restaurants and shops have children's rooms, and hotels have animators. But the most interesting things await kids at amusement parks and fairy-tale centers for children's recreation. It's so nice to meet the Moomins at the Moomin Museum (Tampere), fool around at the Wasalandia entertainment center (Vaasa), marvel at dolphin tricks and enjoy carousel rides at the Sarkanniemi amusement park (Tampere), and splash around in the outdoor Serena Water Park (Espoo, a suburb of Helsinki).
Visitors of all ages can satisfy their curiosity at the science centers Heureka (Vantaa) and Tietomaa (Oulu), where achievements of science, complex natural phenomena, technical novelties, and entertainment are presented in a clear and accessible form.
TIP: Don't forget to visit Ranua Zoo, 80 kilometers south of Rovaniemi (Lapland). You will see reindeer, brown bears, lynxes, the only polar bears in Finland, and other Arctic animals in their natural habitat. Ranua welcomes visitors all year round. In summer, a petting zoo is open and a children's playground is available.