Norway and Sweden might be more popular destinations for tourists visiting Scandinavia, but Finland has many highlights that make it worth exploring as well. Here are a few reasons why you should visit Finland. You will not regret spending time in this often overlooked country in Northern Europe.
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1. It Is Not As Cold As You Might Imagine
The average temperatures range from 25 F in the winter to 64 F in the summer. While the rest of their European neighbors are experiencing sometimes unbearable summer temperatures, Finns have a mild summer that makes sightseeing activities enjoyable.
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2. There Is Plenty Of Space
There is a total of 5.5 million people living in Finland’s 131, 000 square miles. This comes out to about 38 people per square mile. You definitely will not feel claustrophobic here. You can have a restorative vacation while reveling in all the wide open spaces.
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3. Communication Is Easy
Like the rest of its Scandinavian neighbors, Finland’s official business language is English. The added layer of having to navigate a foreign country where English is not widely spoken is not an issue at all in this country, allowing you to stress about other things — like where to eat and what to see.
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4. Uses The Euro As Its Currency
Unlike its Scandinavian neighbors, Finland uses the Euro. This makes it easy if you are visiting Western Europe before or after your trip up north. Having the Euro as currency means that Finland is the cheapest Nordic destination, which will make budget travelers rejoice.
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5. There Is An Advanced Technology Infrastructure In Place
Finland is famous for having the world’s largest number of cell phones and internet nodes per capita. This country is also is known for leading the way with information technology in Europe. In fact, Finland comes in second to the USA.
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6. Virtually Crime Free
The extremely low-level of crime makes Finland an ideal place for solo travelers, families and elderly travelers who might feel more vulnerable than others in cities that are known to have their fair share of crime. Helsinki, the capital city, has been named the second safest city in the world.
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7. There Is Endless Outdoor Activities Available
Finland is known as having 187, 888 lakes in its borders. This makes it the country with the most lakes anywhere in the world. There are plenty of places to explore “The Great Outdoors”, whether its on a boat, on wheels, or your own two feet.
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8. It Has A Great Food Scene
The Finnish food scene is just getting started with a batch of young chefs making their way into the spotlight, a renewed appreciation for local ingredients, and innovative ways to create traditional dishes. What, did you think you will be eating a lot of reindeer while in Finland? If so, you’ll be in for a great surprise.
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9. Stable Government
Tied with Denmark, Finland has the lowest levels of corruption in the world. This adds to the general feeling of being secure while visiting, knowing that riots against the government are not bound to break out during your visit.
10. Nature’s Spectacular Light Show
With front row seats to the Northern Lights, it’s hard to resist this brilliant display of color. For the optimal viewing, make sure to do some research beforehand, because these lights cannot be seen every night.
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11. Experience The Never-Ending Daylight
In the summertime, the sun can be in the sky for a twenty-four hour period. This is a unique natural phenomenon that should be experienced at least once in your life.
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12. Staying Warm in A Finnish Sauna
Saunas in Finland are a common recreational activity where Finns go both to socialize and use for its relaxation purposes. There are reportedly three million saunas in Finland, a lot of them in private households.
Featured photo credit: Flickr via flickr.com
