TRAVEL GUIDE: FINLAND

With Russia to the east, Sweden to the west and Norway to the north, the Republic of Finland lives up to its reputation as a country of unspoiled natural beauty with untouched forests, crystal-clear lakes and the awe-inspiring aurora borealis. Yet there's so much more to the "land of the midnight sun." Capital Helsinki, the country's largest city with more than 500,000 inhabitants, is a thriving urban center. In the surrounding area, travelers can encounter the cultural and historical treasure known as King's Road.

HELSINKI

WHERE TO EAT
Dining in Finland
At Chez Dominique in Helsinki, chef Hans Välimäki combines Nordic and French flavors together in dishes like marinated shellfish and rouille. If you're in an adventurous mood, try one of the nightly surprise menus.

A MILITARY CITY BY THE SEA
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
San Francisco has the famed Alcatraz prison, but that’s nothing compared to the military fortress of a city that makes up Suomenlinna on an island off of Helsinki. Built in 1748, the area now has roughly 850 inhabitants and is a favorite destination for tourists.

HELPFUL LINKS
Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau
Information on sights, sightseeing tours, events and accommodation.

City of Helsinki
Information Office
General information on Helsinki.

GENERAL FINLAND

FINLAND AT A GLANCE
Find information regarding the entry into and residence in Finland of foreign nationals via the Ministry for Foreign Affairs for Finland

Finnish Tourist Board
The official travel guide to Finland.

* Image credit of top middle image: Bruce Benedict and top right: Finnish Tourist Board.

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(Updated: 03/01/11 CT)

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